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.
In recent years, the boiler and nearby pipes have been insulated much better (thus effectively saving energy) that the frost thermostat can no longer effectively determine when the air temperature has reached the requested degree. This can prove to be problematic, as it may lead to overheating.
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.
The new thermostats are easy to install and set up. Complete installation and wiring guidelines are all contained in one box making it simple for the installer. The frost thermostat is set to a typical temperature of 5C and the pipe thermostat is put to a typical temperature of 25C. Extra frost thermostats can also be installed to provide complete defence, if the pipes are exposed further around the property (e.g. in a shed, in a garage etc.).
Another heating regulation solution is the fully programmable room thermostat. Such devices are normally installed inside the living area (typically the hallway or the living room) to take a typical measure of the room temperature. Modern designs can be set to alter the temperature several times throughout the course of a day. More recent kits have wireless models that operate via a radio signal from the thermostat to the boiler. Such RF (Radio Frequency) thermostats are easy to install as they do not require wiring, but rather use a secure radio frequency to relay their reading to the boiler control unit.
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.
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.
In recent years, the boiler and nearby pipes have been insulated much better (thus effectively saving energy) that the frost thermostat can no longer effectively determine when the air temperature has reached the requested degree. This can prove to be problematic, as it may lead to overheating.
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.
The new thermostats are easy to install and set up. Complete installation and wiring guidelines are all contained in one box making it simple for the installer. The frost thermostat is set to a typical temperature of 5C and the pipe thermostat is put to a typical temperature of 25C. Extra frost thermostats can also be installed to provide complete defence, if the pipes are exposed further around the property (e.g. in a shed, in a garage etc.).
Another heating regulation solution is the fully programmable room thermostat. Such devices are normally installed inside the living area (typically the hallway or the living room) to take a typical measure of the room temperature. Modern designs can be set to alter the temperature several times throughout the course of a day. More recent kits have wireless models that operate via a radio signal from the thermostat to the boiler. Such RF (Radio Frequency) thermostats are easy to install as they do not require wiring, but rather use a secure radio frequency to relay their reading to the boiler control unit.
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.
About the Author:
Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes articles about central heating, combi boilers, Golders Green plumbers, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating.
