Stewart Clements, Director at the Heating & Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC), believes that engineers can help homeowners to improve the performance of their existing heating systems, helping them make meaningful cost savings in the process.
He says: “Simple, cost-effective optimisation measures can deliver meaningful savings and improve comfort at a time when support is much needed. These improvements to the heating system can be made by the heating engineer while they are carrying out a service.”
Some domestic heating systems are not operating at peak efficiency, often due to settings, controls or system design issues that can be addressed quickly by a qualified heating engineer.
One of the easiest and most effective steps is adjusting the boiler flow temperature. In many homes, boilers are set higher than necessary, increasing fuel consumption. Reducing the boiler flow temperature, typically to around 60°C, depending on the system, can significantly improve efficiency, particularly for condensing boilers, and deliver immediate cost savings.
Get the controls right
Heating controls are fundamental to efficient operation, yet they are frequently missing, incorrectly set up or poorly understood by end users.
Installers should ensure systems include a working room thermostat, a properly configured timer or programmer and thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) on most radiators. Correctly set controls allow households to heat only the spaces they need, when they need them, reducing waste and improving comfort.
Taking the time to explain how to use controls effectively can also make a substantial difference to energy consumption.
System balancing
An unbalanced heating system can lead to some rooms overheating while others remain cold, driving up energy use as the householders compensate.
Balancing radiators ensures even heat distribution throughout the property, improving overall system performance, helping to avoid the boiler firing up unnecessarily and using more fuel than it needs to. Fitting smart TRV’s that have a system balancing feature can ensure the systems operates efficiently.
Identify pipework constraints
Older properties may still be operating with microbore pipework (typically 8mm or 10mm), which can restrict flow and impact system efficiency. While not always requiring immediate replacement, installers should be aware of potential limitations, particularly where customers report poor heat distribution or noise. Where practical, upgrading sections of pipework to larger diameters can improve circulation and system performance. It also futureproofs the property so low temperature systems can be used at a later date.
HEATING CONTROLS ARE FUNDAMENTAL TO THE EFFICIENT OPERATION OF A SYSTEM, YET THEY ARE FREQUENTLY MISSING, INCORRECTLY SET UP OR POORLY UNDERSTOOD BY END USERS.
Check radiator performance
Radiators that are undersized or poorly positioned can struggle to heat rooms effectively, leading to longer run times and higher energy bills. Installers can assess whether emitters are delivering adequate heat and recommend targeted upgrades where necessary, particularly in colder areas of the home.
Even small improvements, such as bleeding the radiators, checking for sludge in the system and flushing and treating with inhibitor, can help systems run more efficiently and reduce overall demand.
Beyond the boiler
Improving heating efficiency isn’t just about the system itself. Installers are well placed to recommend simple measures that reduce heat loss, such as topping up loft insulation and addressing draughts. Reducing heat loss means the system doesn’t have to work as hard, delivering direct savings on energy bills.
Steward adds: “In the current climate, many homeowners are unable or unwilling to invest in major upgrades but we know that servicing the heating system can maintain and improve efficiency. Heating engineers can provide real value by focusing on practical, affordable improvements that deliver immediate results. By optimising existing systems, through better settings, controls and maintenance, installers can help customers take control of their heating costs and improve comfort.” www.hhic.org.uk