17
July
How to keep cool at home in the summer heat
By JR | Blog
With the current heatwave and many homes without air conditioning, we thought we’d share with you some tips on how to keep cool at home.
Close your curtains and blinds
Did you know that a high percentage (around 25%) of unwanted heat can come from your windows? They act a bit like a greenhouse!
So, if the sun normally streams in through your windows, keep your curtains or blinds closed.
And, while it’s a good idea to open your windows, you might want to keep them closed when the sun is directly on them. When it’s hotter outside than inside, closing your windows will stop hotter air coming in.
Open your windows again when the air outside is cooler – at night and early morning is usually best. This will help to get cooler air flowing and will help create a breeze to cool things down.
Drink more water to stay hydrated
When it’s hot, your body naturally perspires more. This can make you dehydrated, so be sure to drink plenty of cold water throughout the day. If you think water is boring, you can add squash, slices of fruit or herbs to give it some flavour.
Avoid tea, coffee, other caffeinated drinks and alcohol as far as possible, as these will also dehydrate you.
Cool your body temperature
One of the easiest ways to keep cool is to reduce your body temperature. Do this by drinking cold water (see above) or by cooling your pulse points.
Placing an ice pack or cold compress on the pulse points at the back of your neck, behind your knees or on your wrists will help to cool you down.
If you don’t have any ready-made ice packs, make your own from a cold wet towel or some ice or frozen vegetables in a plastic bag, wrapped in a thin cloth or tea towel to protect your skin.
Use a fan to create a cross breeze
If you place a fan right next to you, it’s likely to be noisy and blow stuff around! Instead, place your fan near a window or in a hallway. This will create a cross breeze to draw in cooler air to the warmer areas.
A tower fan is a good option, as these sit on the floor to blow air more effectively around your room.
Remember, a fan simply moves air around rather than actually cooling it. So a good tip to create some cool air is to freeze a bottle of water and place it at an angle in front of your fan. You could also use a bowl with ice or iced-water for a similar result.
Get domestic air conditioning installed
Have you considered having air conditioning installed in your home? Air conditioning units are no longer simply for offices, shops, hotels and other commercial settings.
These days domestic air conditioning units are quite slimline and compact, so they don’t take up a lot of space or look unsightly.
They don’t take too long to fit – around a day, depending on your property and how many rooms you want air conditioning installed in. And, they have the added benefit of being able to produce warm air for you in cooler months.
At Stevenson Heating, we are accredited to install and maintain domestic air conditioning. We also have a range of fans for sale, including desk and tower fans.
Contact us on 020 8462 8822, email info@stevensonheating.co.uk or request a callback to find out more or get a quote for having air conditioning installed in your home.
First published July 2020, updated July 2022.
18
June
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.
28
April
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.
28
April
Energy saving tips
By JR | Blog
With energy prices now at an all-time high, you may well be wondering how you can save energy and cut your bills at home.
Our energy saving tips will help you use your heating, plumbing and electrics more efficiently, which should help to keep your bills down.
Energy saving tips for your heating
1. Turn the thermostat down a degree or two – turning your room thermostat down a degree or two will help you save energy while also keeping your home at a steady temperature. You probably won’t notice the difference and it could save you around £80 a year.
2. Only have your heating on when you need it – if you’re out during the day or the evening, don’t be tempted to keep your heating on low, as this isn’t actually very efficient. It’s better to turn the heating on only when you need it.
3. Only heat the rooms you’re using – if you’re not using your spare bedroom or other rooms for any period, turn the radiator valves down, so you’re not wasting energy by heating the rooms you’re not in.
4. Use a timer or smart control – if you have a heating timer or a smart control, you can set your heating to come on just before you get home, so it’s warm by the time you’re there.
5. Don’t block radiators or vents – while it might be tempting to put your sofa in front of the radiator, it won’t help to keep the rest of the room warm. Keep your radiators or heating vents clear to allow the heat to radiate around the room.
6. Don’t dry your wet laundry on the radiator – that will simply dry the clothes and create steam, which can cause other problems like damp or mould. If you can’t dry laundry outside, a heated airer is more efficient and inexpensive. A tumble dryer uses a lot of energy, so use it sparingly when you want to save money.
7. Keep your internal doors closed – this is an easy way to ensure the heat stays in the room you’re in. Close doors in rooms you don’t want to heat. This stops cooler air mixing and cooling the overall temperature down.
