Gas central heating is a popular method of heating homes in the UK.
However, with the recent increase in gas prices, it is important to use your gas central heating more efficiently to save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
Keep reading to explore some tips on how to use your gas central heating more efficiently.
Every little helps and you could save quite a lot of money on your heating by using what you have more effectively to heat your home in summer and keep it cool in winter without using any more energy than you have to.
1. Upgrade Your Boiler
Upgrading your boiler to a modern, energy-efficient one can significantly reduce your gas consumption and energy bills.
A modern boiler can be up to 90% efficient compared to older boilers, which can be as low as 50% efficient.
Upgrading your boiler can be costly initially, but the long-term benefits make it a worthwhile investment. Our expert installation engineers will work quickly and efficiently to upgrade your boiler to bring you the best balance of features for your budget.
We can even install a 20% Hydrogen Ready boiler for you, so that when the government starts to phase out ‘natural gas’ and switch to hydrogen gas you’ll be able to heat your home without buying another new boiler. You might not have heard much about Hydrogen Gas Boilers yet, but SHB’s enthusiastic staff are always ahead of the curve to save our customers money and keep them warm.
2. Set Your Thermostat Correctly
Setting your thermostat correctly can make a big difference in how efficiently you use your gas central heating.
The ideal temperature for a home is between 18-21°C. It is recommended that you set your thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature for you and your family.
If you are going to be away from your home for an extended period, turn your thermostat down to 15°C to save on heating costs.
Most people find that small changes to their thermostat settings can SAVE a lot of money over a year, without making any difference to the comfort of their homes.
3. Install A Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats are becoming increasingly popular in the UK as they allow you to control your heating remotely. You can set your heating to come on at specific times and temperatures, and some smart thermostats even learn your routine and adjust the heating accordingly.
By using a smart thermostat, you can ensure that you are only heating your home when necessary, saving you money on your gas bills.
Some smart thermostats connect to your home’s wi-fi network and can be operated remotely using an app on your smart device.
Complete control of your home’s heating wherever you are means you can save money on energy and ensure that your home is comfortable, whatever your day brings.
4. Insulate Your Home
Insulating your home is an effective way of reducing your gas consumption and energy bills.
By insulating your home, you can prevent heat from escaping, keeping your home warmer for longer. Some methods of insulation and ventilation can also help to keep unwanted levels of heat out of your home in summer, helping to passively keep your house cooler when the sun is shining.
Some ways to insulate your home include installing cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, and draught-proofing your windows and doors.
Don’t pay a small fortune to generate heat that gets lost to the outside air, get your home properly insulated, stay warm and save money.
5. Bleed Your Radiators
Bleeding your radiators is an essential part of maintaining your gas central heating system.
If your radiators are not heating up correctly, it could be due to trapped air in the system. Bleeding your radiators releases this air, ensuring that your system is working efficiently.
Bleeding your radiators is a straightforward process that you can do yourself. It simply involves turning a key to let trapped air out of your radiators and topping up your heating system with a little more water to keep the pressure right. It isn’t as tricky as it sounds and can help to keep your central heating system quiet, efficient and working at optimum efficiency.
If you are not confident, a professional plumber or gas engineer should be more than happy to do it for you.
6. Use Your Curtains
Using your curtains is a simple but effective way of reducing heat loss in your home.
When it is cool outside, closing your curtains at night will help you to trap heat in your rooms, keeping them warmer for longer.
When it is warm and bright, opening your curtains will allow natural light in, which can also help to warm your rooms.
In conclusion, there are several ways to use your gas central heating more efficiently in the UK: Upgrading your boiler, setting your thermostat correctly, installing a smart thermostat, insulating your home, bleeding your radiators, and using your curtains are all effective ways of reducing your gas consumption and energy bills.
By following these tips, you can not only save money but also reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
