For those with an older style boiler which does not have an in-built modulating control, it may be worth getting one installed.

In fact, say the manufacturers of such controls, they reckon it could save between 10% and 20% on an average energy bill.

A modulating control is basically a sensor that picks-up the level of warmth in a room and acts to vary the hot-water cylinder temperature. This is vital, because the overheating of water is not only expensive, wasteful and harmful in terms of increased emissions, but also means that the gas is burnt in a far more efficient manner putting les stress on the boiler.

It works by keeping the boiler in condensing mode for longer, producing less heat, as the room gets to the desired temperature.

Installation is not a DIY job, but most companies that supply modulating controls will also provide an installation service.

For an extra few bob, you can also get a sensor for outside the house which calculates, given the temperature, how much heat will be needed inside.

Don’t expect much change from £200 for buying and fitting such a control to a standard boiler, and £150 for a combination boiler. If you want the outside feature, then you will need to part with another £40.

Guest Article by Neil Camp

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