Tag: boiler

5 reasons you should have emergency boiler cover

5 reasons you should have emergency boiler cover
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Making our home safe and secure is one of our highest priorities, but this doesn’t just extend to installing robust door locks and a security alarm system. Safety and security also come from feeling warm and comfortable, and having the knowledge that you always will be. Many of the systems in our home we have very little knowledge of, unless we are DIY specialists, and we perhaps don’t pay them much attention until something goes wrong. We rarely have problems with our electricity supply unless it’s an external power cut that we have no control over, and water supplies are also extremely reliable and rarely cause a problem. But home heating and the supply of hot water is something we need to manage a little more carefully.

At some stage of our lives, we’ve all been in this situation; it’s dark and cold, we’re back home from work and cooking dinner and are settling down to a comfy winter’s night in front of the TV with the family. Except that you suddenly notice there’s a chill in the air, or your daughter complains from upstairs that the shower won’t get warm. You touch the radiator to check, and it’s cold, then you open the cupboard where your combi boiler is kept, it’s silent and your heart sinks. You don’t know much about boilers, but you do know this isn’t good, and there then develops a very uncomfortable 24 hours when you have no heating or hot water, everyone is snuggled together on the sofa to keep warm, and the kids are complaining that their beds are freezing cold.

This may be a rare occurrence, but it’s your worst nightmare as a parent and homeowner and you feel vulnerable and stressed, not to mention cold and uncomfortable, and ultimately out of pocket when you eventually find a boiler repair engineer who can come out. You’re at the mercy of their skills, knowledge and spare parts contacts in terms of how quickly you can have heating and hot water restored and how much it will cost. The discomfort and anxiety of this situation can be avoided by having emergency boiler cover, and here are five reasons why:

  1. 24/7 availability – Your cover gives you access to a 24-hour helpline where you can get support over the phone and arrange for a qualified and accredited boiler engineer to come out. This gives you peace of mind that whatever time of day your boiler packs up, you can have it attended to within a couple of hours.
  2. Gas Safe-registered engineers – Safety and the quality of repair is paramount so that you know your boiler has been properly repaired to a good standard, using appropriate parts and techniques. This can be crucial in extending the lifespan of your boiler, and it’s operating safely in your home. The Gas Safe Register is the official gas registration body for gas businesses and engineers in the UK.
  3. No extra costs – When you sign-up for an emergency boiler cover package you pay one, fixed monthly cost, and you also receive a free, annual boiler service, which makes budgeting for your home maintenance costs so much easier and ensures your home boiler is operating safely.
  4. Unlimited callouts – If your boiler isn’t working, you don’t have to worry about whether you can afford to get it repaired, and you don’t have to carry out a layman’s diagnosis of the problem to establish if you can justify the cost. With emergency boiler cover you have unlimited callouts, any time of day and with no extra cost.
  5. Flexible cover plans – Everyone lives in different circumstances with different costs and priorities, so you can choose the level of cover that suits your pocket and your lifestyle needs. You can opt for emergency boiler cover, but can also add cover for electrics, heating controls, plumbing and associated items such as toilets, taps and drains.    

Some people like to live life on the edge and like to take risks. But it’s one thing having an interest in adventure sports like abseiling, parachuting or skiing, and it’s quite another thing to live your life permanently at the mercy of water leaks, a pilot light going out or gas escaping from your pipework.

Everybody needs their home to be safe and secure, whatever risks they like to take in other aspects of their life, so put yourself in control of having unlimited heating and hot water, and how expensive it is for you, by signing-up for emergency boiler cover today.

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How does a new boiler add value to a home?

How does a new boiler add value to a home?credit

A boiler is a critical component of a home’s heating system. It’s responsible for heating water, which is then circulated through radiators or underfloor heating pipes to warm the home. A new boiler is an investment that can add significant value to a home in multiple ways. In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of installing a new boiler and how it can positively impact a home’s value.

Benefits of a new boiler

Investing in a new boiler can provide several benefits for home-owners. One of the most significant benefits is increased energy efficiency. Newer boilers are designed to be much more energy-efficient than their older counterparts, resulting in lower energy bills. A new boiler can also improve heating performance, providing a more consistent and comfortable temperature throughout the home.

Another significant benefit of a new boiler is its reduced carbon footprint. Older boilers tend to be less efficient, resulting in higher carbon emissions. By investing in a new boiler, home-owners can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable environment.

The effect of a new boiler on home value

The value of a home is impacted by multiple factors, including the home’s heating system. Home-buyers are increasingly prioritising energy efficiency and sustainability when searching for a new home. A new boiler can significantly increase the value of a home by providing a more energy-efficient and sustainable heating system.

