Should Storage Heaters be Replaced with Electric Radiators or Upgraded?

If gas central heating isn’t available in your home, the chances are you’re heating is supplied by storage heaters.  But many homeowners today are finding that the drawbacks of old-fashioned storage heaters aren’t suiting their lifestyle.  So should you look to replace or upgrade your storage heaters?  Read on for more advice:

What are the disadvantages of storage heaters?

As storage heaters store heat up overnight and release it during the day, they are therefore cheaper to run overnight on special electricity tariffs.  But this does make daytime electricity tariffs more expensive to offset this.  They may also release more heat than you need in mild weather and run out of heat when you need it in cold weather.  Storage heaters can also produce a very ‘dry’ heat, which may irritate some people.

How do modern electric radiators work?

The ‘dry’ electric radiator system uses oil or water filled radiators; this liquid is heated electronically from the mains supply and heats the room.  Alternatively, the ‘wet’ system uses water heated through an electric boiler which is pumped through a system of radiators or under floor heating.

What are the advantages of modern electric radiators?

Modern electric radiators are efficient and will heat up a room within minutes of being switched on. and you can normally also time the heating of every room with a time-on, time-off system, so you can easily regulate the temperature of your home.  Heat is released more evenly, eliminating cold spots, and they also take up less wall space.  They are often more energy efficient than storage heaters due to their modern controls, and can save you money if you switch to a standard electricity tariff.

Can I simply upgrade my storage heaters?

If you don’t want to switch to electric radiators, you can upgrade to modern storage heaters, which offer better charge controls, enabling them to vary the heat input and storage in response to the weather, and more heat can be supplied using a different element and the mains power supply if necessary.

For more information on electric radiators, visit: http://www.londonplumbers.co.uk/electric-central-heating.asp.

Five Reasons to Switch to an Electric Boiler

If your property has always had a gas or oil boiler, you might not consider replacing it with an electric boiler when the time comes.  But this would be a mistake; here are just a five of the best reasons for considering an electric boiler:

1.     Increased efficiency

As an electric boiler does not require a flue to release a waste product, as a gas or oil boiler does, useful heat is not given the chance to escape the property.  They also have an onboard microchip and control system which regulates the water temperature and provides power modulation. Therefore, an electricity boiler runs at around 99% efficiency.

2.     Quiet operating system

Electric boilers are renowned for their quiet operation.  This is due to the fact that they do not have many moving elements as gas boiler would have; electric boilers are great therefore for small or open-plan properties.

3.     Easy to Maintain

Electric boilers are considered to be like any other electric appliance within the home, and therefore do not need regular servicing.  As they have very few moving parts, they do not need to be fixed very often, and when they do, the parts will be easy for a trained plumber to source and fit.

4.    Space efficient

Electric boilers are perfect for homes where space is at a premium.  As they do not require a flue, electric boilers are space efficient, and there is also more flexibility as to where they can be installed.

5.     Safe operation

Electric boilers do not burn a solid fuel, and therefore do not give off harmful gasses, such as carbon monoxide, making them safer to operate than a gas or oil boiler.

And electric boilers could be greener, too!

There’s still some debate on the subject, but it’s thought that electric boilers are kinder to the environment, as they do not burn fossil fuels.  They can also be linked to green generation sources, such as solar panels.  Another reason to switch to an electric boiler!

For more information on electric central heating and boilers, visit: http://www.londonplumbers.co.uk/electric-central-heating.asp.

Choosing and maintaining extractor fans for Bathrooms

It may surprise you that the humble extractor fan is one of the most important things to think about in bathroom design.  Particularly important in shower rooms without windows, extractor fans remove unpleasant odours and humidity from the air, as well as helping to stop mould and mildew build up, and should therefore be chosen carefully and maintained regularly.

Size is everything

When it comes to extractor fans, size matters.  You will need to multiply the volume of your bathroom (length x width x height) by the recommended air changes needed (for example, a bathroom with a shower should have an air change of 15 to 20 times per hour) to give you the cubic metres per hour air change required.  This will help you and your plumber to choose the correct size fan.

Other aspects to consider

You may wish to consult your plumber on other aspects of extractor fans, which include the operating cord, switch or humidistat and where it will be located, whether the fan will be fitted through the wall or will instead be an in line extractor to cover a longer distance, and where the fan will be located to work efficiently.  Similarly, you’ll need to think about energy efficiency, the source of air return and the correct choice of ducting. 

