Boilers have a series of control mechanisms designed to distribute heat and hot water at peak times. Faults with these controls can run up your fuel bills and make your home uncomfortably hot or cold. This article should help you if you suspect that the controls aren't working.
Thermostats
Check the age of your thermostat. Over time thermostats can lose their accuracy, resulting in them misreading temperature settings and turning the heat on/off at incorrect times.
While a gas boiler engineer can clean and recalibrate your old thermostat, it might be wise to purchase a new one at your local DIY store. Most new thermostats also include good energy-saving controls to warm your house when you need it and turn the heat down when you don't. This can cut your heating bills by 10 to 20 percent.
Programmers and time switches
These are time-clock driven. Check that the clock dial isn't stuck or the program on/off timing will be wrong. The hot water and heating are controllable via the timer switches found on your boiler.
Electronic programmers
Check that the LCD display, circuit board electronics or relay haven't failed. If you need to replace the programmer, make sure the new one has what's called a 'universal backplate'. This makes future replacements simple, allowing you to plug in a the new programmer without having to call in a professional.
Radiator valve
First you need to find out what type of valve your radiator has:
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Thermostatic radiator valve
If you have a thermostatic radiator valve on your radiator, adjust it to the heat you need.
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Lockshield valve
If you have a conventional lockshield valve, remove the plastic cover and adjust the setting using the right tool (these can be found at most DIY stores).
If no change occurs after you've adjusted the settings, you have a fault with your radiator valve, in which case it's a good idea to call in a professional to drain the system and replace it.
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