Energy-Efficient Practices for Optimal Boiler Performance
As winter firmly grasps the northern hemisphere in its icy fist, optimising boiler performance becomes a high priority for many of the UK’s citizens. Throughout the warmer months, the boiler that heats your home is never on your mind but when it is operating around the clock to keep you warm, ensuring efficient and effective boiler operation is a topic of conversation for many.
What are the Benefits of an Energy Efficient Boiler?
The efficiency of the boiler in your home drastically affects the cost of living in the winter. For those who can harness the power of an efficient boiler system, they can expect to see many benefits, not limited to but including:
- Heating bills are less expensive when your boiler is running at maximum efficiency.
- With lower energy consumption comes a lower carbon footprint, decreasing your impact on the environment.
- An optimised system will extend the lifespan of your boiler and heating system, saving you future repair and replacement costs.
What are the Best Practices to Attain Optimal Boiler Performance?
Andy from Rotherham-based HomeGlow GasServices said “Optimal boiler performance does not happen by accident.” A little forethought and planning can make a significant impact on the performance and lifespan of your boiler. What are some best practices to attain optimal boiler performance?
- Get the Right Boiler for Your Home
If you are in the position to choose the boiler for your home, ensure that you are choosing the right boiler for your type of home. Whether you use a combi-boiler, system, or conventional boiler, talk to a professional to make sure it is best suited for your needs.
- Always Practice Regular Boiler Maintenance
Regular boiler maintenance is the key to keeping your central heating system operational and efficient. Issues with heat exchangers, hot water cylinders, condensing boilers, and other parts of your boiler operation can be detected and worked on before a breakdown happens, saving you future costs and inconvenience.
- Install a Highly Efficient Boiler If Possible
High-efficiency boilers are separated by class using the ErP rating in the UK. Class A boilers are over 90% efficient, meaning that 90% or more of the fuel consumed is transferred into heat for your home. For example, a boiler with 94% efficiency (Class A boiler) will lead to lower energy bills and more efficient boiler operation than a boiler with a Class B efficiency rating, which is between 86%-90% efficient.
- Ensure Proper Insulation to Prevent Heat Loss
If replacing your boiler is not an option, one of the best ways to increase energy savings and get the most out of your heating system when you have your boiler running is to ensure that you have proper insulation. Check with a professional to see if you have heat loss due to poor insulation in your walls and roof.
- Make Energy Efficient Boiler Practices a Habit
Energy-efficient habits make a significant difference in improving the energy efficiency of your boiler. These practices include:
- Make sure you are maximising your temperature zones. (When you are not going to be in a zone for a time, consider reducing the temperature.)
- Keep the temperature at a comfortable but reasonable level.
- Make sure to close doors and windows and check for drafts.
- Installing a timer to adjust heat levels when no one is home.
- Upgrade to an automated system if possible.
Make the Most of Your Boiler with Energy-Efficient Practices
In the quest to combat the cost and environmental impact of heating your home, these simple and easy practices can be used to increase your boiler efficiency, giving you a comfortable home that is as energy-efficient as possible.
