How to Cut Your Heating Bills This Winter in Walsall (2026 Guide)
Winter 2026 is shaping up to be another expensive one for heating. On 1 October, the energy price cap rose by 4%, pushing the typical household bill to £1,723 a year — and gas now costs 27% more than it did last winter. Around five million UK households already spend more than a fifth of their income on energy.
The good news: small changes to how you run your boiler and heating can genuinely cut your bills. Here are 10 practical, proven ways homeowners in Walsall can spend less on heating this winter — without sitting in the cold.
Why heating costs so much this winter
The latest price cap rise was driven mainly by the cost of gas. Every unit of gas you burn this winter costs significantly more than last year, so efficiency matters more than ever. The tips below all work on the same principle: get the same warmth from less gas. Not sure when to actually switch your heating on this year? Our guide to the UK’s October 20 heating switch-on date explains the date experts recommend — and why waiting for the right moment can save money.
10 proven ways to cut your heating bills
1. Turn your boiler flow temperature down to 60°C
If you have a combi boiler, this is one of the government’s top money-saving tips. Lowering the flow temperature to 60°C lets a condensing boiler run in its most efficient mode. Your radiators may take a little longer to warm up, but most homes stay just as comfortable — while using noticeably less gas. (Check your boiler manual for how to adjust it, or ask an engineer during your next service.)
2. Turn your thermostat down by 1°C
You almost certainly won’t feel the difference — but the Energy Saving Trust estimates that dropping your thermostat by a single degree can save around £100 a year on a typical bill. Try 19°C instead of 20°C and see.
3. Bleed your radiators
Cold patches at the top of radiators mean trapped air is stopping hot water circulating properly, so your boiler works harder for less warmth. Bleeding radiators is a five-minute job with a radiator key — just remember to check your boiler pressure afterwards and top it up if needed.
4. Turn radiators down — not off — in unused rooms
It’s tempting to switch radiators off completely in spare rooms, but that can lead to damp and cold spots that cost more to fix later. Turn thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) down low instead.
5. Fix draughts
Gaps around doors, windows, letterboxes and pipework let expensive warm air escape. Cheap draught-proofing strips from any DIY shop can make a surprising difference — just don’t block essential ventilation like extractor fans or air bricks.
6. Get your boiler serviced
A poorly maintained boiler burns more gas to produce the same heat – and is more likely to break down mid-winter, when callouts cost most. An annual boiler service keeps it running efficiently and safely. If your boiler is overdue, book a boiler service before the cold really sets in.
7. Use your heating controls properly
A programmer, room thermostat and TRVs used together mean you only heat your home when you actually need it. Set the heating to come on 30 minutes before you wake up and switch off 30 minutes before bed — there’s no point heating an empty house all day.
8. Consider a smart thermostat
Smart thermostats learn your routine and let you control heating from your phone, so you’re never warming an empty home. Fitted costs typically run £150–£300 — many households find they pay for themselves within a couple of winters.
9. Don’t overheat your hot water
If your hot water is scalding, you’re paying to heat water hotter than you need. For combi boilers, the hot water temperature can usually be set a little lower — but keep stored hot water at 60°C to guard against legionella bacteria.
10. Check the basics: insulation and curtains
Heat escapes through lofts, walls and windows. You don’t need a full retrofit to benefit — thick curtains closed at dusk, loft hatch insulation and lagged pipes in cold spots are all cheap wins.
When cheap fixes aren’t enough
If your boiler is 10–15 years old, needs frequent repairs, or your bills keep climbing despite your best efforts, it may be nearing the end of its life. A modern A-rated boiler wastes far less gas than an old inefficient one — see how much a new boiler installation typically costs in our 2026 Walsall price guide.
Frequently asked questions
Will turning my boiler temperature down damage it?
No. Running a combi boiler at a 60°C flow temperature is perfectly safe and is exactly how condensing boilers are designed to work most efficiently. If in doubt, check your manual.
What’s the cheapest thermostat setting?
Most people are comfortable between 18°C and 21°C. Health guidance suggests keeping living areas at least 18°C, especially if elderly people or young children live in the home.
Is it cheaper to leave the heating on all day?
For most modern homes, no — it’s cheaper to heat your home only when you need it using a timer. Leaving the heating on constantly just burns gas warming an empty house.
Can a new boiler really cut my bills?
Yes, if your current boiler is old and inefficient. Upgrading from an old G-rated boiler to a modern A-rated model can significantly reduce gas consumption — though the exact saving depends on your home and usage.
Want a professional opinion on your heating setup? Contact Prime Boiler Co for a free, no-obligation quote — use our contact form and we’ll get back to you within one working day.