One of the best things we can do to reduce our carbon footprint and our energy bills is to ensure we optimise the operation of our heating.

Many of our buildings have a building management system that takes care of this but there are also timer clocks in use that need setting and adjusting manually.

As the clocks are going forward one hour on Sunday 27^th of March, it is the perfect time to check that the timings of those clocks that need to be changed manually are set correctly, along with the temperature of the boilers. With Britain looking ahead to warmer temperatures, you will likely be using the heating a lot less in the coming weeks and months. Regardless, it is important to be aware of your heating consumption as turning the thermostat down by even 1°C can slash your heating bills by 10% a year (Energy Saving Trust, 2021).

Our customers and colleagues on-site should check that the time is correct and that the times the heating is set to be on, reflects the operational hours of the site. Any prominent changes needing to be made should be referred to Facility Management colleagues who normally change time clocks and programmes.

How to adjust the timer

There are many makes of timers out there and they will either be mechanical or digital.

The first and main step is to ensure that the time is correct.

Look to pre-heat for half an hour before opening and stop the heating an hour before closing.

If possible and appropriate, you should also make sure to set the heating to turn off for periods during the day.

Mechanical Timer

• Ensure that the boiler is on a timed setting.
• Use the tabs or pins on the outside of the timer to set the time periods you require heating.

Digital Timer

• Follow the set/programme steps to choose the relevant time periods you need the system to be on.
• Ensure the boiler is on run to activate your chosen settings.

Please contact the Facilities Management Helpdesk if you need assistance.