Going Solar? Check Your Roof First!

Going solar can not only reduce your heating and electricity bills but it can also reduce your carbon footprint too. If you are lucky enough to generate more electricity than you use, and you sell your excess back to the National Grid, then going solar can also earn you an extra income too. This is the dream for most people who make the switch to solar but before you make any firm plans, you need to know if your property and roof are suitable for solar panel installation.

Is Your Roof Right for Solar?

For solar panels to work effectively your roof position and location must be right. Before you make any plans you need to check this first. The best pitch for a roof is between 30-40 degrees and ideally it should be south facing. Solar power works from the sun’s light so you’ll also need unobstructed sunlight throughout the day to effectively generate solar power. If the location of your home sees heavy winds and snowfalls then this could affect the efficiency of solar panels too.

Heavy Burden?

Solar panels are extremely heavy and they take up a very large part of your roof. If your roof is not strong enough, or if it’s seen better days and is in need of repairs then it’s important that this is seen to first. If your roof needs expensive repairs or modifications then this could add considerably to your costs make your investment not quite so worthwhile.

Checking that your roof is suitable before you make a commitment to solar heating or electricity can not only save you time but it can save you money too.

Cut Your Carbon Emissions and Your Fuel Bills with an Air Source Heat Pump

It sounds almost too good to be true: cutting your fuel bills and your carbon footprint – yet with the simple installation of an air source heat pump you really could achieve both.

Air source heat pumps work by collecting the inexhaustible and free supply of outdoor air and converting it into either heat or hot water for the home. As almost 25% of the UK’s carbon emissions are produced from domestic heating systems the new air source heat pumps are very good news indeed.

Heating Water or the Home

Air source heat pumps are available as two different systems:

Air to Water Heat Pumps: Air to water heat pumps collect and absorb outside energy which is transferred to a unit to provide a home with hot water. The pump has an external collector that’s fitted outside, a heating or hot water distribution unit, a heating delivery system and a hot water store. This type of air pump is great for large radiators or under floor heating.

Air to Air Heat Pumps: Air to air pumps work in the same way as the air to water pumps but they covert the outside air into heat which is distributed around the home. The distribution units are small making this a perfect heating system for flats or small houses.

Better for Your Pocket, Better for the Environment

Air source heat pumps are designed to produce heat and hot water from the never ending supply of air and they do so without producing carbon emissions.

If you have the outside space to accommodate an air source heat pump’s external collector this form of heating is a truly sustainable and greener method of heating homes and water.

The Benefits of Underfloor Heating

In Roman times, hot air would be used under the floors of buildings to heat them. Modern underfloor heating systems work in similar ways, and are becoming increasingly popular both in the UK and mainland Europe. The benefits available to homeowners who install an underfloor heating system mean that they’re being chosen over traditional radiator systems more and more often.

Instead of water being transferred through radiators, an underfloor heating system passes hot water through pipes underneath the floorboards of a room. The heat then rises, heating the room to a comfortable temperature. Because of the nature of the system, the hot water of an underfloor system only needs to be heated to around 45 – 65c, compared with the 80c or over needed for a radiator system. This means that underfloor heating is a more environmentally friendly way to heat a household, and also contributes to reduced heating bills.

Save Space, Eliminate Damp

Underfloor heating systems are also a great way to save space, removing unsightly radiators and leaving more space for furniture and decorations. They reduce problems associated with damp, such as peeling or discoloured wallpaper, and are much quieter than traditional radiator systems. They are also good for people with breathing conditions or dust allergies, as they reduce dust mites and other parasites in the air.

At a time when heating bills are soaring, underfloor heating systems are a great way to cut costs by up to 40% compared to the old systems. All in all, they are providing a cleaner, greener way for homeowners to heat their houses across the UK.

Solar Hot Water: Why Now is a Good Time to Invest

The Renewable Heat Incentive for domestic properties is to launch in 2012, meaning that, for homeowners across the UK, there’s never been a better time to invest in solar water heating systems. The RHI is designed to encouraged the use of renewable energy in homes across the UK, in line with government plans to reduce the country’s carbon emissions by 80% by the year 2050. Under the scheme, homeowners with solar energy systems can receive financial rewards for the energy they produce to heat and run their household appliances.

