The way you maintain and operate your heater can influence its running costs. Learn the right methods, and you'll find that your heating system costs less to run while providing more useful heat.

• Minimise the area to be heated. Doubling the size of the heated area also doubles the heating cost! So close doors to unheated areas, or install curtains across open archways leading to other rooms.
• Use a correctly sized heater. Don't expect a small heater to heat a large area. It is unlikely to reach a comfortable temperature, making running costs unnecessarily high without providing adequate heat. Similarly, try not to use a large heater when only a small area needs heating. If only one small area of a centrally heated home is to be used, it may be cheaper to use a portable heater for a short time, or even invest in a small space heater, than to unnecessarily heat the whole house.
• Use the thermostat correctly. For every degree you increase the thermostat setting, your bill can increase by up to 15%. Set your thermostat at a reasonable temperature of 18 - 20 degrees celsius for living area. Thermostats of central heating systems should be placed in living areas, where you spend most of your time. Ensure they are protected from draughts, a well as heat sources such as heating outlets or direct sunlight. Thermostats should not be located on external walls.
• Don't leave your heater running on low overnigh or while you are out during the day. It is cheaper to turn the heater off while you are out or sleeping, and on again when you return or wake up in the morning (The pattern of use is not applicable to storage type heating such as in-slab systems which have very slow response time)
• Install a timer or programmable thermostat to turn your heater on and off automatically, say 20 - 30 minutes before rising in the morning or getting home in the evening. And of course, don't forget to turn the entire system completely off if you are going away on holidays.
• Run the heater fan on its highest setting for best efficiency and heat distribution.
• Turn off the pilot light (if fitted) over summer. This alone could save you £10 or more each year!
• Maintain your heater. Keep reflectors shiny and free of dust, and clean air-filters regularly. Service all heaters according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Close windows and doors in heated areas while the heater is on.
• Close drapes or blinds when you're heating, especially at night. By leaving them open, you're wasting over £2 for each square metre of glass per billing quarter! That's around £80 per quarter for the average home.
• Open up curtains to north-facing windows on sunny winter days to let in the free, natural solar energy to warm your home.
• Ceiling fans, heat shifters or personal fans set about 2.1m above the floor are useful ways to return heat that has risen up to a second storey, or collected at the top of ceilings, back down to floor level again. This can save over 10% of heating costs.
• Wear appropriate clothing. Wearing warmer clothing is free, easy and will let you turn down your heater just those few degrees more. Throw an extra blanket on the bed and you can turn off your electric blanket too!

Progas UK is just a phone call away, whether you require someone for an emergency or planned plumbing job. We also offer Plumbing surveys, if you are in need of any advice or recommendations in the home or office with your plumbing requirements; don’t hesitate to call!