Some thought the old inefficient back boiler was gone for good, but the engineers at Baxi and Valor are determined that all is not yet lost.

They have just raised the flag about a house in Leeds which is one of the first in the UK to have a new high-efficiency back boiler fitted. Out went the householder’s 15 year old back boiler and gas, and in came a Baxi Bermuda BBU HE and Valor Dimension electric fire.

Baxi reported that their customer was thrilled with his new, high-efficiency back boiler:

“The installation went very well," he says. "It took less than a day to remove the old boiler and flue and replace them. The fire surround and back plate were removed, but they came out easily and were refitted once the installation was complete.

“The only pipe work that needed altering was in the fireplace, to change the side for the water pipe, which was so much easier than re-siting the boiler and having new pipes fitted throughout the house. And we didn’t need to redecorate.

“The new boiler is working very well. It’s much quieter than the boiler we took out, and we are enjoying plenty of hot water. We chose the Classica fire in the pewter finish. It’s really realistic and very easy to operate. In fact, we’ve been able to ‘fit and forget’.”

Baxi’s work is a meaningful reprieve for the back boiler which was in danger of extinction. Back boilers, traditionally low in efficiency, can only be fitted in homes that have no option. In other words, homes in which cannot be fitted with a high efficiency condensing boiler; a requirement by law that comes under the Building Regulations, Part L. And these boilers have to be at least A and B SEDBUCK rated (higher than 86% efficiency, although in 2010, only A rated boilers – more than 90% efficient – will be allowed).

But with the Baxi Bermuda BBU HE being over 90% efficient, it can rightly take its place in the boiler hall of fame. It also has a Class 5 NOx rating (the best), so it helps to protect the environment.

The trick with the Baxi Bermuda BBU HE is the integral condensate pump allows the condensate to be discharged into the drain via a 10mm pipe which fits neatly along the skirting. And it’s the condensing ability of the back boiler – taking heat from the combustion process and waste gases – that makes the this back boiler as efficient as its contemporaries.

The Baxi Bermuda BBU HE package comes complete with a Valor Dimension electric fire. This, say Baxi, is state of the art and features the very latest patented hologram technology to create an exceptionally lifelike three dimension coal effect fire. Powered from a conventional plug socket, it will produce around 2kW of heat output.

Guest Article by Neil Camp

For people installing a new boiler, or radiators, or replacing other bits of their central heating system, or for people worried about the effectiveness of their system, the option of powerflushing often crops up.

Firstly, what is powerflushing and when is it appropriate to use such a technique on your central heating system.

Powerflushing is a radical method of getting rid of sludge and sediment which gets built up in your central heating system. It involves using an electric pump to force water through the pumps, literally pushing all the muck out of the system.

This muck is a common cause of radiators having cold spots at the bottom, as the sludge which can build up stops the full circulation of the hot water within the radiator.

But power flushing can be a time-consuming and expensive procedure, with plumbers charging varying rates depending on the size of the system. Quotes can vary from £150 to nearer £500. And people should be aware that the technique of power flushing is only effective if the system has been pre-treated with the right chemicals in order that the sludge and sediment is softened to a degree that it can be power flushed. Without this first part of the process, your money will be wasted.

These chemicals will also help any build-up of lime scale.

Although, it has to be said that some plumbers believe that if these chemicals are used properly, then a normal draining and refilling of the system, will work just as well as a power flushing. So it’s not the option for everyone.

This appears to be reinforced by The Domestic Heating Compliance Guide which comes together with the Building Regulations. It states that when a new boiler is installed, then the system should be thoroughly cleaned and flushed out before using. Not power flushed notice, just flushed. This means that a normal draining and flushing through with water would do the job. And if some preparation is carried out the right chemicals, then so much the better.

So, power flushing can seem like a good idea, but you had better make sure it’s a worthwhile expenditure, otherwise it can be simply a waste of money.

Guest Article by Neil Camp

For landlords seeking the maximum return on their properties, letting agencies are advising they consider upgrading their properties’ heating systems to include condensing boilers with heating controls.

Landlords are now obliged to show prospective tenants the properties’ Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) which rates each flat, or house, according to their energy efficiency.

Letting agents are pointing out to their landlords that in a competitive market, with a lot of property around, a good EPC rating can make all the difference. Prospective tenants want to know that their money will not be wasted on properties which are expensive to heat and maintain.

