What is weather compensation? And how can you use it to save more money on your energy bills?
Do your heating bills feel higher than they should be?
Chances are, your system isn’t running as efficiently as it could - and one major reason could be the lack of weather compensation.
Weather compensation is a clever control feature that automatically adjusts your boiler’s output based on the outdoor temperature.
The result? A more consistent indoor climate, lower gas use, and noticeably smaller energy bills.
Let’s break down how it works, why it’s so effective, and how you can benefit from it.
👉 Need a new boiler with weather compensation built in?
Simply answer a few quick questions, get your fixed price, and you could have it installed as soon as tomorrow - Gas Safe and nationwide.
What Is Weather Compensation?
Weather compensation is a smart control feature that helps your boiler respond to changing outdoor temperatures.
When it’s cold outside, the boiler increases the temperature of the water flowing through your radiators. When it’s milder, it turns the temperature down - automatically.
This keeps your home at a steady, comfortable temperature without wasting energy by constantly firing the boiler on and off.
Most modern combi and system boilers (especially from brands like Vaillant, Worcester Bosch, Viessmann, and Ideal) can work with weather compensation controls, either built-in or as an optional add-on.
How Does It Work?
A typical weather compensation setup includes:
An outdoor temperature sensor, usually fitted on a north-facing wall
A controller that interprets data from the sensor
A “heating curve” programmed by your engineer to match your home’s insulation and heat-loss characteristics
The system measures the outdoor temperature and adjusts your flow temperature (the heat of the water leaving your boiler) accordingly.
For example:
If it’s 2°C outside, your boiler might heat the water to 70°C.
If it’s 12°C outside, it might only need 45°C to keep you warm.
This keeps your home comfortable while your boiler operates in its most efficient modulation range - saving both gas and wear-and-tear.
Benefits Of Weather Compensation
Weather compensation has several benefits, primarily due to its cost-saving abilities that correlate with less energy consumption.
Let us take a look at the top benefits of weather compensation:
1. Lower Energy Bills
According to the Energy Saving Trust, around 60% of household energy costs go towards heating and hot water.
By fine-tuning how much heat your boiler produces, weather compensation can cut gas use by up to 15% - without any drop in comfort.
2. Greater Comfort
No more “too hot” or “too cold” swings. Weather compensation keeps your indoor temperature stable and comfortable, even when outdoor conditions fluctuate throughout the day.
3. Reduced Carbon Footprint
Because your boiler burns less gas, it emits less carbon dioxide (CO₂) - helping to shrink your home’s environmental impact.
4. Extended Boiler Life
Running your boiler steadily at lower temperatures (rather than constantly firing on and off) reduces stress on key components, extending its lifespan.
5. Fully Automatic
Once set up, it needs no manual intervention. The controller constantly adjusts temperatures in the background to match real-world conditions.
6. Easy Installation
For most modern boilers, adding an external sensor is quick and straightforward.
Your engineer simply selects the correct heating curve for your home - and the system takes care of the rest.
What If The Heat Loss Rate In My House Is High?
You don't need to be concerned about how much heat your home loses if you have weather compensation.
Depending on elements like insulation and glass, various structures will experience variable rates of heat loss.
A brand-new home will retain heat for a more extended period than a home constructed in the 19th century.
Manufacturers of weather correction systems make unique curves for various types of dwellings, so that won't be an issue!
Your engineer will adjust the curve to account for the heat loss from your premises.
How is A Weather Compensation Installed?
If you’re fitting weather compensation for the first time:
An outdoor sensor is installed on a north-facing wall (away from direct sunlight).
The sensor connects to your boiler’s control board or external controller.
Your engineer programs the appropriate heating curve based on your home’s insulation, radiator size, and typical temperature preference.
From there, the system automatically adjusts boiler flow temperatures in real time.
As the weather cools, your boiler gently increases its water temperature - keeping your rooms cosy without sudden temperature spikes.
Are Weather Compensation Sensors Worth The Purchase?
How much weather compensation you need will mostly rely on your situation.
Homes used all day, especially those inhabited by elderly or young children sensitive to temperature changes, can profit much more than homes often left unoccupied.
The more energy you use, the greater your financial return will be.
However, for many people, the comfort that a constant temperature can provide will outweigh any potential cost benefits.
Weather adjustment works particularly well with ground source heat pumps, which need the hot water pumped at a considerably lower temperature.
Weather compensation might reduce the necessity for the pricey boost provided by a ground heat pump.
A constant temperature can significantly increase effectiveness and payback times in this situation.
The Bottom Line
Weather compensation makes your heating smarter, greener, and cheaper to run.
By automatically matching your boiler’s output to outdoor conditions, it helps you:
Stay comfortable
Waste less gas
Cut carbon emissions
Extend your boiler’s lifespan
If you’re upgrading your heating, it’s one feature that’s well worth including - particularly if you’re switching to a modern condensing boiler or heat pump.
Get A New Boiler Quote Today
If you’re aiming to get the best deal on a new boiler, consider getting your boiler installation with us. Here’s why:
Gas Safe installation within 24 hours.
Thousands of satisfied customers with an average score of 4.9 on Trustpilot, surpassing the market leader.
Which? Trusted Trader: Heatable is proudly recognised as a Which? Trusted Trader.
Price match guarantee: We will match any like-for-like cheaper quote.
Flexible payment options, including interest-free finance*.
Up to a 12-year guarantee on selected boilers.
Fixed price guarantee: No hidden costs.
Save your quote and decide later.
Get an instant fixed price on a new boiler here.
To learn more about boilers, visit our advice section, check out our YouTube channel, or read customer testimonials here.
Heat Happy.