A solar water heating system works by using solar panels, usually attached to the roof of the property. The panels gather free heat from the sun, using it to heat water which then heats the entire property. When solar energy is not available (for example, more often during the winter months), the hot water can be topped up by a conventional boiler. These new systems provide a great way for households to save money on heating bills, while reducing the impact on the environment.

From April 2012, the tariffs for new installations of domestic solar energy systems are set to reduce, with further reductions planned for the coming years. This means that now is an excellent time to invest in renewable energy for your home, as installations before this date will still receive the higher tariffs for the full 25 years of the guarantee. Why not call a certified installation company and see what solar energy can do for your home?

All You Need To Know About Gas Safe

When you hire an engineer to service your home gas appliances, such as your oven or boiler, it is very important to make sure they are Gas Safe Registered. Poorly serviced or incorrectly installed appliances can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, and it is thought that low standards of workmanship account for almost all deaths caused by gas leakage. You can easily check whether your gas engineer is Gas Safe Registered by visiting www.gassaferegister.co.uk or calling 0800 408 5500.

The Gas Safe Register replaced the old CORGI system (Council of Registered Gas Installers) in 2009. It is now the only official register of gas engineers for the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man and Guernsey.

The Register works by only accepting engineers who have recognised qualifications and adhere to strict safety standards. All of the work completed by the engineer is then logged for potential customers to check online or by calling the freephone number. The registered engineers also carry an ID card with their name, photograph and details of their qualifications. It is a good idea to check this before allowing an engineer to service your appliances, as an engineer who is qualified to repair a gas oven may not be able to service a boiler, for example.

No matter how plausible an engineer may seem, it is always a good idea to make sure they are registered with Gas Safe. It only takes a couple of minutes to check and it could be a valuable decision. The Gas Safe Register was created not only to promote high standards of safety but also to investigate unlicensed traders who could potentially put your home at risk.

Do You Need A New Boiler?

If your boiler is around ten years old, it could be time to replace it. Older boilers are less efficient, use more fuel and produce less heat than newer, condensing boilers. Despite the initial cost, by buying a new boiler, you could be saving yourself a significant amount on your heating bills. According to Boilers.org.uk, an old boiler costs the average household around £634 a year compared to a new energy-efficient boiler which costs a household only £401. There are also plenty of grants and special offers available if you feel you can’t afford the full cost of a new boiler so it’s worth checking out if you qualify.

All boilers fitted in the UK have to be classed as energy-efficient. This means they provide the maximum amount of power on minimum fuel. By purchasing an energy-efficient boiler, you’re not only saving money, but you’re also helping to save the environment, too.

A combination (or combi) boiler is a popular choice for many households, as they can provide the hot water for your whole house without needing a separate tank. However, if you have a large house and often need to run more than one shower or bath at the same time, a system boiler is a better option. These come with storage cylinders that can hold a large amount of water at any one time. The system boilers have largely replaced the old open vent or heating only boilers as they take up far less space.

Boiler insurance is a good idea, even with the purchase of a new boiler. Central heating repairs can be expensive and, without insurance, you could be left with no hot water or heating until your boiler can be fixed.

The best thing you can do is speak to a trusted, Gas Safe registered London plumber to find out the best type of boiler for your property.

The Benefits of Electric Central Heating

Not all homes have gas and there are many that can’t have gas installed at all. Some new property developments in London for instance can’t have gas as the space that the buildings are in is too enclosed or the flue system is not adequate. So what is the best way to heat a home and have a constant supply of hot water if you can’t have gas central heating fitted?

