Here’s a simple energy efficient method that when implemented will optimise the amount of gas and hot water you use throughout the winter which of course will save you money.
Replacing old inefficient Boilers is the best energy efficient hack but replacement is costly, and not everyone is in a position to replace their Boiler.
The next best thing is Thermostatic radiator valves which allow the temperature of a room to be precisely altered in small increments by controlling the flow of hot water to the radiator.
There are two kinds of Thermostatic Radiator Valve, and they both control the flow of hot water differently. The first utilises a spring which stretches and reduces to regulate temperature. The second is the most effective (and expensive) valve which uses a fluid in an expansion capsule that expands and contracts to move a pin that opens and closes the flow of water to the valve, controlling room temperature in the process.
Heating Engineers fit Thermostatic radiator valves as standard on new central heating installations. Older central heating systems may not have them, if you’re one of these people don’t worry! They are quick and cheap to install on existing systems; it’s not a DIY job so make sure you use a qualified heating engineer.
Unfortunately, most homeowners don’t know how to get the very best from their thermostatic radiator valves a lot of people turn them to the maximum or minimum setting, which is unnecessary. The idea of thermostatic radiator valves is that they adjust themselves, here’s how best to use them for energy efficiency
In every room, you don’t want
- No heat
- Some heat but not enough
- A little to much heat
- Far to much heat
You want the exact temperature that matches your comfort preferences, the amount of heat will be different for every room in your house
In every room turn your radiator valves to the halfway point this will likely be level 3, leave for 6-24 hours, it’s up to you but 6 hours is the minimum
After the 6-24 hours has elapsed sit in each room for a while (around 15 minutes will work with this hack) and decide whether the room is too hot or to cold
- To hot? turn the valve down to 2.5
- To Cold? turn the valve up to 3.5
Leave again for 6-24 hours after this time sit in each room again and monitor the temperature
- Still too hot? turn the valve down to 2
- Still too cold? turn the valve up to 4
Perfect Temperature? the radiator is set and can be left alone
Repeat this method until you have your ideal temperature for each room you also have the option of working in smaller increments when adjusting the valves (0.25 instead of 0.5 for example) if you want a more precise setting.
This simple method will make you very comfortable and make sure you’re not wasting in money on your heating bills.
