You probably never thought you’d be reading an article about the weird and wonderful world of boilers, yet here we are. This is the guide you never knew you needed to the strangest quirky facts about the boiler sitting in your upstairs cupboard that keeps you warm all winter long.
When you think about your boiler, if you think about it, it is probably because something has gone wrong and you need 24 hour boiler repairs on a cold winter night, or you have just had an email reminding you that it is time to arrange your annual service.
Many people still have an old fashioned perception of boilers as clunky and inefficient steam filled machines that make a huge amount of noise when rattling into operation and sending water through your pipes. The true reality of the modern boiler is very different, meeting the heating requirements of your home in a quiet, swift, and energy efficient fashion.
Once you have read through this article, you might give your boiler a bit more credit and will certainly have a better understanding of how it operates and the benefits of having a new boiler installed in your home.
Let’s get started then! Here are 5 interesting facts about boilers for all the family to enjoy.
Low water pressure can damage your boiler
Low water pressure is a serious issue for your home heating system and it is no coincidence that there is a gauge on the front of all boilers that lets you know when pressure falls.
Radiant heat based home heating systems work by heating the water inside your pipes and if there is a lack of water in the pipes and pressure drops, malfunctions are certain to occur.
As soon as pressure falls, certain parts of your home won’t be heated properly and you might find that certain rooms simply won’t heat up no matter how high you turn the radiators.
The biggest victims of low water pressure tend to be rooms in the upstairs of the home as the water doesn’t have enough energy to travel upwards. Continuing to use a boiler with low pressure is only going to end badly and can cause your boiler to break down completely so get in touch with a professional gas safe engineer the moment that you notice any issues or the gauge falls into the red.
‘Boilers’ don’t boil
Contrary to popular misconceptions, boilers don’t actually boil water but simply fill your pipes and hot taps with comfortably warm hot water. This isn’t to say that boilers don’t have the capability to boil water, they certainly do, but this simply isn’t necessary for everyday operations and could cause your boiler to degrade at a faster rate. In fact, boilers only use a tiny amount of the energy that they contain and are exceptionally effective at producing heat as inexpensively and economically as possible.
No two boilers are the same
Every single boiler is different and will provide a slightly different level of energy efficiency. That said, one of the most sure-fire ways to reduce your energy usage and bills simultaneously is to replace your older boiler with a brand new replacement.
Modern combi boilers have been designed specifically with energy efficiency in mind and can result I huge savings in comparison to older style boilers that will have dropped in efficiency dramatically over the years.
A single degree makes all the difference
Turning your thermostat down just one single degree this winter can result in heating bill savings of 10% or more. According to the World Health Organisation 18 degrees Celsius is the ideal inside temperature for the average household but many keep their property well above the 20 degree mark.
If you like it hot then go ahead and do this, but if you want to keep your costs down without compromising on comfort or safety, a couple of degrees and an extra layer can make far bigger improvements than many people realise.
Such a small lifestyle change can have dramatic repercussions for your wallet, not to mention significantly reducing your carbon footprint and creating a more environmentally property.
Boilers don’t have to be complicated
Boilers are a lot simpler than most people realise. Modern boilers work by natural gas flowing into the main section of the unit before being ignited by a small spark. These flames are then used to heat the water inside your pipes which is then sent flowing around your home and spreading ambient heat.
The water in your pipes will remain warm for some time after your boiler has stopped firing, providing additional heat to your property without costing you extra money.