Heating

Using your heating controls effectively will make sure that you keep warm whilst saving energy and keeping your bills as low as possible. We have a number of different heating systems installed. Where possible, we will give you an instruction leaflet for your system. The following is general guidance to help you get the best results from your system.

Heating with radiators (gas or oil)

Getting the timing right - the timer or programmer will allow you to set the heating to come on and off automatically at different times. Some models switch the central heating and hot water off at the same time, others allow hot water and heating to come on and off at different times.

When setting the timer first check that the clock is telling the right time. You will need to remember to reset it when the clocks change and after a power cut. We recommend you set your system to come on 30 minutes to an hour before you want the house to be warm, and off 30 minutes to an hour before you want it off completely.

Setting temperatures - you may have four controls on your heating system that set the temperature as follows:

 

Boiler control thermostat

This controls the temperature of the water going round the radiators and the heating coil in the hot water tank. It stops the boiler overheating.

Hot water cylinder thermostat

Some central heating systems will have a hot water cylinder and some of these are fitted with a thermostat. This regulates the temperature of the hot water that comes out of your taps and if you find your hot water is too warm you can lower the temperature by turning down the thermostat. We recommend this be set at approximately 60° C.

Room thermostat

A room thermostat reacts to the temperature of the air around it. It is usually in the hall or living room. It is recommended that the thermostat is set between 18 and 21° C (64-70F). If you are too warm, reducing the thermostat by 1° C can cut up to 10% off your heating bill.

Thermostatic radiator valves (TVRs)

TVRs allow you to keep different rooms at different temperatures as they switch individual radiators on and off. They usually have a valve marked 1 - 5. The higher the number the warmer the room will get before the radiator switches off. Be careful not to cover the valve with long curtains or furniture, as it will not work effectively.

Electric storage heaters

Electric storage heaters are basically insulated boxes containing special heat retaining bricks with electric elements running through them. When the elements are switched on, the bricks heat up and the heater is 'charged'. Storage heaters charge up using off peak or economy 7 electricity over night which is much cheaper than standard rate electricity.

The bricks release the heat slowly throughout the day through flaps at the top of the heater.

Controlling storage heaters

Most storage heaters have two controls.

Input dial - (sometimes called charge or overnight charge)

This controls the amount of heat to be stored in the heater overnight. On it’s lowest setting only a small amount of heat will be stored (suitable for a mild spring/autumn or cool summer). During the winter, it may be better to have this set to its maximum to ensure enough heat is stored for the following day.

Output dial - (sometimes called room temperature, boost or discharge)

This opens and closes the flap at the top of the heater. On its lowest setting, heat will leave the heater slowly and on its highest setting heat escapes faster and so the stored heat will be used up faster. It is usually best to keep this setting as low as possible to ensure enough heat remains at the end of the day.

Top tips for storage heaters

• Turn down the 'output' control before you go to bed to stop heat being given out when you don't need it.

• If your room is cold, turn up the 'output' control until the room warms up.

• When the room is warm, turn down the 'output' control to save heat for later in the day.

• As the weather gets warmer turn down the 'input' control to store less heat.

• If your home is warm enough in the summer, turn the heaters off at the wall - and back on again when it starts to get colder.

• It costs less to heat your home using storage heaters than by electric fires as they use cheaper electricity.

Energy saving tips

Here are some more simple energy- saving measures, which can be applied to what you do everyday. They will not only reduce the energy you use but also save you money.

• Use energy saving light bulbs.

• Don't leave appliances on stand-by or on charge unnecessarily. Phone chargers still use energy even if your phone is not plugged in.

• Wherever possible, dry your clothes outside. Drying them on a radiator lowers the room temperature, making the boiler work harder, costing you more to heat your home. It also increases condensation.

• If you have cheaper off-peak electricity, try running your washing machine during these off-peak times. But remember your neighbours!

• Try to ensure you have a full load before you use the washing machine. If not use a half-load setting. Consider using a lower temperature - most detergents will work effectively at 30 degrees.

• Only boil as much water in the kettle as you need.

• When boiling vegetables, use just enough water to keep them covered and always put lids on your pans.

• Switch off all lights when you leave the room, including strip fluorescent lights.

• Close your curtains at dusk and tuck them behind the radiator to stop heat escaping and reduce draughts.

Saving water

Some of the energy saving tips will help you save water. Other tips to save water are:

• A shower uses about 35 litres of water but the average bath uses 80 Iitres.

• Put the plug in when washing up or preparing vegetables or use a bowl.

• Turn off the tap when you are brushing your teeth. A family of 4 could save up to 80 litres of water a day - a whole bath full of water.