BOXT expert says check this setting on your boiler to ‘reduce the energy you use’

He also explained a common confusion about two heating devices in your home

A quick check over your boiler could save you a lot of hassle in the long run. Now is a good time to get familiar with your device, as the cold weather sets in.

Adam Knight, lead engineer at the heating and cooling specialists BOXT, said there is much more to discover in your boiler cupboard beyond the basic settings. He said: “Most of us learn how to turn the heating on and leave the rest of the buttons well alone.

Just give me 5 minutes

“But spending five minutes getting familiar with your controls can help you spot settings that don’t suit your routine.” He pointed to some helpful controls that are worth reading up on to understand how your heating works:

• Your programmer – Decides when heating is on
• Flow-temperature control – Sets how hot the water gets before it reaches your radiators – this is different from the temperature you set on the wall thermostat
• Radiator valves – Helps regulate individual rooms.

Eco friendly

Mr Knight pointed out one particular setting that is worth understanding. He said: “One button worth looking for is ‘eco’, which on many combi boilers controls the hot-water preheat function. Preheat keeps part of the boiler warm so hot water reaches your taps more quickly.

“That convenience uses energy, and can explain why you hear the boiler firing even when the heating is off and nobody’s running a tap.” It’s worth reading the instructions for your particular device, as how eco mode works exactly depends on the model.

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Mr Knight explained: “On models where eco mode switches preheat off, the boiler heats your hot water when you ask for it instead. You may wait a little longer for the tap to run hot, but you reduce the energy used to keep it ready throughout the day.

“You’re not switching off your hot-water supply. The setting and button sequence vary by model, so check your manual rather than assuming every eco button works the same way.”

Smart thinking

The expert was keen to clear up a common confusion about your heating. He said: “It’s also worth knowing the difference between a smart thermostat and a smart meter.

“A smart thermostat controls your heating; a smart meter records energy use and normally sends readings to your supplier. Its separate in-home display helps you keep an eye on consumption and estimated spending.”

Mr Knight recommends keeping a beady eye on your smart meter. He said: “Use that display to get curious about your habits: when does usage rise, and does it match what’s happening in the house? It can help you spot waste, but it won’t save money by itself—and setting a budget on the screen doesn’t put a spending limit on your bill.”