Last week we announced our ‘Money Saving Series’ when exploring why Gas and Electric bills are rising. We briefly mentioned how lowering the ‘Flow’ temperature of your boiler can help you save up to 8% on your gas bill and today we’re giving you an in-depth look at what this means and how it works.

What Is The Flow Temperature Of A Boiler?

Boilers transfer water (i.e. the ‘flow’) of around 80°C to your radiators. The same water then returns back to the boiler at 60°C as 20°C has been dispersed into your home. 

Being referred to as the 80/60 flow, surprisingly these temperatures are actually too high for condensing gas boilers to achieve a 92% efficiency rate. 

Gas Safe Registered Boiler Installers such as Guscott Heating Services are needed to reduce this temperature so homeowners’ boilers are able to run at the ideal ‘condensing mode’ – when the boiler can recover any heat loss via the flue on older style boilers.

Lowering the flow temperature to a 70/50 split means the boiler will start operating in it’s optimal condensing mode.

Can You Only Do This On A Condensing Boiler?

This applies to boilers that produce heating as well as hot water –  Condensing Combi Boilers. 

If you have a Hot Water Cylinder, it’s worth giving us a call for no obligatory help on how to optimise your boiler for the greatest energy with the lowest bills. 

Hot Water Cylinders are more difficult to deal with and we do not recommend homeowners to lower their flow rate by themselves. Please remember we’re only a call away! Not handling this the correct way could lead to legionella given that bacteria thrives in 60° heat!

How To Reduce The Flow Temperature On A Boiler?

Assuming you have a condensing combi boiler, you need to adjust the dials situated on the front of the boiler. Commonly, one represents heating while the other represents hot water.

As you would expect with heating appliances, it really does vary depending on the type of dial/displays you have on your boiler.

Dials With Temperature Markings

Having temperature markings makes the process ultra simple. Simply adjust the flow temperature at your discretion. Try 55°C and make any amendments according to your own preference.

Dials Without Temperature Markings

Although temperature markings are not present, you may have numbers 1-6 or a curved line. Considering most flow temperatures of boilers operate between 30°C – 80°C, you will have to estimate the rough middle ground off 55°C – so either number 3 if you have number markings or about half way through the line.

Digital Displays

Most digital displays come with boiler manuals explaining how to adjust their parameters. We recommend finding these instructions and more often than not, it will involve using the up and down buttons on the digital display itself.

What To Expect

Of course you are lowering your temperature slightly so your radiators will not feel as hot as they usually do. Although it will still help heat your home efficiently, you must prepare for slightly longer ‘heat-up’ times.

If You Are Unable To Do Edit The Flow Temperature

If you are unsure how to adjust your flow temperature but want to lower your energy bills then please do not hesitate to Contact Guscott Heating Services. We are only a call away for any no obligatory help.

Look out for further tips on our very own Money Saving Series exclusively on our Knowledge Hub

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