Conventional boiler - how can I cut bills?

agme28

Hiya

I have a conventional boiler which is pretty old and am wondering how I could cut my energy bills now my partner has moved out.

The timer has the option of Off, Hot Water Only or Hot Water & Heating. I have it set to the last option and the central heating comes on overnight and goes off in the day (I have 2 kids under three and it gets cold at night still).

My question is, will it be consuming loads of energy to keep the water hot? Does the water only heat as set by the timer, or does the timer just govern the heating? And why is the boiler always lit? What is the purpose of that unless it is always heating something?

thanks!
abi

Strawberry1_3

Hi Abi ..

I wish I could help but I am in the same situation as you! so far I've done various test (heating on constant or / timed / ...) and at the same time have checked my gas consumption via the my main metre (so following on from recommendation I took a metre reading everyday-at the same time)..
Interestingly enough a lots people told me that It would be best leaving the heating on constant all the time (water timed) as opposed to leave the heating on timer ?!?..
So I called my energy company (npower) to double check if this was correct! and I was told that yes it was best (normal temperature - around 15degree then bit higher in the evening if necessary).. the only thing is that my last gas bill was very high! (£246 for 3 1/2 months and for 1 bedroom flat!!)...saying that I don't think you can use this as an example as I am not only on the standard tariff(so very expensive) but also paying quartlery so not the best option! ...

Nevertheless my boiler is very old and I am still determine to find out the best option so if I find any more information, I will let you know.

Best Wishes,

Canucklehead

I have a conventional boiler which is pretty old and am wondering how I could cut my energy bills

Insulate ,insulate and then insulate even more In other words reduce your heat loss through windows, roof, doors and any other way heat can escape to outside.
There is no quick /cheap fix, you either do it or accept you will pay high fuel bills.
I'm not suggesting a new boiler as it will not stop your heat loss.
Advice here...
www.est.org.uk

Corgi Guy.

mute_posting

Totally agree with canucklehead, sort out any wasted / lost heat first before replacing the boiler - no point spending money just to waste heat/money more economically!

As regards the hot water (and following a discussion on here the other day) assuming your hot tank is well insulated, once it is at the right temperature, conventional wisdom says that it will use very little energy to keep it there (as being well insulated, it isn't loosing much)