How to Set a Boiler Timer

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Boilers give you hot water and can help heat your home, but it can be expensive to always have them running. Luckily, many boilers have timers that you can set so they turn on during specific times throughout the day. Older boilers may have mechanical timers that you need to set by hand, while modern ones can be changed with a digital programmer. Once you have your boiler set on a timer, you’ll still stay warm and save money !

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Setting a Mechanical Timer

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6d\/Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6d\/Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-1.jpg\/aid10948517-v4-728px-Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Mechanical timers need to be set to the current time so they can run accurately on their programs. Turn the dial on your boiler clockwise until the arrow on the dial points to the correct time. If you need change the time to earlier in the day, keep spinning the dial clockwise to make a full rotation. [1]
    • Many mechanical timers have a 24-hour clock. Make sure the dial is turned to the right time if it’s in the morning or afternoon.
    • Some mechanical timers have a larger clock face on the front of the dial so it’s easier to see the time.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-2.jpg\/aid10948517-v4-728px-Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The pins around the dial each turn your boiler on or off for 15 minutes at a time. Look on the dial to find the time you want your boiler to start and change the pin to the “On” position. Turn on the rest of the pins for the duration you want your boiler to run. Leave the pins alone if you don’t want the boiler on during that time. [2]
    • For example, if you want your boiler to turn on from 7-8 AM, then set the 4 pins between 7 and 8 to the “On” position.
    • Some programmers may have you move the pin away from the center of the dial while others will make you push the pin toward the center. Look at the owner’s manual to confirm which way to move your pins.
    • You can choose to set your boiler to turn on and off multiple times throughout the day.
    • Set your boiler to turn on 30 minutes earlier than when you want hot water since it usually takes that amount of time to heat up your home entirely.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c5\/Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c5\/Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-3.jpg\/aid10948517-v4-728px-Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When you have all the times selected for your boiler, find the switch that turns your boiler on or off. Look for the option on the switch that’s labeled “Timer” or has a small clock icon next to it. Change the switch to the “Timer” option so your boiler runs during the times you selected. [3]
    • You can always choose to turn your boiler on or off to ignore the scheduled time.
    4. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Changing a Digital Programmer

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-4.jpg\/aid10948517-v4-728px-Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Look for the option that says “Set Time” or “Set Clock” on your programmer and press the button. Use the arrow buttons on the programmer to cycle through the days of the week before pressing the “Select” button. Then use the arrows to change the hours and minutes display on the clock. When you’re finished, press the “Set Time” button again to confirm the time. [4]
    • Each programmer has different settings, so consult the owner’s manual to find specific directions for your model.
    • Make sure you set the time to AM or PM so your boiler activates at the right time.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-5.jpg\/aid10948517-v4-728px-Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Scheduling allows you to select specific days and times for your boiler so it’s not constantly running. Once the time is set, press the “Set” or “Program” button on the programmer to activate the scheduling feature. The numbers on the screen should be flashing after you press the button. [5]
    • Some programmers have a switch labeled “Set Program” instead of a button.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-6.jpg\/aid10948517-v4-728px-Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Press one of the arrow buttons to cycle which day you want to set. Some programmers make you set each day individually while others may let you choose between setting schedules for weekdays and weekends. When the day that you want to adjust is flashing, press the “Select” button to confirm it. [6]
    • Check your programmer’s manual to see what features it has.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-7.jpg\/aid10948517-v4-728px-Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once you select the day, press the arrows to change the hours and minutes for your boiler to turn on. Hold the button down to cycle through the time faster. When the right time is selected, press the “Select” or “Enter” button to confirm the time. [7]
    • Set the time for 30 minutes ahead of when you want hot water so the boiler has time to completely heat up when you need to use it.
    • You may have to press the “Select” or “Enter” button if you want to change the minutes.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/02\/Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/02\/Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-8.jpg\/aid10948517-v4-728px-Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    After you change the starting time, your programmer should automatically switch to when you want the boiler to turn off. Use the arrow buttons again to adjust the time and then press the “Select” button to confirm the time. [8]
    • Some programmers allow you to set 2-3 different time periods per day for your boiler. Check the owner’s manual to see how many time periods you can set.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-9.jpg\/aid10948517-v4-728px-Set-a-Boiler-Timer-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your programmer has a Set button, then press it again to confirm your changes and save the schedule. If your programmer has a switch, change it to the “Run” position so it follows the schedule that you set for it to run. [9]
    7. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Make sure to change the clock on your timer whenever there’s a time change, such as Daylight Savings Time.
        Thanks
      • You can always turn your boiler on or off manually if you don’t want it to follow the schedule anymore.
        Thanks
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to Replace the Batteries in Most Models of Honeywell Thermostat
      How to
      Test a Thermocouple
      How to
      Test a Heating Element
      How to
      Use a Wood Stove
      How to
      Start a Boiler
      How to
      Install Baseboard Heating (Electric)
      How to
      Warm up a Room
      How to
      Install a Wood Stove
      How to
      Reset a Furnace
      How to
      Restart a Furnace After Running out of Oil
      How to
      Light a Pilot Light
      How to
      Start a Gas Furnace
      How to
      Clean a Furnace Filter
      How to
      Start a Pellet Stove
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/Y_oVQZMskcw?t=33
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/Y_oVQZMskcw?t=62
      3. ↑ https://moralfibres.co.uk/how-to-set-a-timer-on-a-boiler/
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/O3ECpfj-ZWU?t=95
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/VMQJmw0DMpE?t=111
      6. ↑ https://salus-controls.com/files/RT500BC-Boiler-Control-041.pdf
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/VMQJmw0DMpE?t=152
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/VMQJmw0DMpE?t=160
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/VMQJmw0DMpE?t=254

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 205,421 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement