The Most Efficient Way to Run Your Central Heating During the Winter Months
Keeping your home warm without letting your energy bills spiral is a challenge during the colder months. At Afterglow Heating, our plumbers in Birmingham and heating engineers in Birmingham are frequently asked: “What’s the most efficient way to run central heating in winter?”
This guide combines expert tips, energy-saving statistics, and local advice to help you keep your home cosy and your bills under control.
1. Service Your Boiler Before Winter
A professional service ensures your boiler is clean, safe, and running at peak efficiency. Dust, sludge, or worn components can force your boiler to work harder, wasting energy. According to the Energy Saving Trust, an annual service can improve efficiency and reduce fuel bills.
Our boiler servicing in Birmingham team carries out annual checks and sets up reminders so you never miss a service.
2. Don’t Constantly Turn Heating On and Off
Switching the heating off completely when you leave home may actually increase energy usage, as reheating a cold house takes more power. Instead:
- Use a programmable or smart thermostat to set lower temperatures while you’re out.
- Lower the thermostat by 1°C — this simple adjustment can save up to £80 a year on energy bills.
3. Bleed Radiators and Balance Your System
Trapped air in radiators can prevent heat from distributing evenly. Bleeding radiators ensures your rooms warm up efficiently. A professional heating engineer can also balance your system, so each radiator in your Birmingham home heats evenly, whether you live near Hagley Road, Selly Oak, or Sutton Coldfield.
4. Upgrade to a Modern Boiler
Old boilers can be up to 30% less efficient than modern condensing models. If your boiler is over 12–15 years old, consider upgrading. A new boiler in Birmingham offers:
- Lower running costs
- Faster, more even heating
- Compatibility with smart heating controls
You can also get a free quote for replacement via our boiler replacement page.
5. Use Smart Heating Controls
Smart thermostats and TRVs (thermostatic radiator valves) allow you to heat only the rooms you use. Focus energy where it matters — lounge, kitchen, or bedrooms you spend the most time in.
6. Additional Energy-Saving Tips
- Insulate your home: Loft, walls, and pipe insulation reduce heat loss.
- Close curtains at night to retain warmth.
- Avoid blocking radiators with furniture or drapes.
- Set radiator reflectors behind radiators on external walls to push heat into the room.
FAQs – Central Heating in Birmingham
Q: Is it cheaper to leave heating on low all day?
Not necessarily. Use timers or smart thermostats to maintain a lower background temperature, then boost when you’re home.
Q: What areas do you cover?
Our team services all of Birmingham, including Moseley, Edgbaston, Kings Heath, Erdington, and near landmarks like the Bullring Shopping Centre or Birmingham University.
Q: What if my boiler breaks down mid-winter?
We offer fast response times and expert diagnostics. Some repairs are minor, but if replacement is needed, we provide free quotes for a new boiler in Birmingham.
Q: How much can I really save by running my heating efficiently?
Even small changes — lowering the thermostat by 1°C, using smart controls, and regular servicing — can save £100–£150 per year on energy bills.
Final Thoughts
Efficiently running your central heating isn’t just about comfort — it’s about safety, energy savings, and longevity of your boiler. At Afterglow Heating, our Gas Safe–registered engineers provide everything from boiler servicing and repairs to full central heating installations.
Stay warm this winter, save money, and protect your home with our expert advice and services.
Contact us today: Afterglow Heating