8. Close your windows – don’t let heat escape through an open window! While you might want to ventilate a room, try to do that at a different time of day. When you’re not using the room or needing it to be warm is ideal.
9. Draw curtains and blinds – curtains and blinds are especially helpful for keeping the heat in (or out in the summer!). Draw them as soon as light starts to fade, to keep the room warm and prevent drafts.
10. Bleed your radiators – your boiler will need to work harder if trapped air or sludge gets in the radiators. This makes your energy bills more expensive as well as not heating your room! Regular radiator bleeding helps to keep your heating system clear. It prevents damage as well as reducing your energy bills.
11. Turn down the temperature on your boiler – did you know you can turn down the temperature your hot water is heated to? Turning your hot water down a degree or two will help cut your fuel bills. And 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.
12. 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.
13. Get a smart control – these help you monitor your energy usage and mean you can control your heating from your phone. Ideal if you don’t come home at the same time every day or are out at different times. Over time, they can also detect patterns in your usage. They will advise on ways you can cut down or adapt your energy usage.
14. 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.
Energy saving tips for your electricity
1. Switch off appliances you’re not using – it can be easy to leave some appliances such as cooking appliances, televisions and games consoles on when you aren’t using them. This applies to laptops and computers too. Turn them all off at the wall to save energy.
2. Don’t leave things on standby – you might think your TV is turned off, but if the switch on the wall is still turned on, your set is on standby and still using some electricity!
3. Don’t leave USB cables plugged in – do you have USB sockets directly in your wall? If so, don’t leave the cables plugged in as this uses electricity. If you charge devices via a USB attached to a plug, make sure you turn that off when not using it.
4. Switch off lights when you’re not using them – leaving them on for the next person or because you will go back in the room later is probably costing more than you think. Remember to switch them off when you leave the room. Replace your bulbs with LED bulbs too, as these are more energy efficient.
5. Reduce washing machine usage – if you can do one less wash a week, ensure your machine is full with each load. Use an eco-setting if you have one. And turn the temperature down to 30 degrees (most detergents cope with this, except for heavily stained items). BUT do occasionally do a hot wash to get rid of bacteria and prevent odours from building up.
6. Dry clothes outside or on an airer – drying your clothes outside when the sun is out means you won’t have to pay to dry them. Likewise a heated airer will provide you with a more efficient way of drying them in the colder months. It may be tempting to put clothes on or in front of your radiators to dry. But blocking the radiator will result in the rest of the room being cold (see above).
7. Only boil as much water as you need – we have all filled the kettle or saucepan up with more water than we need just to make sure we have enough. But boiling too much means you’ll use more electricity as well as waste water.
8. Use the microwave for heating / reheating food – it’s more energy efficient than the oven. A slow cooker is also a very energy efficient cooking appliance.
Energy saving tips for your water
1. Don’t leave the taps running – when cleaning your teeth or washing up, remember to turn the taps off when you aren’t using the water. The same can be said for the shower or bath taps as well.
2. Only use your dishwasher when it’s full – by only using your dishwasher when it’s full, you will cut down on the number of cycles it does a week, helping you to save water.
3. Use eco-mode on your appliances – if your dishwasher or washing machine have eco-mode settings, use these to help save on water and energy.
4. Shower rather than bath – showering uses less water than having a bath. Keep your showers shorter to minimise energy usage. If you have a high-pressure shower or use a shower pump, try turning the pressure down to save water too.
5. Fix dripping taps and leaks – not only is a dripping tap frustrating, it also wastes a lot of water. The same can be said for a leak. It can cause damage to your home over time as well as costing you more in bills.
And finally…
Why not consider one of our heating service plans? Our service plans will help you maintain your heating system in good order. They’ll also help 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.
Do you have any of your own energy saving tips that you’d like to share with us?
Contact us on info@stevensonheating.co.uk or request a callback to find out more or get a quote for improving the energy efficiency of your heating in your home.
19
January
Save Energy Save Money with our Boiler Offer
By JR | Blog
Upgrade your boiler with our Save Energy Save Money offer
Save energy and save money this winter when you upgrade to an energy efficient boiler with us.
We’re delighted to tell you about our Winter 2022 boiler offer! Save money and save energy on your heating.
We’ll give you £300 off the cost of a new eco-friendly A-rated boiler, along with a free SMART heating control, worth £200. Simply book your installation with us by the end of March to qualify (see below for more info).
Why upgrade?
