Changes to Part L of the Building Regulations

By JR | Blog

Part L changes – what they mean

Since 15 June this year, changes to Part L of the Building Regulations mean we now have to carry out extra checks when installing, repairing or servicing your heating system.

Here’s an outline of the changes and what they mean for you, so you know why we’ll be talking to you more about filters, power flushes and water treatments.

Image courtesy of PHAM News

 

What are the main Part L changes that affect heating?

Essentially, the changes are all about conserving fuel and power. And they’re aimed at keeping your central heating system working to optimum efficiency.

As your heating installer, we have already been doing most of what Part L needs us to do. But here are the main changes to look out for.

Cleaning your heating system

When installing a new boiler, including swapping your boiler for a new one, we must clean out your heating system. This usually means a power flush. At Stevenson’s, we already do this with every installation.

Adding in-line filters to your system

Part L now requires that we install a permanent in-line filter in your heating system. Again, we already fit these with every installation. And we strongly recommend one in all other cases.

Servicing in-line filters

So, now you’ll have permanent in-line filters as part of your heating system, naturally they’ll need servicing to keep them in tip-top condition. Again, we always service the filters, as part of your annual boiler service.

Protecting low temperature systems against corrosion

Another requirment of Part L is protecting your system against corrosion, scale and microbial fouling in low temperature systems.

We can protect your system with a number of different water treatment solutions and scale reducers. We can advise what suits your system best and will install the appropriate one for you.

Checking inhibitor levels each year

An inhibitor is a chemical solution that helps to stop rust and internal corrosion in your heating system. Rust and corrision affect how efficiently your heating works, so we want to prevent it!

As well as checking inhibitor levels annually, Part L now requires new inhibitor or laboratory analysis of the water every five years. We now include this as a compulsory part of your boiler service each year.

So, you can see there are a number of new requirements under Part L – but we have been doing most of them for some time. Essentially, the changes are to help your heating system work more efficiently and safely, so that’s always a good thing.

If you’ve any questions about Part L changes or what this means for you, drop us a line at info@stevensonheating.co.uk or request a callback.

Boilers of the Future

By JR | Blog

With energy prices skyrocketing and energy efficiency a hot topic, you may wonder what this will mean for your gas central heating system.

Don’t worry, we’ve done the hard work for you. Here’s a short guide on what the boilers of the future might look like.

 

Firstly, gas boilers are not being banned!

You might have heard that gas boilers are being banned from 2025. But we’re pleased to say that this is not the case. You won’t be able to install a gas boiler in a new build property from 2025. But that does not apply to existing homes or boilers.

The ruling also only applies to homes built from 2025 onwards. So, even if you live in a newly built home now, it won’t apply to you. And, if you live in an older property, there’s no need to get rid of your existing boiler until it needs replacing.

However, if it’s older than 10 years, your boiler is likely to be less energy efficient anyway. In that case, it would be worth considering a replacement to a more energy efficient model.

 

Government drive to reduce carbon emissions

The main reason that gas boilers won’t be installed in new homes is because of the government’s targets on reducing carbon emissions. Their Future Homes and Buildings Standard wants all new homes built from 2025 to produce 75-80% fewer carbon emissions than they currently do.

Achieving this target is unlikely with natural gas boilers. So, the government is telling home builders and developers that new build properties will need to have alternative fuel sources to natural gas.

 

Boilers of the future: alternatives to gas central heating

There are lots of renewable heating technologies already available and more are being developed. These include heat pumps, hybrid systems, electric systems and hydrogen boilers. New builds after 2025 will have to use one of these alternative sources.

The most likely replacement for natural gas boilers is hydrogen boilers. This is because, unlike natural gas, which is a fossil fuel and finite resource, hydrogen fuel is manufactured. It also doesn’t give off carbon dioxide – its only by-product is water, making it a more environmentally friendly option.

 

Will I need to switch to an alternative fuel source eventually?

While nothing is currently set in stone, it’s likely that all homes will eventually need to replace their natural gas heating. But this is 20-30 years away, by which time the technology will be in place. Your existing boiler will have been replaced probably a couple of times over by then!

What’s likely to happen is that a blend of hydrogen and natural gas will be introduced. In fact, this is already being tested in some parts of the UK. The initial ‘blend’ is likely to be 20% hydrogen and 80% natural gas, with the amount of hydrogen increasing over time.

100% hydrogen boilers will likely be on the market by around 2030, with a full switch probable around 2050. So, as you can see, it’s not overnight!

