Cutting Fuel Bills by Upgrading Your Central Heating Controls
In these times of increasing hardship, many householders wish to cut their outgoings. Fuel costs are a major expense which can be reduced by many households without much outlay, just by upgrading the heating controls.
The heating system in many homes is controlled by a simple room thermostat and a timer. The whole dwelling is controlled to a single temperature all the time the heating is on. Many rooms are not occupied through the day, yet are maintained continuously at a uniform, high temperature. So, much of the energy used is wasted.
Thermostatic radiator valves
An easy way to provide local temperature control is to install thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs). These are especially useful in rooms used occasionally or which require different temperatures to other areas. The set temperature can be changed easily, as required, whenever the room is occupied. Energy is saved by turning down the temperature when the room is unused. TRVs can be installed in any room except that where the main thermostat is sited, as this must operate independently to provide a boiler interlock.
Programmable thermostats
Huge energy savings can be made by replacing a simple room thermostat by a programmable thermostat. Residents can then set different temperatures throughout the day: for example, 18 degrees at breakfast, a lower setting to save energy during the day, back to 18 degrees ready for the homecoming and possibly a warmer temperature still during the evening. An overnight low temperature brings the heating on only if necessary to avoid a chill.
Seven day models can have a different daily time/temperature profile for each day of the week.
Many programmable thermostats, such as illustrated here, include an optimum start feature. The user sets the time by which the temperature should reach the desired comfort temperature, not the boiler on time. The controller saves energy by varying the start-up time each morning depending on how cold it is that day and the time the building will take to warm up.
Wireless makes it simple
Programmable thermostats are quick and easy to install when you choose wireless versions. There are no control cables to run: it is wireless from the room controller to a wireless receiver located near the boiler. You avoid drilling holes and damaging home decorations.
Easy and Cheap
The cost of such an upgrade is quickly recovered by the householder through fuel savings.
Wireless programmable thermostats are suited to radiator and underfloor heating, using gas and oil boilers as well as range cookers and even electric heating. They also make it easy to provide separate heating zones for parts of the building, each with a unique time/temperature profile.