Heating

Advice on boilers, radiators, central heating systems and keeping your home warm and energy efficient.

Efficiently Heating Your Home: Q&A

18th November 2022

As the entire country joins in a game of “who can turn on their heating last”, people are looking for the most effective and economical way to heat their home. Leave the heating on low all the time, or whack it on when it gets cold? This week we take a look at some of the most common questions and will do our best to debunk a few myths.

Does plastic on windows actually work?

We know that double and tripe glazing works by insulating the home. But does adding a layer of plastic in the form of what is effectively cling film actually work? Amazingly, it does! Even cling film adds an extra layer of insulation; it is like putting a jumper on when you are cold. And as far as low cost solutions go, this is about as cheap and effective as you can get.

Should hot water stay on?

In a time when every penny counts, lots of people are wondering if it is more efficient to have their boiler on all the time for hot water, or just at set times of the day. The answer is not completely straightforward as it depends on the type of boiler that you have, as well as your energy tariff. For gas and LPG, it is cheaper to set your hot water to a timer, so it is on when you need it. If you have an electric immersion heater and an economy 7 or 10 tariff, overnight heating may be the best for you. If you are in doubt about the type of heater that you have, or your tariff, check with your energy supplier and ask your boiler engineer next time you get it serviced.

Are energy vampires real?

It’s true: energy vampires DO exist. They suck up your power even when they are off. According to the Energy Saving Trust, you can save more than £5 a month just by unplugging appliances instead of switching them off but leaving them plugged in.

Is central heating cheaper than electric heaters?

Some people who are resisting switching on their central heating may “cheat” occasionally and pop the electric heater on. This is almost certainly a false economy; electric heaters are the most expensive way to heat your home. If you have put on the extra layer and the hot water bottle isn’t helping, then you may have to relent and put the heating on for a bit. You can save money by switching the radiators off in certain rooms.

Heating on low all the time, or on higher when it is needed?

This question is much-debated. Some organisations say that if you have the heating on all day, you are losing heat all day. Others say that the energy needed to heat up a cold house is greater than the energy needed to keep a warm house warm. And dampproof specialists say that keeping your heating on low constantly helps to reduce condensation. The answer really depends on how good your insulation is, and how cold your house gets. If you have great insulation, long and low may be the answer. For more energy saving tips, follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

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Looking for more heating advice?

Find clear, practical answers to common heating questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

What is the difference between a combi boiler and a system boiler?

A combi heats water straight from the mains on demand - no cylinder needed, which makes it compact and ideal for smaller homes or flats. A system boiler works with a hot water cylinder, storing a ready supply that can serve multiple taps or showers at once without the pressure dropping - better for larger homes with more bathrooms. There's also the conventional boiler, which needs both a cylinder and a cold water tank in the loft - common in older properties. A heating engineer can help you figure out which suits your home best.
Is an air source heat pump right for my home?

Heat pumps pull warmth from the outside air (even when it's cold) and use it to heat your home and hot water. They work best in well-insulated homes, ideally with underfloor heating or larger radiators that work well at lower temperatures. In draughty or poorly insulated properties, the benefits are more limited. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme currently offers a grant of up to £7,500 towards installation, so it's worth getting a professional assessment to see whether your home is a good fit before committing.
How often should a boiler be serviced?

Once a year, by a Gas Safe registered engineer. It keeps the boiler running safely, catches small issues before they become expensive, and is usually a condition of the manufacturer's warranty. Some home insurance policies require proof of regular servicing too. If you're not sure when yours was last done, book one before winter - better to find out before you're sitting in a cold house!
Why is my radiator cold at the top but warm at the bottom?

This issue is almost always trapped air. Bleeding the radiator - using a radiator key to release the air - usually sorts it, and it's one of the few heating jobs you can safely do yourself. If bleeding it doesn't work, or if several radiators are having the same problem, it might be a pressure or pump issue. Worth getting a heating engineer in to have a look.
What are the signs my boiler needs replacing?

Keep an eye out for: frequent breakdowns, energy bills going up without using more heat, unusual noises (banging, kettling, or whistling), a flame that's yellow or orange instead of blue, and any visible leaks or rust around the unit. If your boiler is over fifteen years old and ticking any of those boxes, replacing it is usually the more economical choice - modern boilers are significantly more efficient.
Is underfloor heating worth it and do I need a professional to install it?

For a new build or a big renovation, underfloor heating is often a great investment - it heats rooms more evenly than radiators and can be more efficient, especially alongside a heat pump. Retrofitting in an existing home is more of a job, and how worthwhile it is depends on your floor types and how much disruption you're happy to deal with. Either way - wet or electric - it has to be installed by a qualified professional.
Why does my boiler keep losing pressure?

Some pressure drop over time is normal, but if you're topping it up regularly there's usually a cause: a small leak in the system (which isn't always easy to spot), a pressure relief valve that's releasing water, or air in the system after bleeding radiators. Topping it up via the filling loop is fine as a short-term fix, but if you're doing it more than a couple of times a year, it's worth getting an engineer to look into why it keeps happening.

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