How to get the Best out of your Combi Boiler
So you want to get the very best out of your boiler.
Firstly, which boiler do you have? There are a number of boilers that currently operate in U.K homes: conventional, combi, condensing and back boiler.
Combi boilers work by providing hot water as it is required, either by the hot water taps, or the central heating system. This is different from a traditional central heating system, in which the boiler heats the water at regular intervals and this water is then stored in a copper cylinder for use on demand.
And the most popular type of combi boiler is the combination (instantaneous) boiler. As the name suggests, it generates instant hot water from the cold water mains and supplies the hot taps on sinks, baths and showers.
As with all boilers, there are a number of good things and bad things about a combi boiler. On the plus side, it usually costs less to install a combi boiler and is a quicker job. On a day-to-day operational basis, it’s usually more efficient as well, because it’s only heating water when needed.
The downside is that it is better equipped to cope with smaller properties, than with bigger homes that require a larger amount of hot water in different parts of the house.
Also, one of the main disadvantages with the combi boiler is its vulnerability to hard water, which effects most properties in the U.K. A further problem is that should the system fail, there is no electric immersion heater, which is often a very useful back-up.
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 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 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.
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 undertaken 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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