As the cold weather hits the country, many are cranking up the heating temperature.
Boilers often come with an ‘eco-mode’ function on top of the normal setting.
What does it do? Should you switch your boiler to eco-mode? Is it cheaper to fun than the standard setting?
Boiler makers Worcester have explained what the special setting is and why you might use it.
What is eco-mode?
This function will switch off your preheat settings, which means it may take slightly longer for hot water to come through the tap.
If it is not selected, the preheat is on and there will be a “quicker response to a hot water demand”, say Worcester.
It can usually be switched on and off manually depending on your preference. Similarly, you may have your heating on all the time – but is it cheaper to switch the heating on and off?
Should you run the boiler in eco-mode?
This depends on a number of factors. Using the special mode means it will take about 10 seconds for water to run hot, although this varies from home to home.
If you are elderly or have children, that extra time may not be appreciated.
But if you are not in an at risk group, there may seem to be no justification for having your boiler constantly ready to go when it isn’t needed.
Is eco-mode cheaper than the standard setting?
As the name suggests, the eco-mode option uses less energy than a standard setting.
Therefore, it is cheaper, if only by a few pence – but every little helps if you are trying to save money.
If you are attempting to bring your energy bills down, installing a £39 item in your home could slash a third of your gas bill.