The ROI (Return on investment) of a new boiler can also be significant. Although the initial investment cost can be high, a new boiler can pay for itself in energy savings over time. Additionally, a new boiler can increase the resale value of a home, resulting in a higher ROI when selling the property.

Choosing the right boiler

Choosing the right boiler is essential to maximize the benefits and value of a new boiler. Home-owners should consider factors such as the type of boiler, size, and capacity and cost when selecting a new boiler.

There are several types of boilers; including combi boilers, system boilers and regular boilers. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the home-owner’s needs and preferences. Additionally, home-owners should consider the size and capacity of the boiler to ensure it can meet the heating demands of their home.

Cost considerations should also be taken into account when choosing a new boiler. Although a higher initial investment may provide more energy savings and a higher ROI over time, home-owners should consider their budget and long-term financial goals when selecting a new boiler.

Cost of a new boiler vs expenditure

When considering the cost of a new boiler, it’s important to think of it as an investment in your home rather than just an expense. While it’s true that a new boiler can have a significant upfront cost, the benefits it provides can far outweigh the initial investment.

Cost considerations

While a new boiler can provide significant benefits, it’s important to consider the cost of installation when making your decision. The cost of a new boiler will depend on several factors, including the size and capacity of the boiler, the type of boiler you choose and the complexity of the installation.

In general, a new boiler’s cost is as follows:

• Replacement boiler – from £2,150*

• Boiler conversion – from £3,200*

• Boiler replacement with relocation – from £2,600*

*Prices shown are correct on Boiler Central as of 20/12/2022

Read more here, to find out how much a new boiler costs.

However, it’s important to remember that this is a long-term investment that will provide ongoing benefits. In many cases, the cost of a new boiler can be offset by the savings you’ll see on your energy bills over time.

ROI (Return on investment)

One way to think of the cost of a new boiler is to consider it in terms of ROI (return on investment). The ROI of a new boiler is the amount of money you’ll save on your energy bills over time compared to the initial investment cost. While it may take several years to recoup the initial cost, the ongoing savings can make it a wise investment in the long run.

In addition to the energy savings, a new boiler can also increase the resale value of your home. Home-buyers are increasingly interested in energy-efficient homes and a new boiler can make your home more attractive to potential buyers. This can result in a higher resale value and a better ROI when selling your home.

Conclusion

A new boiler can provide multiple benefits for home-owners, including increased energy efficiency, lower energy bills, improved heating performance and a reduced carbon footprint. Additionally, a new boiler can significantly increase the value of a home, resulting in a higher ROI when selling the property. Home-owners should carefully consider the type, size, capacity and cost of a new boiler to maximize its benefits and value. By investing in a new boiler, home-owners can enjoy a more comfortable and sustainable living environment while also increasing the value of their home.

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When to hire a hot water tank & water heater replacement company

When to hire a hot water tank & water heater replacement company

Finding quality service providers these days can be a challenge. And if you’re in a position where you need a hot water tank and H2O heater replacement company, you surely want to look out for the best.

Firstly, you’ll have to do your research to find the best service suppliers near you, and ensure that they get the job done faultlessly. Not entirely sure how to go about home upgrades? You can find useful suggestions in the rest of this post.

What are water heaters?

These are devices that do what their name suggests; that is, to increase the temperature of water to a certain point. Whether you need them in your kitchen or bathroom, they’re an essential element in your home.

In an industrial setting, they may be known by a different name such as steam boilers. However, the method of operation is generally the same. If, for whatever reason, you have problems with getting them to function properly, you’ll need to seek expert help immediately.

Common problems with hot water heater devices

For starters, you need to understand that there are different types of this apparatus available. What this means is that you need to know exactly which variety is installed on your property if you’re going to be able to troubleshoot common problems. Visit this page for more information on troubleshooting common water heater problems and have a look here for an explanatory heat pump glossary.

The sort you’ll use in your water tank installation will mostly depend on your type of plumbing. Those that run at a point-of-use are usually far from the home’s main connection. So, before taking the appliance apart, ensure that you understand the design and operation mechanism. Take photos with your camera-phone before dismantling so that you have a visual guide to put it back together.

If you have no idea how to go about fixing it yourself, bring in an expert. Find some of the most common H2O heater problems below to get a better understanding of when & why your device becomes faulty.

Absence of hot water

This is one of the most common problems you can encounter with your heating apparatus. If there’s no hot water coming out of the unit, ensure that it’s properly connected to the main power supply.

If you can confirm that there’s nothing wrong with the main power supply, you’ll need to call out an expert technician to solve the problem. You can check this link https://www.homeserve.com/en-us/blog/home-improvement/no-water-heater/ for possible reasons why there’s no hot H2O.

