Economy in Heating Costs

  1. In most circumstances, insulation and draught sealing of the dwelling should be a higher priority than choice of heating system. In a well-insulated dwelling, unit heating costs are less important, while in a poorly insulated dwelling the savings achievable by improved insulation are usually higher than those achievable through choosing an alternative heating system.
  2. The range of heating appliances and automatic heating controls on the market has improved considerably in recent years. In some cases therefore, higher system efficiencies than those quoted in the tables can be achieved.
  3. A variety of measures can be taken in appliance design, installation and maintenance, and in automatic controls, in order to maximise system efficiency.

    include:

    Maintenance
    • Routine servicing of fuel burning appliances is recommended.
    Solid Fuel
    • Reduce the loss of warm air drawn from a heated space, by installing an under-floor draught duct, a throat restrictor or a closed (sealed) front unit to an open fire back boiler appliance.
    • Daily cleaning of solid fuel boilers, particularly when burning smoky fuels, is highly recommended.
    Oil
    • Install the boiler indoors rather than in an outdoor boiler house, thereby utilising heat output from the boiler and from pipe-work.
    • Install a balanced flue on an indoor unit to avoid drawing warm air from within the dwelling.
    Gas
    • Install a low thermal capacity boiler such as a combination boiler which has separate circuits for heating radiators and producing instant hot water.
    • Install a balanced flue unit.
    • Install an advanced condensing boiler.
    Automatic Control
    • Install automatic controls such as:
    • Good quality room thermostats or thermostatic radiator valves.
    • Programmable timer controls for space heating and hot water provision, including advanced optimum start/stop controls or optimisers.
    • Separate space heating and hot water circuits with separate timer and thermostatic controls for each.
    Insulation
    • Ensure there is effective insulation of heat distribution pipe-work running outdoors, underground or through unheated spaces.
    Additional Notes
    1. Efficiency figures upon which the costs are computed are subject to change to take account of developments in system hardware and of further research.
    2. All fuel and heating system installation work should be carried out by a competent installer in accordance with the provisions of the relevant Irish Standards, British Standards and recognised Codes of Practice.