Several retrofits can be done on your gas-fired furnace or boiler. However, before going ahead with any retrofitting jobs, look at the possibility of replacing your furnace instead, and see if that would offer more benefits and savings. Here are some possible retrofits for central heating gas boilers:
1. Add a vent damper.
A vent or flue damper will prevent losses through the chimney by shutting off the vent of the boiler when it’s not firing. You will benefit more from adding a vent damper if you have a steam boiler or a bigger boiler. However, it may not be a cost-effective addition if you have a newer furnace model that is properly sized to your home.
2. Install an intermittent ignition device.
If you have an older boiler or furnace with a continuous pilot light, you may consider retrofitting it with an intermittent ignition device. However, it may not be that cost-effective on an aging system. It is important that this device be installed by a professional.
As an alternative to this, so you can save on fuel costs, consider turning off the furnace pilot in the spring and turn it back on in autumn.
3. Derate the gas burner.
It is common in many homes today to have oversized central heating gas boilers, especially since many homeowners have already upgraded their home’s energy efficiency.
In some instances, it’s possible to lower the gas boiler’s heating capacity to allow it to run more efficiently by derating the gas burner or minimizing the size of its orifice. When derating or down-firing a gas burner, fuel use is reduced by installing a nozzle with a lower GPH (gallon per hour) rate.
Proper derating usually requires that the size and shape of the combustion chamber is reconfigured and/or the fuel pump pressure is adjusted.
If you have a steam boiler, you should only derate it if you’re modifying the system to remove extra radiators.
Derating is quite a complex job and can sometimes lead to building code violations so it should only be handled by a qualified professional. It offers a potential savings on fuel costs of up to 15 percent.
Improve Your Home Heating Efficiency
Are you considering the above suggested retrofits for your home? TalkLocal can connect you with professionals trained on central heating gas boilers. Our service is free and quick. Let us start the search for the right technician for your needs. Contact us now!
