News / Blog

We are now offering finance on all Worcester Bosch Boilers.

30 October 2018

How to Keep Your Boiler Running Smoothly in Winter

Right now, you are probably sitting at home or work feeling rather toasty. The central heating is on full blast, so the winter jumper can finally come off without fear of frostbite. If you add a mug of hot chocolate and a warm dinner, you have a sure fire recipe for winter cheer. Yet, what happens if the boiler unexpectedly breaks down and all of that heat vanishes?

This is a bit of a nightmare scenario for most homeowners, especially if there are young children in the house. If a boiler breaks down in the middle of winter, temperatures can fall fast, so it is important to know where to turn for help. With reliable boiler installation in Ipswich, you can rest safe in the knowledge that the experts are always on hand in a crisis.

Plus, there always some simple tips and tricks which you can use to help keep your boiler running smoothly during the colder months.

Stop Pipes from Freezing

One of the most common causes of boiler breakdowns and malfunctions is frozen pipes. If water cannot make it into the system, due to any kind of blockage (like ice), pressure will build within the pipes and they might even burst. The good news is that you can avoid this by maintaining a low level of heat throughout your home as often as possible. So, rather than turning the central heating off completely every time that you leave, put it on the lowest setting and keep the pipes too warm to freeze.

Get Your Boiler Serviced

The reality is that all boilers have a shelf life; they might be designed to last a long time, but they cannot stay functional forever. If your past unit caused you nothing but grief and you have arranged for a high quality boiler installation in Ipswich, it is time to get onboard with regular servicing. It can be useful to think of your boiler in the same way as you would a car – to run as efficiently as possible and stay healthy, it needs an inspection every now and then. The general rule of thumb says that domestic boilers should be serviced at least once per year.

Check the Pressure Readings

You would be surprised at the amount of seemingly disastrous boiler incidents which later turn out to be easily solved frustrations. For instance, if the pressure gauge on your boiler dips, the running water from the taps might stop altogether – or, you could lose your access to hot water. Whilst this might seem like a huge problem, it can usually be fixed by checking the gauge and using the valve to bring the pressure back up into the green portion of the display. You must consult your boiler manual before doing this, as setting the pressure too high can be dangerous. If you feel unsure, always call in an expert.

Find the Manual and Read It

It might not give you the same thrill as The Hunger Games or Fifty Shades of Grey, but your boiler manual is essential when it comes to delivering effective boiler maintenance. In other words, it is worth reading through at least once, particularly if you have recently moved into a new house with an unfamiliar unit. The manual will teach you how to perform basic checks, solve simple problems, and arrange for outside assistance if you need it. It is a good idea to write down the name of a local company which specialises in boiler installation in Ipswich on the back of the booklet.

To find out more about how your boiler works and what to do in the event of an emergency breakdown, take a look around Columbus Plumbers online today. Or, to arrange a consultation and boiler installation in Ipswich, call 01473 414410 and speak to an advisor.


30 October 2018

4 Easy Ways to Keep Your Central Heating in Tip Top Condition

With the summer now drawing to a close, it’ll soon be time to retreat indoors and indulge in fluffy slippers, mugs of hot cocoa, and winter telly. If you want to be ready, you need a warm and comfortable house. This means a smooth functioning central heating system, with a clean bill of health from your regular Suffolk plumber.     

While it’s important to get the boiler serviced by a professional, there are plenty of ways to take care of your central heating without help. For instance, try to inspect the pipes once every two months to check for cracks and leaks. Also, keep an eye on the pressure gauge for the boiler and make sure that all heaters are providing consistent coverage.

Keep reading for more tips on central heating maintenance and how you can get the most out of your system.

Don’t Let It Stagnate

It’s definitely a good idea to use energy carefully and conserve power during months when you don’t need as much heat. On the other hand, it’s not healthy for central heating to be left dormant for long periods, even in the summer.

Boilers can actually seize up and stop working if they’re kept cold for too long. Therefore, you should aim to switch your radiators on for at least ten minutes per week, even if it’s just to help the system stay active. It doesn’t cost much, and it could help you avoid a full breakdown.  

Bleed the Radiators

If your central heating isn’t warming the house as it should, take a moment to inspect the radiators. Over time, they fill up with air, and this pushes out hot water. The result is a less efficient system which uses the same amount of energy to reach lower temperatures.    

Fortunately, there is a simple fix. All you have to do is ‘bleed’ the radiators. This just means opening the release valve and emptying the water from the inside (preferably into a bucket or container). This also releases the air. They’ll work better when you reactive the central heating.

Get Rid of Clutter

In order to work at maximum efficiency, boilers need plenty of space and ventilation. So, if you’re prone to filling your boiler cupboard with coats, bags, and other items, find another home for them. This will increase ventilation and ensure you can get inside to access the controls.