Maintaining your extractor fan

Extractor fans should be cleaned at least twice a year, as even a thin layer of dust can stop them from working efficiently.  The cover should either unscrew or pull off to allow for gentle cleaning of the blade and air slots with a toothbrush or paintbrush.  If you discover that the ducting is damaged, call your plumber; using duct tape will only be a temporary fix, whereas your plumber will be able to keep it working at its best.

Wet rooms: the modern day alternative to the shower cubicle?

Today’s wet rooms have come a long way, and are now a modern, stylish alternative to the traditional shower cubicle.  So what are the reasons behind this surge in popularity?  Here are just a few of those reasons:

Easy style

Whether designed with nothing to separate the shower from the rest of the room, or utilising a shower screen or dividing wall to keep the shower and the rest of the bathroom apart, wet room design is now sleek and modern.  Wet rooms make the most of the space available, and do not box off the shower with a traditional cubicle, allowing the space to flow flexibly.

Easy maintenance

One of the great perks of a wet room is the ease of cleaning; after all, even if the wet room has a screen or dividing wall, there is no shower cubicle or tray to clean.  What’s more, wet rooms often feature wall-hung toilets and sinks, which adds to the easy maintenance, and tiled floors are better protected from water as they are designed to be 100% water tight.

Easy access

For those with disabilities or mobility issues, and indeed the family as a  whole, one of the biggest advantages of a wet room is the fact that the floor is on one level – there is no dangerous step into the shower or bath, and the floor will be designed to be non-slip too; designed, therefore, with safety in mind.

Things to consider when adding an additional bathroom to a property

Whatever the reason is that tempts you to add an additional bathroom to your home – be it squabbling teenage fights over who gets the shower first, wanting to accommodate guests more easily or simply for the luxurious convenience of it – it’s important to consider some of the following aspects before committing yourself to the build:

Where will your new bathroom go?

You could decide to build an extension to your home to accommodate a new bathroom, but there are probably existing places within your home you could convert.  For simple cloakrooms, try the space under the stairs or even a large entrance porch.  Alternatively, how about a basement or loft conversion, or even converting an empty corner of an existing room?

Do you require planning permission?

Planning permission is generally not required when installing a bathroom, unless it is part of a new extension.  However, remember that you will need to consult with your local planning authority if your home is listed, and if you’re installing a bathroom where there wasn’t one previously, you will need to comply with building regulations, so get a professional plumber involved.

What do you need to think about when planning the room?

Obviously there is the all important design and layout to think about, but also consider researching into heating options, shower doors (you need to have enough space to open them easily!) and flooring – you don’t want the bath to end up in the kitchen because the floor isn’t watertight! Similarly, consider windows and ventilation, visibility from the outside and soundproofing – all aspects which your professional plumber will be able to advise on.

The benefits of installing underfloor heating

There are many benefits to underfloor heating, making it easy to see why it’s becoming so popular as a heating choice.  Here are just a few reasons why you should consider installing it as a heating system:

Space saving and comfort

One of the biggest benefits of underfloor heating is the amount of space it saves within a room - up to 15% - as unsightly radiators are not needed.  Furthermore, as underfloor heating is evenly spaced underneath the floor, the heat surrounds you rather than rising to the ceiling which is what happens with a radiator system – this means that it creates a much more comfortable living environment.  You can even eliminate the shock of cold floor tiles in the morning as these will be heated too!

Low installation and running costs

In a new build property with a screeded floor, underfloor heating often works out cheaper than a radiator based system.  What’s more, it can be up to 15% - 40% less expensive to run and is more environmentally friendly too, as it uses water at a much lower temperature, making it perfect to be powered by alternative fuel sources.

Hygiene

Dust mites are not so inclined to live in a house with underfloor heating as the moisture content produced is much lower than that created by traditional radiators – it’s therefore perfect for allergy sufferers and those with asthma.

Underfloor heating control and maintenance

Underfloor heating is thermostatically controlled in each room, so every room in the house can be heated differently.  What’s more, unlike a radiator system, there are no joints in the floor with underfloor heating as all the pipes return to a central manifold, allowing for easy access and easy maintenance.

