A central heating system is one of the most reliable options for keeping your home warm. Boilers are the most popular type of central heating system in the UK, with around 23 million people getting their warmth and hot water from gas boilers. As the cold season has begun, many of us are thinking hard about managing our heating system and don’t know the eco-friendly ways to control it smartly. So, in this article, we’ll guide you on correctly setting and using your central heating controls and provide some practical tips for optimising your central heating efficiency. By following these tips, you can ensure that your heating system operates at its peak performance while minimising energy waste.
If you have an inefficient heating system, you can upgrade it free of cost through a government grant scheme. The UK government provides free first-time central heating grants under the ECO4 scheme to low-income households that can’t afford modern heating systems. If you’re eligible, you can benefit from lowering your energy bills to reduce carbon emissions and put your part for a more sustainable living.
Let’s Explore The Ways to Control Your Central Heating System
Here are helpful ways to optimise the efficiency of your central heating system. By understanding and implementing these strategies, you can manage your central heating system, increase energy savings, and ensure a cosy home.
Set Your Room Thermostat
A room thermostat stops your heating system from using more fuel than necessary. It turns the heater on until the room hits the set temperature and then off until the temperature drops below that.
The thermostat should be set to the lowest normal temperature, usually between 18°C to 21°C. You don’t need to turn your room thermostat up when it is colder outside; the house will heat up to the set temperature, whatever the weather. However, it may take a little longer on cool days. Turning up your room temperature won’t make your home heat any faster.
Also, remember that room thermostats need a free flow of air to feel the temperature, so make sure they’re not blocked by curtains or furniture, and keep them away from heat sources.
Learn How to Use Your Programmer
A timer or programmer allows you to control when warmth and hot water come on and go off. This is useful because it means you can set your central heating to suit your home’s needs. For example, if you’re not at home or don’t require heating at night, you can set the heating system to switch off during these times.
Programmers allow you to set ‘on’ and ‘off’ time periods. You should set the central heating schedule to come on around half an hour before you get up and go off around half an hour before you go to bed. And if the house is empty during the day, or you can manage without heating during the day, make sure you’ve set the programmer to go off for this time too.
Check that the clock on the programmer is right before you set your routines. Remember, you might need to fix it when the clocks change.
Use Thermostatic Radiator Valves
Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) allow you to control the temperature of your individual radiators, so you can turn down the heat in places you are not using.
They work by feeling the air temperature around them. If the room is warmer than the level on the TRV, the valve will close a little, lowering the amount of hot water running into the radiator. If the room temperature is lower than the valve setting, the valve opens, increasing the flow of hot water into the radiator.
They are generally marked with a range from 0 to 6, where zero (0) is off, and six (6) is fully open. Aim for the lowest setting that keeps the room at a comfortable temperature, as this will lower the amount of hot water, use less energy, and save you money.
Check Your Boiler Thermostat
Your boiler should have a dial or a digital temperature setting, generally written in numbers or from minimum (min) to maximum (max). This setting sets the temperature of the water pumped from the boiler through the pipes to heat your home. If it’s not set high enough when it’s very cold outside, your home may not hit the temperature you need to be comfy.
Invest in Smart Heating Controls
Many companies now offer more advanced smart settings for central heating systems that link to the internet, allowing them to be viewed and changed online.
One benefit of a smart heating control system is that you can make changes directly if your plans change—for example, you can change the time that your heating comes on if you will be home sooner or later than you thought.
Once set up, a system that can learn your habits and change times to reduce energy use requires very little input from you.
Summary
Hope you’re clear now about how to manage your central heating system. Effective control of your central heating system provides warmth, comfort, and cost savings in your home. Following these tips, you can enjoy a cosy, energy-efficient winter season. With a well-organised central heating system, you can efficiently handle your home’s heating while reducing your carbon footprint and saving on high bills. Remember, a well-managed and efficient central heating system gives you mental peace and adds to a better and more sustainable future.
