One of the most contentious debates when it comes to taking care of your boiler is whether you should leave it on or turn it off during the times when you need hot water and central heating the least.
Summer is the ideal time to get your boiler serviced and especially replaced with a new one, as you are far less likely to need either hot water or central heating when the temperature is over 25 degrees Celsius.
However, turning your boiler on or off entirely may not always save you money, and whether switching off your boiler over the summer will do more harm than good will depend largely on your boiler, your hot water usage, your smart thermostat and your radiators.
Which is best for you? Here are the situations when you should and should not switch your boiler off.
Why Should You Not Turn Your Boiler Off?
It may feel counterproductive, but there are several reasons why you should never turn your boiler off unless there is a problem that needs servicing.
If You Have A Combi Boiler
Modern combi boilers made in the last 20 years should not regularly be switched off at the mains, and usually do not need to be turned off at all unless there is a problem.
The reason for this is because they are designed to work with smart thermostats and your hot water taps, meaning that they only turn on for as long as they are needed.
Combi boilers are already highly efficient, and turning them on and off again will often cost more money through the energy required to restart the systems.
Instead, use your smart controls to set the temperatures at different times of the day or switch it to summer mode, where it will use no gas and as little electricity as possible to keep everything functioning.
It Can Damage Your Boiler
There is an assumption that turning off your boiler reduces the wear and tear your boiler will face, but the problem with that is that many boiler components are designed to be constantly in use and in motion.
Turning them off for long stretches of time can cause these parts to seize up, requiring more costly repairs than leaving the boiler on and ensuring it is regularly serviced.
With some older boilers, this can be the tipping point that causes your boiler to not turn back on at all.
When Should You Turn Your Boiler Off?
Some types of boiler are better suited to being turned off for longer periods of time, and if your boiler is older and has a hot water cylinder, it can make sense to shut it off and leave it off until your hot water supply runs out.
Modern system boilers can typically be programmed to only turn on during off-peak times in order to provide hot water more cheaply.
Similarly, if you have relatively low hot water needs that a kettle and a shower unit can provide, it can be okay to turn your boiler off, although it is always best to check with boiler experts before you do to know when to turn it on to keep the components ticking over.
