What Is The Best Temperature To Set Your Heating Oil Boiler At?

Determining the best central heating oil boiler temperature can be quite a challenge. Your boiler settings can significantly vary from other households, depending on the different hot water needs and the fluctuating outside temperatures. It helps to know the central heating boiler type you have when looking for the best boiler temperature. Read on to find out the recommendations to achieve efficient home heating.

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Common Types of Central Heating Boilers

Before you try to make boiler temperature adjustments, it is helpful for you to understand the central heating boiler type you have at home and its operations.

Combination Boilers

Also called combi boilers, this type has become a popular central heating option because a single unit can provide hot water and heating. The combi boiler is fed with cold water from the home’s main water supply. The boiler then combusts fuel for heat production. The heat exchanger transfers this heat to the water from the combustion chamber. Combi boilers can heat water quickly as they use oil or gas.

Combi boilers are more compact than other boilers. This is because it does not need space for a separate water tank, making them the ideal choice if you have a smaller home. Although one unit provides both heating and hot water, combi boilers cannot supply hot water to the faucet and central heating at once. This is exemplified when your central heating is switched on, and you open a tap. The boiler will temporarily divert the hot water to the tap until you turn it off.

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Regular Boilers

This type of boiler is also referred to as a conventional or heat-only boiler. It is made up of three parts, namely, the boiler, a separate tank for cold water storage, and a separate cylinder for hot water storage. The cold water tank is often placed in a home’s loft space or attic as it utilizes gravity to fill the boiler. The boiler heats the water and directs it into the central heating system’s radiators and the hot water cylinder. This way, hot water is available when needed.

A conventional boiler is an ideal type for larger homes. This boiler is recommended for houses that have several bathrooms or if the main water supply has low pressure. This type might require more space, but it can simultaneously provide heating and hot water since it has separate water tanks.

System Boilers

System boilers can also feed heating water to radiators and provide hot water on demand through hot water cylinders. This type of boiler consists of the hot water cylinder and boiler only. There is no need for a separate cold water tank as the boiler gets the water directly from the main water supply.

Like regular boilers, it is recommended for large properties with high hot water demands. System boilers also provide more flexible installation choices and need less space than regular boilers. This is because most of its parts are internal. However, you still need to set aside space for the system boiler’s hot water cylinder. If the main supply’s water pressure is low, this will be reflected throughout your home.

 

Central Heating Boiler Temperature Settings

Your central heating boiler shouldn’t be set at a single temperature. Some variables will dictate what temperature you should set your boiler at, such as personal preference and the weather. However, the boiler temperature should be within a particular temperature range to prevent issues such as overheating.

Temperature Setting Recommendations

The hot water cylinder and the central heating water will have different temperature settings.

Ideally, you adjust your boiler’s temperature settings depending on the weather. For instance, higher boiler temperatures are recommended during the winter, while low boiler temperatures ensure a more comfortable and efficient home during the hot season. High-temperature settings are typically within the 180-200 degree Fahrenheit range, while low-temperature settings are within 120-160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Try staying at 200 degrees at the highest when you need warm temperatures. If it rises over 212 degrees, your boiler begins overheating. This can result in a leaky boiler, or worse, your boiler might burst.

Your hot water cylinder’s temperature settings will probably stay within the same range throughout the year. The ideal temperature to set your hot water cylinder is within 140-150 degrees Fahrenheit. It is best to keep the water temperature of your boiler from getting too low to ensure your family’s health and safety.

Keep in mind that the Legionella bacteria grow in freshwaters that have temperatures between 77-112 degrees Fahrenheit. It poses a risk to your household’s health as you can contract a type of pneumonia called Legionnaires’ disease with this bacteria. According to the CDC, the temperature of your hot water cylinder should be kept above 124 degrees at least.

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Tips for Boiler Energy Efficiency

Utilize your home’s temperature controls to achieve efficient home heating and optimal energy efficiency. Programmable thermostats and having thermostats in each zone give you more accurate control over each room’s temperatures. For instance, you can set your bedroom to be cooler than other rooms so that you’ll have a safe and comfy night of sleep.

You can also use smart temperature controls that automatically adjust your home’s temperature. You can also access the controls via a smart device like your smartphone. This way, you can make thermostat temperature adjustments remotely. Setting your boiler’s temperature to fluctuate 4-5 degrees at different periods throughout the day ensures you efficiently heat your home. You also become more cost-efficient when you keep your home cooler while you are away.

Tevis Energy’s sister company, Modern Comfort, performs HVAC installations, replacements, tune-ups, and more. Our technicians can provide you with expert HVAC services to ensure that your system provides you with the comfort and efficiency you deserve. Call now to schedule an appointment.

 

Call Tevis Energy For All Of Your HVAC Requirements

Tevis Energy provides high-quality HVAC services in central Maryland and southern Pennsylvania. We employ only the best professionally certified technicians for all your excellent heating and cooling service needs, including boiler tune-ups, AC repairs, furnace installations, and more. All our friendly techs are experienced and knowledgeable to ensure accurate HVAC services at all times.

Our company has highly affordable heating and cooling service rates in the area. Our maintenance services can enhance your comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality while reducing your energy expenses. When you need to repair or replace your HVAC system, we can recommend the best solutions within your needs and budget. All our work comes with a guarantee to ensure your satisfaction. Schedule a service appointment by calling Tevis Energy today. We offer free, in-home estimates.

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