Efficient heating systems

Saving energy and keeping a home warm are paramount to most property owners. Heating costs keep rising, climate change keeps resulting in greater summer-winter temperature differentials and that all equals higher energy bills and more expense.

The good news is that there are a number of actions that can be taken to try to fend off these costs whilst not losing out on essential warmth and here are some of them.

To start with, lagging any pipes makes sense. Firstly, it keeps the heat in hot water pipes and secondly it will prevent bursts resulting from freezing. Using insulation in loft spaces and even fixing polystyrene tiles against cold outside facing walls will make a big difference. Double or triple glazing will also conserve heat and prevent condensation whilst reducing outdoor noise transmission.

Whilst it may not initially make sense, adding some extra radiators can actually save money if your boiler is under utilized. That is, if it is not being used to its full capacity. This is because the most efficient way of using the boiler is not being adopted.

Keeping close watch on the thermostat and adjusting it if the house feels too warm will always save money. Make sure that you do not have your heating set to come on too early or go off too late. If you do you are simply wasting energy and, more importantly, money.

Is your boiler running effectively and efficiently? When was it last serviced or maintained? Having a boiler serviced can improve performance or make you aware that you are losing money. Replacing an older boiler with a new “smart” one will often see savings that can pay for themselves fairly quickly. Check to see if this is an option worth considering.

Check if your radiators need bleeding, i.e. is the top section cold when the rest of the radiator is hot? If so, you have air in the system and you need to remove or bleed the air out by opening the radiator outlet on one of the upstairs radiators. Ideally it should be the last radiator to be fed from the boiler, but any top level radiator will do. You should have a special radiator key for this. If you do not, they are available from all DIY stores and plumbing retailers.

Finally, make sure that the back of your radiators (where the ribs or fins are) are not clogged up with dust or other rubbish. These fins are used to create convection currents that pull cold air up and across the radiator from where it then heats the room. If they are blocked your radiators cannot function correctly.