Energy Saving Tips for Your Heating System

The HeatCore C1 is a condensing gas combi boiler designed to operate at high efficiency. However, how you configure and use the system has a significant impact on your energy bills. The tips below will help you get the most from your boiler while keeping running costs as low as possible.

Set your flow temperature to 55°C

This is the single most effective change you can make. A condensing boiler like the HeatCore C1 achieves its highest efficiency when the return water temperature is low enough for the flue gases to condense. Setting the central heating flow temperature to 55°C (rather than the factory default of 75–80°C) keeps the boiler in condensing mode for most of its operating cycle. Your radiators will feel slightly cooler to the touch but will still heat your home effectively — they simply run for longer at a lower temperature.

To adjust: press the heating key on the boiler display, use the arrows to set 55°C, and press OK.

Flow temperature and efficiency

Use thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs)

TRVs allow you to control the temperature in each room individually. Turn down or turn off radiators in rooms you do not use regularly — spare bedrooms, utility rooms, hallways. This reduces the total heat demand on the boiler and lowers gas consumption. A typical setting of 3 on a TRV equates to approximately 20°C.

Do not heat unused rooms

Closing TRVs in empty rooms is more effective than closing doors alone. An unoccupied spare bedroom set to TRV 5 is wasting energy every time the boiler fires. Turn the TRV to the frost symbol (or 1) in rooms that only need protection from freezing.

Set your timer to match your schedule

Programme your heating to come on 30 minutes before you need the house warm, and to switch off 30 minutes before you leave or go to bed. The thermal mass of your home will retain warmth during the run-down period. Avoid leaving the heating on continuously at a low temperature — despite a common myth, this is less efficient than timed bursts in most homes.

Insulate exposed pipes

Any heating pipes running through unheated spaces (loft, garage, under suspended floors) should be insulated with foam pipe lagging. This is inexpensive, easy to fit, and prevents heat being wasted before it reaches your radiators.

Install a magnetic system filter

If your system does not already have one, fitting a magnetic filter on the return pipe to the boiler catches iron oxide sludge before it enters the heat exchanger. A clean heat exchanger transfers heat more efficiently and is less likely to develop faults. Most Gas Safe engineers can fit a filter during an annual service.

Keep up with annual servicing

A boiler that has not been serviced will gradually lose efficiency as the heat exchanger scales up and components drift from their optimal settings. An annual Gas Safe service ensures the burner is calibrated correctly, the heat exchanger is clean, and all safety devices are functioning. This maintains the boiler at its rated efficiency throughout its working life.

Draught-proof your home

No matter how efficiently your boiler runs, heat lost through draughty windows, doors, letterboxes, and unsealed pipe penetrations must be replaced by burning more gas. Self-adhesive draught strips, brush seals, and silicone sealant are low-cost improvements that reduce heat loss significantly.