Powered by Electricity

Electric central heating is the answer. Electric heating runs from the mains electricity with electric radiators that can be controlled individually throughout the house and hot water that is powered from an efficient and economic electric boiler. There are a number of choices of good energy efficient electric boilers available. The Electromax boiler and Thermaflow boiler are compact, quiet boilers with a high efficiency rates of 99% plus. Another good option is a wall mounted electric combination boiler. Qualified electricians here at Bates Plumbing and Heating will advise you on the best electric boiler for your home and will fit it too. All the electricians who work for me wiring and fitting electric boilers are fully NICEIC registered.

Electric central heating is not just for homes without access to gas either. Many people are opting for electric central heating as it’s a safer way of heating your home with no risk from gas leaks or carbon monoxide. You can choose to have either heating, hot water or both. It’s easy to fit and maintain and you can even make use of cheap electricity tariffs.

If you’re thinking of making the switch to electric central heating call Bates today on 020 8924 3558.

What Separates an Average Plumbing and Heating Company from a Leading One?

This is the question that I always go back to when changes are afoot in my business; whether that’s when we’ve expanded or when new services have been offered. It’s the question that keeps me, and my whole team, on our toes.

The differences can be the obvious ones such as all your work being carried out by an experienced tradesman who is fully qualified and registered as Gas Safe. With this in mind you know that your job will be professionally undertaken and you’ll have a high first time fix rate, saving you time and getting you back on track.

Sometimes though, it’s not the obvious things that make a service a leader. When you call our free number at Bates Heating and Plumbing you will talk to a knowledgeable engineer and not an automated machine. We have no call out charge and all our quotes are clearly written so that there are no hidden extras or nasty surprises. Our engineers are reliable and punctual and all our work is guaranteed. We have a quick response time and we always provide long-term solutions over quick fixes.

Having a fleet of reliable tradespeople all under one roof helps keep us one step ahead of the competition too. I’ve spent a lot of time listening to feed-back from my customers and know that having all the tradespeople you need to keep your home running smoothly in one place, and all with the same high standards as me really makes us stand out.

So what does separate the average company from the leading one? Call Bates today on 020 8924 3558 and see the difference for yourself.

Having Problems with your Heating System? Power Flush them Away.

As a qualified heating engineer, I know that from time to time boilers and heating systems can throw up a few problems. Chances are you’ll have experienced at least one of these over the years: cold spots, strange sounds, radiators tasking an age to heat up or not being fully warm.

Although common problems, it doesn’t make them any less annoying. Thankfully there are solutions. It’s likely that, if your radiators do not heat up, it could be because there is a build-up of sludge in the system.

Power Flush it All Away

One of the best ways to get to the root of a heating problem and fix it for good is through power flushing. What a power flush does is give your whole system a good clear out. Using my specialist power flushing equipment and just the right blend of chemicals, I can remove all the bad materials causing the problems.

You really will notice the difference after a power flush as your boiler will perform to its full capacity and your radiators will be fully warm, and not at all noisy.

Power Flush your way to a warmer home by giving me a call at Bates Plumbing and Heating today. Remember, if you ignore heating problems, they only get worse.

Plumbing - Why Do it Yourself when We Can Do it For You?

With another bank holiday approaching, thoughts of DIY are probably creeping in and you could be thinking you’ll get another round in before the year is out. Maybe you’ll attempt to sort out that blocked sink or you’ll try and see what’s stopping your toilet from flushing properly.

Whilst there is nothing wrong with having a go, the simple fact of the matter is that in most cases you’ll be able to fix the problem temporarily, but in a week’s time you’ll just be facing the same issue again, and maybe this time it’ll be worse than it was before. Instead of going round in circles, why not get a professional London plumber in to fix it permanently?

Plus, by calling in a London plumber, you can avoid some of the most common DIY plumbing disasters we see, like instead of unblocking the sink flooding the kitchen, or damaging the pipes whilst trying to fix the toilet.

Avoid undertaking any plumbing work if you are not qualified. Many homeowners think they can save a few quid by having a go themselves. But at the end of the day, just think about how much more it will cost to call out an emergency London plumber to deal with disasters.

