Setting the temperature for central heating oil boilers is more complicated than it seems. You can’t just copy what others are doing. You must consider the heating requirements of your own home and the temperature changes outside of it. It is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the type of boiler that you have. Get to know typical settings to have a feel for what works best for this equipment. Read on to find out more about the expert boiler temperature recommendation for efficient heating.
Common Types of Central Heating Boilers
Figure out what kind of boiler you have and get a basic understanding of how it works. This will help you adjust the boiler temperature settings properly.
Combi Heating Oil Boilers
Combination boilers are often used for central heating applications due to their versatility. They can keep the house warm and provide hot water, though not at the same time. Coldwater from the main supply goes into the combi boiler. Inside the equipment, fuel is burned to generate heat which is transferred to the water via a heat exchanger. Since the system uses oil, the water temperature goes up fast.
The fact that these heaters can do it all without a standalone water tank means that they are able to save space with their compact design. That is why you will usually see them in small homes where every square foot is crucial. Again, we should highlight that the design does not make it possible for the system to perform its two functions simultaneously. If a person opens a water outlet, then the boiler will focus on directing hot water there until the outlet is closed. After this, it will go back to using hot water for central heating.
Regular Heating Oil Boilers
Conventional boilers are also referred to as heat-only boilers. The major sections include the boiler itself, a tank for cold water storage, and another tank for hot water storage. The cold-water tank needs to be placed in an elevated platform so that gravity can help the liquid move down to the boiler. Here is where water gets hot, after which it moves to the heating system’s radiators and gets stored in the hot water tank. With this, the household can enjoy hot water whenever they need it.
This is the ideal configuration for people who own large properties since the two tanks will take up considerable space. In return, this boiler can provide hot water for several bathrooms at once. They can also heat up the home and supply hot water simultaneously thanks to the separate tanks.
System Boilers
These are like the regular boilers in that they can provide the radiators with hot water for heating the home and taking showers. This is possible thanks to the included hot water cylinder. Water from the main supply goes directly to the boiler instead of having to pass through a cold-water tank.
This kind of configuration lends itself well to households with high hot water demand. Since the cold-water tank has been eliminated, only the hot water cylinder will take up extra space. Installation is more flexible since much of the parts are already inside the equipment. These system boilers will reflect the water pressure of the main supply through the flow rate of hot water across the house.
Central Heating Boiler Temperature Settings
It should be clear that there is no such thing as the right temperature for all central heating boilers. Instead, the settings will have to consider multiple factors such as the current weather and personal comfort. The only thing to watch out for is overheating. Prevent this by maintaining a temperature within a safe range.
Recommended Boiler Temperature Settings
Note that there are different settings for the hot water cylinder and the central heating water.
When setting the heating water temperature, consider modifying the high/low settings based on the fluctuations of the weather. Lower boiler temperatures are suitable for the summer since these will result in less energy consumption while maintaining household comfort. Aim for a number between 120 degrees and 160-degrees Fahrenheit. Higher boiler temperatures may only be necessary for the winter. Going for something between 180 and 200-degrees Fahrenheit is recommended.
Households that like to keep it warm should still limit themselves to 200 degrees as the maximum temperature setting. Moving higher than 212 degrees may cause the boiler to start overheating so keep a safe distance from this figure. Otherwise, you may see the boiler burst or leak out.
As for the hot water cylinder, the temperature settings will usually remain at the same level throughout the year. Variations will be minimal. Experts recommend a narrow range between 140 degrees and 150 degrees. Prevent it from dipping too low as this can have unwanted consequences for health and wellbeing.
Bacteria can grow in water if it isn’t hot enough. For example, Legionella is known to prefer the range from 77 to 112 degrees Fahrenheit. It is responsible for inducing pneumonia, specifically the variant called Legionnaires’ disease. According to CDC recommendations, heating cylinder water must always be above 124 degrees.
Tips for Boiler Energy Efficiency
Home temperature controls should be used to maintain a comfortable heat and boost energy efficiency. The use of programmable or smart thermostats and zoning let homeowners achieve their desired environmental settings everywhere in the house. Every room can have its own distinct temperature to suit the occupants and the functions of the space. For restful sleep, keep the bedroom cool throughout the night.
With smart devices, it is possible to adjust the home temperature automatically. One can also make manual adjustments remotely using only their mobile phone. This can be useful for people who want to control their heating system even if they have gone out. Small adjustments can make a big impact. Shifting the temperature by 5 degrees as needed throughout the day can do wonders for energy efficiency.
Contact The Better Home Heat Council For Your Home Heating Requirements
The Better Home Heat Council (BHHC) is a local association that aims to help homeowners with everything that has to do with fuel oil heat. We provide you with knowledge, especially on things regarding the economic and efficient use of heating oil. Also, we assist people in identifying and solving issues about energy efficiency in their homes or office. We accomplish this by pushing them towards an effective and affordable path to ensure that their living areas become more efficient and cost-effective.
The BHHC also supports heating oil delivery service companies that offer services, products, and solutions to homeowners in the Lehigh Valley. If you are searching for a superior full-service home heating oil delivery company near you, click here. Rest assured that most of the fuel oil delivery service companies in our system also provide free energy consultations.
For questions and concerns concerning your HVAC system or oil delivery, click here to contact the Better Home Heat Council today.