How to improve your central heating system

You can improve the way in which your home is heated, just by making some subtle adjustments to your central heating system. By upgrading components of your heating system, you can save energy and money.  

There is a whole array of heating controls available that will help your central heating system work more efficiently. These controls include timers, thermostats and electronic components. They can be optimised to help you manage your heating settings and the temperature of each room. 

Usually, some of the heat created by your boiler escapes through the flue pipe. However, with a flue gas heat recovery system, this lost energy can be used to heat your water. This can help to make your system more efficient and save you money.  

It isn’t always practical to install a new heat recovery system, in your current boiler. Although, if you’re having a new boiler fitted, you can opt for a model that is equipped with a heat recovery system. Equally, you can ask your installer to implement a separate heat recovery system, alongside your boiler. 

Modern hot water cylinders are well-insulated, to keep your hot water at the right temperature for longer. Your hot water cylinder will ensure that you’re supplied with hot water whenever you require it.  

As cylinders age, they aren’t as effective at keeping water at the right temperature. Therefore, if you currently have an old cylinder, then you could save money by topping up the insulation. Additionally, if you’re looking to replace your cylinder, you should make sure that it’s not bigger than it needs to be.  

In old central heating systems, corrosion and the build-up of sludge can reduce the effectiveness of radiators and other components of the system. A chemical inhibitor will decrease the chances of corrosion occurring and stop the build-up of sludge. This will help to maintain the efficiency of the system, and ensure that excess energy isn’t wasted. Whenever your central heating system is drained during maintenance work, chemical inhibitors should be refreshed or replaced.  

Due to building regulations, the use of magnetic filters is encouraged to remove dust, and any other debris from the water. If you replace your boiler, or swap it for a different type of central heating system, a plumber should install a magnetic filter close to the boiler.  

Like other components of a central heating system, boilers also become less efficient as they get older. Upgrading to a modern boiler, ensures that your home is heated more effectively. Although, the cost of a boiler varies, you can expect to pay between £2,000 to £3,000 for a replacement gas boiler and thermostatic radiator valves.   

If you’re are replacing an oil boiler, then you can expect to pay slightly more. Along with thermostatic radiator valves, a replacement oil boiler will cost just over £3,000.