How to Save Money on Heating Bills with a New Boiler
A modern, A-rated condensing boiler can cut waste and improve comfort. Pair it with smart controls and regular maintenance and you’ll reduce gas use without feeling colder. Below are practical steps our Gas Safe engineers at ARA Services Ltd recommend for London homes. You can also compare whether high-efficiency boilers are worth the investment for long-term savings.
Quick Wins for Lower Bills
- Lower flow temperature (e.g. 75→60°C for radiators) so your boiler condenses more efficiently.
- Fit and use smart controls (zoning, schedules, geofencing) to heat only when needed.
- Balance radiators & add TRVs for even heat and room-by-room control.
- Service annually to keep efficiency and safety on point — see how often you should service your boiler.
- Insulate loft, cylinders, and pipework to retain heat longer.
Savings at a Glance
| Action | What It Does | Typical Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Reduce flow temperature | Improves condensing efficiency | Often 5–10% less gas use |
| Smart thermostat & zoning | Heats occupied rooms on schedules | Around 5–12% saving |
| Annual service & filter clean | Keeps efficiency, prevents faults | Protects performance; avoids breakdown costs |
| TRVs + radiator balancing | Room-level temperature control | Up to ~5% saving |
| Insulate pipework/loft | Reduces heat loss | Variable; noticeable comfort gain |
Settings That Make the Biggest Difference
- Flow temperature: Start around 60°C for radiators and tweak for comfort; for underfloor heating, 35–45°C is typical.
- Schedules: Shorter, targeted heating periods beat “always on”.
- Weather compensation: If your boiler supports it, let it lower flow temperature on warmer days automatically.
- Cylinder controls: For system/regular boilers, set hot water to 55–60°C with timed heating.
Maintenance & System Health
- Annual boiler service: safety checks, combustion analysis, and efficiency tuning — learn more about boiler service schedules.
- Magnetic filter & inhibitor: protect the heat exchanger from sludge buildup.
- System clean or power flush: restores circulation and radiator output on sludged systems.
Upgrades Worth Considering
- Smart TRVs / multi-zone controls to heat only the rooms in use.
- High-efficiency pump with auto-adapt for lower electricity usage.
- Insulation & draught-proofing for steady temperatures at lower settings.
- Grants & schemes: check eligibility via Boiler Installation Grants & Government Schemes Explained.
Related Guides
FAQs
What single change saves the most gas?
Lowering boiler flow temperature and using smart schedules typically produce the biggest reductions without sacrificing comfort.
Do I need new radiators to save energy?
Not necessarily. Balancing, TRVs, and a clean system often deliver strong gains with existing radiators.
How often should I service my boiler?
Once a year. It maintains efficiency, keeps your warranty valid, and catches issues early.
Read our complete boiler servicing guide for more.