Discover our expert advice on using heating controls and maintaining your heating system to minimize energy expenses and achieve a more sustainable home environment.
The Impact of Heating and Hot Water on Your Energy Bills
According to the Energy Saving Trust, heating and hot water account for over half of a household’s energy bills. This means that even small improvements in your heating system can lead to significant financial savings. Moreover, heating is responsible for the highest proportion of UK household carbon emissions, surpassing even transport and aviation. Therefore, enhancing your heating system’s efficiency not only saves you money but also helps mitigate climate change.
When The Engineer Services Your Boiler Ask Them:
About Your Boiler and Heating Controls
Older boilers can be more expensive to run than newer models. However, replacing a boiler can be costly, with installation fees reaching up to £6,000. If replacing your boiler isn’t cost-effective, consider updating your heating controls instead. Modern heating controls are more accurate and, when used correctly, can reduce your home’s carbon emissions by 315kg per year, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
There are various types of heating controls available, including timers, programmers, weather compensating thermostats, load compensating thermostats, room thermostats, thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), and smart thermostat heating systems. Choose the most suitable option based on your heating system and preferences.
About Radiator System Cleanliness
Ensuring that your radiator system water is clean and free of sludge can enhance heating efficiency and prolong the life of your boiler and central heating system. A heavily sludged heating system can increase your bills by as much as 25%, according to research by Enertek International. Keep your system clean through methods like gravity flushes, power flushes, or chemical flushes. Adding a chemical inhibitor can also help prevent sludge buildup and protect your system water.
About Proper Radiator Balancing
A poorly balanced heating system can result in higher energy bills. In an unbalanced system, the thermostat may need to be set at a higher temperature to maintain comfort, leading to increased costs. Balancing your radiators ensures even heat distribution throughout your home and can lower your annual heating bill by approximately 10% for each degree of temperature reduction.
During The Boiler Service Ask Him About Flow Temperature
Reducing the flow temperature of your combi boiler can save you between 8% and 13% on your heating bill, depending on factors such as your boiler’s previous settings and your home’s temperature preferences. Aim for a flow temperature of 60-65°C to allow your boiler to run more efficiently and condense.
About How To Schedule Your Heating System
Use timers or programmers to schedule when your boiler turns on and off, allowing you to save energy during periods when its not needed.
Be Smart with Thermostats and Radiator Valves
Utilizing smart thermostats and radiator valves can help you optimize your home’s heating system. Here are some ways to make the most of these devices:
- Set individual room temperatures with thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) for better energy management.
- Use smart thermostats to learn your heating preferences and create an efficient heating schedule.
- Implement zoning by installing multiple thermostats to control different areas of your home independently.