Given the average life of a gas boiler today is 10-15 years, your current boiler will have been replaced by at least one hydrogen ready boiler by the time natural gas is switched off.

 

Is an electric boiler a good alternative?

While an electric boiler is an option, it’s not one we recommend right now. The technology is still in its infancy and electric boilers are more expensive to run – up to 4 times more costly!

You can’t just replace a gas boiler like-for-like with an electric boiler either. Much more work is needed, which would make the installation costs higher as well. This may change in future, of course, but right now we don’t advise considering an electric boiler.

 

How can I become more energy efficient with my heating now?

If you are trying to be greener with your heating, the easiest thing to do is look at your energy usage and minimise it where you can.

You could also have a smart heating control installed, which you operate from your smartphone, and which helps you to minimise energy usage.

If your boiler is an older model, consider replacing it with a new A-rated condensing boiler. These maximise efficiency, which help you reduce your heating bills and your carbon footprint.

You can also read our energy saving tips to help you with your energy efficiency. 

We have created a downloadable leaflet with all this information in. Download your copy here and share it with family and friends. Or ask us for a printed copy.

If you would like more information on future boiler technology, to upgrade your existing boiler to an energy efficient A-rated one, or to have a smart control installed for your heating, contact us on 020 8462 8822, request a callback or email info@stevensonheating.co.uk.

Working from home heating tips

By JR | Blog

With the winter months ahead, rising energy costs and many of us starting to work from home again, you might be worried your heating bills will go up. But there are ways to maximise your heating, keep warm and keep energy costs down. Read on for our top tips.

 

1. Keep your heating at a steady temperature

Adjust your thermostat down by one or two degrees to keep the temperature regulated. This is more efficient for keeping you warm and could reduced your energy bills by around £80 a year.

If you are out at any point, use the thermostat and timer to heat your home when it’s needed. Don’t keep it constantly very low, as this is not actually very efficient.

 

2. Add thermostats to every radiator

With a thermostatic radiator valve on each radiator, you can personalise the temperature in every room. Keep the thermostats turned up in rooms you use more frequently but turn them down in rooms you don’t.

The thermostats adjust the flow of water to your radiators, according to the temperature in the room. So, they ensure you’re not using more water or heat than needed.

 

3. Close internal doors

Keep heat in the rooms you want to stay warm by shutting the door. Similarly, close doors in rooms you don’t want to heat, to stop cooler air mixing and cooling the overall temperature down.

 

4. Use curtains and blinds

If you have curtains or blinds, use them. Curtains are especially helpful for keeping the heat in (or out in the summer!). As it’s getting darker much earlier, draw the curtains as soon as light starts to fade, to keep the room warm and prevent drafts.

 

5. Bleed your radiators

If you bleed your radiators regularly, it will help prevent cold spots developing. Your boiler will need to work harder if trapped air or sludge gets in the radiators, producing the cold spots. This makes your energy bills more expensive as well as not heating your room!

Regular radiator bleeding helps to keep your heating system clear, preventing damage as well as reducing your energy bills.

 

6. Keep vents and radiators clear

Don’t block your radiators or heating vents with furniture or laundry. The heat will go to them instead of your room! Move furniture away from radiators to allow the warm air to circulate and dry your wet laundry elsewhere.

If you don’t have a tumble dryer, a heated airer is efficient and inexpensive to run. This also prevents damp and mould building up, which can cause you other problems in your home.

 

7. Claim working-from-home tax relief

If you’re having to work from home because of Covid-19 or other reasons, you may be able to get £6 a week tax relief, which can help towards your energy bills. See the Government’s website for info on eligibility and how to claim.

 

8. Keep your boiler maintained

Of course, keeping your boiler in tip-top condition is the best way to make sure you have energy efficient heating for your home when you need it. Be sure to contact us to get your annual heating service booked in.

Why not consider one of our heating service plans? Our service plans will help you maintain your heating system and spread the cost of your annual service and any repairs.

We offer three levels of cover to suit your needs:

Basic Plan – ideal if your boiler is still under warranty

Standard Plan – covers for your annual service and labour costs

Advanced Plan – includes your annual service, labour and parts.

We can also assist you in specific add-ons for your household electrics and gas fires, as well as landlord options.

See our Service Plans page to find out more.

At Stevenson Heating, we are Gas Safe Registered heating installers. Contact us on info@stevensonheating.co.uk or request a callback to find out more or get a quote for improving your heating in your home.

Gas Safety Week 2021

By JR | Blog

Gas Safety Week: Community Safety

It’s Gas Safety Week 2021 this week (13-19 September), which we are once again supporting.

