UK households making common boiler error which is adding £260 to energy bill

British Gas, OVO, EDF, EON and Octopus customers are making a common boiler mistake and adding £260 to their bill. One boiler mistake could actually be making your bills more expensive without you realising it, it has been warned.

Boiler flow temperature can be changed by households - saving cash ahead of Christmas. EDF says reducing the flow temperature means that your combi-boiler is in "condensing mode" more often and can "capture more heat and recycle it back into the system."

Ryan Gill, lead technical surveyor at boiler experts Boxt, said: "You can turn your boiler flow temperature down and save money without compromising too much comfort, however it’s important to note that the optimum temperature for your boiler will usually depend on the boiler's make and type.

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"For example, the flow temperature of combi boilers should not be set below 55c. For those who have system or standard boilers with a separate hot water cylinder, it must be kept at a minimum of 60c. If the temperature is set below these levels, it can encourage bacterial growth, which could pose a potential health risk to you and your family.

"In addition, if the flow temperature is too low, your radiators may not heat your home adequately." New research from the Salford Energy House found that lowering your heating flow temperature resulted in gas usage savings of up to 9% by lowering the temperature from 80°C to 60°C and up to 12% by lowering the temperature from 80°C to 55°C.

It means a £260 saving based on the £2171 price cap. People who may be more vulnerable to the cold should be careful when reducing the flow temperature. For example, if you're elderly or have underlying health conditions. Innovation charity Nesta recommends not turning it below 60°C to ensure homes are properly heated.