Not enough hot water

This is probably the case if you have a device installed that isn’t capable of meeting the demands of the household; for example, feeding the washing machine, the bath, the shower and the kitchen sink. In other words, you’ll need to install a larger capacity tank that can supply the requirements of all the plumbing connections of your home. If you’re certain that your tank is of an adequate size, check that the heating element isn’t defective.

Too much hot water

The situation could be that the device keeps trickling water out at a scalding temperature. This could either be that the thermostat is set too high or that there’s an issue with the heating coils. Again, get in touch with a plumbing professional to help you troubleshoot and remedy the likely faults.

Hand basin hot water heater

Finding a hot water tank and water heater replacement company

When faced with a heater problem that’s beyond your capabilities, get in touch with an expert technician or company that specialises in H2O heater repairs. This website has further tips on hiring a technician.

Getting expert help straight away could save you a great deal of time with the guesswork associated with identifying the root problem. If you need to locate one immediately, try some of the recommendations below.

Ask other property owners

Water heaters are everyday appliances in most homes, so you may know someone who recently had to carry out repairs to their unit. They could quickly provide you with the contact details of a professional service provider who can quickly make the necessary diagnosis and carry out repairs.

Check with an expert

If you happen to know any home repair professionals such as builders or home renovation contractors, give them a call to see if they know of and can recommend anyone to you. This is generally a reliable method since you won’t have to worry about them not being dependable as there’s a good chance they’ve been tried and tested in the past.

Use the web

It’s also possible to find a water heater replacement company nearby simply by using the web to your advantage. Go online and search for professional H2O tank installation and repairers in your area. Be careful to read their web pages carefully to be sure that they provide the exact services you require.

Final note

Water heaters play a necessary function in your home, so ensure that they’re in top working condition at all times. Follow the tips above in diagnosing common faults with your appliance and also in finding an expert technician if you need one.

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Should you consider buying a new boiler?

Should you consider buying a new boiler?

Home-owners are often surprised on being told by a professional that they need to replace their boiler. It’s recommended to get a second opinion before deciding on it, but there are several common indicators of a failing boiler that anyone can take note of themselves. Let’s quickly go through what those indicators are next.

Icon of boiler with sticking plasters

Frequent breakdowns

The older an electronic appliance is, the more maintenance it needs; which is normal. If, however, the boiler is breaking down frequently, even after ensuring regular maintenance, take it as a sign that the appliance is nearing the end of its service.

Old boiler with water tank icon

It was installed 10+ years ago

Just because a boiler is more than 10-years old, that does not mean it’s about to fail. On the other hand, when a boiler begins to lose performance, energy-efficiency and breaks down often after a decade, it’s indeed time to look for a new one. Whilst this was once a hassle, there are numerous companies such as Duffy Heating who make replacing your boiler with a newer, better model quite easy. As compared to old models, modern gas boilers are 20-30% more energy-efficient any way, but with a professionals help, you’ll be able to select a model that is best suited for your needs and budget.

Consumption meter icon

The unit consumption rate is significantly higher than expected in winter

The cost of electricity is always on the rise, which means that your bills will possibly be higher than they were last winter. Simply comparing heating bills with 12-24 months between them is not an accurate way to determine whether a boiler has lost its energy efficiency over the years.

Instead, compare the units consumed during the winter months every year to notice if there was a sudden and sizeable bump at any point. Unless you can explain the bump in unit consumption rate (loss of insulation, property extensions, considerable increase in the number of residents, significant increase in the number of electronic appliances, etc.), it might be time to buy a new gas boiler to save both money and precious energy.

Orange yellow flame illustration

The yellow-orange pilot flame of doom

The pilot flame inside a boiler is supposed to be blue and steady. If you notice that the flame is turning yellow/orange every now and then, take it as a sign of potential deadly danger. To understand the correlation here, read the points as mentioned next:

  • Yellow, orange or yellow-orange flames produce carbon monoxide (CO)
  • Carbon monoxide is toxic to the level of being deadly, and we can’t smell it
  • When a boiler starts releasing CO, the gas will slowly fill up the entire confined and insulated space of your home
  • This silent killer causes nausea, vertigo, tiredness, sleepiness, headaches, permanent brain damage and death

Call in emergency boiler maintenance first for a temporary solution, and then replace the old, faulty appliance with a new boiler as soon as you can.

Note that boilers, just like every other electronic appliance, can last for longer or shorter periods of time than expected. The life expectancy of a boiler varies depending on the make, model, maintenance, usage, boiler installation etc. and not just its age. If you notice any of the signs we just discussed, consider replacing your boiler before it fails permanently.

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