Spreading awareness of gas safety

Gas Safety Week 2021 raises awareness of gas safety and why it’s important to take care of your gas appliances. Now in it’s 11th year, the week is organised by the Gas Safe Register. This is the official list of gas engineers legally allowed to work on gas.  

Unsurprisingly, poorly maintained or badly fitted gas appliances are dangerous. They can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. As you may know, CO is a highly poisonous gas that can kill quickly and without warning. You cannot see it, taste it or smell it.  

This year’s Gas Safety Week addresses a whole range of gas safety issues: from how to stay gas safe, to using a qualified, registered engineer and much more. It’s main aim is to ensure the community doesn’t suffer from the effects of illegal gas work through lack of awareness.

 

Our gas safety week tips to keep you and your family safe

Check your gas appliances annually. Use a Gas Safe engineer to check and service your gas appliances once a year. If you rent, make sure your landlord arranges this.

Ensure  your engineer is on the Gas Safe Register. All our engineers at Stevenson Heating are on the Gas Safe Register.

Look out for your friends and relatives – especially if they can’t arrange their own gas safety check or may be unaware of what they need to do. Help your loved ones to have their appliances checked and serviced regularly.

Check for warning signs that could indicate your appliances are not working correctly. Signs may include: lazy yellow / orange flames instead of crisp blue ones; black marks on or around your appliance; a pilot light that keeps going out; and too much condensation in the room.

Know the six main symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning – headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse and loss of consciousness.

Install an audible carbon monoxide alarm and make sure your friends and relatives have one too. They need to have the EN50291 mark and display the British Standards’ Kitemark.

 

Service Care Plans

To keep your gas heating system in tip top condition, including an annual service, why not sign up to one of our Service Care Plans? They help you spread the cost and keep things working properly.

Finally, we’ll be sharing some tips and advice on how to stay gas safe on our social media throughout Gas Safety Week. So, please be sure to follow us to get the updates:

Facebook – Stevenson Heating Ltd

Twitter – @StevensonHtg

Instagram – @Stevensonheating

And, for gas safety advice or to book an engineer to check your gas appliances, call us on 020 8462 8822, email us on info@stevensonheating.co.uk or request a call back.

Eco Deal to save on energy efficient products

By JR | Blog

Save Money With Our Eco Deal This Spring

We’ve just launched our Eco Deal spring offer to help you save money while becoming more energy efficient with your heating system.

Do you feel like you’re wasting money on your heating because it’s not efficient? And are your bills bigger than you’d like them to be, especially during the winter months when you need your heating most? Well, switching to newer, energy efficient models can actually save you money.

And this doesn’t just have to be for your boiler. Sometimes simply switching to Smart Controls, adding new thermostatic radiator valves to your radiators, or having a system power flush can improve your heating’s efficiency.

That’s why we’ve launched our Eco Deal for this spring, which gives you 10% off upgrades to a number of energy efficient products.

 

Eligible energy efficient products

Products included in our 10% offer are:

✅ A-rated high efficiency boilers
✅ New radiators
✅ SMART heating controls
✅ New thermostatic radiator valves
✅ New ‘modulated’ heating pumps
✅ A system power flush

So, don’t miss out! Take up our offer by contacting us before 31st March 2021 to book in your upgrade. Quote ECODEAL2021 when you contact us.

Call us on 020 8462 8822, request a callback or email us now to start benefitting.

Service Care Plans to Spread the Cost

By JR | Blog

Save Money With Our Service Care Plans

Did you know that we offer a suite of Service Care Plans? They are designed to help you spread the cost of your annual heating service and repairs.

We recognise that it can be expensive to maintain your heating system, especially if your boiler is a few years old:

🔷 Your boiler could break down unexpectedly
🔷 Parts might break
🔷 A radiator may not heat up
🔷 The controls might stop working

Of course, a breakdown is particularly inconvenient in the colder autumn and winter weather too, when you rely on your heating!

So, our service plans will help you maintain your heating system and spread the cost of your annual service and any repairs.

Three levels of cover to suit your needs

We have three levels of cover, starting from just £9 per month:

🔷 Basic Plan – ideal if your boiler is still under warranty
🔷 Standard Plan – covers for your annual service and labour costs
🔷 Advanced Plan – includes your annual service, labour and parts.

Plus, there are add-ons for your household electrics and gas fires, as well as landlord options, if you wish.

To find out more, download our brochure. Or to sign up, call us on 020 8462 8822, request a callback or email us now.

