Heating

Is it time to change your boiler?

If your boiler is older than twelve years old then it is sensible to consider changing it for a more modern one as boiler technology is improving and boilers are becoming more efficient ultimately saving the householder money on their energy bills.

A free energy survey can be carried out by a company specialising in boiler replacement to see if it would be advisable to upgrade the boiler in your home and whether there are other improvements that could be made to your heating and hot water system. If the results of the survey show that savings could be made on your energy bills by changing the boiler many people choose to have a combi boiler installed. This type of boiler heats up the hot water that you need instantly and there is no requirement to have a water cylinder to store hot water. It is an energy efficient way to heat the home and provide hot water whenever it is required. With this type of boiler there is also no need to have a water tank in the loft which frees up storage space.

Replacing a boiler can mean some upheaval in the home but if done at the same time as other home improvements it should not be too disruptive.

Mar 14 2021

Is the heating system in your home struggling to cope?

It is at this time of the year that we rely on the heating system in our homes to keep us warm and cosy but what if you feel that despite having the heating on your home fails to get to a comfortable temperature and you find yourself having to snuggle under layers of blankets to get warm?

There are a few things that you can check yourself before resorting to getting an expert heating engineer into your home. The first thing to check is whether the heating in the home is working correctly. If there are radiators in the house, they should feel warm all over not just in one area. If they are not getting hot all over then they may need bleeding to release trapped air in the system. Another simple solution is to check whether the radiators are fitted with thermostatic radiator valves and that they are set at the temperature required for the room as you may not want bedrooms as warm as other rooms.

Most heating systems have a room thermostat fitted to regulate the temperature for a room. Be aware that if the thermostat is in a hallway the heating will switch off once that room reaches the set temperature so do not set those radiators too high otherwise the heating will switch off before the other rooms are warm.

Dec 10 2020

Important Log Burner Maintenance

When you invest in a log burner, it is usually for a number of reasons. The aesthetics come into it heavily, but usually, so does efficiency. If you are going to invest in a log burner – and they aren’t cheap – you want to know that they are running as efficiently as possible, and are doing as much as possible for you in terms of the heat they will give out. In order to keep this up, you need good maintenance.

Maintenance doesn’t have to be as daunting as it sounds. It is as simple as clearing out the ash on a regular basis, something that the owner of a log burner might start to neglect after a little while. It can also include things like servicing, to check the fire is still connected up properly and doesn’t have any leaks, so you know that it is working to its full capacity.

Sep 14 2018

Finding Wooden Logs for your Log Burner that Offer Good Value for Money

Wood burners and fires need high quality logs to burn, so that you have a long lasting fire that burns well for as long as possible. It’s in your best interests to find wood logs for sale that will come in at a reasonable price point, but that will also give you the kind of fire you crave. After all, you have spent time and money installing a log burner, so you may as well get the most out of it!

Local log suppliers are all well and good, but if your issue is value for money, then they probably aren’t going to be right for you. It’s entirely likely that they will be more expensive than online products, and you will simply be paying a premium for the convenience of having them nearby. However, when you actually consider the ins and outs, is it really more convenient than having high quality logs delivered to your home? Probably not, unless you have your own van for transporting logs in large quantities.

So the answer lies in choosing an online supplier. Make sure they have the logs you want to buy – most log burner owners are going to want premium seasoned logs, though softwood might also be good if you are looking for a bargain. Quality really comes through with seasoned logs, which have been aged over time to get rid of moisture and create a roaring fire in your hearth. When you have found a retailer you like the look of, check their credentials and make sure their product offering matches what you want. Buy in large quantities, such as builders’ bags, where possible to keep the price per unit down and make delivery cheaper as well. Make sure they deliver in your area and can get your wood to you easily, then all that’s left to do is place your firewood order.

Aug 20 2018

Flue Pipes for Stoves

Wood burning and multi fuel stoves use flue pipes to help make them safe and functional. These provide the essential function of venting out smoke, fumes and gasses, making sure you can burn your fire safely. Without a flue pipe, smoke and fumes would not be able to escape. A flue pipe will vent these unwanted byproducts of burning wood and fuels, taking them straight outdoors. It will also help to protect your home against fires. It’s really important you make sure you have the right kind of flue pipe for your stove, and it is functioning correctly. It will also need to be installed correctly to ensure it will provide all of its essential functions.

What exactly is a flue pipe?

A flue pipe for a stove will usually be located in the chimney. It will be connected into the back of the stove, so that all byproducts will be remove and vented out of the chimney. The flue pipe should always be made of well insulated materials, which makes sure that the hot fumes and smoke being vented out will not cause any damage or accidental fires. If you have a brick chimney, this is considered to be a very good material for it.

One of the most important functions of the flue pipe is to remove carbon monoxide. This is a dangerous gas that can be very harmful to people, so it is important this is removed regularly.

Health and safety – flues that meet regulations and work effectively.

You will always need to make sure that you flue is working to the best of its ability. This doesn’t just make sure it is working efficiently in terms of making your home as warm as possible, it also means that it is working safely. The Government issue buildings regulations, and the UK Document J buildings regulations apply to flue pipes and chimneys. When you are replacing flues, make sure you consult with these to ensure you flue is doing all it should be for your property.

Flue installation

You may be able to install a flue yourself if you have good DIY skills. You should always check and sweep the chimney before installing a stove and flue, making sure that everything is functioning correctly and the chimney doesn’t require any additional work doing to it. When you install the flue, make sure you know what you are doing and follow all instructions perfectly. If you are at all unsure, call on an installation expert. They will also be able to install your stove for you, so you can have everything done in one go to get your stove up and running.

Choosing your flue

The flue and flue liner you select will all depend on your stove, and the existing chimney you have. Check the regulations, and check over your chimney to see whether it will require any work before installing a flue pipe. Ask when you purchase your stove – a stove retailer will be able to give you further information regarding your specific requirements.

Apr 28 2018