Those who neglect to regularly maintain their boiler and central heating system will find that they experience reduced efficiency and increased costs. It is not uncommon that people find that their newly installed boiler which is only a few years old actually needs replacing due to lack of servicing which would have identified a problem early on. Regular maintenance can also extend component life by as much as 30%. This translates into an approx additional 5 – 10 years of usage for your boiler.
Most Gas and heating engineers will tell you that about 80% of all repairs they do could have been avoided with regular maintenance. Heating system repairs typically run into hundreds of pounds, yet many people will only consider calling an engineer when a fault or problem has developed. An annual boiler service and check-up from one of our trained gas safe engineers can mean we help you avoid an expensive repair job, as well as reducing your year-round energy costs.
Crucially, annual heating inspections can save your life and the lives of your loved ones. Small cracks in a heat exchanger or problems with the flue system could allow deadly carbon monoxide gas to seep into your home – accidental carbon monoxide poisoning causes around 53 reported deaths in the UK every year. A trained Gas safe engineer knows how to spot danger signs within the system.
Installations
Repairs
Servicing
Power Flushing
Installations
All new boiler installations are legally required to be energy efficient condensing boilers. This is a recent step made by the Government to ensure that every one is contributing to helping create a greener environment. A study carried out by the Government showed that the newer condensing boilers use 40% less fuel, energy than the older models. Although a new boiler can be a big investment, the savings made in the future means that the new boilers save money and also help the environment.
Condensing Boilers
Condensing boilers have been fitted to new homes for many years and are not a new technology, they can be wall mounted or floor standing. The advantage they offer over non-condensing boilers is a reduction in fuel costs. This is achieved because this type of boiler has a more effective heat exchange allowing more heat to be removed from the flue products rather than the heat you have paid for being expelled outside and lost to the atmosphere.
Higher Efficiency Boilers
Condensing boilers are often noted for their pluming, a feature sometimes mistaken for steam coming out of the flue. This is caused by water droplets held in suspension in the flue gases condensing in the colder outside atmosphere. Non-hazardous pluming may be a nuisance if the condensation interferes with windows so care is needed in positioning the flue pipe to avoid this. Also a small pipe needs to be run to a drain to allow the condensate to flow away.
Building Regulations
The law in England & Wales changed in April 2005, which means only a condensing boiler can be fitted as a replacement boiler or complete new installation. There is a minor loophole to this law where, in exceptional circumstances, the local authority can agree to an exemption certificate allowing a non-condensing boiler to be fitted.
Boiler Efficiency is important, boilers are tested and the relative energy efficiencies are published by the manufacturers. The difference between an old boiler
( perhaps 50% efficient) and the latest condensing boilers ( up to 92% efficiency) represents a considerable difference in energy costs each quarter.
Boiler Regulations must be respected
The installation of gas boilers is governed by several government regulations. Replacement boilers should almost always be condensing boilers. The installer must be GAS SAFE trained and registered and all Ventilation must be checked and the flue properly installed.
Call us on 01277 600 132 for a quotation for a new condensing boiler or use our boiler calculator
Boiler servicing
A recent survey revealed that as few as 55% of home owners have their boilers and heating equipment professionally serviced by a gas safe engineer at least once a year.
As with anything, to book and pay for a boiler servicing while your system appears to be working can seem like an unnecessary and unwanted expense. However, an annual boiler service is the safe and cost-efficient way to run your heating system, and can have a number of helpful effects:
Significant increase to the life of the boiler
Early diagnosis of potential problems
Detection of fatal carbon monoxide leaks
Improves efficiency of system
Reduces energy costs
Saves unexpected and costly repairs
If you would like to ensure that your home has a more efficient, more economical and most importantly, a safe boiler and heating system please contact us today for more information.
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