Gas Safety Week 2020

By JR | Blog

Gas Safety Week: Fighting for a Gas Safe Nation

It’s Gas Safety Week 2020 this week (14-20 September), which we are once again supporting.

 

Helping the public stay gas safe

Gas Safety Week raises awareness of gas safety and why it’s important to take care of your gas appliances. It’s organised by the Gas Safe Register, which is the official list of gas engineers legally allowed to work on gas.  

Did you know, badly fitted and poorly serviced gas appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning? CO is a highly poisonous gas that can kill quickly and without warning. You cannot see it, taste it or smell it.  

 

Gas safety week tips to keep you and your family safe

✔️ Check your gas appliances every year. Be sure a Gas Safe engineer checks and services your gas appliances once a year. Tenants – make sure your landlord arranges this.

✔️ Look out for friends and relatives – especially if they can’t arrange their own gas safety check or may be unaware of what they need to do. Help your loved ones to have their appliances checked and serviced regularly.

✔️ Check your engineer is Gas Safe registered. All our engineers at Stevenson Heating are on the Gas Safe Register.

✔️ Check your engineer is qualified for the type of gas work you need doing – e.g. natural gas, domestic boiler, gas fire. You can find this information on the back of their Gas Safe ID card and on the Gas Safe Register website.

✔️ Check for warning signs that could indicate your (or others’) appliances are not working correctly. Signs may include: lazy yellow / orange flames instead of crisp blue ones; black marks on or around the appliance; a pilot light that keeps going out; and too much condensation in the room.

✔️ Know the six main symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning – headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse and loss of consciousness.

✔️ Install an audible carbon monoxide alarm and make sure your friends and relatives have one too. They need to have the EN50291 mark and display the British Standards’ Kitemark.

We’ll be sharing some tips and advice on how to stay safe on our social media throughout the week. Please follow us to get the updates:

Facebook – Stevenson Heating Ltd

Twitter – @StevensonHtg

Instagram – @Stevensonheating

For gas safety advice or to book an engineer to check your gas appliances, call us on 020 8462 8822, email us on info@stevensonheating.co.uk or request a call back.

Summer offers: upgrade your heating and save

By JR | Blog

Save on new radiators and boilers with our summer offers

We’re delighted to bring you not one but two summer offers for improving your heating! Summer is the ideal time to upgrade your heating system, as you’re not relying on it for warmth.

So if you’ve been thinking about having a new boiler and/or radiators, why not take advantage of our these big savings, which include:

✔️ £500 off a new boiler installation
✔️ 30% off new radiators

The offers are valid either together or separately and a quote must be accepted by 30 September 2020. Other terms and conditions apply, so please contact us for details.

We’ll have more offers coming soon too. Watch this space!

 

Why should I upgrade now?

Most people wait until something goes wrong with their boiler or radiators before choosing to upgrade. We understand that it can be costly but have you thought about how much money you might be wasting with inefficient boilers or radiators?

Most boilers over 10 years old waste a lot of valuable energy. The modern condensing boilers that we install improve efficiency to over 90%, which will save you lots of money each year on your heating bills.

The same can be said of old radiators if they’re not working properly. Over time, they will become less efficient, as sludge builds up. So they won’t heat your rooms properly. We recommend having a regular power flush to help prevent this. New radiators will also be more efficient and save you money in the long-run.

Call us on 020 8462 8822, request a callback or email us for a quote using ref: SUMMER2020 to take advantage of our summer offers.

Gas Safety Week 2019

By JR | Blog

Next week is Gas Safety Week (16th-22nd September), which aims to raise awareness of poorly maintained gas appliances and the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

We’ll be sharing some tips and advice on how to stay safe on our social media throughout the week. Please follow us to get the updates:

Facebook – Stevenson Heating Ltd

Twitter – @StevensonHtg

Instagram – @Stevensonheating

 

Special Gas Safety Week offer on carbon monoxide alarms

We’ve also got a special offer on Sleep Safe carbon monoxide alarms during Gas Safety Week.

Get an alarm from us for just £14.99 inc VAT until 22nd September*. Pop into our shop or contact us.

 

Why do I need a carbon monoxide alarm?

Carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless yet deadly – it’s known as the silent killer.

We recommend you have an audible carbon monoxide alarm in each room with a gas appliance. Make sure it’s one that will wake you up if you’re asleep, like the Sleep Safe alarm.

They’re easy to fit – simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions. But if you’d like us to fit it for you*, contact us to arrange an appointment on 020 8462 8822 or email info@stevensonheating.co.uk.

