The boiler is the workhorse of your entire heating and hot water system, so you need to ensure that it runs efficiently. Not only will this save on utility costs, but by ensuring that your boiler is running at its best it will also mean that there are less potentially costly repairs needed in future.
Our Boiler Efficiency Top Tips
Boiler efficiency can be improved with a few simple measures:
– Get a regular boiler service. Hire an expert to come out and give your boiler a full check-up once or twice a year. Have them clean the boiler out inside as well as outside – boiler grime can block up key internal components or affect how the boiler burns fuel. Have them check over safety systems such as sensors too – they’ll ensure everything is in good working order and carry out any small maintenance tasks that are needed.
– Get boiler controls checked. If you’ve got a boiler timer, go through the settings and make sure it’s set to run at the most cost effective time of day for your boiler. You might also want to consider replacing your old boiler timer with a new programmable model if you haven’t already done so – newer models can be programmed over the internet in seconds or with a mobile phone app
– Change boiler pressure. Different water pressures will require different boiler pressures to work effectively. What’s more, if you have adjustable boiler pressure then there is no reason why this shouldn’t be changed seasonally too or regularly when you notice it needs adjusting – every degree of excess boiler pressure will cost you money.
– Use boiler condensate properly. This is a hot water by-product that you can’t store – unless you have a boiler with its own storage tank, but the boiler needs it back to work efficiently. Many people leave their boiler ‘on’ all day even when it isn’t heating anything so the boiler has hot water on tap – if you’re not using it then turn the boiler pressure down so that it doesn’t work to excess.
– Examine the Insulation Around Nearby Piping – Although the boiler itself may be properly insulated, the same cannot always be said for nearby pipes and valves. A lack of insulation around these areas will inevitably lead to heat loss and as a result, rising energy costs. Check to ensure that the proper thermal barriers are in place and if you are not certain, it is always wise to consult with a professional.
– Consider a Replacement – There can also be times when a boiler replacement is the most viable option. As a general rule of thumb, units that are 20 years old should be upgraded in order to leverage the latest technological advancements. A new boiler will likewise help to dramatically lower heating costs when compared to an older model and these savings will quickly add up; providing a higher return on investment.
– Regular Cleaning and Maintenance – The importance of timely maintenance cannot be overstated. Some professional actions which should be taken include:
- Bleeding the radiators at least once every year.
- Checking the internal boiler pressure.
- Ensuring that the pilot flame is blue.
- Examining for water leaks and signs of rust around the periphery of the boiler.
Although a one-off examination can often spot small problems, we also need to realise the fact that some issues will need to be diagnosed by a trained professional. This is why you should schedule a boiler inspection at least once each year.
The team at ST Heating Services is happy to address any commercial or industrial boiler maintenance or repair issues that you may have. It pays to correct a small issue before it evolves into a major setback, so be sure to contact us to schedule a consultation.