Warm Air Heating - should you convert to central heating?

Warm air heating systems in the UK aren’t terribly commonplace, and many of these systems are being replaced with central heating.  But do you really need to convert it completely, or is it just time for an update?

How do warm air systems work?

Warm air systems work by drawing cold external air in through ducts.  This is then pulled into a warm air heating unit and blown across a heat exchanger by an electric fan.  The warmed air is circulated around the rooms via ducts, with vents in each room instead of radiators.

What are the disadvantages?

One of the main criticisms of warm air heating systems is that rooms can be heated unevenly, creating some spots which are warmer than others.  It can also be the case that pollen and allergens are drawn in with the air from outside, so if you are an allergy sufferer, this type of heating may irritate your allergies.  It has also been said that the ducts take up wall space and the systems can be noisy, so this is something to consider, particularly if wall space is precious in your home.

But what are the advantages?

It has to be said that many of the above criticisms are now seen as outdated.  Indeed, in America, warm air heating is often the heating system of choice!  Modern systems now have electronic controls which provide stable room temperatures and a quieter operation.  They also often feature an electronic filtration system which cuts down on the allergens being passed into your home, removing up to 95% of particles, and have improved fuel efficiency.  It may be time to ask your professional plumber to update, rather than replace, your warm air heating system!

Everything AND the kitchen sink!

When it comes to kitchen design, a sink isn’t just a sink – there’s lots of choice for the modern kitchen nowadays, and this choice doesn’t revolve around washing up either!  If you’re having a professional plumber remodel your kitchen, here are some novel sink ideas to consider:

Oversized kitchen sinks

Does exactly what it says on the tin: these oversized sinks are perfect for big families or those that like entertaining.  Got a large wok or baking tray that needs washing?  Stick it in your oversized singular bowl sink, or opt for an extra wide double sink!

Stone bowl sinks

The durability of stone means that it is becoming an increasingly popular material of choice for kitchen sinks.  Stone sinks also add form and style to a kitchen, often coming in two types: vintage farmhouse-style or boutique-hotel-type stone bowl prep sinks – something, therefore, for the traditional and the contemporary.

Staging sinks

What could offer better convenience than a sink with interchangeable preparation areas?  Colanders which fit neatly over the side of the sink to keep hands free, stepped side platforms for preparation of fresh produce and even in-built chopping boards: that’s exactly what staging sinks are all about.

Steamer sinks

The ultimate in kitchen gadgetry, combined sink-cook centres offer an integrated cooking vessel for steaming, poaching, boiling and blanching – perfect therefore for both healthy eating and serious home chefs!

Party sinks

Ok, so this sink’s probably not for everyone, but if you’re a serious entertainer, what could be more fun than a narrow  prep sink installed in an island countertop which can be filled with ice ready to store lemon and drinks?!  It really is time to ‘sink’ again when it comes to kitchen sinks!

Water saving tips for times of drought

Despite the wet weather we’ve had recently, much of the UK is currently in the midst of a drought.  Even with recent rainfall, reservoir levels still remain low.  Here are some water saving tips, therefore, to help you to do your bit in conserving this precious resource:

Make your home leak-free

It may sound obvious, but any leaks in your home are wasting water.  If you discover a leak, either through taking meter readings, listening for hissing sounds, being vigilant towards damp patches or checking for extra-green areas within your lawn, ask your plumber to fix them as soon as possible.  Not only will this help the environment, but also your wallet, as it will save on water bills.

Tap into water saving

Dripping taps are one of the biggest water-wasters within the home.  A tap that drips at a rate of one drop per second wastes up to 2,700 gallons of water per year!  Therefore, ask your plumber to fix any dripping taps by replacing the washers.  Plumbers can also fit tap inserts and aerators which introduce air into the water flow of the tap to maintain pressure but use less water.

Shower-savvy

Just like the tap aerators, water-saving shower heads can be fitted to your existing shower to cut the water use by up to 60 per cent, but not affect its efficiency.   They work in exactly the same way as the tap inserts by mixing air into the water, but remember to check with your plumber as to whether your shower and boiler are suitable to have one fitted.

