Energy-Saving Tips from RCB Plumbing Ltd: How to Reduce Your Heating Bills

With energy prices continuing to rise across the UK, many homeowners in South London and Surrey are looking for effective ways to reduce their heating bills without compromising on comfort. At RCB Plumbing Ltd, our Gas Safe registered engineers not only provide top-quality plumbing and heating services but also help our customers make smarter energy choices.

In this guide, we'll share professional insights and practical tips that can make a significant difference to your energy consumption and heating costs.

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1. Schedule Regular Boiler Servicing

An inefficient boiler can waste significant amounts of energy. Annual servicing is essential to keep your heating system running at peak efficiency.

What you can do:

• Book an annual boiler service with RCB Plumbing Ltd to ensure optimal performance
• Consider joining the RCB Heating Club for priority service and discounted repairs
• Have your system pressure checked and optimised during your service

Potential savings: Up to 10% on your heating bills through improved efficiency

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2. Upgrade Your Heating Controls

Modern heating controls offer precision and flexibility that older systems simply can't match.

What you can do:

• Install a smart thermostat that learns your schedule and adjusts accordingly
• Add thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to control individual room temperatures
• Consider zoned heating to warm only the areas of your home that are in use

Potential savings: Up to 15% by heating your home more intelligently

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3. Bleed Your Radiators Regularly

Air trapped in your heating system reduces efficiency and creates cold spots in radiators.

What you can do:

• Bleed radiators at least once a year (ideally before the heating season begins)
• Check for cold spots at the top of radiators – a sign that bleeding is needed
• After bleeding, check your boiler pressure and top up if necessary

Potential savings: Up to 5% by ensuring heat is distributed evenly

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4. Improve Your Home's Insulation

Even the most efficient heating system wastes energy in a poorly insulated home.

What you can do:

• Invest in loft insulation (270mm is the recommended depth)
• Consider cavity wall insulation if suitable for your property
• Install draught excluders around doors, windows, and letterboxes
• Add reflective foil behind radiators on external walls

Potential savings: Up to 25% through reduced heat loss

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5. Optimise Your Boiler's Settings

Many homeowners run their boilers at unnecessarily high temperatures.

What you can do:

• For combi boilers, lower the flow temperature to 60°C for heating and 55°C for hot water
• For conventional boilers, ensure the cylinder thermostat is set to 60°C
• Ask your RCB Plumbing Ltd engineer to check and optimise these settings during your service

Potential savings: Up to 8% by running your boiler more efficiently

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6. Consider Strategic Heating Schedules

Heating your home only when needed can dramatically reduce energy consumption.

What you can do:

• Set your heating to come on 30 minutes before you wake up rather than running all night
• Programme your heating to switch off 30 minutes before you typically leave the house
• Reduce your thermostat by just 1°C (you'll barely notice the difference)

Potential savings: Up to 10% through more strategic heating times

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7. Maintain Your Radiators

Properly maintained radiators distribute heat more effectively throughout your home.

What you can do:

• Balance your radiators to ensure even heat distribution
• Keep radiators clear of furniture to allow heat to circulate
• Consider a power flush if your system is suffering from sludge build-up

Potential savings: Up to 7% by improving heat distribution

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8. Invest in a Magnetic Filter

Sludge and debris in your heating system force your boiler to work harder.

What you can do:

• Have a magnetic filter installed by RCB Plumbing Ltd to trap iron oxide particles
• Ensure it's cleaned annually during your boiler service
• Consider a system cleanse before installation for maximum benefit

Potential savings: Up to 6% by maintaining system efficiency

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9. Address Dripping Taps and Leaks Promptly

Hot water leaks waste both water and the energy used to heat it.

What you can do:

• Fix dripping hot taps promptly
• Check for hidden leaks, especially in airing cupboards and under sinks
• Book a same-day callout with RCB Plumbing Ltd if you discover a leak

Potential savings: Up to 5% by preventing hot water waste

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10. Consider Long-Term Heating Upgrades

If your boiler is over 10 years old, newer models could offer significant efficiency improvements.

What you can do:

• Speak to RCB Plumbing Ltd about the benefits of upgrading to an A-rated boiler
• Explore whether a heat pump might be suitable for your property
• Ask about government incentives for more efficient heating systems

Potential savings: Up to 30% with modern, high-efficiency systems

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Professional Assessment for Maximum Savings

While these tips can help most homeowners reduce their heating bills, every property is unique. For personalised advice specific to your home in South London or Surrey, consider booking a heating efficiency assessment with RCB Plumbing Ltd.

Our Gas Safe registered engineers can identify your system's weak points and recommend targeted improvements that will deliver the best return on investment.

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Time to Start Saving

Implementing even a few of these recommendations could make a noticeable difference to your heating bills. For expert assistance with any of these energy-saving measures, call RCB Plumbing Ltd today on 0208 261 7499 or visit our website to book an appointment.

Our team is ready to help homeowners across South London and Surrey stay warm for less.