Is your boiler getting old? Is it not working efficiently? Or maybe it’s costing you lots to maintain and repair.
If any of these things are true for you, it’s definitely time for an upgrade! In any case, boilers over ten years old waste a lot of valuable energy.
New A-rated condensing boilers are far more energy efficient. Did you know, they improve efficiency to over 90%, compared to an average of 60% for older boilers?
This means that 90%+ of the energy goes to heating your home (with the rest used to operate the boiler). Older boilers use around 40% of energy just to operate!
A-rated boilers are also kinder to the environment and can help to reduce your energy bills by around 15%-30% too.
Minimise energy price increases
With the energy price cap rising in April by around 51%, fuel bills are likely to soar for many households.
So, upgrading to an A-rated energy efficient boiler can help save money on your energy bills and minimise the impact of the price cap increase.
Free SMART control for your heating
As part of the Save Energy Save Money offer, we’ll give you a free Drayton Wiser smart control for your boiler (alongside your installation), worth approximately £200.
A smart control allows you to control your heating remotely from your phone or other device. That means you can turn your heating on when you leave work, for example, and it’s all toasty by the time you get home! Ideal if you don’t go out or come home at the same time every day.
With a smart control, you can usually just heat the rooms you’re using too. So, you don’t need to waste energy in the rooms you’re not in.
Be ready for future boiler changes
You may have heard that you won’t be able to install a gas boiler after 2025. This is only true for new build homes. If you have a gas boiler in an existing property, you will still be able to replace it after 2025. For a time, at least.
We’re likely to see more sustainable heating options become available, like ground source heat pumps and hydrogen boilers. Hydrogen is a carbon-free alternative to natural gas, so that’s the most likely solution to replace the majority of existing gas boilers.
At the moment, gas boiler manufacturers are working on greener alternatives. And boilers that will take a blend of hydrogen and natural gas are already available. This includes manufacturers like Worcester Bosch, for whom we’re a registered installer.
So, to summarise, our Save Energy Save Money boiler offer gives you:
✅ £300 off the cost of a new A-rated boiler
✅ A smart control worth £200 to control your heating
So you can:
💷 Save money on your heating bills
🌍 Be kinder to the environment
♨ Only heat the rooms you’re using
📱 Turn your heating on remotely only when you need it
♻ Be ready for when hydrogen gas is likely to be introduced
To qualify for the Save Energy Save Money offer, book your new boiler installation with us by 31 March 2022*.
Call us on 020 8462 8822, request a callback or email us at info@stevensonheating.co.uk for a quote, using ref: ENERGYSAVER2022.
*Term & Conditions apply – ask us for details.
25
November
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.
24
June
Summer Price Freeze: Buy Now to Save Later
By JR | Blog
Benefit now from our Price Freeze
We’re freezing our current prices until the end of August!
This gives you a great opportunity to get some work done around your home over the summer months.
Why are prices increasing?
Prices are going up everywhere you look right now – partly due to Covid and partly due to Brexit. There is, of course, a knock-on effect on supply chains. This includes for many of our suppliers in the heating, plumbing and electrical industries.
But the good news is, we’re not passing on these increases to you right now. We want to give you chance to get some work done around your home before we have to put our prices up.
What’s included in the price freeze?
Have you thought about getting your boiler serviced while you’re not using it over the summer? Or how about upgrading your radiators, taps or shower fittings? The summer months are the best time to get some of these things done.
Our summer price freeze includes:
Boiler service – did you know that summer is the best time for your annual service when you’re not relying on your heating?
New radiators – upgrading to more efficient radiators can save you energy and money on your heating bills.
New taps & fittings – replace old, tired or leaking taps, shower or bath fittings to give them a new lease of life.
Boiling water taps – would you like instant access to hot water without boiling a kettle?
Water softeners – reduce the effects of ‘hard water’ limescale in your home with a Limetron fitted to your mains or a water softener under the sink.
Home security – have you considered a video doorbell and security cameras at home? We can install them for you, so you can keep an eye on your property, your pets and your loved ones at the touch of a button.
To qualify for the summer price freeze, book your heating, plumbing or electrical job with us by 31 August 2021*.
Call 020 8462 8822, request a callback or email info@stevensonheating.co.uk for a quote using ref: SUMMER2021.
*Term & Conditions apply – ask us for details.
29
January
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.
5
August
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.
1
April
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.
6
March
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.
6
March
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.