*Usual price is £21.97. Offer valid during Gas Safety Week 16-22 Sept 2019. Price is for the alarm only. If you would like us to fit it, there is an additional fee.

10 Months’ Interest-Free Now Available

By JR | Blog

10 months’ interest-free on boilers and air conditioning installations

Spring Heating Tips

By JR | Blog

Spring is well on its way. That means lighter nights, blossom on the trees and warmer temperatures. But what does this mean for your heating? Before you turn it off, read our tips on how to look after it during warmer months.

 

1. Don’t turn your heating off completely in spring

While you may be tempted to turn your heating off completely in spring, some valves may stick if they’re not used. And you won’t know there’s a problem until you switch it back on when you really need it later in the year.

Be sure to run your heating at least once a week during the warmer months. Just a few minutes will do, first thing in the morning.

 

2. Keep radiator values open

During warmer months, while your heating is off, keep all your radiator valves open and turn up the thermostats (if you have them on your radiators) to maximum. This will stop them sticking when you are using your heating fully in the autumn and winter.

 

3. Have your heating serviced in summer

An annual service is the best way to ensure your heating system remains in tip-top condition. But don’t be tempted to wait until the start of the winter before having yours serviced.

A service in June or July is the ideal time to rectify any problems that have occurred during warmer months and means your heating will be working properly when you really need it.

 

4. Turn down your hot water to save energy

Did you know you can turn down the temperature your hot water is heated to? You might want a piping hot shower or bath in the winter, but during spring and summer, turning your hot water down a degree or two will help cut your fuel bills. And because it’s warmer, you won’t really notice the difference in your bath or shower.

Simply adjust your boiler controls to alter the temperature. The water temperature will normally be set at 65 degrees but you can turn it down to 60 degrees in warmer months.

 

5. Protect your family with a carbon monoxide alarm

Carbon monoxide is the silent killer. You can’t see it or smell it. We recommend you have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted in each room where you have a gas appliance.

We can fit them for you easily and relatively cheaply – the best way to protect your family!

Why not take advantage of our boiler and radiator offers this spring?

For help with your heating installations, repairs or servicing, contact us on 020 8462 8822 or request a call back.

Improve Your Radiators’ Efficiency

By JR | Blog

Does it take a long time for your radiators to warm up?

Is your home as warm as you would like it to be? Our tips will help keep your radiators in tip-top condition and make them more energy efficient.

 

1. Have your radiators checked

Thermal imaging technology can provide you with photographic evidence of how well your radiators are working.

The first radiator is not working efficiently, only heating to 37.5C. The second radiator is working properly after being cleaned, giving a more even and warmer heat of 66.7C.

 

 

We can arrange for thermal imaging cameras to check your radiators for you. Contact us to arrange a visit.

 

2. Get your heating system powerflushed

Over time, sludge builds up in your heating system, causing your radiators not to work as efficiently. You may also experience cold spots in them.

A powerflush will clean your system through and get rid of the sludge and debris that has built up, helping to improve performance.

 

3. Consider getting new radiators

How old are your radiators? Have you had your boiler replaced but kept the same radiators? Like other appliances, your radiators deteriorate over time, so consider having them replaced.

Newer models work more efficiently, meaning they will be even better than your originals. Modern designs can also add aesthetically to your room. The radiators we supply come in a range of colours. With 180 different colours to choose from, there’ll be one to match your colour scheme!

 

4. Have thermostatic radiator valves (TRV) fitted

TRVs help you to control the heat within each room, so you can keep your most frequently used rooms warmer and be more energy efficient.

 

Turn down the TRV in your spare bedroom, or other rooms you don’t use as often, and keep the door closed. This will use less energy and save you money.

Until the end of April, we are offering 30% off the cost of new radiators.

To get a quote, book an installation or thermal imaging check, or for other help with your radiators or heating system, give us a call on 020 8462 8822, request a call back or email us.

Save 30% on New Radiators!

By JR | Blog

Save Money on Radiator Installations this Spring

If you’ve never had your radiators replaced, now is the time to have them done. Older radiators work less efficiently, gather a build up of sludge and, ultimately, cost you more money on your heating bills.

Until the end of April, we’re offering 30%* off the cost of new radiators. Simply request a quote and accept it before 30th April 2019 to be eligible for the offer.

So don’t miss out! If you’ve been thinking of having a new radiator fitted, get a quote and save money now! Call us on 020 8462 8822, request a call back or email us.

Read our radiator blog here for our tips on how to keep yours in tip-top condition.

*30% discount is applied to the cost of radiators before VAT. Offer excludes designer radiators and existing quotations.