Loft and cavity wall insulation can also play a key part, as well as double glazing. But a condensing boiler, which is over 90% efficient, will be a major plus point and will be recognised as such within the EPC report. Unlike old fashioned boilers, this modern design uses the heat from the main combustion process and the heat from the resulting exhaust gases. And its this ability to make use of all the heat generated that makes them up to 30% more efficient than other designs.

Such is their efficiency, that their installation is now mandatory and a part of the Building Regulations. There are exceptions, but this mainly comes down to the type of property in which a new boiler is to be fitted. For example, terrace cottages with back boilers might not have an external wall on which a condensing boiler with its different flue and drainage system can be fixed.

But this different flue (which requires a fan) and drainage system (which takes out fluid from the second heat process) that is necessary for a condensing boiler, does illustrate its only downside: it’s more expensive to buy and fit.

Although once installed, the boiler will make a quick return on the initial investment, especially in attracting tenants to rent a property.

Guest Article by Neil Camp

Regulator Ofgem is forcing energy companies to provide their customers with an annual statement and explanation of energy prices.

Under the new rules just announced by energy regulator Ofgem, they are prepared to take the suppliers to the Competition Commission if they fail to agree to the proposals.

But even before the regulations come into force, consumer groups are reminding consumers that they can do much more themselves to keep costs down.

First amongst the recommendations is to buy a new boiler with the latest technology. Unless people have a boiler less than three years old, a replacement is one of the best ways of saving money on heating bills. People should strive for a condensing boiler, which is over 90% efficient, compared to many older models which struggle to get a 60% rating. Research has shown that almost one in three boilers have never been serviced (risking death from carbon monoxide poisoning, as well as a bigger bill). And with the heating and hot water accounting for some 60% of the average home’s energy usage, a modern boiler should not be overlooked as the best way of saving money. Boilers should also be fitted with the latest controls and the rooms should be equipped with the latest thermostats, meaning that temperature control can be properly regulated throughout the property.

Second on the advice front is to get the best tariff. Loyalty to one supplier is now old hat and savvy customers move around in an attempt to get the best deals possible. Evenso, over 30% of households will never have switched energy suppliers. And the big suppliers will usually change their tariffs at least twice a year, meaning that one good deal might not last more than six months. Customers are advised to consult comparison websites and understand that the best deals are from those companies that offer dual fuel tariffs (electricity and gas from the same company).

Thirdly, don’t waste the heat you produce, or the electricity you buy. If you haven’t got it already, consider loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and double glazing. One, or all three, can make dramatic difference to heating bills. Don’t leave electrical items on stand-by overnight. Switching such items off completely can nearly save you 10% of your electricity every year.

Fourthly, both read and understand your meter and your bill. Suppliers do make mistakes and so nothing should be taken for granted. Claim refunds if you think a mistake has been made. Also, by watching your consumption, it will more easily help your understanding of how much your house actually costs to heat and operate.

Fifthly, when it comes to your paying, opt for Direct Debit, or paperless billing. Currently, most suppliers offer discounts for both methods, mainly because it helps their cashflow and money management. But take advantage whilst you can.

So, don’t wait for Ofgem to force the energy companies into helping you see what you are actually paying for. Be aware now of where your precious money is going.

Guest Article by Neil Camp

The government scheme that is meant to guard consumers against fuel poverty has upped the level of money now available.

Grants of up to £2,700 have been available to households who opt for energy efficient initiatives such as the fitting of a new boiler, loft and wall insulation, and double glazing. That figure has now increased to £3,500 and for those households that are not on the national grid and have to rely on oil, or LPG, they can now apply for a grant up to £6,000. Also, grants for new carbon friendly technologies, such as air source heat pumps and thermal heating, will now be available.

But critics point out that the grants are not usually 100% and top-up fees are often payable by the householder. Furthermore, many people on the receiving end of work carried out say that much of it is below standard and over priced. Some 22,000 people who originally applied for a grant over the last three years have either pulled out of the scheme, or put their applications on hold, fearing that they would not be able to afford the top-up contributions.

The government has ear-marked a total of £959 million for the Warm Front scheme until April 2011, although there are many who see this as promised and not secure funding.

Guest Article by Neil Camp