Controlling your Central Heating

a clock timer
a clock timer
a digital timer
a digital timer
a digital timer
a thermostatic radiator valve

A clock timer or digital timer automatically turns the heating and hot water on and off at the times you set. You can set the heating to come on once, twice or stay on all the time.

There are three switches:

  • On – instantly turns the heating and hot water on.
  • Off – instantly turns the heating and hot water off.
  • Auto/Timer – turns the heating and hot water on and off at the times you set.

A room thermostat is used to control the temperature. To set the thermostat, turn the dial so that the arrow or marker is against the temperature you want (a comfortable and economic temperature is between 18ºC and 22ºC).

If you have recently had a new boiler installed you will have thermostatic radiator valves installed which you can use to set the control in each room individually.

Setting a Clock Timer

Turn the clock so it is showing the correct time. Next, use the pins or arrows (depending on what type of clock timer it is) to set the heating times.

To use pins:

  • Push them in opposite the times when you want the heating to come on.
  • Pull them out opposite the times when you want the heating to go off.

To use arrows:

  • Slide the ‘on’ arrows (usually red) around to the times you want the heating to come on.
  • Slide the ‘off’ arrows (usually blue) around to the times you want the heating to go off.
  • Make sure the switch is set to ‘timer’ (or auto) to activate the settings.

Setting a Digital Timer

  • Set the clock so that it is showing the correct time (to change the time, put the timer switch to ‘clock’ and adjust the time using the ‘forward’ and ‘reverse’ buttons).
  • Set the switch to ‘on’, and adjust the time to when you wish the heating to come on.
  • Set the switch to ‘off’, and adjust the time to when you wish the heating to turn off.
  • Set the timer switch to ‘auto’ and double check that the settings on display are as you have set.

Problems with your boiler? (PDF 349kb)

Is your boiler not working? Click above for a step-by-step guide of what to try before you give us a call.

If you smell gas...

...please immediately contact the National Grid on 0800 111 999. You will be instructed by the operator on how this matter will be dealt with which could include how you can help by turning off the gas meter.

print print this page