With energy bills rising across the UK, setting your boiler to the right temperature is essential for maintaining comfort while keeping costs down. Here's our guide to help you understand the ideal temperature settings for your home heating system.
What temperature should I set for my boiler?
Ideal Boiler Temperature Settings
According to the Energy Saving Trust, the recommended temperature for your boiler's domestic hot water is 60°C, whilst your central heating temperature should be set to 60-65°C during winter months. These temperatures strike the perfect balance between comfort and energy efficiency for typical British homes.
Hot Water Temperature
In many homes, the hot water temperature needs to be hot enough to meet hygiene standards set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which states water should be stored at 60°C to prevent harmful bacteria like Legionella. However, setting it much higher wastes energy and increases your utility bills unnecessarily.
Central Heating Temperature
For your central heating system, the ideal flow temperature (the temperature of water circulating through your radiators) should be around 60-65°C during winter. This ensures your radiators heat up effectively even on those chilly December mornings. During milder autumn and spring weather, you might consider lowering this temperature to save on your energy bills.
Room Thermostat Settings
The recommended room temperatures should be set between 18-21°C. If you're elderly or have young children, aim for the higher end of this range. According to British Gas, reducing your room thermostat by just one degree could save you around £115 per year on your heating bills at current energy prices.
Seasonal Adjustments
Your boiler settings should adapt throughout the year. During our mild summers, you might only need hot water for washing, so you can turn off or reduce your central heating temperature. In winter, particularly during cold snaps, maintaining optimal temperatures becomes important for comfort and preventing frozen pipes.
Contact Our Heating Experts
For professional advice about your boiler settings or to schedule a boiler service, contact McGrath Heating Services Ltd. We serve homes across Blackheath, Greenwich, Charlton, Welling and surrounding areas.
Simply call us on 07812 739696 and we'll be happy to help.
