Advice on hoe to use Gas heating most effeciently

Staplor

I've been trying to figure out how to use my gas heating better. The system is about 12 years old, no thermostats, zones etc, just a simple on off with a timer, and then a temperature knob.

Presently it's on for about 3 hours in the evening, at max, should the temperature be moved down? is the saving much?

JohnnieK

It wont make that much difference to notice I'm afraid. You should at least think about getting a wireless thermostat fitted to control the space heating.

youtheman

Plus I would fit TRVs to the bedroom radiators on the assumption that 18 deg C is reccomended for a bedroom and 21 deg C for a living room. No wiring required and they are a direct swop for a standard radiator valve, Cost approx 15 euros a pop.

JohnnieK

Also depending on the existing rad valve the tail pieces might not be compatible and would need to be changed as well.

youtheman is right. You would be looking at €15 a pop if you where doing them your self.

Mr u bend

I think unless you actually know what you are doing you should get a proper plumber to do the job .It may seem fine to drain and possibly fit the valves but its the filing and balancing of the system that is difficult .
I could help if you require it

paddy147

Well according to that crowd "Power of One" the best temp setting for your gas boiler is about 55-60 degrees C,as any more than that and its overheating the water and causing energy wastage.

Does that sound right to anyone??

Mr u bend

Paddy
you could also fit thermostats on hot water cylinder and also on radiators
valves on rads should be fitted to the pipe closest to the canter of toom and in the horizontal position
this will make your heating more controlable and also more efficient

heinbloed

Paddy147 wrote:

Well according to that crowd "Power of One" the best temp setting for your gas boiler is about 55-60 degrees C,as any more than that and its overheating the water and causing energy wastage.

Does that sound right to anyone??

No, not as a generalisation.
Every heating system must be optimised, a general optimum flow temperature doesn't exist.
The lower the return temperature can be got the more efficient the gas boiler works.

On the other hand a boiler which is condensing but not suitable for a condensing modus (resp. the flue pipe) would be ruined by a return temperature of less than the condensing temperature.

heinbloed

The OP wrote:

Presently it's on for about 3 hours in the evening, at max, should the temperature be moved down? is the saving much?

It depends on the demand.
Timer and thermostats are the first point to invest. After this it needs adjustment of the system according to demand.
Yes, turning down the flow temperature (meassured at the boiler's outlet) will reduce the fuel bill. But this means as well turning on the heating system for longer to get the same amount of heat into the room. A timer will look at this.



Contact a heating engineer to optimise the entire system.