Most households use some sort of gas appliance. Gas appliances need air to ensure that they burn safely and during this process they produce carbon monoxide which is usually removed via a flue or chimney. If the flue or chimney becomes blocked or the gas appliance malfunctions this could cause the device to become faulty and leak carbon monoxide into a property.

Carbon monoxide is a gas that is hard to detect since it is odourless, tasteless and colourless. The gas is extremely dangerous to health and can be fatal as it stops the blood bringing oxygen to your vital organs as well as cells and tissue. In the UK alone around 15 people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning from gas appliances. It is therefore important to ensure gas safety within a home.

To be gas aware and safe in your property, it is recommended that you follow these five safety tips:

1. You should get your main household gas appliances such as your gas boiler or gas fire checked by a qualified gas engineer every year. This best time to get these checked is when the appliance has its annual service.
2. For all other household gas appliances you can check them yourself. To do this you need to be looking for any issues with the appliance and signs that you should look out for include yellow flames, black stains or marks appearing on the appliance along with excessive condensation appearing in rooms.
3. You need to understand and recognise the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning as this will highlight a faulty appliance and a problem with the gas supply. Unfortunately, carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms mimic other illnesses such as food poisoning. However, the common symptoms to look out for include; headaches, dizziness, sickness, breathlessness, tiredness, erratic behaviour and visual problems.
4. You need to ensure that the room where the gas appliance is located is well ventilated as this will help the appliance burn correctly.
5. You should only use the gas appliance for what it was intended for. For example, never use a gas oven to heat a room or bring a gas barbeque inside the house.

Along with these tips it is recommended that you install a carbon monoxide detector. These will alert you with an alarm if carbon monoxide is detected. These detectors are inexpensive and easy to install and could save you and your family’s lives.

Guest Article by Sarah Wain

What is a combi boiler?

There are a wide array of boiler products which can be confusing to the general consumer. If pushed, few would be aware of the difference between a combi boiler and a regular system, but the distinction is important to all householders, especially those who are keen to save money and the environment.

A combi boiler is essential for all those that want the most out of their heating system, as it’s simply the most efficient. Although the wonder boiler of the moment does have drawbacks.

A combi boiler is a shortened phrase for its longer title: combination boiler. It means that two processes are combined into one. The process of heating water for the hot water taps and at the same time heating water for the central heating system, takes place within the boiler itself, on demand.

So, when someone turns on a hot tap and expects litres of suitably warmed water, the boiler kicks into action and provides the necessary water. Likewise if the thermostat asks for hot water for the radiators, the boiler kicks into action and heats the water which will be pushed around the house’s pipework.

The big difference are the words, on demand. A combi boiler will only heat water when it is required. This is the major difference with a regular boiler which is always heating water that can be used at a later time. The regular boiler will heat water at allotted periods which will be stored in a large metal tank for later use.

The problem with the regular boiler system is obvious. As soon as the precious energy is used to heat the water, once you don’t use it and start storing it in the water tank (no matter how good the insulation), it begins to cool and indeed, not all of it will be used before its heated to the correct temperature again. If you consider the amount of wasted energy in this process, then the amount of wasted energy, and therefore money, can mount up considerably.

Also, the regular boiler is more expensive, as it requires a water tank, insulation, additional pipework and a cold water feed tank in the loft. The combination boiler requires none of these. No water is stored and the cold water is fed directly from the mains. So, no hot water tank and no feeder tank is required, nor the associated pipework, meaning purchase and installation costs can be reduced significantly.

Combination boilers pass cold water through a heat exchanger which transfers heat to the water while ensuring only a small amount of energy is lost through waste gasses. This is how the boiler can provide hot water without the need for a water tank or an immersion heater. This hot water can then be used for taps or pushed into radiators to provide central heating.

But the drawback of the combi boiler is immediately apparent: hot water flow rate. In other words, when you turn on the hot water tap, in the kitchen, or bathroom, how much hot water will be available and at what rate. This is why combi boilers have not only their hot water ratings (the temperature) published, but also their flow rates. These are based on the number of litres of hot water per minute the boiler can supply.

Gas combination boilers are currently the most popular boilers households are installing with around 70% of UK homes using one.

If you are interested in purchasing a combination boiler then you will need to consider its advantages and disadvantages to ensure it is the type of boiler for your households needs.

