A MAN has built a radiator thermostat that downloads weather data to adjust its temperature.
Paul Pschierer-Barnfather built and installed the device himself for only £15.
2
It is connected to his gas boiler and turns the temperature up and down depending on the outside air temperature.
Specifically, the computer changes the temperature of the water that flows into the radiators around his home, keeping it between 30C and 50C.
“I should have done this years ago,” said Pschierer-Barnfather to the BBC.
“It’s been running for about eight months now and it works perfectly.”
Read more in money
Pschierer-Barnfather works for an electric car charging firm and has the technical know-how.
The trick works if you have a combi-boiler, which provides both hot water and heating – and it’s the most common type of model used by Brits.
He says his project began after he read lowering the temperature on a boiler can improve its efficiency as more hot water vapour condenses.
But, lowering the hot water temperature too much can allow the growth of bacteria, including legionella, so the temperature needs to be controlled.
Most read in Money
For those folks who aren’t techies, there are some simple tips that can be done at home to save money.
Making some simple tweaks to the way that you use common items – from thermostats, boilers and radiators to appliances like dishwashers, fridge freezers, washing machines – could save as much as £850 a year.
Reducing the thermostat temperature by one degree can reduce your fuel bill by 10%, according to Energy Saving Trust.
The average household can save up to £75 every year if they have thermostatic radiator valves fitted on all their radiators, according to British Gas – so use it.
British Gas, the UK’s biggest energy firm, is offering 50% off electricity on Christmas Day in a boost for households.
2
