Gas Heating Controls

Heating controls

You can save over 15% on your energy bills through the use of heating controls and you’ll ensure that your heating systems operate safely and efficiently. Heating Controls also protect buildings, heating plants and other machinery from frost and condensation damage.

Boiler sequencing

If your business has a number of boilers installed you should consider installing a boiler sequencer. A boiler sequencer will control the operation of the boiler to ensure that the minimum number of boiler fires are operating to meet the demand of the building. If you do not have a sequencer you can manually switch off one or more of the boilers during milder weather.

Pipe work Insulation

By insulating pipework you can reduce heat loss by over 70%. All pipework should be insulated. It is also important that the insulation is regularly assessed for damage and wear and tear. You should pay particular attention to valves as these can often be left un-insulated.

Zoning

You can save energy by splitting your heating system into independently controlled zones. This is particularly important in large buildings which require different levels of heating. Zoning will allow for the separate time and temperature controls to be installed for the individual areas.

Standing losses

On larger boilers, the flue can cause a flow of air through the boiler, even when it is not firing. This cools the boiler and causes valuable heat loss known as 'standing losses'. A flue damper can be used to close off the flue automatically when the boiler is not firing, thus preventing energy loss.

Typical heating controls that can save you energy include:

Room thermostat

Room thermostats regulate the temperature of your room. Temperature control, wireless and programmable units are now available that provide increased flexibility in control of the room heating, positioning of the unit and they also eliminate visible wiring.

Cylinder thermostat

This provides simple control of stored hot water temperature. It is commonly used with a motorised valve to provide close control of water temperature.

Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs)

A TRV is a thermostat that regulates the amount of heat going into a radiator according to the temperature in the room.

7-Day Programmable Timer

A 7-Day Programmable Timer will allow you to set your heating system to match your occupancy patterns. The separation of space heating and domestic hot water controls into zones will also allow you to set each zone to operate for required periods only.

Boiler interlock

Boiler interlocking is a method of interconnecting your heating system controls with your boiler to ensure that the boiler only operates when required.

Recommendation

Remember that a boiler installation and service should be carried out by a qualified and experienced service technician and Electric Ireland recommend that all gas boilers are serviced by a Registered Gas Installer (RGI).

You can find a Registered Gas Installer in your area by logging onto the RGII website.