In this article, we’ll look at how to ideally set the temperature according to the type of boiler, the size of your home and the level of insulation. We’ll also add practical maintenance and troubleshooting tips for common problems, so you can get the most out of your heating system and avoid unnecessary expense.
How do different types of boiler work?
Each boiler has its own set of rules that affect its setup and efficiency. Whether you have a gas, electric or condensing boiler, each needs a different approach to get the most out of it while saving energy.
Gas boiler
Do you have a gas boiler at home? Do you know how it works and what all affects its performance? Most of us just press a button when it gets cold outside, but few realise how the system works in the background.
A gas boiler uses natural gas that passes into the combustion chamber where it ignites thanks to a spark. This process generates heat that warms the water circulating in the radiators and ensures your home is warm. When it’s colder outside, the boiler needs to work harder and uses more energy.
This is where the importance of getting the temperature right comes in. Gas boilers are most efficient when the heating temperature is set at 65-75°C and the hot water at 50-60°C. These settings provide sufficient thermal comfort and reduce energy waste.
Electric boilers
Electric boilers work on a similar principle but can be more expensive to run. These boilers convert electricity into heat using heating coils. Water passes through these coils, where it is heated, and then circulated to radiators or underfloor heating. Unlike gas boilers, electric boilers do not produce flue gases, so they do not require a chimney or ventilation system.
Although they are quiet and easy to install, they can be more expensive to run due to the cost of electricity. Setting the temperature around 65-70°C for heating and 50-55°C for hot water can help reduce running costs.
Condensing boilers
This type of boiler uses the heat from waste gases that would otherwise escape into the air. In a condensing boiler, the gas is burned in a similar way to a conventional gas boiler, but the condensing heat from the steam generated during combustion is also used. In this way, higher energy efficiency is achieved.
Condensing boilers work best at lower temperatures, ideally around 55 °C, allowing condensation and maximum usage of energy. This makes them ideal for modern households looking to save on energy and reduce their carbon footprint.
What factors affect the boiler temperature setting?
Correct boiler temperature setting depends on a number of factors:
The size of the household and the number of rooms
The size of the household is one of the key factors. Larger houses or flats with more rooms need a higher temperature to ensure even heating, especially in rooms further away from the boiler.
On the other hand, smaller rooms spread heat more quickly and can therefore be efficiently heated at a lower boiler temperature, saving energy.
Insulation level
Another important aspect is the insulation level of the house. Homes with good insulation – well-sealed windows, doors, insulated walls and lofts – retain heat much better and allow the boiler to be set at a lower temperature. Contrarily, homes with inadequate insulation will require a higher temperature to compensate for heat leaks, which can lead to higher heating costs.
Type of heating system
The type of heating system is also crucial. For example, underfloor heating works efficiently at lower temperatures, around 30-45°C, because the heat is spread evenly from the floor throughout the room.
Radiators, however, require higher temperatures (around 65-75 °C) to spread heat effectively throughout the room. If you are using a condensing boiler, the ideal temperature is usually lower to maximise the condensing effect and save energy.
Individual needs of household members
The individual needs and preferences of household members are also an important consideration. Some people prefer a warmer environment, while others prefer a cooler temperature. These preferences can influence how high you set the temperature on the boiler. Add to this the weather and seasonal temperature fluctuations – on extremely cold days you may need to increase the boiler temperature, while in milder periods it can be lowered to save energy.
Boiler energy efficiency
Finally, elements such as the energy efficiency of the boiler or its technical condition are also important. Older or poorly maintained boilers may be less efficient and require higher temperature settings to achieve the required heat output. Regular maintenance and inspection of the boiler can therefore improve its efficiency and allow more efficient temperature settings, leading to lower heating costs.
Do not neglect regular boiler maintenance
Regular boiler inspection and servicing isn’t just about compliance – it’s an investment in the long-term safety and efficiency of your heating system. Older or dirty boilers can lose efficiency, which means higher energy consumption and therefore higher bills.
Boilers that are not regularly serviced are more prone to wear and tear, reduced performance, and in worse cases, can cause dangerous situations such as gas leaks or carbon monoxide accumulation.
Quality servicing and inspection by professionals include:
- inspection of all major boiler components,
- cleaning of clogged parts,
- adjusting settings,
- checking safety features.
The result is more efficient combustion, optimum temperature settings and lower fuel or energy consumption. In addition, regular maintenance prolongs the life of the boiler and prevents expensive repairs or equipment replacements.
Therefore, it is wise not to neglect these services and to ensure that your boiler operates safely and efficiently throughout the heating season. Entrust the inspection and maintenance of your boiler to the professionals at Vykurene.sk to ensure its long-term efficiency and safety.
More tips on how to reduce heating costs
- Use thermostatic heads and zone heating: Install thermostatic heads on radiators and use zone heating to regulate the temperature in different rooms as required. This will reduce heating in rooms you don’t use often and save energy.
- Insulation and seal: Improve your home’s insulation – insulating walls, replacing windows and doors or sealing slits can significantly reduce heat loss. Good insulation means less heat escaping outside and less energy needed for heating.
- Use smart thermostats: Smart thermostats allow you to program your heating according to your daily routines and monitor your consumption. You can set lower temperatures while you’re away or at night, significantly reducing costs.
- Ventilate sensibly: In winter, ventilate briefly and intensively to exchange air without unnecessary heat loss. Constantly open windows can increase energy consumption, so it is better to plan ventilation efficiently
- Optimize the placement of furniture and curtains: Make sure radiators are not covered by furniture or thick curtains that prevent heat from flowing into the room. Free airflow around radiators will improve heating and reduce energy consumption.
- Turn the boiler off when you are away: If you plan to be away for an extended period of time, turn the boiler off or set it to a lower temperature.
