6 common heating mistakes wasting your money
How everyday habits affect your energy bills
As energy bills remain a major concern for UK households, many homeowners are unknowingly wasting money through simple heating mistakes. At Go Assist, we regularly see avoidable issues that lead to higher bills, inefficient boilers, and unnecessary breakdowns.
The good news? Most of these mistakes are easy to fix. Below, we’ll walk through six common heating mistakes that could be costing you money - and exactly how to avoid them.
1. Turning the thermostat up too high
It’s a common myth that cranking the thermostat up will heat your home faster. In reality, your boiler works at the same speed regardless - it just ends up running for longer.
Why it costs you money:
- Your boiler burns more fuel than necessary
- Rooms often overheat, leading to wasted energy
How to avoid it:
Set your thermostat to a comfortable, consistent temperature (usually between 18–21°C) and give your heating time to work efficiently.
2. Heating empty rooms
Many homes heat every room equally, even when some spaces are rarely used.
Why it costs you money:
- You're paying to heat rooms no one is in
- Heat escapes from unused areas faster
How to avoid it:
- Turn radiators down in spare rooms
- Use thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to control temperatures room by room
3. Skipping boiler servicing
A boiler that isn't regularly serviced will almost always become less efficient over time
Why it costs you money:
- Reduced efficiency means higher gas usage
- Small issues can turn into costly repairs or breakdowns
How to avoid it:
Book an annual boiler service to keep your system running efficiently, safely, and reliably.
4. Bleeding radiators too late (or not at all)
Cold spots at the top of your radiators usually mean trapped air - a surprisingly common issue.
Why it costs you money:
- Radiators don't heat evenly
- Your boiler works harder to compensate
How to avoid it:
Bleed your radiators at least once a year, especially before colder months, to ensure maximum heat output.
5. Ignoring boiler warning signs
Strange noises, pressure drops, slow heating, or frequent resets are often ignored until the boiler fails completely.
Why it costs you money:
- Minor faults become major repairs
- Emergency call-outs are often more expensive
How to avoid it:
Address issues early by booking a professional boiler check as soon as something doesn't seem right.
6. Poor heating controls and timers
Outdated or incorrectly set timers can cause your heating to run when you don't need it.
Why it costs you money:
- Heating comes on unnecessarily
- Energy is wasted while you're asleep or out
How to avoid it:
- Review your heating schedule regularly
- Consider upgrading to modern or smart heating controls for better efficiency
Save money with the right support
Avoiding these common heating mistakes can significantly reduce your energy bills and extend the life of your boiler. However, if your heating system isn’t performing as it should, expert help can make all the difference.
At Go Assist we provide:
- Boiler repairs
- Boiler servicing
- Heating diagnostics and maintenance
- Experienced, fully qualified engineers
- Transparent pricing and reliable service
If you're experiencing heating issues or want peace of mind that your boiler is running efficiently, visit our boiler repairs page or explore our other heating and home services to book expert help today.
Keeping your heating system in top condition doesn't just save money - it keeps your home warm, safe, and stress-free.
