Keep your home warm with These Efficient Heating Solutions

By Tal Potishman

Winter is almost here, are you prepared? It is important to ensure that your central heating system is up to par. An enjoyable holiday season is only possible if all parts of the system are operating properly. There are a few problems that can, and usually do, occur at the most inconvenient of times. Frost damage is a frequent occurrence that can harm both boilers and pipes.

In the past, the central heating system was set up so that the frost thermostat was placed near the boiler. It was responsible for turning on the boiler as the ambiance temperature dropped below the determined level and heat was needed. The thermostat also stopped the boiler when it detected the air temperature was at an appropriate level. Many times the thermostat detected heat leaking from the boiler or the pipes and immediately turned off the system to conserve energy.

Modern central heating design has solved the problem of heat escape through improved insulation but in doing so, created another problem. The boiler and pipes are now much more insulated, in an attempt to conserve energy. Unfortunately, the frost thermostat is no longer capable of accurately determining the temperature. As a result, wasteful overheating can easily occur.

The pipe thermostat is one solution. The product is installed on the boiler return pipe. This thermostat detects changes in pipe temperature and prevents overheating by shutting off the system when necessary. There are several UK companies that sell the frost thermostat and low limit pipe thermostat together in one kit. These products allow you to adjust room temperature and provide frost protection for your boilers and pipes.

Set up and installation of the thermostats is easy and user friendly. Directions for installation and wiring arrive along with the product, all in one kit. Frost thermostats are commonly set to 5C and pipe thermostats are usually set to 25C. If you have additional exposed pipes (e.g in the garage), extra thermostats can be bought to secure your central heating system completely.

Sometimes, a pipe thermostat is not the best solution for your individual needs. Another product that could prove useful is the fully programmable room thermostat. This can be installed in a number of locations throughout the home, including the living room or hallway. They serve to record and monitor the room temperature and are very easy to install. Modern room thermostat models operate by RF, or Radio Frequency. A radio signal is sent from the thermostat to the boiler eliminating the need for wiring.

Thermostats are an important element of your home heating system but, there are other variables that impact your heating efficiency. By sectioning the home off into zones, waste can be avoided. The use of zones, allows you to focus the heat where you need it most. More populated areas can be kept warmer than empty rooms that do not require as much heating. This minor change can produce great results. Not only will heating bills be lower but, system efficiency will be greatly improved. - 30517

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