FREQUENTLY ASKED HEATING QUESTIONS?

Try these answers to more frequently asked questions about home heating.

Question 1:

• “So, how much energy and money could I really save with a better home heating system?”
• By fitting a condensing boiler with heating controls you could save around £190–£230 a year and 1.7 tonnes of CO2.

Question 2:

• “Is a combination condensing boiler more efficient than a regular condensing boiler?”
• A combination boiler can be more efficient because of the way it supplies hot water to your home. Other types of boilers produce hot water and then store it in a cylinder for use as and when needed. This is quite an efficient process – but if the hot water is not used immediately, then inevitably some heat will be wasted. Combination boilers are most suitable for smaller homes. Your installer can advise you which type would suit your home best.

Question 3:

• “Are condensing boilers overcomplicated and unreliable?”
• In a word no. The main difference between non-condensing boilers and condensing boilers is the design of the larger heat exchanger in the latter. Another difference is the condensing process itself: when the flue gases cool, water condenses inside the boiler and needs to be drained away. But this shouldn’t cause any problems if the boiler is fitted properly by a registered installer.

Question 4:

• “I want to replace my old boiler. How do I know what size of new boiler to get?”
• The type and size of your new boiler will depend on a range of factors like the size of your property, how well it is insulated, and the type of fuel and heating system you use to heat your home. Your installer will be able to advise you on the type and size of boiler best suited to your home.

Question 5:

• “How often should I get my boiler serviced?”
• It’s important to have any gas or oil fired appliance like a boiler serviced once a year. The flue will need checking to make sure it is clear, and your CORGI or Competent Persons Scheme-registered technician will also check that your boiler is running safely and efficiently for you. It’s best to check with your manufacturer about service schedules; as some boilers may need servicing more than others.

Question 6:

• “How can I make my central heating system more efficient without spending lots of money?”
• Your first step should be to make sure you are using your heating controls
  correctly. Review your boiler thermostat, cylinder thermostat, time programmer and TRV settings and re-set them to match your needs more closely in terms of timing and comfort.
• If you have radiators, make sure that they are not blocked by furniture or curtains. Any obstructions will stop air flowing freely around the radiators – and so reduce their overall efficiency. Fit reflective insulation panel boards on the wall behind the radiator, especially if it’s an outside wall. Rigid reflective radiator panels are an ideal solution if you don’t want to take your radiators off the wall.
• Also, try insulating your pipes in unheated parts of your home like the loft. Insulation material for a standard 15mm pipe costs around £1.50 per metre and will reduce heat loss. Fit a jacket, three inches or 75mm thick, to your hot water cylinder too if it isn’t already insulated. Jackets cost around £12 and could save you around £20 a year.
• Getting your boiler serviced once a year will make sure it continues to work as efficiently as possible. Typically, this will cost between £50 and £75.

Question 7:

• “I don’t get a consistent heat throughout the radiators. What can I do to fix this?”
• Air can stop hot water from reaching all parts of the radiator and decrease its
  effectiveness. A radiator that needs bleeding will not be as warm as other radiators, and its heat will be concentrated at the bottom. The heating system should be switched off when you bleed radiators to stop more air from entering the system. Hold a tea towel underneath the radiator key and open the valve very slowly as dirty water can spray out.

Source: energysavingtrust.org.uk

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