Researchers at the UK’s largest energy research project tested heating systems for 18 months and found the single biggest method to reduce costs with zero outlay
As Britain’s winter continues to deliver freezing conditions across the nation, millions of households are likely to be concerned about switching on their heating. A study by Barratt Homes has revealed that nine out of 10 consumers are anxious about affording their energy bills during the winter months.
The property developer discovered that two-thirds of families are resorting to extreme cost-cutting measures, such as warming just a single room. Oliver Novakovic, innovation chief at Barratt Redrow – who collaborates with researchers at Energy House 2.0, Britain’s largest energy research initiative at the University of Salford – offers money-saving advice ranging from instant cuts to larger investments.
Experts at Energy House 2.0 have dedicated the last 18 months to examining heating systems to determine which ones warm homes most effectively whilst keeping costs minimal, alongside investigating methods to build airtight properties that remain well-ventilated.
Research-backed methods to slash energy costs
Reduce the flow temperature
Your boiler’s heating flow represents the temperature at which water exits your boiler and circulates through your radiators. Most boilers typically operate with a standard flow temperature ranging from 70°C to 80°C.
The Energy House 2.0 research team assessed the effects of reducing your boiler’s flow temperature and discovered it was the most significant method for cutting energy expenses – requiring absolutely no upfront investment.
The researchers found that decreasing boiler temperatures from 80 degrees to 60 degrees resulted in a 12% reduction in gas consumption for home heating. Combi-boilers in particular can heat homes and maintain a cosy atmosphere at just 60 degrees.
A reduced flow temperature means your radiators won’t feel as hot when touched and your rooms might take a bit longer to warm up. However, if your property is properly insulated, you’re unlikely to detect much of a difference and could achieve substantial savings on your energy bills.
On a combi boiler, search for a dial or buttons marked with a radiator symbol, which typically represents the flow temperature. Reduce the dial setting or programme a lower temperature. For guidance, you can consult your boiler’s instruction manual beforehand.
Show your boiler some care
The boiler ranks among the most crucial appliances in any household, supplying hot water and central heating. Given our daily reliance on it, annual servicing is essential for both safety and warranty purposes. It’s generally preferable to arrange this during summer months, when heating engineers have lighter schedules and any problems can be resolved before winter arrives.
Nevertheless, if you’re encountering any problems with your boiler, or radiators aren’t heating uniformly throughout your property, then investing in a service is worthwhile. The typical cost of a combi-boiler service is approximately £90.
This usually involves a thorough examination of the internal parts, filters and flue pipe, alongside checking for any corrosion and leaks. During a service, the engineer will also perform numerous checks to ensure your boiler is operating efficiently, as even a minor efficiency reduction of 5% can add an additional £87 to yearly energy costs. If you’re unsure about adjusting your boiler’s flow, the plumber can handle this as well.
Maximise your energy savings with loft insulation
Home insulation enables you to maintain warmth in your property by stopping heat from escaping. For older UK properties, excessive heat can be lost through walls and roofs, which can push up energy bills.
Properties constructed before the 1920s will probably have solid walls with no insulation whatsoever. New build properties, conversely, must meet the latest building regulations and can be up to 65% more energy-efficient than an older property.
“The large number of poorly insulated, older homes across the country can cause stress for those living in them as we approach winter,” says Novakovic. ONS data shows that 60% of homes in England have a wall insulation rating of “average” or above, with this figure rising to 69% in Scotland and decreasing to 52% in Wales.
Mineral wool insulation is the optimal choice for insulating a loft, costing approximately £1,000 in a detached property. Despite the initial expense, yearly energy bill savings could reach around £340 for a detached home and £200 for a semi-detached, according to Which?
Mind the gap
A widespread misunderstanding about draught-proofing is that it means blocking all airflow into a property, but Novakovic clarifies that it’s actually about maintaining controlled ventilation. Some air circulation is still necessary to help minimise condensation and dampness, which can lead to dangerous mould development, particularly in moisture-heavy spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.
Novakovic explains: “Try to locate draughty areas around your home so that you can fix them before the freezing temperatures set in. The gadget that will make a world of difference, when you’re trying to work out why your house is cold, is a smoke pencil draught detector. You can pick one of these up for less than £50 to easily find the places where air is leaking.
“Many older homes with hardwood front doors will experience worse draughts in the winter as they are susceptible to expanding in heat and contracting in the cold, meaning gaps around the frame will become even wider. To combat this, invest in a draught exclusion runner to go along the bottom of your door. You can also purchase lengths of gap sealer to run around the frame, preventing cold air from blowing in around the door frame.”
Common problem areas include letterboxes, disused chimneys, doors and window frames, plus loft hatches. Weather stripping comes in different materials – foam, rubber or metal – and can be straightforwardly fitted to window frames.
“If you already have UPVC windows with draught excluders, it’s good to check these for wear and tear to ensure they are still working well,” Novakovic adds.
Draw the curtains
The research revealed that drawing curtains or blinds can substantially cut heat loss through windows, particularly in older properties with single-glazed windows. In a full-scale test house, curtains and blinds prevented around 10-30% of heat escaping through windows, depending on the heating method and how snugly the coverings fitted.
This happens because curtains and blinds create a pocket of motionless air between the window and the room, functioning like a basic additional insulation layer. Crucially, this advantage was observed using standard household curtains and blinds, rather than specialist “thermal” products.
The study additionally demonstrated that radiator positioning is highly significant. Rooms with radiators positioned directly beneath windows experienced greater heat loss, as warm air travelled straight up the glass and escaped outdoors.
In these situations, closing curtains or blinds proved most effective by reducing that heat loss and enhancing comfort. Beyond conserving energy, curtains also helped minimise chilly draughts and window condensation.
Given that curtains and blinds are affordable, straightforward to fit, and removable, the research emphasises them as amongst the most straightforward and cost-effective methods for households to prevent heat loss and maintain warmth, especially when window replacement or additional insulation isn’t feasible.
Turn up the heating
For those with deeper pockets, researchers at Energy House 2.0 have conducted the most extensive study ever undertaken on electric heating systems, as Britain prepares to eliminate gas boilers. The trials examined various technologies including infrared heat panels, air source heat pumps, underfloor heating, skirting board heating and conventional radiators.
The study discovered that Air Source Heat Pumps can cost as little as £1.84 on a typical winter day to warm a property and prove more efficient than existing gas boilers, maintaining steadier temperatures rather than bursts of heat.
Protect your plumbing
Frozen pipes can present serious risks to your property during winter – and potentially hefty plumber’s fees. When water freezes within your pipes, it expands and may cause pipes to rupture.
The most reliable method to stop your pipes freezing is to lag the pipes in your loft and insulate the water tank. Novakovic continues: “Insulating your pipes doesn’t have to be expensive and can be done as a DIY job. You can buy foam pipe insulation, which is inexpensive, though better-quality insulators will set you back more.
“Most pipe insulation comes as a foam tube, which you can push onto your pipes. For more awkward bends, you can also use insulating wraps to cover these sections of pipe. Make sure you know the measurements for your pipes and water tanks before you purchase any insulation and avoid using potentially flammable materials.”
Barratt Homes carried out a consumer study involving 2,000 participants to collect views, behaviours and practices regarding household energy-saving measures.
