Expert warns using one setting at home wastes £100s - how to turn it off

Expert warns using one setting at home wastes £100s - how to turn it off People could have this set too high, wasting money without realising it A consumer expert from Which? said that having one setting turned too high at home could result in wasting "hundreds of pounds". Fortunately, it takes a few seconds to find and fix the issue. In an Instagram post, the Which? expert said it was one of the "most common heating mistakes" Brits make without realising its impact on their bills. This boiler setting could be silently costing your family day after day, and it is easy to take control of this wasted energy. The clip started with the exterior of a home, where a boiler flue spewed steam. They said: "If you have a combi condenser boiler, did you know you could instantly lower your gas bill just by turning down your boiler's flow temperature? Most standard UK boiler systems have a simple way to adjust the setting, which is often left too high, wasting money almost instantly. Which? suggests that "most people" set the water temperature at 70 or 80°C as it leaves the boiler and heads to the radiators. In reality, homes could save energy by dropping the temperature to 60°C. This isn't the same as the room temperature, which you set with a thermostat. If your rooms are set to reach, for example, 21°C then it will still do this - it may just take a little bit longer. The Which? expert added: "The lower flow temperature makes the boiler more efficient, spewing less wasted heat out of the flue. "Of course, the right flow temperature for you will depend on your building. It's best to fine-tune throughout the year, and those with hot water tanks should avoid it altogether unless you get expert advice." Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings How to lower your boiler flow temperature If you have a combi condensing boiler, head to the front panel. Depending on the model you have, the display will look a little different, but most models have a screen, button, or dial to control the flow temperature. The guide from Which? claims that, to make sure you're changing the right setting, look for "a little picture of a radiator" by it. Before making any adjustments, it is best to take a photo or write down your existing temperature. That way, you can change it back if needed.