6 tips to reduce your oil boiler bills this winter

No matter what the weather, a well looked-after oil boiler can be trusted to keep you warm and comfortable, helping to create the perfect home environment to rest and relax in - or even work from, if you are now working from home. But with energy bills and inflation rising sharply, you may be worried about your heating bills this winter. Read on to discover how you can make your heating oil last longer, reducing your monthly bills and lowering your home’s carbon footprint at the same time with these simple steps.

1. Optimise your temperatures

Did you know that reducing the temperature of your home by just 1°C can result in energy savings as high as 6%, which will make your oil last considerably longer. In most cases, you won’t even feel the difference - except in your wallet. You may like to wear a t-shirt when indoors, but popping on a sweater now and again may allow you to see substantial savings over a period of time.

A temperature of between 18°C - 21°C is not only considered to be the optimum temperature for the home when it comes to saving energy; it’s also widely agreed that this is an ideal temperature for for general health - a win-win situation!

2. Use radiators efficiently

Industry leading boiler manufacturer Viessmann, who specialise in energy efficient heating, advise homeowners against turning radiators completely off during colder seasons. Contrary to popular belief, this does not improve efficiency but can actually end up costing you more in the long run. Leaving radiators on at a very low temperature means you are not using extra energy to heat a home from cold, and therefore can increase overall efficiency.

3. Insulate heating pipes to prevent heat loss

One of the biggest causes for heat loss - and therefore inefficiency - is the pipes that carry heating water around your home. This is even more pronounced in older homes. A modest investment in insulating your central heating pipes can result in the water reaching the radiators at 2-4°C hotter. This is often enough to allow you to reduce the water temperature setting on your oil boiler, which can lead to significant long-term savings.

4. Respect your radiators

Keeping your radiators clean and clear can have a big impact on energy savings. Making sure that sofas and other soft furnishings are not touching radiators will allow the hot air to properly circulate, while ensuring that curtains are not draped over the radiator will ensure the heated air radiates into the room, rather than being channeled towards the windows where it can escape.

It is also recommended that you give your radiators a thorough cleaning from time to time. Keeping them free of dust and lint can really help to keep them operating efficiently.

5. Eliminate draughts

Even with a new-generation oil boiler, drafts can be a major obstacle when it comes to efficient performance - especially around doors and windows. It is well worth conducting a visual inspection to ensure that seals, latches, etc., are intact and replacing them if necessary. A small outlay can easily return itself in savings.

It is also worth using thermal blinds and/or curtains, especially if you have older windows that are single or double glazed.

6. Get Smart

There are now a wide range of smart devices that can be used with your oil boiler, helping you to enjoy even greater comfort and savings. A Google Nest device combined with smart radiator valves allows you to set and adjust your heating for optimum performance. A Nest thermostat ill also learn your habits and control your heating to fit your lifestyle. Learn more in our article on how Nest thermostats work

For all your oil boiler installation and service needs across North Wales, speak to the experts at D.R. Plumbing & Heating today. Call now on Wrexham 01978 291 923 or Mold 01352 620 125 to find out more or request a free, no-obligation quotation.