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!

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.

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.