Here at Bates my team uses specialist equipment to identify underlying problems, most of which can be fixed there and then on the spot – safely – and permanently. We always go for the long term fix which is far more cost effective.

So forget the DIY this next bank holiday, and call in a London plumber instead. Why spend time slogging away under the sink when you could be sitting in the garden enjoying the last long weekend of the year?

For reliable London plumbers, call Bates on 020 8924 3558.

All in One Home Cover

If your toilet is blocked, you call a plumber. If your boiler is on the blink, you call a Gas Safe heating engineer. If your plug sockets are sparking, you call an electrician. Finding one tradesman is hard enough though, let alone finding a different one for each thing that goes wrong. Wouldn’t it be good if there was a company that was made up of a complete team of tradesmen, who can fix everything and anything around the home?

Well actually there is, and guess what? It’s us here at Bates! Yes, we are called Bates Heating and Plumbing, but we are so much more than that. I know how hard it is for homeowners and landlords to identify the best tradesmen, which is why I decided to get plumbers, heating engineers, electricians, tilers and many others under one umbrella and offer a complete service. This way, whatever service you need, you have one number to call.

As all tradesmen I employ work for Bates, I can guarantee they are fully trained and highly experienced at what they do. I personally promise that every tradesman will perform to a level that I expect and set – and believe me, I set the bar high! Many people hire us once they have just bought a property and want to move in or let it out as quickly as possible. By using the same company, things get done a lot sooner and there is significantly less chance of things going wrong, deadlines being missed and costs escalating.

Need a team to take care of every aspect of your home so you don’t have to worry about it? Want it fully project managed? Then contact Bates today on 020 8924 3558 for a FREE no obligation written estimate.

Summer Heating and Plumbing Advice

The good thing about summer is that it gives your poor old heating system a bit of rest. The past few years have seen some of the harshest winters the country has ever had, so the chances are your boiler, radiators and pipes will have had quite a load placed on them.

Now that the weather is nice and sunny though, I suggest you give a 24 hour London plumber here at Bates a call so we can give your whole system the once over and leave it in tip top condition for the coming winter. You may be thinking that your heating system and pipes have been fine for years. But wouldn’t you rather know NOW if there is a fault and get it fixed instead of waiting for it to pack up just as things turn a bit chilly? Surely it would be better to have no heating for a day in August than it would be for two hours in December?

Pipes cause absolute nightmares if they burst or crack. With all the harsh weather of the last year, your pipes may have significantly weakened. Another frost could tip them over the edge and before you know it you could be facing a hefty bill for their replacement. This is a big and often complex job that will eat into your Christmas savings. I’d recommend you call a Bates heating engineer now to be on the safe side.

My team are skilled in spotting problems before they actually start causing you trouble. It could be that everything is fine – but at least you’ll know one way or the other. What is there to lose?

Be Gas Safe with a Qualified Heating Engineer

Believe me when I say that you shouldn’t feel like you are the only one confused if you cannot get your head around what you should look for in a gas engineer. The powers that be haven’t exactly made it easy for the general public to know who to trust and what you should be looking for.

From my own personal experience, the name CORGI was widely known – people would know that a reliable gas engineer had to be CORGI registered. But far fewer consumers know that CORGI has been replaced by Gas Safe.

Gas Safe is what you now must look for when hiring a London heating engineer. At Bates, all my team members are Gas Safe registered – meaning they can do all manner of works on your boiler, radiators, pipe work – you name it – legitimately and more importantly, safely and with a guarantee.

It is easy to check what anyone claiming to be a heating engineer can and cannot do. All you need to do is ask to see their Gas Safe card. On the back should be a list of all the work they are qualified to perform. If they are there to fix your boiler but you cannot see boilers listed on their card, turn them away and call someone else. Incorrectly fitted, badly repaired or poorly maintained gas appliances are a major cause of carbon monoxide poisoning and lead to many deaths in the UK each year. Never take the risk and assume that the person working in your home is qualified.

