Domestic energy management specialist Marshall-Tufflex has launched an intelligent boiler control unit that can reduce boiler running costs by 20%.
The Domestic Boiler Management unit, which is Energy Saving Trust Recommended and qualifies for the 5% VAT level if purchased direct from an installer, controls the firing cycle of gas, oil and LPG boilers, reducing unnecessary dry cycling.
Not only does this, typically, cut boiler running costs by 20% (subject to usage pattern) it also prolongs boiler lifespan. Marshall-Tufflex believes the system is the only domestic unit available with the option of an external weather sensor, which further increases savings potential.
The Domestic Boiler Management unit is available nationwide from leading electrical wholesalers. It measures just 177mm wide x 120mm high x 37mm deep and is sited close to the boiler. It is easily installed by a qualified electrician in approximately 45mins to 90mins, depending upon access. Once installed users enjoy immediate savings with payback typically within two years.
Field trials carried out in a range of social and private housing validated the unit’s performance, with five test installations returning a combined average saving of 43%.
The Domestic Boiler Management unit uses a unique variable thermal response programme, coupled with electronic sensors, to intelligently manage combi, condensing or modulating boilers, maximising efficiency while ensuring demand on the heating system is met in full, as Marshall-Tufflex Head of Marketing & Technical Services, Jeremy Dodge, explained: “Electronic sensors are fitted to the flow and return pipes of the central heating system.
"Data from these sensors is used to vary the system temperature according to demand. This significantly reduces fuel wastage caused by temperature overshoot, heat saturation of the heat exchanger, flue losses and unnecessary cycling. Internal comfort levels are maintained and CO2 emissions reduced.”
Customers selecting the external weather sensor (only suitable for heating-only and combi boilers) can expect increased savings; broadly for every degree the temperature fluctuates outside, the unit adjusts in the opposite direction.
This ensures flow temperatures maintain internal comfort levels and enables combi-condensing boilers to operate in energy saving condensing mode for longer during fluctuting periods of cold weather.