The Role of Thermostat Controls in Efficient Heating

Much emphasis has been placed on achieving efficient home heating in recent years, with homeowners investing in various products to help them minimise heat loss and, in the process, save money on energy and reduce carbon emissions. Solar panels, insulation and energy efficient double glazing are all now standard features on new build homes; however, there is one little gadget that is every bit as effective without receiving half the plaudits of other energy saving methods: the thermostat.

Whether you have an electric combi boiler or a gas one, thermostat controls are a real money saver. It is estimated that controlling heating with a thermostat can save between £70 and £150 a year on energy bills and 310kg to 630kg of carbon dioxide. In order to benefit from these savings you need to implement heating controls in two areas: in rooms and on radiators.

Thermostats for Rooms

Accompanying EHS' range of electric heating boilers are a selection of advanced thermostats that can be installed to control temperature and configure when heating is switched on/off and at what times of the day. These controls allow heating to work around the needs of a family based on when they are home and what rooms they use. Typically, room temperatures are set between 18°C and 21°C – not too hold and not too cold.

Thermostats for Radiators

Thermostatic controls for electric and vertical radiators are one of the standout benefits of electric heating. While it is possible to purchase radiator valves for wet system radiators that can reduce the flow of water to regulate temperature, they are in no way as advanced as those offered on electric heaters.

In-built digital controls, allow panel heaters and radiators to be fully controlled in the same way that a master thermostat controls a full central heating system. Temperature can be regulated and pre-defined settings for comfort, economy and frost protection can be utilised to provide the right heat in specific circumstances. This level of individual control means heating can be controlled on a room-by-room basis. As electric radiators warm up quickly, these can be switched on upon entering a room and left off when the room is not in use, resulting in excellent savings on bills and CO2.

In This article author writes about EHS. EHS is the UK's leading electric heating specialist, offering a wide range of electric combi boilers and vertical radiators for efficient home heating.

Electric Boilers - CO Free Heating

For the 4.3 million people in the UK that are not connected to the gas grid, electric heating is vital; however, even for those with the option of gas or with traditional wet systems installed, electric heating boilers can be hugely beneficial.

Not only is electricity the future of home heating, with reliance on natural gas being reduced due to carbon dioxide emissions, it is an inherently safer solution and eliminates the most significant risk factor of gas heating: carbon monoxide poisoning.

The Hidden Killer

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless and tasteless, poisonous gas produced by incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels, such as gas and oil.

Carbon-based fuels are safe to use in general, but become a danger when fuel does not burn properly and poisonous CO is produced. This happens when gas boilers and flues have not been correctly installed or maintained, or are inadequately ventilated.

Carbon monoxide in labelled as the hidden killer. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), 12 people die every year from CO poisoning, while many more are hospitalised. CO entering the body prevents the blood providing oxygen to the cells, tissues and organs, and levels that do not kill are still serious enough to cause brain damage and paralysis. You cannot see, taste or smell carbon monoxide and the symptoms can easily be mistaken for tiredness,food poisoning or the flu - this is what makes the gas so dangerous.

The Safe Alternative

While the risk of CO poisoning can be reduced with regular boiler inspections, as long as gas is in use the threat will always remain. With an electric heating boiler, the CO is eliminated.

Switching to electricity from gas is not as big or costly a change as you might imagine. The electric boilers offered by Electric Heating supplies are specifically designed to work with traditional wet systems. It is simply a case of swapping the gas boiler for a 100% efficient electric one. The radiators and pipework that you already have installed can remain in place to be used with the electric boiler.

These boilers can be used to provide central heating only or central heating and hot water, requiring no maintenance and needing no annual safety certificate to ensure integrity. These are every bit the equal of gas systems with the added benefit of safety. In addition to this, you also get to pocket the money that is saved in servicing bills.