The boiler temperature is something that must be carefully regulated. It ensures efficient and safe operation of a central heating system. So what temperature should a boiler be set at UK? Well, it can be confusing with all the info online. But, the right temperature depends on your boiler’s type, model and brand.

Without a doubt, adjusting boiler temperature seems tricky with all the controls, but with a little bit of effort, you can master this skill. Keep reading this blog as we have gathered all the information.  

What’s boiler temperature?

When we talk about the temperature we’re talking about how hot the boiler itself gets, not the temperature you set on your thermostat for your house. Moreover, it’s important because the boiler needs to reach a certain temperature to heat your home.

Finding out the best boiler temperature 

Undeniably, different heating systems need different temperatures. Look at your manual and boiler model to find out relevant information. However, setting it higher won’t heat your home faster. It might just cost more and make your boiler less efficient. Usually, you should keep radiator heating between 60 and 75°C. But changing it too much can make it work less effectively. Moreover, if you’ve got a Combi boiler and hot water cylinder, setting it at 60°C would be the best.

What are some boiler brands and their recommended temperatures?

While specific models may vary, here’s a general guide for some popular boiler brands:

Brand	Recommended Boiler Temperature (°C)	Things to remember
Worcester	75 (heating), 55-60 (hot water)	Many Worcester boilers come with weather compensation features that automatically adjust the temperature for optimal efficiency.
Baxi	75 (heating), 50-60 (hot water)	Similar to Worcester, some Baxi models have weather compensation.
Ideal	75 (heating), 50-60 (hot water)	Ideal boilers often come with eco settings that prioritise efficiency.
Vaillant	75 (heating), 50-60 (hot water)	Vaillant EcoTEC boilers are known for their efficiency and may have pre-set optimised temperatures.
Alpha	75 (heating), 50-60 (hot water)	Alpha boilers prioritise efficiency and may have modulating features that adjust the temperature based on demand.
Viessmann	Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions	Viessmann boilers often have weather compensation and advanced features that optimise temperature based on various factors. Consult the manual for specific recommendations.

Remember these are general guidelines. Actual boiler temperature may vary depending on the model, system design, and weather conditions. Moreover, it’s always best to consult your boiler manual or a qualified heating engineer for specific recommendations for your boiler and heating system.

What boiler temperature is best for hot water in the UK?

The Energy Savings Trust suggests 65°C for conventional boilers with cylinders.  However, lower than this may not heat water enough. So keep it at 65°C or higher to ensure safe hot water and to prevent bacteria growth. Secondly, for combi boilers without cylinders, below 65°C won’t affect hot water. So try 60°C, but beware high temps can harm your boiler. It can lead to issues like shorter lifespans and lower efficiency.

What temp should boiler be when the weather changes for combi boilers?

 When it’s mild or warm, try 50°C to 55°C. Here’s a table showing some good settings based on the season and your home:

 

Month	Old House	Modern House
Jan to Feb	60°C to 65°C	55°C
March	60°C	50°C
Apr to Oct	55°C	45°C
December	60°C	50°C

 

This table shows the average monthly boiler temperature for an old house and a modern house throughout the year. The months are grouped into four ranges: Jan to Feb, March, Apr to Oct, and December. We can see that these settings balance efficiency and comfort. They prevent scalding but might slow down the heating. So, using a load or weather compensator can help manage this and keep efficiency high. Moreover, to use compensators, you need a compatible combi boiler. For accurate details, ask a heating engineer for help setting it up.

What’s the best temperature for radiator heating with a new condensing combi boiler?

Undeniably, lower is better for efficiency. The flow temperature, which goes to the radiators, should be as low as possible. In fact, when it’s lower, the returning water is cooler too. Furthermore, this can save you energy and money on your energy bills. Plus, the Energy Savings Trust says all boilers work better with cooler returning water. So, set your flow temperature for boiler to 60°C max for 92% efficiency. This will put your boiler in condensing mode, recycling heat for more savings. Moreover, you can go lower for even more efficiency, but not in if yours is an older home with poor insulation. In newer, well-insulated homes, try around 50°C for the best efficiency.

What is the ideal flow temperature for vulnerable people?

For those who are young, old, sick, or always cold, it’s important to keep the boiler temperature that suits them the most. Now, lowering it might seem like a good idea, but for these people, it may not work. What’s more, it could actually make them sicker or feel worse if they’re already unwell. This goes for both your home’s thermostat and your shower.

On top of that, official recommendations from trusted groups like the Energy Saving Trust, WHO, and the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering can guide you. Take a look at the following table.

Group	Recommended Temp (°C)	Hot Water Temp (°C)
The Elderly	20	37.0
Children	20	37.5
Babies/infants	16 (see health warning)	36.0
Pregnant Women	–	37.0
Unwell Individuals	20	37.5

A baby’s room should ideally be between 16°C and 20°C. It’s crucial to maintain this temperature for their health as overheating can increase the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Do you know lowering your boiler’s flow temperature can save you up to 8% on heating bills? Yes, that’s quite right.

What role boiler controls play in temperature?

Well, understanding your boiler and heating controls is key to setting the right temperature for your hot water.  Boiler controls manage the water temperature, while heating controls handle when your heating is on and at room temperature.

Here are some controls that help adjust and set the temperature:

Smart heating controls

These are advanced systems for central heating. They control when heating is on and adjust room heat with thermostats accordingly. They usually connect to the internet and offer features like:

• Temperature and time controls for heating and hot water.
• Remote adjustments when you’re away.
• Adaptation to your habits, like adjusting when you shower.

Smart thermostat

A smart thermostat is the best device when it comes to controlling the temperature for boiler. It helps control the water temperature from the boiler. You might find a dial with numbers or a scale on the boiler. Moreover, some boilers have buttons and a digital display to control them. Combi boilers usually have two controls. One for hot water and one for radiators. On the other hand, regular boilers with separate cylinders have one control for both.

Wondering about new boiler costs? Find out free boiler grants in our guide. We are experts in dealing with government grants. 

How does the boiler temperature vary by model?

It’s generally not recommended to adjust the boiler flow temperature yourself as modern boilers are designed for optimal efficiency at pre-set temperatures. However, here’s a table with typical settings for reference:

Boiler Model	Boiler Temperature (°C)
Combi Boiler (heating)	75
System Boiler (heating)	60-80 (depending on system and weather)
Heat-Only Boiler (heating)	60-80 (depending on system and weather)

Our advice for effective home heating

Here are the top tips for effective home heating. If you follow them, you can save energy and money on your heating costs:

• Lower your temperature: Set your room thermostat a bit lower to save energy. But keep your boiler at a safe temperature to prevent bacteria.
• Keep radiators clear: Make sure nothing blocks your radiators to let them heat efficiently. Install them where they won’t be blocked by furniture.
• Adjust bedroom heat: Bedrooms can be 2°C cooler than the rest of the house for good sleep. So adjust as needed for kids and older adults.

Bottom line

In conclusion, by following these simple tips, you can ensure optimal temperature for boiler. Plus, you can efficiently use your central heating system. Lowering your thermostat slightly, adjusting bedroom temperatures, and keeping your radiators clear can all contribute to energy savings and a comfortable home environment. Remember to find the right balance for your household’s needs and preferences while maintaining safety and efficiency.