Central Heating and Hot Water System

The amount of fuel will depend on the type of boiler/your heating system and how well it is controlled. Additionally, your choice of fuel will also affect your heating bills considerably.

High Efficiency Condensing Boilers

Condensing boilers, run at much higher efficiencies than conventional boilers and therefore are cheaper to run. Due to our great engineers of today they have created boilers with a high level of efficiency and they produce less carbon dioxide.

Not only are condensing boilers more efficient, less harmful to the environment and just as reliable as conventional boilers, they could also save you up to £200 a year on your fuel bills

Condensing Combi Boilers

These are different to an ordinary condensing boiler in that cold water straight from the mains passes directly through the boiler where it is heated instantaneously, therefore removing the need for a hot water cylinder or a cold water tank. Some models do contain an internal store for hot water.

Controls

Modern controls will greatly add to the efficiency of your new boiler.

A room thermostat should always be fitted as part of a central heating system. Individual thermostatic radiator valves (TRV's) only control the temperature of the radiators to which they are fitted. TRV's do not control the boiler so they should not be relied upon solely to control the central heating system

Hot water cylinders should be fitted with thermostats to control the temperature of the water. The temperature should be set to 60 degrees C. The cylinder should also be well insulated by either factory fitted spray foam or a thick padded jacket. An insulating jacket can be purchased for approx £15 - £25 and will pay for itself within a year.

Changes to Building Regulations

From April 2005 all new gas fired boilers fitted in England and Wales must be high efficiency condensing boilers. Installers should fit these boilers if it is reasonable to do so, but in unusual circumstances, where it is considered too difficult to fit, a non-condensing boiler would be acceptable by law.
Similar standards for oil-fired boilers came into effect on 1st April 2007.

Electric Storage Heaters

Electric storage heaters are designed to 'charge' up over night using cheaper electricity and releases the stored heat during the following day. With this method of heating, it is important to be well insulated so when the heat is released it doesn't escape too quickly. Having to 'boost' a charge during the day can be very expensive.