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Energy Efficiency - Boilers & Heating Controls
Boilers
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If your boiler is more than 15 years old, it will be less efficient than a modern one. Replacing a fifteen-year-old boiler could save you a fifth or more on your fuel bills. Fit the right heating controls as well, and you could bump the saving up to 40%. (These savings are based on an uninsulated 3-bedroom semi-detached house).
If you are having the bathroom or kitchen refitted, what better time to overhaul the boiler as well? See grants section for information boiler grants available.
There are several things to consider when choosing a boiler, so it's better to plan ahead rather than hurry things when the cold weather arrives or your old boiler finally packs up.
Boiler types
Condensing boilers are the most efficient sort, typically converting 88% of fuel into heat compared with the 76% that standard boilers can manage. That means you could save at least 12% on your fuel bills, or even more if you have an older boiler.
Combination (combi) boilers. These are popular in flats and small houses where space is limited. As their name suggests, combi boilers do two jobs in one, acting as a central heating boiler and a hot water cylinder. Because they are compact they can be wall-mounted in the kitchen. This kind of boiler can be more economical as you only heat the water you use. However, there is a short delay between turning on the tap and the water running hot. Since there's no separate hot water cylinder, you'll have a bit more space in your home as you won't need an airing cupboard.
Non-condensing boilers*. If a condensing boiler isn't right for you, the next best thing is a modern fan-assisted boiler. Compared with old-fashioned boilers, these models are lighter, warm up and cool down more quickly and therefore waste less heat. All of which can add up to a saving of 20p in the pound compared with boilers over 15 years old.
*From the 1st April 2005 all gas boilers installed or replaced must be condensing boilers rated SEDBUK A or B (an efficiency of 86% or more).
Heating Controls
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Heating controls are well worth what you pay for them. They can control heat levels in different rooms, the temperature of your hot water and on-off times for appliances.
Types of Control
A room thermostat keeps your home close to your chosen temperature by switching the heating system on and off as the temperature fluctuates. Most people get by with just one thermostat, usually in the living room or hall. By using extra thermostats, you can create different 'heating zones' for, say, upstairs and downstairs, which need heating at different times of the day.
A timeswitch or programmer automatically turns heating and hot water on and off at the times you set. You save money because you only use energy when you need it. There are many types of programmers available, from simple automatic timers through to advanced models with settings for weekdays, weekends and holidays.
A hot water cylinder thermostat allows the temperature of stored hot water to be controlled separately from the temperature of the central heating.
If you would like any further information please ring the Sustainable Housing & Affordable Warmth (SHAW) team on 0114 273 5837. You can also email the team on shawteam@sheffield.gov.uk.
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