With the winter season quickly approaching, central heating for your home becomes a priority. In order to keep your home warm, all components of your central heating system must be in proper working order. However, there are some typical faults with the system that tend to happen at the worst possible time. One such common problem is frost damage, which can damage and sometimes destroy boilers and pipes.
Traditionally, central heating systems were designed with the frost thermostat installed in close proximity to the boiler. The thermostat would start and stop the boiler until the desired air temperature was met. When the thermostat registered that extra heat was being released from the boiler, the central heating system would be shut down to conserve energy and prevent overheating of the home.
In recent years, the boiler and nearby pipes have been insulated much better (thus effectively saving energy) that the frost thermostat can no longer effectively determine when the air temperature has reached the requested degree. This can prove to be problematic, as it may lead to overheating.
Installing a pipe thermostat can solve this problem. A pipe thermostat is typically placed on the outside of the boiler return pipe, measuring the temperature of the pipe (assuming copper pipes are good heat conductive materials). Its purpose is to turn off the boiler before overheating occurs. There are several new products that contain both a frost thermostat and low limit pipe thermostat, providing standard room temperature setting capabilities along with frost protection capabilities.
Set up and installation of the thermostats is easy and user friendly. Directions for installation and wiring arrive along with the product, all in one kit. Frost thermostats are commonly set to 5C and pipe thermostats are usually set to 25C. If you have additional exposed pipes (e.g in the garage), extra thermostats can be bought to secure your central heating system completely.
Sometimes, a pipe thermostat is not the best solution for your individual needs. Another product that could prove useful is the fully programmable room thermostat. This can be installed in a number of locations throughout the home, including the living room or hallway. They serve to record and monitor the room temperature and are very easy to install. Modern room thermostat models operate by RF, or Radio Frequency. A radio signal is sent from the thermostat to the boiler eliminating the need for wiring.
However, it is important to note that a thermostat is not the only way to heat your home in the most effective way. Adjusting the zones where heat is distributed can be a big energy saver. Focus heat where most time is spent and allow rooms that are not frequently used to remain cooler. This simple change will impact the efficiency of your central heating system greatly and help you reduce your heating bills.
Traditionally, central heating systems were designed with the frost thermostat installed in close proximity to the boiler. The thermostat would start and stop the boiler until the desired air temperature was met. When the thermostat registered that extra heat was being released from the boiler, the central heating system would be shut down to conserve energy and prevent overheating of the home.
In recent years, the boiler and nearby pipes have been insulated much better (thus effectively saving energy) that the frost thermostat can no longer effectively determine when the air temperature has reached the requested degree. This can prove to be problematic, as it may lead to overheating.
Installing a pipe thermostat can solve this problem. A pipe thermostat is typically placed on the outside of the boiler return pipe, measuring the temperature of the pipe (assuming copper pipes are good heat conductive materials). Its purpose is to turn off the boiler before overheating occurs. There are several new products that contain both a frost thermostat and low limit pipe thermostat, providing standard room temperature setting capabilities along with frost protection capabilities.
Set up and installation of the thermostats is easy and user friendly. Directions for installation and wiring arrive along with the product, all in one kit. Frost thermostats are commonly set to 5C and pipe thermostats are usually set to 25C. If you have additional exposed pipes (e.g in the garage), extra thermostats can be bought to secure your central heating system completely.
Sometimes, a pipe thermostat is not the best solution for your individual needs. Another product that could prove useful is the fully programmable room thermostat. This can be installed in a number of locations throughout the home, including the living room or hallway. They serve to record and monitor the room temperature and are very easy to install. Modern room thermostat models operate by RF, or Radio Frequency. A radio signal is sent from the thermostat to the boiler eliminating the need for wiring.
However, it is important to note that a thermostat is not the only way to heat your home in the most effective way. Adjusting the zones where heat is distributed can be a big energy saver. Focus heat where most time is spent and allow rooms that are not frequently used to remain cooler. This simple change will impact the efficiency of your central heating system greatly and help you reduce your heating bills.
About the Author:
Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes articles about central heating, combi boilers, Willesden plumbers, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating.
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