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?

How to Prevent a Burst Pipe from Ruining Your Home

No matter how well maintained your pipes are, whether they are new or old, the chances are your home is just as susceptible to a burst water pipe as any other. If you notice a burst water pipe it must be treated as an emergency to prevent severe damage to your home and belongings, which could cost thousands to rectify.

But why do pipes burst and is there anything that can be done to help prevent such a disaster? What should you do when faced with a burst water pipe?

Why do pipes burst?

Water pipes generally burst when water freezes inside them. The water expands and puts additional pressure onto the pipe. Whether the material of the pipe is lead or PVC, or any other material, all are at risk. Some pipes can withstand the odd frozen day; but if it happens continually the pipe will weaken and eventually burst.

A Water Pipe Has Burst in my Home – What Should I Do?

If you are faced with a burst pipe the first thing to do is to shut off the water supply via the main stopcock which is usually located under the kitchen sink. Knowing in advance where this stopcock is located will save valuable time and prevent unnecessary damage if faced with a burst pipe emergency. Let the pipe drain out the water by turning on all cold taps. All leaks should stop once there is no more water running from the taps.

Whilst this is being performed, call a professional plumber. They will be able to fix the problem, and will be aided if you perform the above actions. If you do not know where your stopcock is located or do not feel confident in getting involved, leave it to a professional plumber.

Professional Help

A 24 hour emergency plumber will be able to locate, fix and replace a broken or burst pipe. Whilst many people try to fix a water pipe themselves, it is best left to a professional who has the experience, tools and qualifications to do so. Many homes are left with thousands of pounds worth of damage after a burst water pipe incident. The only way to prevent this from reoccurring is to utilise the expertise of a local plumbing and heating engineer.

With winter approaching, the risk of a burst water pipe will increase. Make sure you identify a reputable plumber and have their number to hand in case the worst does happen. It could save you precious time and money.