The Truth About Weather Compensation: 5 Myths Debunked by a Horsham Gas Engineer

Hi, I'm Andrew Tyler from Prime Boiler Care here in Horsham. 

As a Gas Engineer who's been keeping homes warm across Horsham, Southwater, Storrington, Billingshurst, Steyning, Henfield, Pulborough, Shoreham-by-Sea, Lancing, Southwick, Sompting, and all the surrounding West Sussex villages,

I hear a lot of questions—and some genuine misconceptions—about modern boiler efficiency features.

One of the best technologies I recommend for homeowners looking to save money on gas bills is Weather Compensation.

Why do I push it? 

Because installing a weather compensating boiler control can typically trim your annual gas energy bill by 10% to 30%. 

That’s a massive saving, especially with current energy costs!

However, there are persistent myths that stop people from benefiting. 

I want to clear the air for my customers in Adur and Horsham Districts. 

Here are the top five misconceptions about boiler weather compensation that I hear on my jobs, and my professional take on why they’re simply not true:

Misconception 1: Weather compensation is only for new, well-insulated homes.

When I'm installing a new energy-efficient boiler in an older property in, say, Steyning or Storrington, people often worry the system can't handle the heat loss. 

The truth is, while weather compensation uses lower, more efficient flow temperatures for most of the year, it's smart enough. 

On those genuinely cold days, the controls simply tell your gas boiler to hit its maximum flow temperature. 

Your home stays warm and cosy, but you save gas the rest of the time.

Misconception 2: The external sensor must be placed on a north-facing wall.

While a north-facing wall is the most consistent spot for measuring true ambient temperature, it’s certainly not mandatory. 

For a boiler installation in a sunny spot in Henfield or Southwater, we have simple, effective workarounds. 

We can easily adjust the settings or even use a small, purpose-made cover to create the necessary shade. 

We always find the best solution for your West Sussex home’s specific orientation.

Misconception 3: You have to install new radiators to use weather compensation.

This is a complete myth that costs homeowners money unnecessarily. 

When I'm working on a boiler replacement in Shoreham-by-Sea or Lancing, I can tell you that most existing radiators were actually oversized for the old boiler’s output anyway. 

If your current radiators could heat your house before, they will absolutely work just fine with your new boiler and a weather compensation system. 

No need for extra cost or disruption.

Misconception 4: The boiler's maximum heat output is permanently reduced.

This isn't how the technology works. 

Weather compensation is a smart control that modulates your boiler. 

It prevents your boiler from wasting gas by running at full heat when it’s not required—for example, during a mild day in Pulborough. 

However, the controls are designed to instruct your boiler to operate at its maximum flow temperature the second it’s genuinely needed to maintain your set thermostat temperature.

Misconception 5: Installing and setting up weather compensation is complicated and expensive.

Absolutely not. As your local trusted gas engineer in the Horsham area, I can tell you this is a quick part of the boiler installation process. 

The small sensor attaches to an outside wall with a couple of screws, and the wire is low-voltage, meaning no electrician is needed. 

The modern condensing boiler automatically recognises the sensor, and setting the heat curve is a straightforward, simple step that I complete during commissioning. 

It's a minimal effort for major, long-term gas savings.

Ready to Upgrade Your Boiler and Start Saving?

If you're in the Horsham District, Adur District, or surrounding areas like Billingshurst, Southwick, or Sompting, and you want to install an energy-efficient boiler with smart weather compensation controls, get in touch with Prime Boiler Care. 

We specialise in making your home warmer and your bills lower.

Call me, Andrew Tyler, today for a chat about a new boiler quote and how much you could save on heating costs.

Call Prime Boiler Care on 01403 814602

Prime Boiler Care

Suite 54, Standby Business Centre

Foundry Lane

Horsham, West Sussex, England, RH13 5PX