Jargon Buster

Airlock: When air is trapped in a pipe and cannot escape, it causes an airlock resulting in little or no water movement along the pipe.

Boiler SEDBUK efficiency: The average annual efficiency achieved by domestic oil boilers. View the result here www.sedbuk.com

Check valves: A fitting designed to let water flow in only one direction.

Combination boiler: Also know as a combi, this type of boiler heats up water as needed rather than storing it. It's name comes from the fact it heats water for domestic use as well as for the central heating.

Condensing boiler: The most efficient type available which help to reduce heating bills and carbon emissions. Available as a regular or combination boiler.

Cylinder thermostat: A switching device that controls the temperature of stored water. Should always be set higher than 60°C to prevent bacteria formation.

Dynamic Pressure: The pressure when the water is flowing.

Expansion Tank: A tank to accommodate the expansion of water in a system as it heats up.

Gas Oil: A burning oil suitable for use in larger or non-domestic boilers.

Kerosene: A very clean burning oil suitable for use in most domestic oil heating appliances.

Regular boiler: A boiler designed to heat water only, which is then circulated around the heating system.

Relief valve: A valve that opens to relieve excess pressure or temperature.

Room thermostat: Switches the heating on and off according to the user set temperature.

Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs): Connected to each individual radiator to provide room by room temperature control.