Category: Guide

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Guide Prices & Costs Tips & Tricks

Should I turn off my boiler in summer?

As the temperatures rise during the summer months, many homeowners wonder if it’s worth turning off their boilers. As the cost of living crisis bites harder, it seems like an easy win – but is it? The short answer is that it depends on your individual circumstances and the type of boiler you have. First, […]

Are boilers expensive to run in hot weather?

No, the costs are pretty much the same in terms of power usage. Of course in colder weather you'll use the boiler and heating more, so that's why your bills are higher.

How much money can I save by using my boiler year-round?

You are probably already using your boiler throughout the year, if you are using it to heat hot water for example. And most homeowners will be doing just that, so the costs of running a boiler year-round are cheaper in the summer months.

Do I need boiler cover if I only use my boiler in the winter?

As above, if you use your boiler to heat water then you are using it throughout the year. Or more specifically, not just in winter, so therefore you may need boiler cover to cover you and give you peace-of-mind in the summer months too.

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Guide

New Boiler: How To Compare Prices

Comparing new boiler quotes in the UK is important for several reasons: Cost savings: Boilers can be a significant investment, so comparing quotes from different providers can help you find the best deal for your budget. By comparing quotes, you can ensure that you are getting a fair price for the work that needs to […]

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Guide

Four Warning Signs You Need a New Boiler

When your boiler is on the blink, you’d think that it would be obvious. But it isn’t always that easy to tell when it’s time to trade it in, and get a new boiler (or try to fix it). And to make matters worse, boiler problems can often be costly and frustrating; after all, nobody […]

I think my boiler is making a screeching noise. What do I do?

It could be what's called 'kettling'. This is when a build-up of sludge isn't cleared, and the hissing or whirring noise is the water trying to pass through the pipes, around all the sludge and gunk.

How do I check my boiler's energy rating?

If you aren't sure what energy classification your boiler has, then dig out the manual or Google the model number. It is a legal requirement to display the energy efficient rating when you purchase a boiler now.

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Guide Tips & Tricks

No Hot Water? Try this First

No Hot Water? Try this First

Ah! No hot water? Don’t panic. Frankly there’s nothing quite like that feeling of turning on the shower and standing underneath it only to find that the water is freezing cold. It’s even worse if the weather is cold outside. If you’ve gone to turn your hot tap on and no hot water has come […]

How do I reset my Boiler?

Virtually all boilers have a reset button, and it’s just a case of locating it and then pushing it. If you cannot easily find the reset button, then it may be underneath a panel. In which case it’s best to call an engineer.

What pressure does the water need to be for my Central Heating?

For the majority of central heating systems in the UK, the water pressure needs to be between 1 and 1.5 bar in order for the system to function effectively.

How can I avoid costly central heating repair bills?

Apart from servicing your boiler every year, there’s little you can do to prevent your central heating system from breaking down. You can however take out boiler cover, which will minimise the cost to you should the worst happen to your boiler.

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Guide Tips & Tricks

What do I do if my boiler starts losing pressure?

Most modern boilers have a pressure gauge, so it’s easy to spot if your boiler is losing pressure. That said, it isn’t always easy to find out why it is happening. There can be many reasons for a boiler losing pressure; here we look at the main culprits. A lot of heating systems today are […]

Do I need to re-pressurise my boiler?

First, check to see if you've still got the boiler's instruction manual. You need to find the 'safety' section - usually at the start of the manual - and ascertain if it's safe to re-pressurise the boiler.

What if I still experience pressure loss?

If after following all of the above, you still have boiler or water pressure issues, then there is likely a fault with another of the boiler's inner components. To fix that, you will need a heating engineer or plumber. If you don't have the problem rectified, it could end up costing you a lot more in the long run.

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Guide

Smart Meters Explained

Smart Meters Explained

Step into the future of energy management with smart meters! Back in 2016, the leading UK energy suppliers embarked on a mission to revolutionise the way we consume energy by rolling out smart meters across the country. These ingenious devices were designed to empower households with accurate real-time data, enabling them to take charge of […]

How much does it Cost to have a Smart Meter Installed?

Nothing at all. The supply and fitting of a smart meter in the UK is currently free. This is to incentivise everyone to get one, so by 20125 all homes in the UK have smart meters.

Can I install a smart meter myself?

Although it is possible to install a smart meter yourself if you are qualified, it makes more sense to have an engineer come and do it seeing as it's completely free.

Is my Data Safe with a Smart Meter?

Yes, it is. All data is encrypted and sent via a Wide Area Network that is not part of the internet. It is then handled by a data collection company before being submitted to the relevent energy suppliers.

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Guide

Why is my boiler leaking water? 5 reasons (and how to fix)

If your boiler is leaking water then it likely needs the urgent attention of a heating engineer. Even if you’re one of those people who likes to fix things yourself, tinkering around with a boiler in an attempt to save money is likely going to be a false economy. If you’ve happened upon this article […]

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Guide

5 Common Thermostat Mistakes

5 Common Thermostat Mistakes

Ah, the joys of a cozy home during the chilly months – central heating and hot water systems keeping us snug as a bug. But wait! Are we inadvertently driving up our energy bills with thermostat blunders? The latest research reveals that many of us are unknowingly making costly mistakes when it comes to controlling […]

Should I turn my Central Heating off when I leave my Home?

It is more energy efficient to keep your home temperature as low as possible while you're out. However, it's important to maintain a minimum temperature in order to prevent other issues, such as damp, mould and burst pipes.

Where's the Best place to position my Thermostat?

A thermostat should be placed in a room that isn't warmer or colder than the rest of your home. A good location is on an interior wall, around 5ft high and away from other sources of heat and drafts.

What's the Ideal Setback Temperature?

This will vary from home to home, but it's recommended to start at 16°C and work from there.

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Guide Prices & Costs

Top 5 Smart Thermostats

Top 5 Smart Thermostats

Households in the UK are becoming increasingly ‘smarter’ with the use of gadgets like smart thermostats. Most homes now are no stranger to gadgets allow you to control daily tasks such as switching on lights via your smartphone or voice. Thanks to devices such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home, voice control is now pretty […]

How much does a Smart Thermostat cost?

The price of a smart thermostat will depend on which one you buy. Typically they cost between £100 to £200, but they can be found for less when manufacturers offer promotions.

Can I install a smart thermostat myself?

This will largely depend on your skill level. A very competent DIYer who has experience with electrics should be able to install a smart thermostat themselves. However the best advice is to leave it to the professionals if you're in any doubt at all.

What does a Smart Thermostat do?

A smart thermostat controls the central heating and hot water like your existing thermostat. The difference is that a smart thermostat is connected to your home WiFi network. So you can control your heating and water settings from anywhere in the world.

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Guide

Hive Vs Nest : Which is Better?

Hive Vs Nest

Eco-friendly homes are available for everyone, and one of the key components of this is the smart thermostat. These clever little devices are able to control your hot water and central heating in a much more efficient way than conventional thermostats. There are a number of different smart thermostats out there, all with their own […]

Do you need to be a British Gas customer to get a Hive Smart Thermostat?

No, you don’t. Although if you switch to British Gas then you can take advantage of their promotion which means that they will supply and fit your Hive system for just £99.

Can I set Individual Room Temperatures with a Smart Thermostat?

Yes, you can. In fact this is one of the key features of a smart thermostat. The Hive smart thermostat will allow you to have up to 3 different zones, whereas the Nest will allow you to have up to 20 thermostats.

Can I override the Nest Learning Algorithm?

The Nest smart thermostat is designed to be automatic. It isn’t completely automated though, so you can override it at any time. For example if you wish to boost the heat or hot water functions.