Here are some upgrades to your current system that you might like to consider; all of which could save you money and help your system perform more efficiently!
Money-Saving System Upgrades
Due to the chemical reaction that occurs between the different metals in a given boiler/system, aided by the water and any air that may be present, a substance called magnetite is produced, taking the form of ‘sludge’ and metallic flakes. This magnetite can block components in your boiler, causing it to malfunction, and make it more inefficient. Having a magnetic filter can help prevent this happening!
A magnetic filter is a canister that is fitted to the pipe returning the system water to the boiler. Inside is a powerful magnet that captures the magnetite and prevents it from going through the boiler and causing damage and blockages. Watch the demonstration video below!
- Magnetic filters can be supplied and fitted by us – call for a quote! Cleaning them out is part of your annual boiler service.
The circulating pump on your central heating system is among the most energy-hungry items in your home. Therefore, since Jan 1st 2013, all new heating pumps have had to comply with the Energy Related Products (ErP) Directive. Prior to this, pumps would run at a constant fixed speed, no matter what; now all modern pumps must ‘modulate’ their speed depending on the work load required when they are on. This means they can use around 50% less energy than older pumps. They are also quieter and much less prone to sticking owing to the higher torque that they are able to produce.
- New Grundfos Erp-compliant pumps can be supplied and fitted by us, including new isolation valves – call for a quote!
The last couple of years have seen the release of programmable thermostats that you can control from anywhere outside your home, using an app on your smart phone or tablet. These are particularly great as they save you money as you no longer have to heat an empty house if you don’t get in at the same time every day. They still, of course, allow you to come home to a warm house as you can switch your heating on just prior to your arrival!
There are now many different brands and models on the market, altho we recommend Hive stats due to their ease of installation and user-friendly operation. Get in touch to discuss the various options.
These are like standard thermostats, where you set the temperature that you would like the room to be at (usually 19 – 21 degrees celcius). However, unlike hard-wired thermostats, which are in a fixed position, these are battery-powered and communicate with the boiler via radio frequency. This means that you can take them with you into whichever room you happen to be in and control the heating from there.
Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) have in them temperature sensors (usually a wax capsule) that react to the temperature in the room and turn themselves down or off when the set temperature is reached. A recent study by Salford University showed that, in combination with a room thermostat, TRVs will save the average home 40.7% of their heating costs (as opposed to just 12% with a room thermostat alone!). http://www.salford.ac.uk/research/best/research-groups/applied-buildings-and-energy/accordion/energy-house/case-studies
- Call for a quote to replace your radiator valves today!Please note, the radiator in the same room as your room thermostat does not require a TRV.