How to get the Best out of your Boiler
Getting the best out of your boiler need not be a hard job.
Firstly, which boiler do you have? There are a number of boiler types that currently operate in U.K homes: conventional, combi, condensing and back boiler.
Domestic boilers work by using an energy source – say gas, electricity, oil, or solid fuel – to heat the water via a heat exchanger and either make it available for instant use, or store in a cylinder for later use.
Conventional boilers heat the water at regular intervals and this water is then stored in a copper cylinder for use on demand.
Combi boilers work by providing hot water as it is required, either by the hot water taps, or the central heating system.
Condensing boilers are super efficient, using two heat exchangers to give a near 90% efficiency rate, as opposed to the 50% to 70% of the other boilers.
Back boilers, as the name suggests, sit behind an open, or semi-closed fire in say a living room, or kitchen, and take their heat from the energy source also used to heat the particular room.
But, with all boilers, it’s essential to operate them at maximum efficiency.
And one area that needs attention is the setting of the boiler and room thermostats.
A boiler thermostat is fitted to ensure that the water being circulated around the pipes is at the right temperature. Most boilers give you the choice between High, for the winter months, and Low, for the summer months. Check periodically to make sure you are on the correct setting, otherwise you will be wasting a lot of energy.
If you have a room thermostat, this handy device allows you to set a desired temperature. If the temperature rises above your setting, the heating will turn off; likewise, if it falls below your setting, it will turn on. When you turn it down and hear the familiar click, the heating will turn off. Click it on again and you can then set the level of heating, by working the boiler harder.
But bear in mind a few things. The thermostat will take its reading from where it’s situated. Put it in a cold hall, or next to a draught, and it will be forever be working the boiler hard to maintain the temperature, while other rooms become too hot. Likewise, don’t position it somewhere too hot, when it will be always turning the heating off and leaving other rooms cold.
There are ideal settings for most houses. Between 18C and 21C is a comfortable setting for most people; around 21C is better for pensioners and young children.
If your central heating system has a hot water tank, then usually it will be equipped with its own thermostat. Check that its set at the correct temperature: 60C, or 140F.
And once you’ve got your thermostats figured out, don’t forget that your boiler needs an annual service. This not only helps your wallet by making sure your boiler is being as energy efficient as its designed to be, it also keeps you and your family safe. Old, ill-equipped, or under serviced boilers are potential death hazards; its simply not worth the risk.
Choose a reputable firm to service your boiler, such as British Gas.
They, like all good firms, should ensure that a number of key tasks are undertaking during the service. This includes the break-down, checking and cleaning of the boiler’s main components. Pipework should be checked. Also checks that the ventilation is adequate. The output from the flue should be analysed and finally, any component faulty, or not likely to last until the next service, should be replaced.
A boiler service should cost anything in the region of between £50 and £150, although this does not include the replacement of any components that might be necessary, such as a new heat exchanger, which could cost from £150 to £300.
So remember, keep an eye on your boiler: make sure your thermostats are properly set and make sure you give it an annual service.
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