Simple central heating system tweaks (for non-experts!) can save British homeowners money this winter
Telford, UK - Britain could save millions of pounds on energy bills this winter with a few simple, inexpensive checks and interventions on central heating systems.
To help consumers make these savings, heating systems manufacturer Viessmann has today released easy-to-follow advice from its experts.
One measure alone could cut the average heating bill by more than £100 per year. Research commissioned by Viessmann and conducted independently by the University of Salford recently found that connecting a boiler to weather compensation controls will reduce energy consumption by 15% when the outside temperature is 3°C, by 31% when it is 8°C outdoors, and by 45% when it is 12°C outside. Over the course of a year, weather compensation should cut the typical household’s energy bills by 15%.
Having weather compensation controls is just one of the five tips shared by Viessmann.
- 1. Check that your boiler has a Weather Compensation control
Ensuring that your boiler has a weather compensation control will cut annual energy bills by about 15%.Room thermostats only take effect after the inside of a building has become too hot from over-heating or too cold from heat loss through walls and windows. The colder it is outside, the quicker heat is lost. But with weather compensation, which connects the boiler controls to a small temperature sensor outside the building, the boiler responds as soon as the outdoor temperature changes, increasing or decreasing the radiator temperature to ensure a constant room temperature.
- 2. Keep your heating system’s flow temperature at 65 to 70 degrees
It is important to check that your boiler is set up to run at optimum efficiency, especially for modern condensing combi boilers (installed since 2005). The temperature of the water returned to the boiler from the heating system should be 55°C or below to allow the boiler to do its vital condensing work properly, but on many boilers the temperature has been set too high to allow this to happen. For system or regular boilers it’s a bit more complicated so please consult your installer.
- 3. Check that your thermostat is accurate
There are wide variations in the accuracy of central heating thermostats, meaning that homes can get uncomfortably cold or can overheat and run-up energy bills. To check the accuracy of your thermostat, place a thermometer nearby in the same room and cross reference. Also ensure that your thermostat is digital, not analogue - this will be more accurate and will maintain a more consistent room temperature, reducing the feeling of moving from cold feet to being too warm. Also check that curtains aren’t covering your thermostatic radiator valves (TRV’s) if you have them.
- 4. Balance your ‘in’ and ‘out’ radiator valves
Have you experienced cold spots on your radiators, or some radiators, usually the furthest away from the boiler, that only ever get luke-warm? Then you are likely to have an unbalanced heating system. To help ensure you receive the heat output you desire without wasting energy, check the temperature of the two heating pipes on each radiator. With the heating on, carefully – they will be hot - place your hands on the two pipes to feel the temperature difference between them. The pipe leading in to the radiator needs to be hotter than the pipe coming out. To make this happen, gradually close the out valve to reduce the flow and keep the radiator hotter for longer. Lowering the temperature of the return water will improve the thermal efficiency of the boiler. This can also extend your boiler’s life.
- 5. Keep your home warm all the time
Turning off the boiler completely to save money is often a false economy. This can let your home get so cold that it takes significantly longer to reheat to a comfortable temperature. It is more comfortable and cost effective to keep the boiler on and actively alter your home’s temperature by using the thermostat or room controller to set a lower temperature at night or when you are out. Cold rooms (12°C or lower) will also create an unhealthy living environment - “sick building syndrome”, causing condensation to form on the inside of outside walls. This is predominately a problem of poorly insulated homes.
Viessmann’s technical director, Christian Engelke, said, “At this time of year, we are given the usual ‘put on a jumper’ tips to keep warm or change the utility provider to reduce gas bills. It is something of a personal mission of mine to help raise homeowner awareness of how heating systems work. We’ve put together practical tips that don’t require a degree in engineering to achieve, to keep people cosy this winter and save money along the way.
“If you are unsure of any of the tips, or have any questions, your Viessmann Trained Installer can help by providing a heating season MOT for you. Find your local installer - go to Viessmann.co.uk and click ‘Find an Installer’.”
About Viessmann Limited
The Viessmann Group is one of the leading international manufacturers of heating, cooling and climate control technology. Founded in 1917, the family business maintains a staff of approximately 11,500 employees and generates 2.2 billion Euro in annual group turnover.
With 22 production divisions in 11 countries, subsidiaries and representations in 74 countries and 120 sales offices around the world, Viessmann is an internationally orientated company. 56 percent of sales are generated abroad.
Press Enquiries
Beth Osborne, Propel Technology, Unit 4, Manor Farm Offices, Northend Road, Fenny Compton, Warwickshire, CV47 2YY. +44 (0)1295 770602. beth@propel-technology.com
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