Only ever use a Bates Gas Safe registered engineer for total peace of mind. If you suspect that someone who has worked on your gas appliances was not Gas Safe registered, give Bates a call and we’ll check everything out for you and make sure your home is 100% safe where gas is concerned.

Landlords: Take Advantage of Bates Gas Safe Engineers

As a landlord you’ll always have something to worry about, whether it’s tenants late on the rent, a contract dispute or a property lying empty. With all this to worry about, it must be a nightmare when something such as a boiler breaks down. Not only will you get a tenant complaining to you, but you’ll also have to find a reliable company to fix it. Rather than searching through the Yellow Pages, simply give Bates Heating a call. We can fix boilers, install radiators – anything you need.

Dedicated Landlord Gas Maintenance and Servicing Programme

What’s more, we have a dedicated landlord gas maintenance programme which many property managers across London take advantage of and their tenants have commented on as a reliable and prompt service. Our Gas Safe registered heating and plumbing engineers will give your whole system a once over every year, meaning any problems can be sorted out and anything which may cause you problems in the future will be spotted – and fixed – before they become an issue.

Remember, you're legally required to have all gas appliances in the properties you let checked every 12 months and to hold a Gas Safety Record. If you think you have things to worry about now, it could get ten times worse if you were caught without a Gas Safety Record. You could face a heavy fine or even a prison sentence.

I’m sure that as a landlord you are always looking at ways to reduce the stress and costs involved in managing your properties. When it comes to gas safety, a landlord gas maintenance contract from Bates can make a huge difference.

Trust Bates with your Solar Heating Installation

Most people have probably had experience in dealing with various tradesmen in the past. When problems arise, most of the time it’s obvious who you should call. Need a new power socket installed? Call an electrician. Got a leak? Call a plumber. But who do you call if you want a solar heating system installed?

Well, me! At Bates we are installing more and more solar heating systems as the months pass. Why? Because we are BPEC certified professionals, meaning we have the skills, knowledge and qualifications to safely install solar heating and solar panels in domestic properties.

We know that you may have a few questions regarding solar heating, which is why as a company policy we offer everyone a free, no obligation survey where we will visit your property, advise whether it’s suitable and work out how much you could save – and earn via the Government’s incentive schemes - by having a solar heating system installed.

What’s more, if you already have a solar heating system in place we can service it for you and upgrade it if necessary. This is an area where technology is moving at a fast pace, but you can rest assured that at Bates, we’ll always be on top of the latest developments.

Only Vaillant trained, BPEC certified London plumbers should be trusted to take on your solar heating project. To find out how much you could save in the long run and whether solar heating is right for your property, call us to book your free, no obligation survey and relax - you’re in the best possible hands.

A Bates Guide to Plumbing Ethics

It’s a fact of life that as 24 hour London plumbers, we sometimes get a rough deal thanks to less reliable companies who give the trade a bad name. But unlike some other plumbing companies, at Bates we go out of our way to make our customers feel comfortable from the moment they pick they phone up. Why? Well, because we consider ourselves to be ethical London plumbers.

There are certain company policies that separate us from the rest and put customers in a much more relaxed frame of mind.

Going Green

At Bates we fix problems quickly and without fuss. We’ll let you know your options before we start work, and our recommendations, for example a greener solution, but you’ll never feel any pressure.

In fact, our dedication to offering homeowners a greener alternative is a major plus point that many of our customers like. Environmentally friendly alternatives often end up saving money in the long run, and we always have your long term needs in mind when we visit.

Smartly Presented, Clear on Pricing

You may have a certain image of what a plumber looks like - scruffy and covered in dust, perhaps? Not Bates London plumbers. We turn up looking smart and professional. What’s more, our pricing is clear and will be discussed before we start work. We don’t charge a call out fee - simply a minimum charge of one hour on all jobs with further work billed in 30 minute increments. Try getting this information out of some other plumbing companies and you’ll struggle, I can tell you!

At Bates we keep it simple, which is why we feel we’re amongst the most trusted London plumbers in the capital.

