council services
Energy Efficient Central Heating
High efficiency condensing boilers convert
around 90% of their fuel into heat, compared to 79% for
conventional types.
They have a larger, or sometimes an additional, heat exchanger. This heat exchanger captures much of the energy otherwise lost through the flue. The flue gases are cooled to the point where water vapour, produced during combustion, condenses. Hence the name "condensing boiler".
They have a larger, or sometimes an additional, heat exchanger. This heat exchanger captures much of the energy otherwise lost through the flue. The flue gases are cooled to the point where water vapour, produced during combustion, condenses. Hence the name "condensing boiler".
Condensing boilers can be easily fitted to most new and old
heating systems. Although most benefit is gained from gas and
LPG systems, condensing boilers are also suitable for oil fuelled
homes. They are usually no larger than conventional
boilers. You can buy them as either combination boilers,
which supplies domestic hot water on demand, or conventional system
boilers, where a separate hot water cylinder is required.
In the past, sales of condensing boilers have been badly
affected by a number of myths. Download the following
document for more information about- about condensing
boilers.
myths and facts document (95.8KB,
pdf).
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer
to read this document
Is your boiler energy efficient?
If it's 10-15 years old then it probably isn't. If it's
15 years old or more, then replacing it with a new high efficiency
condensing boiler could save you around a third off your heating
bills. You can get more information about all types of
boiler, including individual models, from the SEDBUK web site.
Regulations introduced on 1st April 2005 in England
and Wales require that most boilers fitted from now on are of the
high efficiency condensing type. Your installer will be able
to advise you about Energy Saving Recommended models. You can
check out the seasonal efficiency of any boiler on
the SEDBUK web site. If you install
the right heating controls with your new boiler, you could save up
to 40% on your fuel bill - that's about £150 - £180 off the average
bill.
Heating controls
Installing new controls can reduce your heating bills, as well
as making your heating more flexible. If you are installing a
new boiler, the building regulations now require that you have
a minimum standard of heating controls. This may require that
one or more of the following is fitted: replacement programmer;
thermostats; new motorised valves; provision of a boiler
interlock. Your installer can advise.
Better controls let heating systems react to changes in temperature, provide different levels of heat in different rooms, and switch hot water on and off at whatever times are specified by the homeowner.
Better controls let heating systems react to changes in temperature, provide different levels of heat in different rooms, and switch hot water on and off at whatever times are specified by the homeowner.
Heating controls will pay for themselves in less than five
years. The more control, the greater the savings on energy
and money - as much as 17% on the average heating bill. Ask
your installer to ensure your new heating controls, and high
efficiency condensing boiler, carry the Energy Saving Recommended
logo.
Good Reasons For Good Controls
- Heating and hot water accounts for over 80% of the energy consumption in the home.
- The installation of a minimum standard of controls in a wet system (which previously had no controls) can reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 20%.
- Controls to reduce the average temperature in the house by 1°C, will reduce consumption by up to 10%.
- Reducing the heating 'on' time by 2 hours a day will reduce consumption by up to 6%.
- Systems where the heating circuit to the hot water cylinder is pumped, rather than through gravity circulation, will save at least 5%.
Radiators, Thermostatic Valves, and Bypass Valves
For control of room temperature, it is beneficial to fit
thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs). As the room temperature
approaches the position set by the user on the TRV, the valve
begins to close. This restricts the flow of water through the
radiator. When the room temperature reaches the set point,
the valve will be completely shut, thus maintaining control of the
room temperature.
Most TRVs can now be fitted on either flow or return. It
is important that boiler manufacturers' requirements are checked
before fitting TRVs, because some boilers require that
a minimum water flow rate is maintained at all times. Such
boilers will require that a system bypass or an automatic
bypass valve, is fitted. Sometimes, one radiator can be used
to provide a bypass by not having a TRV fitted to
it. However, it is generally more efficient to have an
automatic bypass valve fitted, normally near the boiler or the
cylinder.
When replacing your boiler, you may need to fit TRVs and an
automatic bypass valve to comply with the Building
Regulations.
For more information and advice about heating systems, go to
the Heating & Hot water
Industry Council website.
Last updated: 25 February 2010
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