Reviewed by our senior heating engineer. Serving Borehamwood, St Albans, Harpenden, Radlett, and Welwyn Garden City.
Every winter, we hear the same old advice about central heating—much of it well-meaning, but some of it costing homeowners hundreds in wasted energy and unnecessary repairs. Let’s bust the most common myths we encounter in local homes, share real-life stories, and show you what to do instead for a warmer, more efficient household.
1. Myth: Leaving the Heating On Low All Day Saves Money
The truth: It’s one of the most persistent myths. In reality, you’ll waste energy keeping your home warm when you’re not there. Use your programmer or smart thermostat to heat your house only when you need it. Case in point: The Larkins in Radlett cut their bills by 15% after switching to a timed schedule.
2. Myth: Turning Up the Thermostat Heats Your Home Faster
The truth: Your boiler works at the same rate—cranking the thermostat just makes it run longer, not faster. Set it to your desired temperature and be patient. We’ve seen many a panicked call when someone “overcooks” the house and ends up opening windows to cool down!
3. Myth: Bigger Boilers Are Always Better
The truth: Oversized boilers cycle on and off, wasting energy and causing wear. Proper sizing is key. The Dunsmore family in Borehamwood actually saved money by downsizing to a right-sized combi after a survey.
4. Myth: Radiators Heat Up Faster if You Leave Them Uncovered
The truth: True, but it’s not just about covers—blocked radiators (by furniture or curtains) massively reduce efficiency. We helped the Smiths in Harpenden rearrange their living room and saw a noticeable improvement in warmth.
5. Myth: Bleeding Radiators Is Only for When They’re Cold
The truth: Bleeding should be part of regular maintenance, especially at the start of the heating season. We recommend checking once a year—air buildup can silently cost you money in uneven heating.
6. Myth: You Don’t Need to Service a New Boiler
The truth: Even new boilers need annual servicing to keep warranties valid and catch issues early. We had a call-out in St Albans where a two-year-old boiler failed due to skipped servicing—costly and avoidable.
7. Myth: All Rooms Should Be the Same Temperature
The truth: Zoning and TRVs let you tailor temperatures—keep bedrooms cooler, living spaces warmer. The Evans family in Welwyn Garden City now sleep better (and cheaper) since we set up their TRVs correctly.
8. Myth: Smart Thermostats Are Too Complicated
The truth: They’re easier than you think—and can save you up to 10% on bills. We walked the Clarkes in St Albans through setup in 15 minutes, and now they control their heating from their phones.
9. Myth: Hard Water Doesn’t Affect Modern Boilers
The truth: Hard water causes limescale and sludge, even in the latest models. We always recommend magnetic filters and scale reducers—especially in Hertfordshire’s hard water areas.
10. Myth: You Can Ignore Minor Boiler Noises
The truth: Banging, whistling, or gurgling are warning signs. Early intervention saves money. We caught a failing pump in a Marshalswick home before it caused a full breakdown.
FAQs
How often should I service my boiler?
Every 12 months — even new ones.
Is it worth upgrading to a smart thermostat?
Yes, for most homes the savings and convenience pay off quickly.
How can I tell if my boiler is oversized?
If it cycles on/off frequently or your bills are high, book a survey.
Don’t let heating myths drain your wallet. Book a free heating survey today—our local experts will check your system, bust the myths, and show you how to save money and stay warm all winter. Get honest advice and real results—contact us now!