With cooler weather in sight, now is the best time to check that your system is operating at maximum efficiency. Here we share with you tips for getting the most out of your hydronic heating system, as well as some changes you can make to improve its performance.
Check your thermostat is in working order
The thermostat is a good place to start when checking your system’s operation. Turn it on and let the temperature and pressure rise. This lets you check for any leaks that may have occurred throughout the summer months. If you do notice any leaks coming from the boiler, or any of its pipes, then it’s best to call in a professional to fix this right away.
Next, use a digital thermometer to check that your thermostat’s temperature sensor is accurate. If the two temperatures don’t match, then your system won’t operate at your desired temperatures, resulting in an uncomfortable environment and expensive energy bills. When the cooler weather does set in, make sure you set the thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature for the most efficient operation.
Draught-proof your home
Valuable heat can escape through any unsealed cracks and gaps in the home, but draught-proofing these spots can be one of the most effective ways of keeping your energy bills in check. YourEnergySavings recommends checking anywhere where there are joins in the home – windows, doors, skylights, cornices, skirting boards and floorboards – and filling in any cracks with polyurethane expanding foam or a multipurpose gap filler such as caulk. Underneath doors, you can use something as simple as a door snake to keep unwanted draughts at bay.
Opt for an external sensor
Maximise the efficiency of your boiler and the comfort in your household with an external sensor. When attached to your boiler, an external sensor continually adjusts the boiler’s water temperature based on the outdoor conditions – raising the water temperature when it’s colder, and lowering it when it’s warmer. In doing so, your system isn’t working overtime when it doesn’t need to, thereby reducing your energy costs and delivering a year-round steady temperature.
Consider upgrading to a condensing boiler
If you’ve had your hydronic system for many years now, you may want to think about upgrading your boiler to a condensing model. Condensing boilers offer efficiencies of over 90%, and most come with in-built outdoor reset controls. These boilers are highly efficient because they burn more of the energy contained within their fuel source into useful heat, using the heat that would have otherwise been lost.
Book in for a regular service
Having your boiler serviced by an accredited hydronic specialist every 1-2 years is crucial to maintaining the lifetime of the boiler, and for ensuring that your boiler isn’t expending unnecessary energy. Boilers also need to be flushed out every few years to remove potential sludge build-up, which may make its operation sluggish and inefficient.
To arrange for a pre-autumn check-up of your hydronic system or to find your local accredited specialist, get in touch with us today.