The Renewable Heat Incentive and Solar Panels

Without going into too much detail, the government has launched the Renewable Heat Incentive, which is a scheme designed to support businesses and homeowners by rewarding those who reduce their dependence on fossil fuel heating systems. Quite a mouthful isn’t it?

So in short, by switching over to renewable energy systems such as solar heating, you could be rewarded by the government. From October 2012 onwards homes may qualify for tariffs for each kWh (Kilowatt hour) of renewable heat they produce themselves. This is quite an incentive in my eyes, and a further indication that solar heating is the way forward for homes throughout the capital.

These tariff payments would be made quarterly over a 20 year period, so consider that if you’re still wondering whether solar panels would be worth the investment.

If you’re interested in finding out more about solar heating or the Renewable Heat Incentive give me a call. I’ll talk you through it all and give you specific examples of how much you could save on your energy bills or receive in tariffs if you qualify.

Do I Qualify for Solar Heating?

Do I qualify? This is one of the most common questions people ask me when it comes to solar heating and solar panels. And with good reason, as not all homes do qualify unfortunately. But if you’re unsure, leave it to me. After arranging a free no obligation survey with Bates, my team will inspect your property and see if your home is suitable for solar panels.

The first job is deciding whether your roof is suitable or not. A sloping roof will have to be free from shading and cover and face south, south east, south west, east or west. Ideally, a south facing roof is best. If your roof is north east, north west or north facing you will still get some power from the solar panels, but in all honesty you may not generate enough to support the financial outlay you’ll need to install it in the first place.

Don’t worry; we know everything there is to know about positioning and installing solar panels on sloping roofs and I’ll tell you straight whether it is worth you having them or not.

If you’re lucky enough to have a flat roof, solar panels would be a perfect addition, although I may need to gain planning permission on your behalf before I can start work. Just leave it to me – I know these regulations and red tape can get people confused but I’ll do all I can to make it as painless and trouble free as I possibly can.

To find out for sure if you qualify, book a free no obligation survey. With summer just around the corner you could soon be making significant savings on your energy bills – savings that will carry on all year round. Give me a call today and I’ll set up a meeting.

The Real Facts about Solar Heating

Ask most people about solar power and the only thing they’ll know is that it uses energy from the sun to provide an alternative source of heating and hot water in the home. It’s a good start and is certainly true, but there’s so much more that needs to be said about solar heating and the benefits it can bring.

According to Total Solar Energy, the average household uses the equivalent of 3000kW hours of power per year to heat water via a traditional system. Solar panels can collect up to 1300 kW hours per square metre per year so it’s easy to see how savings could be made.

In fact, if your solar power system produces more energy than you use, your utility company may even decide to buy the energy from you.

Another misconception is that solar panels only deliver energy when it’s sunny. The fact is, the latest vacuum panels can draw in energy even on the dullest of days, so even in the winter or on a cloudy day you will still benefit.

Solar panel heating is something I see growing in popularity day by day and I believe it’s a worthwhile investment. If you’d like to find out more about the benefits and installation costs give me a call and I’ll arrange to visit you to see if it’s a viable option for your property.

The Genius of Air Source Heating

I’ve been installing quite a few of the latest energy devices lately: air source pumps. They absorb heat from the air outside and then use it to heat the home. It’s a simple concept, and one that’s very effective.

I know what you’re thinking though, what if it’s cold outside? That’s why this is such a genius piece of kit, because air source pumps can find heat in temperatures as low as minus 15 degrees.

Air source heating can help to lower fuel bills, reduce the carbon footprint and requires very little if any maintenance.

There are two different systems to choose from. An air-to-water system distributes heat via a central heating system. An air-to-air system produces warm air which is circulated around the home by fans.

If you’re interested in finding out more I’ll talk you through both types and help you decide which would be most beneficial in your home. It’s not suitable for every property type; there has to be sufficient space outside for the equipment to be installed but I’ll do a survey for you when I visit and let you know.

How Healthy are your Pipes?

You don’t need me to tell you that the past few months have been extraordinarily cold, and with snow and ice covering the whole of the country for a good few weeks, your pipes will have taken quite a battering.

