As the winter months near, demand for gas boilers is set to rise sharply. This is expected to lead to an energy shortage. This shortage means that stock levels will be limited, and households will struggle to find models they need. There are a number of reasons behind the shortage, including a lack of supply of key components. Due to backlogs and production delays, manufacturers are unable to obtain these components, which are essential to the functioning of a boiler. Some of these components include pumps, fans and semiconductors.
Heating industry experts warn freezing bills could lead to energy shortages
There are already fears about energy shortages in the UK this winter, with some experts warning that the government's plans to raise energy prices in October could put some customers at risk of freezing bills. Energy UK is planning to introduce a rise, but warned that many households would not be able to afford it. It has urged the government to take action and consider providing loans to struggling businesses to help reduce bills.
Some measures households can take to reduce their energy use include lowering the temperature by one degree or wearing a thick jumper. Another way to cut gas demand is to switch off radiators in rooms that are not used frequently. It also helps to replace shower heads with water-efficient ones. By switching to energy-efficient boilers, households can also cut their bills by up to eight per cent.
In October, the government is expected to introduce a gas levy to spread the high cost of replacing Russian gas across the end consumer. This could increase energy bills in Germany by EUR480. The government has also announced various other measures, including price caps and subsidies. Britain, which relies on gas for heating, introduced a price cap last year, but this hasn't kept bills from rising. The cost of heating a home is now expected to hit PS4,200 a year by January, and many experts say it will only get worse.
A freezing winter and the resulting energy shortages could drive energy prices up even higher this winter. Although the consumer inflation report recently showed a slight drop, some experts have warned that energy costs could rise in the US unless European energy crises are addressed.
Households can cut up to eight per cent from bills by turning down boiler temperature
A coalition of over 100 Tory MPs want to help households cut energy bills by lowering the temperature of their boilers. Currently, the average household is using 80C when they could be using 55-60C. This could save a household up to eight per cent on their energy bill.
By turning down the temperature of a boiler, household can save up to eight per cent on their bills each year. This can be achieved by using a thermostat that is between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius. It can also be done by using a timer, which will turn off the boiler when the household is not using it.
Heating bills are high during winter, so changing the thermostat to reduce the temperature will make a big difference. A slight tweak to the boiler's flow temperature will result in a six to eight per cent reduction in energy use, which translates to a similar reduction in gas bills.
In addition to switching down the temperature of boilers, homeowners can also reduce their radiator temperatures. Turning down the thermostat temperature will allow radiators to run at a cooler temperature, which will reduce the overall room temperature. However, it is important to remember that the thermostat setting determines the room temperature.
Government won't advise public to save energy
Despite concerns about an energy shortage, the government is refusing to encourage the public to save energy this winter. The Department for Health and Social Care and the prime minister's office both raised objections to the idea. Although DHSC sources denied that they were involved in blocking the campaign, they added that the government does not want to make the elderly afraid to turn on the heating.