How To Keep Your Heating Bills Down This Winter

On a frosty morning, you wake up to find the radiators still lukewarm, the thermostat’s been cranked up, and the heating bills across the kitchen table are making you shiver more than the early sunrise.  

At Maintracts, we’ve worked across London homes since 1974, so we’ve seen how small changes can make a real difference to your heating costs.  

If you’d like assistance from our team, you can contact us by calling 020 8682 2244 or emailing info@maintracts.co.uk. 

Understanding Why Your Heating Bills Rise

As the nights draw in and the temperature falls, your heating system works harder, and unless you take action, your heating bills can easily rise. Rising fuel prices, increased run-times and inefficient systems all contribute. At Maintracts, we know that a well-maintained system is more efficient, and lower consumption means lower bills.  

For example, our heating services page explains how our Gas Safe engineers handle everything from under-floor heating to radiators and towel rails without hidden call-out charges. 

Top Strategies To Keep Your Heating Bills Down 

Here are our best tips, easy to act on and backed by our decades of experience in heating services. 

1. Set Your Thermostat Smartly

Lowering your thermostat by just 1°C can noticeably reduce your energy usage. Consider a programmed schedule so your system isn’t heating an empty house all day. 

2. Bleed And Maintain The Radiators 

If parts of your radiators remain cold, it’s often because trapped air or a system imbalance means inefficient heating. Regular bleeding helps ensure heat is distributed evenly so your system doesn’t run harder, driving up your heating bills. 

3. Improve System Efficiency

A heating system working at full efficiency uses less fuel. Older systems with sludge or debris stuck in them will boost your running costs. That’s why we recommend services such as system cleaning or power-flushing to restore performance and keep your heating bills down. 

4. Ensure Your Home Is Well Insulated

Heat lost through windows, doors, roofs, or poorly insulated pipes will increase demand on your boiler or heating system. Simple actions, such as sealing drafts and insulating lofts, help your system work more efficiently and save you money on your bills. 

5. Use Zone Heating And Radiator Controls 

If you have radiators in rooms you don’t use often, consider turning them down or off. Use thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) and room thermostats to focus heating where you need it. This reduces wasted heat and lowers your heating bills. 

6. Schedule Annual Servicing

We recommend having your boiler and heating system serviced annually by a professional. It preserves safety, optimises performance and keeps fuel usage lower. Our own engineers are Gas Safe registered and ready across London. 

Which Heating Systems Save The Most? 

While the tips above apply broadly, some systems are inherently more efficient than others: 

• Under-floor heating: operates at lower water temperatures, often reducing running costs. 

• Modern condensing boilers: more efficient than older models, helping your heating bills fall. 

• Zoned systems: enabling control of separate areas of the home means you’re not heating areas that aren’t in use. 

Why Choose Maintracts For Heating Efficiency Help

At Maintracts, we’ve been servicing homes across London since 1974, specialising in heating, plumbing, drainage and electrical services. Our heating engineers are Gas Safe registered, and we don’t charge call-out fees or force you into ongoing contracts.  

Our aim is simple: to keep your home safe, warm, and efficient. If you’re looking to reduce your heating bills this winter, you’re in good hands. 

Conclusion 

This winter, don’t leave your heating bills to chance. By taking proactive steps, such as setting your thermostat to a smart setting, regular servicing, upgrading your heating system for efficiency, and improving insulation, you can significantly reduce your energy expenditure while enjoying a warm, comfortable home.  

For expert support, please call us on 020 8682 2244 or email info@maintracts.co.uk. Let us help you stay cosy and cost-effective. 

FAQs: Your Questions Answered 

Q1: How much can I reduce my heating bills by turning the thermostat down? 

A: Typically, you could expect savings of around 5-10% per degree Celsius you reduce the thermostat, depending on your home and heating system. 

Q2: Will power-flushing really help reduce my heating bills? 

A: Yes. If your system is inefficient due to sludge or debris, power-flushing restores flow and heat transfer, allowing the system to run more efficiently and your bills to decrease. 

Q3: At what point should I replace my boiler instead of just servicing it? 

A: If your boiler is over 10-15 years old, frequently breaks down, or uses noticeably more fuel each year, then a replacement may be the wiser investment to reduce long-term heating bills. 

Q4: Are under-floor heating systems more economical than radiators? 

A: They can be, because they operate effectively at lower temperatures and heat more uniformly. But the actual savings depend on insulation, system design and usage. 

Q5: Is switching off heating when away a good idea? 

A: Yes, if you’ll be away for extended periods (e.g., holidays). However, set your system to frost protection rather than completely off in cold weather to prevent damage to pipes or pumps.