Consumers to save money on heating bills with new measures

As temperatures continue to plummet and snowy spells become a frequent feature of our winter days, many households are focused on keeping themselves, and their homes warm. With this, comes concerns about bills, and a focus on how householders can use their heating systems more efficiently.

A recent study by USwitch found that around half of respondents went without heating this winter to keep costs down, and it was revealed that sales of hot water bottles have soared by 80% this year, as people struggle to keep warm in their homes.

Despite the bleak picture, one of the ways in which homes can save money on their heating is through the use of efficient domestic heating technology, such as those mandated in, Boiler Plus, which comes into force in April this year.

The key to Boiler Plus is choice. Each new combination boiler installed after April 6^th 2018 will require any one of the following in its system:

• Flue gas heat recovery systems
• Weather Compensation
• Load Compensation
• Smart controls featuring automation and optimisation functions 

Stewart Clements, the Director of Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) said:

‘Boiler Plus gives consumers control of heating costs and enables them to feel more comfortable in their homes. Information about the range of technologies available can be found here, or you can ask your Gas Safe registered engineer to talk you through all the potential options, and find a technology which best suits your home and your lifestyle.’

He added:

‘Whilst this may sound like a big change, it’s worth remembering that many installers already work to the Boiler Plus standards and many products already comply. Some may see it as legislation simply catching up with industry standards, and they are not wrong. By mandating additional efficiency measures for new boiler installations in England, the industry is sending a clear message to the public and engineers; standards are high in the heating industry, technology is world leading and consumers can save money and improve their thermal comfort.’