Provided a system has been correctly designed, zoning an oil-fired boiler central heating system can assist the efficient operation of the boiler and help to reduce its use of fuel. Having the downstairs zoned separately to the upstairs rooms can allow each area to be controlled independently, allowing the end-user to tailor their temperature settings according to occupancy. For example, having lower temperatures upstairs for the majority of the day with the rooms being set to warmer temperatures in the evening. As a result, the boiler is only working to heat the rooms that are being occupied which can reduce energy wastage, reduce the amount of fuel being used and in turn help your customers to save money with their fuel bills.
If a zoned system has been incorrectly designed, it can cause the oil boiler to short cycle. A poorly designed system can cause the boiler to run on part load which then increases the risk of short cycling whereby the boiler enters a regular cycle of firing up and shutting down. Short cycling will increase the consumption of fuel and it can also cause increased wear and tear on the boiler’s components.
If one of your customers has an oil-fired boiler which is currently installed as part of a single zone system, it may be possible to add additional zones to their system retrospectively.
Here are some key considerations which can determine if multiple zoning is a practical option for a property:
1. Would the property benefit from zoning?
2. Does the customer have varied temperature preferences for each part of their property?
3. Plan the system layout and proposed zoned areas to determine the practicalities of this type of modification.
4. Can the existing system pipework be reconfigured to accommodate the additional zone valves, and will they be accessible?
5. Could the existing controls be used, or would new ones be required? For example, are the zones being created going to use existing emitters or are new ones being introduced such as underfloor heating, and would programmable room thermostats be required.
6. Plan the installation of new wiring for the controls - does this need upgrading from the existing equipment already installed?
To speak to a member of our Technical Team about zoning an existing oil boiler central heating system, please get in touch.
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