Combi Boiler advice needed

viv0147

I had a Combi boiler installed a few months ago and I have tried to research the best method of using the heating system but I can’t seem to come up with a definitive answer. These are my circumstances! I live in an upstairs flat that is very well insulated, so recently I have been leaving it on continuous my thermostat which is on the landing is set at 19c once it reaches that temperature it switches off and does not come on again for most of the day if at all, because my flat is holding the warmth.

I am a retired pensioner living on a basic state pension so I only go out a few times a week for shopping and 2 nights a week to my local club which means I am home most of the time so am I using the system the most cost affective way? Please advise. Thanks

penrhyn

I'm in a similar situation. My system has a programmable thermostat, they are a good idea and not too expensive. The boiler is on continuous but the temperature settings are 7:30am to 6 pm 17c, 6pm - 10 pm 19c, 10pm to 7.30 am 14c.

You don't need the heat on when you are in bed, a lower temperature during the day when you are more active, and a bit higher in the evening when you are vegging out.

N1ckR

Worth checking to see what temperature settings condensing mode operates at.
We have had a new boiler fitted and the rad temp dial has to be at no more than 3/4 way round for condensing mode to work.

Consending is more efficient, could save between 1% and 10% (various range of claims on the internet) on your energy bills if your boiler is not currently operating in condensing mode.

MillicentBystander

/Controversial opinion alert/ Timers cost you money you really don't need to spend. Our heating goes on (if it needs to) the minute we get out of bed and goes off when we are warm enough. We are so pampered these days, expecting to be toasty warm as soon as we get up until we go to bed. Then endlessly complain about the price of gas and electric! Timers are the energy company's friend, not ours.

Thank you for reading....:cool:

penrhyn

O deary me!

macman

The most 'cost effective' method is to reduce the no. of hours it's on for. It's not rocket science. Running it at a constant 19C to 'keep the heat topped up' will cost you dear, as it'll be running constantly overnight in the winter months when it's not needed.
This applies to any system, combi or conventional, and to whatever level of insulation you have.

Lgas

N1ckR wrote: »

Worth checking to see what temperature settings condensing mode operates at.
We have had a new boiler fitted and the rad temp dial has to be at no more than 3/4 way round for condensing mode to work.

Consending is more efficient, could save between 1% and 10% (various range of claims on the internet) on your energy bills if your boiler is not currently operating in condensing mode.

Condensing mode? Am I the only one totally puzzled by this? A new boiler condenses even at minimum rate, what's it got to do with the TRV setting?

penrhyn

I think its something to do with the flow and return water temperatures to the boiler. My Worcester modulates the burner between 5 and 15 kW, to maintain efficiency.
Could be wrong of course!

ollski

A condensing boiler needs a return water temperature of 55 degrees or below to work in condensing mode.

Focused

I would go with a time program that matches with when you need heat (in the morning/evening and bed time) Some timers allow for different temperatures at different times, so you could have it lower during the day if you are active around the house. However the best way to save money is not to burn gas.

Linked to the talk above on condensing, what I used to do was set the radiator temperature on the boiler to 70C (it had a digital read out on the boiler) only in the dead of winter, when it was colder. During early/late winter I'd set it to 60-65C and in autumn/spring I'd set it to 50-55C. It was really a judgement based on weather conditions for the coming week (Watch countryfile's weekly weather prediction for details!) If a cold spell is coming - turn it back up, if it's going to be mild, turn it down - it's best to have a play and see what suits you. This greatly reduced our gas bill (24%)

By having the boiler run at these lower temperatures the boiler will condense - basically drawing energy from the combustion process that is unusable at higher temps. When it's warmer outside you need less heat inside to get to the same inside temperature.

Do make sure you get your walls and loft insulated to get the best out of your heating, and go on a draught hunt, and get them fixed.

sk240

For running at peak efficiency, the return water to the boiler needs to be below 55'C, so run it as cool as you can, and still maintain room temp, as you have it on cont anyway, heat up time doesnt matter