But what’s surprising is that if damage has occurred, it will not become apparent until the thaw sets in. So with temperatures nowhere near as bitter as they were in December, now is a good time to check your pipes for damage.

There are a number of things you can do. You could wrap any external pipes in foam to protect them from the effects of a sudden thaw, or visually inspect them for signs of damage.

If there are any clear signs of splits, then call a 24 hour plumber. At Bates we regularly check pipes for damage and I encourage you to do the same. What’s more, I’ll put a few preventative measures in place to protect your pipes from the effects of any further cold snaps that can easily creep up just as you think spring is setting in.

Use this relatively mild weather time wisely. It could save you serious money in the long run. Otherwise you might find yourself calling me up in the middle of the night as the frost sets in, complaining about a burst pipe.

The Link between your Health and your Boiler

Carbon Monoxide poisoning is a threat in every home. You may not realise it, but a faulty boiler can be a killer.

I’ve looked a few stats up and found that there were 83 suspected cases of Carbon Monoxide poisoning between 2009/10 in London alone. But what is even more tragic is that these instances most probably could’ve been easily prevented.

Usually they are caused by a boiler or flue system not being installed correctly. This could be the fault of a rogue trader or a homeowner who is looking to save a bit of money and decides to install the boiler themselves. Never attempt to do this. It might save you a few quid, but could end up costing you a lot more in the long run, and not just in monetary terms.

For anything boiler or gas related, give me call. If you’ve just moved into a new home, call my 24 hour London heating engineers so they can give your system the once over. If you’ve had a boiler installed but something didn’t seem right about the person who installed it, let me check their work.

If it’s not up to scratch, I’ll get it sorted for you and I’ll let you know what to do about pursuing the person who did the original job. Everyone I employ here at Bates is Gas Safe registered. Don’t settle for anything less.

Solar Panels in the Winter? Surely not….

At this time of year, there are certain things you expect to see or read about. In fact, if you’re an avid reader of my blog, you will know that over the past few months I’ve been writing about topics such as keeping warm in the winter and preparations for Christmas. So why have I now switched to talking about solar heating panels? Surely they’re only effective in the summer?

Well, I can’t blame you for thinking this, but the fact is, solar heating panels are effective at heating your home in an environmentally friendly way all year round, not just in the summer. Solar panels are linked in with your existing heating system, so it won’t be the case that just because it’s cold outside, you will not get any hot water. You’ll still have all the advantages of a traditional central heating system, but with the added bonus of being able to generate your own power economically and ecologically.

Combining solar heating with your existing heating system can help reduce carbon dioxide emissions as well as your heating bills. In fact, if you’re looking for ways to make savings, an initial investment in solar panels will make you significant savings in the future.

If you’re interested in solar power and how it actually works, my Vaillant trained engineers can provide a free no obligation initial consultation. Take a look at solar heating panels in a little more detail now and avoid the summer rush.

Get Fit, Stop Smoking, Fix the Boiler……

If like thousands of people across the country you have made a number of New Year’s Resolutions, you are probably thinking now we’re into January, was there any point?

Getting fit, giving up smoking or getting a new job are all resolutions we all make, but ultimately ignore a month down the line. However, there is one less glamorous but important resolution that you can make, and easily keep: getting your heating system working at its optimum.

You may tolerate a noisy boiler but the time will come when it packs up all together. Instead of waiting for that time, give me a call and I’ll take a look at it. Just think how quiet it will be without your boiler or heating system groaning at you throughout the night! You should ideally get an annual boiler check every year so if you’ve been putting this off, make a resolution to do it this year.

Alternatively, I could fix a few little problems for you all in one go. A dripping tap that keeps you awake at night? No problem. A radiator that doesn’t get as hot as the others? I’ll sort it. Water that comes out the tap at what feels like a thousand degrees? Give me a shout.

At the end of day these aren’t life changing improvements. But they will stop those little things from annoying you. And after all, it’s the little things in life that matter isn’t it?