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Writer's pictureBirmingham Energy Society

Time(r) is of the Essence for Saving Energy

Boilers are the largest energy users in the house and there are simple things you can do to reduce their energy use. One of the biggest energy-saving tools is using the timer on the boiler to turn it on and off automatically at predetermined times.


Working out how long to keep the boiler on is really easy. By setting it up properly, you can save around £ 25 per person per year and 720 kg of CO2 as a house. All you need to remember is:


  • It takes an hour to warm up your house.

  • Once warm, it stays warm for around an hour and a half.


So, as an example, if you are awake and in the house from 8-10 am and 4-11 pm, you set the thermostat from 7-8 am and 3-9 pm. You can play with the timer to make sure it comes on when it suits you.


How Do You Set Up A Boiler?


There are two main types of boiler - some use mechanical timers whilst others use digital timers. They work the same, the boiler turns on and off at set times during the day so you don't heat the house when you're not there.


Most boiler manufacturers upload their brochures online that will tell you how to do it. Alternatively, there are loads of Youtube tutorials that will give you a step by step guide.


Mechanical Clocks

The clocks look something like this:

  1. Set the clock in the centre by rotating it until the clock face matches the time and the little arrow on the outside points to the correct hour. In the picture, it is 1 pm so the little arrow points to 13:00.

  2. Then flick the outside switches on the outside to match what times you want the boiler on or off.

If you want a video, here are two:


Digital Clocks


Digital clock interfaces vary a lot more but have many more features. Some have 5/2 allowing you to set different times for the week and weekend. The process generally follows:

  1. Set the correct date and time

  2. Choose a program depending on the heating. There will be options including 'double', the start and end time, and which days you want it to come on

If you want a video tutorial, try this link:


It's easy to do and will save you lots of money. UoBe Smart and sort that boiler timer out.





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