Fires and Heaters - ''Avoid extras costs with heating installation tips''

21/04/2008

Tips for installing heating products into homes have been given by a construction publication, to help owners avoid paying out for a specialist engineer.

Building.co.uk notes that condensing boilers are the standard heat sources at the moment and reveals that units need space around the flue for drainage and a water vapour plume.

It advises that when installing a boiler, the hot tank is central to the plan with any pipe work being kept to the minimum required.

When installing radiators, which the most common way of delivering heat to a home, the units should be installed on internal walls, as improvements in double glazing and internal wall insulation have removed the need for them to be underneath windows.

"Underfloor heating systems are popular as they are out of sight and can be very efficient," the website recommends.

However, it advises that manifolds should be placed out of sight, because they can look untidy - but also reminds homeowners to ensure they have access to the unit.

Solar water heating is also recommended for a house, even if it is added later. With these units, it is advised that they are 'future proofed', to avoid paying for replacement components in coming years.

Energy Saving Wales notes that installing a solar water heating unit can reduce the costs of domestic hot water by up to 50 per cent, while a combination boiler can also cut heating costs.