Toilet Cistern Devices

Using 24% of a household’s water consumption, a flushing toilet uses a lot of water!  If you do not have a modern dual-flush toilet, either think about replacing the whole cistern or ask your plumber about fitting a Save-a-flush or a Hippo device to your toilet to save between 1 – 2.5 litres per flush.  Furthermore, if your toilet flush handle is permanently in the flush position, the water will constantly run, so ask your plumber to replace or adjust it.

Common causes of Low Water Pressure and how to fix them

If your household suffers from the annoying problem of low water pressure, you don’t have to live with it. Yes, sometimes the location of your property will affect the water pressure (such as if your house is located on top of a hill – the pressure in this instance is likely to be less than the properties at the bottom of the hill receive), but here are some ways that common water pressure problems can be fixed:

Pipe corrosion

Corrosion of pipes is a big problem when it comes to low water pressure. Corrosion restricts the water flow, and therefore many households are replacing their old pipe work with new MDPE pipes.

Stop taps

Check that any stop taps, both inside the home and ones shared with neighbours outside the home aren’t partially closed. By gently opening the stop tap, the water pressure should increase, but remember that stop taps should not be fully opened – they should always be turned a quarter of the way back to stop them from seizing up – ask your plumber if you’re unsure.

Heating appliances and showers

The layout of your showers and heating appliances within the home can affect the water pressure, which is why it’s always wise to have a professional plumber fit them. With old showers, try cleaning the lime scale off of shower heads regularly, as a build up of lime scale can affect the flow. New showers, however, often need a minimum level of flow to work effectively, or need to be plumbed into the mains rather than a tank, so check with your professional plumber whether your plumbing system is suitable to support a new shower.

Sleek and Chic – Inspiration for your New Kitchen

When planning a new kitchen, why not consider some upmarket appliances and plumbing ideas? There are some great, and slightly more unusual, appliances on the market today, such as specialist taps and fridges, which will really give your kitchen the wow factor.

Pull out kitchen taps with sprays

Fast becoming a cannot-live-without kitchen accessory, the pull out kitchen tap allows more manoeuvrability than a fixed spout tap, making it perfect for washing fruit and veg and cleaning awkward pots and pans. Some pull out taps also have added features such as extendable hoses and water flow controllability.

Boiling, filtered and carbonated water taps

Just as the names suggest, boiling, filtered and carbonated water is just a twist of a tap away. Taps which offer different types of water are a great way of disposing of counter-top appliances, leaving your kitchen looking clutter-free.

Integrated coffee makers

A must for every coffee connoisseur, integrated coffee machines can be incorporated into modern kitchen design and can be plumbed directly into the water supply – giving you frothy coffee at the touch of a button!

Ice-makers and water dispensers

If cold drinks are more your thing, why not think about having an American fridge with built in water dispenser and/or ice-maker plumbed in? Not only will this give you ice-cold drinking water at your finger tips, but they also offer great refrigerated storage space. Just one of the many plumbed-in appliances which can help to build the kitchen of your dreams!

Digital Showers – Welcome to Modern Technology in the Bathroom!

With their ability to deliver a constant temperature for the duration of your shower, digital showers are becoming increasingly popular choices in bathroom installation. However, temperature controllability isn’t their only benefit; here are just a few more reasons why a digital shower could be the shower of choice for you!

Digitally controlled temperature...

As the name suggests, digital showers are controlled digitally which means that the temperature is mapped and therefore remains constant throughout the duration of the shower. No more hot or cold bursts when someone turns the kitchen tap on! Most digital showers also offer a ‘warm up’ mode, meaning that you can step into the shower at the perfect temperature – and not a minute before!

....and digitally controlled flow!

The flow of the water can also be controlled digitally, either using a pre-programmable flow setting or the adjustable ‘easy-flow’, used to control the flow once in the shower. With high, medium and low flow settings, there’s a flow to suit every member of the family!

Eco-friendly

Many digital showers can be set with a maximum duration of shower length, thus making them a very eco-friendly option – and a wallet friendly option too, helping you to save on both water and electricity.

Remote control showering!

Although not normally associated with a shower, some digital showers even come with a remote control. Fancy switching on your en suite shower from your bedroom? Well, you can do exactly that with a digital shower!