Advantages of gas combination boilers

The main advantage is the water is heated instantly and this therefore means you don’t need to wait for a hot water tank to heat up to get the hot water. This also means hot water won’t run out and you don’t require the space to put a hot water tank so combination boilers are good space saving appliances.

Another main advantage is these boilers are more economical. The reason is because savings are made on the cost of heating the water as the flow of water is at the same pressure as if it was coming from the mains water supply. Also because there is no hot water tank it means the boilers are quicker and easier to install which cuts costs and means the boiler will require less maintenance over its lifetime.

Disadvantages of gas combination boilers

The disadvantages of these boilers however include the water flow of the other taps in the house will be affected and limited when running at the same time. Therefore, it will be important for households installing these boilers then you need to ensure you have an adequate water supply that doesn’t have any pressure issues as this could really affect the performance of the combination boiler.

Another potential disadvantage is you will be getting rid of your airing cupboard as the hot water tank is no longer required. But this could be seen as a plus if you want more space.

Therefore, if you are looking to install a combination boiler you can see there are many advantages and disadvantages which highlight why you may want to choose to install one. And if you are looking for a boiler to provide hot water on demand and one that is energy efficient which can help reduce your current fuel bill then this is the boiler for you.

Guest Article by Sarah Wain

Looking after your boiler is important to ensure that it is running safely and efficiently.

Not only that but a well looked after boiler should help you save money or your fuel bill as well as being less likely to breakdown especially when you need it the most over the winter months. It is therefore recommended that to keep your boiler well maintained you should follow the tips that are detailed below –

Get your boiler serviced regularly

The best tip for boiler maintenance is to ensure that your boiler gets regularly serviced by a qualified and registered company or engineer. This regular service will highlight any problems with the boiler before they happen and deteriorate into an expensive repair or fault. They will also ensure that the boiler is energy-efficient and safe to use.

Don’t cover the boiler

It is important to ensure that you don’t cover the boiler so that it is poorly ventilated as this can cause health and safety issues for your household. This also includes covering up an external ventilation grills and outside flues that may be in operation.

Don’t open the boiler cover

You should never open the boiler cover or attempt to try and fix a problem yourself. Boilers should not be tampered with and if a fault is being experienced you should call a qualified company or engineer to come and investigate the problem.

Check the boiler over the summer months

During the summer months we tend to forget about the boiler and central heating system however we should check the boiler at least once a month during this period. This not only reassures us that the boiler is still working but it can also help reduce any build-up of dirt that can accumulate in the boiler.

Time the heating to come on if you are away for a long period

If you decide to go away over the winter months it is recommended that you time your boiler to come on, on a low temperature during this period. This will ensure that the boiler is regularly worked and it will ensure that pipes within your home are less prone to freezing or bursting.

Install a carbon monoxide detector

It is important to have a carbon monoxide tester installed in your home as this is a system to warn you and your family if there is a carbon monoxide leak in your boiler. It will not only alert you to the fact that there is a fault with your boiler but it can also save you and your family’s lives.

Clean the boiler

Clean the boiler every six months to ensure that the cover doesn’t become rusty or rundown. To clean the boiler you just need to wipe it with a damp cloth. However, if there are any scratches on the painted metal then this should be cleaned by rubbing petroleum jelly over the mark and then wiping it off.

Ensure you have the boilers maintenance manual

If your boiler breaks down you may require the maintenance manual. You may also require the maintenance manual to ensure that you are getting the most out of your heating controls. It is therefore important to have a copy of the manual readily available. If you don’t you should download one from the manufacturer’s website.

Keep an eye on the pressure gauge

It is important for you to keep an eye on and understand the pressure gauge on the boiler as this pressure may need to be topped up or reduced. Ensuring the boiler is working at the correct pressure will ensure that the boiler is kept in good working order. If the pressure changes then you should call out a qualified engineer to check the boiler.

Adjust the controls

Knowing how to use the heating controls is essential for getting the most out of your boiler and ensuring that the maintenance that it receives is based on correct usage requirements. It also ensures you maintain regular use of the boiler.

Guest Article by Sarah Wain

When it comes to heating our homes there are many government schemes and grants available to help households financially. The main ones that the government currently offer are outlined as follows.

The Warm Front Scheme

Re-launched in April this year the warm front scheme involves the provision of heating and insulation home improvements for people who find it difficult to pay their energy bills and for those who live in the most energy inefficient homes. The scheme hopes to help 90,000 households with the availability of up to £3,500 per household for home improvements with the work being carried out for free as long as it doesn’t exceed this limit. Individuals can qualify for the scheme if they are on a benefit such as pension credit, income support or jobseekers allowance. Also, the property that is receiving the grant needs to have a Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) rating of 55 or less to prove that it is poorly insulated and an energy inefficient home.

