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FAQs
What is a condensing boiler?
Condensing boilers are the most energy-efficient boilers on the market
today. They use less fuel and have lower running costs than other
boilers. They achieve this high level of efficiency by extracting
heat contained in the combustion gases, which would otherwise be lost
to the atmosphere. Old, conventional boilers have an efficiency rate
up to 60%, which means that they convert 60% or less of their fuel
into heat, while the efficiency of new condensing boilers can be above
90% (A-rated). This means huge energy savings and significant cuts
on your CO2 emissions and gas bills.
There are 2 types of high-efficiency condensing boiler:
- System boiler: heats your hot water through a hot water
cylinder
- Combination (combi) boiler: gives you instant hot water
without the need for a cylinder
Each type delivers all the benefits of high-efficiency technology.
Here are a few examples and guidelines to help you identify the
type of condensing boiler most likely suited to your needs:
| |
Most
suitable boiler |
| I
live in a flat or bungalow with little or no roof space |
COMBI
BOILER |
| I
want to convert my loft |
SYSTEM
BOILER |
| My
home has more than 2 bathrooms |
SYSTEM
BOILER |
| My
main water pressure is low |
SYSTEM
BOILER |
| I
need to have hot water available on demand without waiting for
it to heat up |
COMBI
BOILER |
| I
want to install a Megaflo |
SYSTEM
BOILER |
What is a combi boiler?
The high efficiency condensing combi or combination boiler combines
both a conventional boiler for radiators and an independent water
heater in one compact unit, eliminating the need for a hot water cylinder
and cold water storage cistern. With a combi boiler hot water is always
available instantly and for as long as you need it.
Additional benefits of having a combi boiler include significant saving
on your gas bills and the fact that your hot water comes from the
mains pressure so you can enjoy showering without needing a noisy
pump.
What is a system boiler?
A system boiler works on the principle of stored hot water. It provides
heat for your heating system while being able to heat a hot water
cylinder (like a Megaflo). This guarantees simultaneous supply of
hot water to all outlets. These type of boilers work with both vented
and unvented how water cylinders.
System boilers operate on a sealed system like the combination boiler.
As the system is not affected by mains water pressure, they can operate
in areas where combi boilers cannot (like lofts). System boilers are
usually compact as all the major components like the pump and the
diverter valve are built into the boiler.
A system boiler is a great choice for a larger home or family with
hot water needs that can't be met by a combi boiler. You will need
a tank in the airing cupboard, though.
Which boiler manufacturer do you recommend?
We can supply and install any type of boilers. We will assess your
individual needs and advise on a suitable boiler. There are several
very good central heating boiler manufacturers in the market. We usually
recommend A-rated Remeha boilers for their efficiency, size
and 5-year warranty but we have also found Worcester Bosch
and Valliant boilers to be equally good in terms of performance
and reliability.
What is a gravity fed (low
pressure or open vented) system?
Gravity fed systems are the most common type of water system in the
UK. The mains water enters the property and flows through a stopcock
(usually found under the kitchen sink) before dividing into two pipes.
One of the pipes takes water at mains pressure (high pressure) to
the cold tap in the kitchen sink. The other pipe runs up into the
roof space and fills a large water tank, which feeds the cold taps
in the bathroom and the toilet cistern. Water also runs from the tank
through a pipe to a hot water cylinder which provides hot water to
the bathroom and kitchen sink.
The system is called gravity fed because it is only the weight of
water falling from the tank which makes it flow through the pipes.
The water is at a much lower pressure than the mains water (at the
kitchen sink) and so a gravity fed system is also called a low pressure
system. That’s why it is usually recommended to have a shower
pump to increase the flow rate.
What is Gas Safe Register™?
Gas Safe Register™ is the official Great Britain and Isle of
Man registration scheme for installers and maintenance engineers dealing
with natural gas appliances, which replaces the previous system run
by CORGI until 1st April 2009. By law, anyone carrying out work on
gas installations and appliances in your home must be on the Gas Safe
Register™. Russell Haskins Heating & Plumbing is a
registered Gas Safe Register™ installer.
What is an unvented hot
water (Megaflo) system?
An unvented hot water
system is a cylinder where hot water is stored at mains pressure
and therefore hot water flow rates are much better than traditional
open vented systems. Megaflo is a market leading name for unvented
cylinders and is manufactured by Heatrae Sadia.
How do I know if I have
a low pressure (or unvented) system?
If you have a cold water storage cistern in the loft and a hot water
cylinder in an airing cupboard, then you have a typical gravity fed
system in your property. Your water pressure is determined by the
height of your cold water storage cistern in relation to the appliance
outlet. For example, a weak shower could be due to low water pressure,
but in an ideal world this could be solved by raising the height of
the storage cistern. However, this isn't always possible and pumps
can be used to boost the pressure.
What are thermostatic radiator
valves (TRVs)?
Thermostatic radiator valves control the temperature of an individual
room or area. They are fitted to your radiators and have an internal
thermostat to enable temperature control to individual rooms in your
home.
What is a programmable
room thermostat and how does it work?
Programmable room thermostats switch the heating system on and off
automatically several times a day, or night, to suit regular household
needs. It works by sensing the air temperature, switching on the heating
when the air temperature falls below the thermostat setting, and switching
it off once this set temperature has been reached.
Programmable room thermostats are wireless and can be programmed to
suit your lifestyle needs.
Why is my radiator cold
at the top and hot at the bottom?
This usually means there is air trapped at the top of your radiator
and it is stopping any more hot water filling the radiator. To resolve
this problem you can bleed the radiator to release the air by opening
the bleed nipple (a small square peg at the top of the radiator, usually
protected by a round cast in the radiator body) and allowing the air
to hiss out. Hold a cloth close to the bleed nipple and when water
starts to come out the air should have gone. If this does not help
or the problem reoccurs we suggest that you have your central heating
checked by a heating engineer in case there are any underlying system
problems.
Why is my radiator hotter
at the top than at the bottom?
Assuming the radiator has reached operating temperature, this usually
means there is a build up of sludge and rust at the bottom of your
radiator and this displaces any water leaving the bottom of the radiator
cold. In this case we advise that you have your heating system power
flushed.
Why are my radiators hot
downstairs and cold upstairs?
This usually means that the feed and expansion tank in your loft has
run dry which can indicate a problem with the ball valve. This needs
addressing quickly and can be resolved by replacing the ball valve.
Why are my radiators cold
downstairs and hot upstairs?
This could indicate a faulty central heating pump which should be
checked by a heating engineer
What is power flushing?
Power flushing is a process by which
heating systems are cleansed from sludge using chemicals with a power
flushing pump. The process makes no mess and causes minimal disturbance
to your property as no radiators need to be removed. At the end of
the power flushing process, the system contains fresh clean water.
What is an emersion heater?
An emersion heater is an electric element which screws into the hot
water tank. It is wired to the mains electrical supply via an isolating
switch, a thermostat to control the temperature, and sometimes a timer
which enables you set the times you wish to have the water heated.
Using a timer, together with a well insulated tank, it is possible
to heat the water during the night, when electricity rates are cheaper,
and use it during the day. |
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