Easy installation

All of this, and digital showers couldn’t be easier for a professional plumber to install, either. Compatible with a variety of boiler types, including combi boilers, an ‘exposed’ digital shower (whereby the pipes are cleverly concealed in the shower riser) can be installed in as little as two hours! Similarly, a ‘concealed’ digital shower – where just the controls and shower head are visible – is also a very simple installation, making them a brilliant option in bathroom design. 

Why bathrooms should be remodelled by a professional plumber

When remodelling a bathroom, it’s so easy for a DIY project to go wrong – mainly because water is involved. If you want to avoid a botched bathroom, it’s always best to hire a professional plumber. Here are just a few reasons why:

The importance of adequate waterproofing

Waterproofing is the most important consideration when remodelling a bathroom and also one of the most difficult aspects to get right. A professional plumber will allocate 5–10 per cent of the overall cost on waterproofing the room. If walk-in showers or bathtubs are not installed properly, leaks could easily occur, causing serious damage to both the bathroom itself and any rooms below.

The layout of pipe work

A professional plumber will try to locate most of the pipe work in a bathroom, including the drain-waste-vent pipes, on one wall. This will save on materials needed and will also allow easier access to the pipe work if repairs are needed at a later stage.

Using the right materials

Practicality of materials used is of great importance in a bathroom – a professional plumber will help you to steer clear of materials that look great when they’re first installed but do not wear well, such as wooden cabinets and poor quality tiles.

Avoiding common bathroom plumbing problems

By hiring a professional plumber, you will avoid common bathroom plumbing problems, such as overloading the mains water supply with fixtures when the water pressure isn’t adequate, or mismatching different pipe sizes or putting copper and galvanised pipes together, which could cause leaks. All basic mistakes, but easily made if a professional plumber isn’t hired!

The advantages of installing a space-saving Combi Boiler

Combination boilers have become one of the most popular choices for new boiler installations in the UK. There are many reasons for this, with their big advantages being their space-saving benefits, efficiency and temperature reliability. If you’re thinking of installing a combi boiler, here are some reasons why they are a good choice:

Space-saving
Combi boilers are different from other boilers in that they do not need a hot water cylinder or a cold water tank; hot water is heated on demand, and cold water is taken directly from the mains supply. This means that you save the airing cupboard space taken up by a hot water cylinder and gain extra loft space by removing the cold water tank – perfect, therefore, for small homes, flats, or for those converting their attic space into a useable room!

Efficient and cost-effective
Combination boilers are highly efficient both as a water heater and as a central heating unit. This means that your heating bills will be less than when using another type of boiler. Even installation and service costs are lower – as less pipe work is needed when there is no tank in the loft, installation is quicker and cheaper, and parts and engineers are readily available to service combination boilers, keeping servicing costs low.

Temperature reliability
What’s more, a combi boiler offers protection from sudden water temperature changes when using the shower as most are thermostatically controlled, often with a thermostat control coming as standard.

Check the suitability of a combination boiler for your home with us; if a combi boiler is suitable, you could be reaping their benefits very shortly!

How Solar Panels Work

Despite the increase of homeowners making the switch to solar energy, many people don’t know how solar panels actually work. Here’s a quick guide to how the sun’s rays can provide your home with electrical power and hot water.

Will Cloudy Days Affect Solar Energy Collected?

Many people may think solar panels will only work in constant bright sunlight rather than in our rainy British climate! However, because solar panels run on daylight rather than heat, they can still provide energy when the weather is grey or overcast. The rain can also help to clean the panels, so our weather is perfectly suited to solar energy.

From The Sun’s Rays To Your Home Appliances

The way that the panels work is by absorbing sunlight which then generates a direct electrical current (DC). This runs through an inverter which converts the energy into alternating current (AC) and it’s this energy which is used to power electrical appliances. If the solar panels are generating more energy than the property needs, the excess energy will be fed into the national grid for use by other people. If the panels aren’t generating enough energy to power the house, the energy gets ‘topped up’ by power from the national grid.

A Fantastic Investment

For all the excess energy your solar panels create, you’ll be paid through the government’s Feed in Tariff. This scheme was created in 2010 to encourage more homes to switch to solar power. Not only do solar panels provide a great way to get your energy from renewable sources, but they’re also a brilliant investment which will save you money year after year.