Renewable Energy Grants

The renewable energy grant was launched by the government in August this year and offers households the opportunity to apply for costs towards the installation of renewable heating systems in their homes of up to £1,250. The renewable energy grants will therefore only be available to households who will consider installing biomass boilers, solar panels for heating and air and ground source heat pumps. It is estimated that the grant scheme will help 25,000 households and it is hoped the scheme will attract those homeowners who currently are not on or using a mains gas supply and using fuel such as oil and electric (as these tend to omit higher greenhouse gas emissions).

Microgeneration Grants (also known as the Microgeneration Certification Scheme)

The microgeneration scheme covers both installers of renewable energy as well as households that employ renewable technologies. The scheme offers a ‘feed-in’ tariff to those who use renewable technologies which means households that produce electricity can be provided with guaranteed payments for any additional electricity that they generate if they can put it back into the electricity network. To be part of the feed-in tariff scheme the homeowner would need to ensure that the company who installs their renewable technologies is certified by the scheme.

Priority Services Register

The priority services register is a scheme that is open to pensioners, people with disabilities and those that have a visual or hearing impairment. Once a member of the scheme it means that access is given to a number of free services to help with energy bill payment. The free service includes gas appliance and installation safety checks, help moving a meter if it is in an inconvenient position, help using certain appliances if there is difficulty in doing so and the provision of bills in different formats such as in braille if required.

Winter Fuel Payment

The winter fuel payment scheme is specifically designed for older people who were born before the 5th July 1951. The scheme allows the receiving of a yearly winter fuel payment of between £100 and £300 dependent on the recipient’s age made as a one-off tax-free payment.

Cold Weather Payment

The cold weather payment scheme is a cash supplement that can be received to help towards the cost of energy bills when the weather becomes very cold. The payment is usually £25 per week and is paid when temperatures fall below zero Celsius for seven consecutive days between the dates of the 1st November to the 31st March. To be eligible for the scheme you must be on pension credit, jobseekers allowance or on some type of support allowance.

Government Boiler Scrappage Scheme (Scottish residents only)

The government boiler scrappage scheme in Scotland is still in operation and is aimed at helping householders upgrade their central heating system. The scheme allows homeowners to get up to £400 towards the cost of upgrading from their old boiler to a new energy efficient one.

Guest Article by Sarah Wain

In the past the majority of UK homes would have had their hot water supplied by an open vent boiler.

This type of boiler relies on the household having two water tanks in the loft and a hot water storage cylinder in the airing cupboard. The principle of the boiler is to provide hot water and central heating using a heat only boiler and cold water using the cold water tank located in the loft.

The main advantage of these types of boiler systems is that they allow you to have access to hot water all over your house at once. Therefore, you can have taps running as well as radiators being heated and you shouldn’t experience any drop in water pressure even though they are working simultaneously. The systems can also be very economical in relation to their running costs due to the fast response nature of the hot water being pumped around the system.

Also, if your home already uses an open vent system boiler and it needs to be replaced or updated, installation costs will be low because the upgrade should only require a replacement of the boiler with a newer and more efficient model. This therefore means greater convenience for the household as installing a replacement boiler is easier and quicker than installing another type of boiler system.

However, there are some disadvantages associated with this type of boiler. Many people see the space requirements needed by the water tanks in the loft and the hot water cylinder in the airing cupboard as inconvenient and a waste of space. There is also the fact that once you have used all the hot water in the water tank that you will need to reheat the water by using an immersion switch and this will take time for hot water to become available again. Also, if you want to install this type of boiler in a house that previously didn’t have this system it will be expensive as the plumbing costs associated are higher due to the greater complexity of installation.

With the recent growth in installation of combination boilers within households it has felt like the open vent system boiler was being pushed out the market, especially as combination boilers have been promoted as the most energy efficient and most practical boiler solution for the future. However, with the advancements in technology there is still a place for open vent system boilers as these systems have been made are much more energy efficient than they were in the past.

It should be noted that open vent system boilers can also be green because they work well when powered by renewable energy sources such as solar panels; and it is felt that the control systems on open vent boilers used in conjunction with how renewable energy is set-up happens to be more accurate and therefore more cost efficient.

Guest Article by Sarah Wain