Gas Boiler On/Off switch

modelreject

Hi,

I m new to using gas and have moved into a house which has a Worcester Greenstar Junior 28I Combination Boiler. There is the mains switch which I assume I don't need to switch off, but what about the on/off button on the actual boiler. Is it okay to switch this on and off as much as I like? What is that switch actually doing?

Thanks,
C

macman

Unless you have an alternative source of hot water heating, switching your boiler off either at the mains isolator or at the boiler will result in no hot water (or heating).

modelreject

Just wondering if I should switch it off every morning before I go to work since no-one will be there to use it. Some people, I've heard, leave the switch on the actual boiler on all day, everyday, which seems a bit pointless to me.

renegade

I have tried both methods with the same boiler, having been told that to leave it ON does not use any gas- this is rubbish, it does use a pilot light which can add up to your usage. I now switch mine off until I need hot water ( in the summer) I only use it for a bath and washing up then switch it off the rest of the time. No more HOT airing cupboard and saving money!

macman

It's a a bit pointless switching it off. What would that achieve?
Switching it off will also stop the frost 'stat kicking in in winter, so really not a good idea.

macman

renegade wrote: »

I have tried both methods with the same boiler, having been told that to leave it ON does not use any gas- this is rubbish, it does use a pilot light which can add up to your usage. I now switch mine off until I need hot water ( in the summer) I only use it for a bath and washing up then switch it off the rest of the time. No more HOT airing cupboard and saving money!

All modern condensing boilers do not have pilot lights. they have electronic ignition.

lemontart

macman wrote: »

All modern condensing boilers do not have pilot lights. they have electronic ignition.

But a lot of people do not have condensing boilers.

ziggyman99

lemontart wrote: »

But a lot of people do not have condensing boilers.

But the boiler in question doesn't have a pilot light - in any case, turning the power off on a boiler doesn't usually extinguish the pilot light. The pilot is maintained by the thermocouple which generates a tiny voltage which holds opens a solenoid valve.

ziggyman99

renegade wrote: »

No more HOT airing cupboard and saving money!

It's a combi boiler????

modelreject

Things are starting to get confusing. Here is a link to the boiler in question...http://www.plumbnation.co.uk/site/worcester-greenstar-junior-28i-combi-boiler-natural-gas/

I just want to save energy, whether that is gas or electricity having the on/off switch on.

Thanks for all your help.

ziggyman99

modelreject wrote: »

Things are starting to get confusing. Here is a link to the boiler in question...http://www.plumbnation.co.uk/site/worcester-greenstar-junior-28i-combi-boiler-natural-gas/

I just want to save energy, whether that is gas or electricity having the on/off switch on.

Thanks for all your help.

Yes. Turning your boiler off will save electricity. It won't save gas. However, the stress caused to the PCB (electronics) by repeatedly cycling the power may result in it's premature failure. That's about £120 - if you pay cost price - plus fitting.