Households can knock off about £20 a month from their energy bills now the good weather has arrived – by pressing the ‘summer mode’ button on their boiler.
This little-known setting is fitted as standard on modern boilers that provide the hot water and power the central heating to the home.
By flicking on summer mode you instantly disable the central heating system but without affecting the hot water.
The setting can be identified by a sun or tap icon on the boiler unit. If unsure, consult its instructions manual and look up ‘summer mode’ or ‘hot water only’ options.
By choosing this option rather than turning off your boiler entirely, its pumps and valves remain operational.
But if you turn off a boiler completely you risk seizing the system – which requires a visit from an engineer who may charge as much as £500 to fix the fault.
Energy saver: The ‘summer mode’ setting is fitted as standard on modern boilers that provide the hot water and power the central heating to the home
For most homes, summer mode can be used when outside temperatures are consistently at least 14C (57F).
Boiler expert Nils Hoogervorst, of solar energy supplier GreenMatch, says: ‘Flicking your boiler to summer mode can decrease your energy bills by more than 10 per cent – providing savings of up to £20 a month.’
If unable to find your boiler instructions you can get a copy of the manual online by searching for the model. Details can often be found on a name plate on the inside panel covering the boiler.
An annual boiler service is also important to ensure it remains safe and efficient – and less likely to break down.
Getting a service in the summer months, when central heating is not required, means it will be working when most needed during the winter.
A boiler service costs £100 on average, according to trades website Checkatrade.
