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Octopus Energy urges UK homeowners to adjust boiler settings to save £517

Reach Daily Express April 19, 2026 07:39 AM

Octopus Energy has encouraged households to implement straightforward adjustments that could collectively slash bills by £517.

Just one of these tweaks alone could cut costs by as much as £65. All that's required is completing a straightforward money-saving boiler challenge.

The energy company says: "Set your flow temperature to between 55 and 60 degrees on your combi boiler. Take a look at Nesta's Money-Saving Boiler walkthrough to see how, depending on your boiler, you could save £65."

Experts at MoneySuperMarket explain that a combi boiler is short for a combination boiler. It's a type of boiler that heats your water and provides central heating from one unit.

It's the UK's most common boiler type and also functions as a condensing boiler. The primary advantages include its compact size, eliminating the need for a separate water tank, and energy efficiency, as it only heats water on demand.

According to the company behind the challenge, Nesta: "If 10 million households turned down the flow temperature on their combi boilers to 60C or below, this could wipe £1 billion off UK energy bills and save 1.7 million tonnes of carbon emissions - the equivalent of nearly six million people taking transatlantic flights."

You can look at the challenge walkthrough here. It adds: "You could save up to £65 a year on your gas bill by changing a single setting on your boiler.

"Combi boilers work best when they heat radiators to 60°C or below. But this 'flow temperature' is often set much too high, between 70C to 80C. It only takes a few minutes to lower your flow temperature, and it can be changed back instantly. There's nothing to lose by trying it."

How can I save money on my bills?

In its energy-saving tips, Octopus Energy has urged people to implement the following steps. It could save you over £500 on your bills.

It adds: "Our 10 energy-saving tips could save you £517."

Air dry, don't tumble dry and avoid drying clothes on radiators as it makes your boiler work harder! - You could save £50

Mind the gaps by draught-proofing your home - You could save £85

Control your thermostat - Time it perfectly for when you need it, and you could save £90

Set your flow temperature to between 55 and 60 degrees on your combi boiler - Take a look at Nesta's Money-Saving Boiler walkthrough to see how, depending on your boiler, you could save £65

Put an insulation jacket on your hot water tank - You could save £40. And check out how insulating your tanks, pipes, and radiators can make a big difference.

Switch off standby devices - You could save £45.

Reduce your shower time - You could save £45

Be bright with your lights, LED's use 80% less electricity and last 20x longer than halogen bulbs - You could save £45.

Wash your clothes less and at 30 degrees - You could save £27

Change your shower head - You could save around £25

Energy suppliers sitting on £3billion of YOUR cash - check if you can get a refund

Energy suppliers are sitting on £3 billion of customer credit. Now, households are being urged to check if they should claim some of this back.

The total amount is up £179 million compared to last year, according to comparison website Uswitch, with the average home in credit by almost £200. You can find out more online here.