Winter Boiler Issues: the Top Three Problems

The last thing you need when it’s cold outside is for your boiler to suddenly stop working! A lack of heating and hot water can throw even the most organised of households into chaos. Here’s a guide to the top boiler problems which can occur during the winter months.

1. No heating or hot water
If your heating suddenly shuts down, don’t panic! It’s a very common problem. A fault with a part of your boiler’s mechanism could be the problem, or possibly your thermostat. Either way it’s easily fixed with a call to your supplier.

2. Frozen pipes
In cold weather, the water in your heating system can freeze causing burst pipes, blockages and leaks if left unchecked. There are several ways you can stop this from happening, including insulating your pipes and making sure you have a regular boiler service.

3. Radiators not heating up
There’s nothing worse than a lukewarm radiator when it’s freezing outside! If you’re sitting at home with your coat on, it could be because hot water isn’t reaching your radiators due to a blockage. If your pipes are old, they might be starting to fall apart on the inside, causing a build-up of sludge. A power flush can help sort this out and get your heating system working properly again.

If you want your winter to be a warm one, regular boiler servicing is a good idea and it’ll save you on expensive repairs later on. Only a Gas Safe Registered engineer can perform work on your boiler, so be sure to remember this when you call.

Three Reasons to get your Boiler Serviced Regularly

It’s sometimes difficult to find the money to spend on something like a boiler service, particularly when your boiler is still working just fine, but if your boiler breaks down, it could end up causing you extra expense; you may need to have it repaired or replaced, and don’t forget the inconvenience of lengthy periods of time without hot water and heating. If you don’t want to be left out in the cold this winter, take note of these great reasons to have your boiler serviced regularly.

1. Reduce the chance of a full boiler breakdown:
By having your boiler serviced regularly, you’re minimising the chances of your home being left without heating and hot water. Avoiding a full boiler breakdown also means avoiding the cost of expensive repairs or, in the worst case scenario, having to completely replace your boiler.

2. Safety first:
Regular check-ups stop your boiler from leaking poisonous carbon monoxide gas and eliminates soot spillages, which could clog up the lungs if inhaled. Without regular services, your boiler could be putting your health at risk.

3. Helping to reduce energy costs:
Yes, your boiler may still be working, but is it working to the best of its ability? If it hasn’t been serviced recently, it won’t be running as efficiently as it could be. This will be costing you money, as a faulty boiler won’t be heating your home as well as it should. No point in wasting money – a boiler service is all you need!

In order to keep your home toasty-warm, book a boiler service today. It’s money well spent!

How to fix Common Heating Problems

There’s nothing like having your central heating regularly serviced by a qualified heating engineer to keep your house toasty and warm. But even the most well maintained systems can go wrong from time to time. Here’s how you can solve some of the most common heating problems.

Heating comes on and goes off at the wrong times

It may sound obvious, but if your heating is not behaving as it should be and is switching itself on and off at the wrong times, the first things to check are the controls. Maybe a room or radiator thermostat has been accidentally altered, or you may have the sort of controls that need to be reset when the clocks go backwards and forwards; if this is the case, you can simply adjust the time or temperature to the correct setting. Similarly, check that mechanical clock dials haven’t become stuck or if you’ve got electric controls, check that they’re showing the correct information. If either of these has become faulty it’s simple to replace them – and it may be worth replacing old thermostats that don’t seem to be controlling the temperature properly as they do become less accurate over time.

Cold spots in radiators

A cold top part of a radiator indicates trapped air inside. This is easily fixed by simply turning off the heating system and using a radiator key to bleed the radiator by opening the valve slightly. Listen to the hiss as the air escapes, and be ready to shut the valve quickly when it has finished as water will seep out.

If the cold spot is in the middle or bottom of the rad, it could mean a build up of scale, sludge or rust. In an open-vented system, you could try a chemical sludge remover which is added to the feed and expansion tank. Your system will need to be emptied and refilled after the chemicals have worked their magic. However, it you have several affected radiators it might be worth getting a professional heating company in to power flush your whole system.

Strange noises

Don’t ignore any strange noises your heating system may be making! It may indicate something as simple as a pipe vibrating against a floor joist, but similarly it could indicate a more serious problem. When you hear strange rattles, bangs and hisses from your heating, it’s time to call in the professionals! And remember, if you’re system is powered by gas, make sure they’re on the Gas Safe Register.