How to set a boiler timer

For those looking to save on their energy bills, which probably applies to the majority of people, a boiler timer is one of the most effective solutions. Most boilers across different brands and ages feature a timer. It ensures your heating is only turned on when you choose. As a result, you’re getting the maximum use out of the boiler without any heat wastage. 

In this blog, we’ll be teaching you how to set a boiler timer to get the most out of your system and heat your property more efficiently. 

Benefits of using a boiler timer 

The main benefit that comes with using a boiler timer is the cost savings. A timer allows homeowners or tenants to control what time the heating and hot water in their property turns on and off. This ensures you’re only paying for the heat that you’re actually benefiting from. From an environmental standpoint, setting a timer also limits the amount of greenhouse gases produced by the boiler in the process of heating the property. 

Another benefit is flexibility. With a timer, you know that your home will be warm when you need it. This is particularly useful for extended periods when you’re not going to be using the property. To support this, many boiler timers will have a range of set options. Common examples include auto, boost, all day, advance, on, and off. 

Where can I find my boiler timer? 

The appearance of a boiler timer will depend on the type of boiler brand, as well as how old of a model it is. Timers are generally located on the front cover of the boiler so they’re easily visible. Whatever the case, the boiler instruction manual should tell you exactly where to find the timer. This should also provide an overview of the boiler timer control interface. 

The two types of timers you should be looking for are:  

• Mechanical boiler timer – these typically appear as a round dial surrounding a 24-hour clock. It allows the heating to be turned on and off at certain times of the day. This pattern will occur at the same time each day unless it’s manually adjusted. 
• Digital boiler timer – features a small screen interface with many more options for setting timers. The display will often have digital clock which can be used to set the time the boiler is turned on and off. A key difference is that digital timers allow different times to be set for different days of the week. 

Setting a boiler timer 

The process of setting a boiler timer is pretty straightforward. However, variations will be present due to the differences in makes and models. Below are general guides for setting both mechanical and digital boiler timers. 

Setting a mechanical boiler timer 

As an analogue timer, mechanical timers usually feature a round dial with lots of pins around the outside. Each of these pins signifies an increment of time, usually 15 minutes. The arrow fixed to the centre of the dial is used to adjust the timer. 

1. The first thing to do is check that the current time is correct. Mechanical timers don’t automatically adjust with the changing seasons. As such, the boiler’s time could be early or late when you go to set the timer. 
2. To choose the timer setting, push the pins in at the times you want the boiler to turn on and off at. For example, if you want the heating to come on for an hour at 7am you would press in the pins at 7am and 9am. It’s often best to set the boiler to turn on 15 minutes before the desired time, to allow the property time to heat up. 
3. Lastly, the boiler must be set to ‘timer mode’. If this isn’t done, the system has to be turned on and off manually. 

Setting a digital boiler timer 

In comparison, digital timers are more flexible as they have greater options for setting. Arrow keys are responsible for selecting the start and stop times on the boiler timer.  

1.  Firstly, just as with the mechanical timer, it should be checked that the current time on the boiler is accurate. While this is often automatically adjusted on digital timers, it’s still best to be safe. 
2. Boilers with a digital display should have a ‘scheduling mode’. Activate it to set when the boiler is turned on and off. 
3. Using buttons or a touchscreen if present, select the day and time you want the boiler to turn on. Separate periods can be chosen in the same day. 

Order UK boiler parts 

If you’re looking for manufacturer quality spare parts for boilers that can be delivered at short notice, look no further than National Boiler Spares. We stock parts for the repair of all the major heating brands, such as Vaillant, Worcester, Viessmann, Hermann, and many more. Our trade counter is open 6 days a week in Newcastle Upon Tyne or you can simply order the parts you need online. Contact us today.