It is a well known fact that purchasing a high quality, fuel efficient boiler will save you a packet in the long run. However, getting good boiler controls can also make a dramatic difference to the performance and the fuel efficiency of your central heating system.
In the UK, the most common type of boiler in use is the combination, or combi boiler. These tend to fall into one of three categories. You can get boilers that come with their own, non-upgradable integral timer, ones that you can attach a timer to the front of, and ones that can be only operated with a separate control unit.
When you are buying a boiler, it is vital that you make sure that it i suitable for the circumstances in which it will be used. Specifying the right controls for the job is just as important as specifying the right boiler. Since April 1 2005, all new boiler installations in the UK have had to, by law, come equipped with at least a minimum level of energy conserving features and controls.
Thermostatic Radiator Valves, often referred to as TRVs, help to keep temperature levels within a pre set range by gauging the temperature in the room and turning the radiator off when it exceeds the preset temperature, and on when it begins to fall below.
When choosing a boiler and central heating control system, it is good to have an idea where the boiler is to be mounted within the home, and how easy it will be to access on a daily basis. For example, if your boiler is going to be in a loft or an airing cupboard where access is relatively restricted, it would be better to go for remotely mounted control set, whereas if it was mounted in the kitchen, fascia mounted controls would probably be a better and cheaper option. You should always make sure that the type of boiler that you are buying is compatible with the type of controls that you will need.
Although buying a boiler with an integral timer may work out a little bit cheaper in the short term, it could turn out to be a false economy in the longer term, as you will be unable to upgrade or replace the units separately if either should become broken or outmoded. Boilers that can accept external controls that plug into the front fascia connect to the thermostat via the sending and receiving of RF signals, whereas remote controls tend to have the thermostat integrated with the timer, although this arrangement entails a greater amount of wiring and potential disruption for the occupants of the property during installation.