Unrestricted access is essential, as you may need to adjust the pressure. Central heating systems naturally lose pressure over time, so it’s not uncommon to have to top it up using the release valve. Also, make sure you can see a strong blue flame when the boiler is active.     

Schedule a Service

As already mentioned, you should be getting your boiler serviced by a plumber at least once per year. It is a big part of keeping the system healthy because a professional can spot things that you’re likely to miss. Annual services find minor issues before they become big trouble.

The good news is that there are plenty of plumbers in Suffolk who can carry out these inspections. During a service, the engineer checks the health of every component. They may also perform a flush on the boiler or add a chemical treatment to dissolve scale and debris.

For more advice on central heating maintenance or to find a Suffolk based plumber, click here to visit Columbus Plumbers. Or, call 01473 414140 to speak to an advisor and schedule a boiler service, repair, or installation.


30 October 2018

Simple Boiler Maintenance Tips to Protect Against Winter Breakdowns

Whilst there are lots of things in life that are difficult to prepare for, the health of your boiler does not have to be one of them. With the right know how, a little bit of vigilance, and a small amount of routine maintenance, you can make sure that the workhorse of your home is always ready to go when you need it.

With warnings of snow, ice, and gale force winds already appearing on our morning weather forecasts, effective boiler care and maintenance is more important than ever right now. It is not always possible to prevent a tired boiler from breaking down, but a lot of older units can be coaxed into lasting the winter with the right checks, tweaks, and repairs.

This easy to understand guide will help you to make sure that your boiler goes the extra mile during the coldest months of the year.

Be Consistent with Heating

If you want to avoid having to call the experts in for a boiler replacement, you really do need to be consistent with the way you use it during the winter. It is a common mistake for homeowners to try and save money by completely switching off the boiler whilst away from home. However, this also happens to be one of the fastest ways of ending up with a cracked pipe. To help your boiler survive the winter, try to avoid turning it off altogether – even the lowest setting is enough to keep the pipes warm and prevent freezing.

Look Out for the Pressure Gauge 

There are a surprising number of boiler ailments which can be repaired independently, without the help of engineers – a dip in pressure is one of them. If your unit appears to be malfunctioning, resist the urge to panic and immediately arrange for a boiler replacement. You might be able to rectify the problem by simply using the valve handle to increase the pressure. You are strongly advised to consult your boiler handbook before doing this, because setting the pressure too high can be hazardous.

Bleed the Radiators  

If the pressure gauge looks normal, but the boiler is still not heating all of the radiators in the house, a quick check can determine whether there is air trapped inside the system. You just have to hold your hand against the radiator, whilst it is turned on, and look for cold areas. If you find some, it is likely that your radiators need bleeding. This involves opening the valve to let the unwanted air escape; do be aware that a lot of water might also leave the radiator. The repair should fix the problem, but if it does not, you are advised to call in one of our an engineers who can check whether you need a boiler replacement.  

Arrange for a Boiler Service

For homes with older units, regular servicing is essential, especially during the winter. It is certainly true that nobody wants to have to fork out for a new boiler, but these kinds of systems do age and they need routine care. It is important to understand that no boiler can last forever; eventually a boiler replacement will always be necessary. So, routine maintenance is about extending and preserving the life of the unit as far as possible – servicing is a great way to do this. If your boiler has not been serviced this year, you run the risk of a winter breakdown.

To find out more about how you can preserve the life of your boiler this winter or to arrange for a boiler replacement team to be despatched to your home, click here to visit Columbus Plumbers today.


25 October 2018

Frequently Asked Questions about Boiler Water Treatment

The boiler is the beating, pumping mechanical heart of the home. If yours is decidedly cranky, worn, or prone to strange noises, it could be time to seek reliable boiler installation in Suffolk. You need to keep your heating unit in tip top condition, because it regulates the temperature of both the air and the water throughout the house.

Yet, boilers can be tricky things. For the most part, they require no attention at all. The vast majority of homeowners have no contact with their units whatsoever, besides occasionally changing their settings. And, a boiler left to its own devices is unlikely to break down if no other faults develop. However, its efficiency will be substantially reduced if it is not chemically treated on a semi-regular basis.

This guide to some of the most frequently asked questions about boiler water treatment will help you get to grips with the basics.

Why Should I Chemically Treat My Boiler?

Any machine or device that works with water, on a near constant basis (like a boiler or a kettle), needs to be protected from the minerals that it contains. If you do not chemically treat your boiler, its productivity will decrease and you may eventually end up requiring a new boiler installation. Routine maintenance is a really important part of making sure that a boiler functions efficiently, smoothly, and economically.

What Is ‘Scale’ and Why Is It Bad for My Boiler?

Just like the lime scale in your kettle, boiler scale is white in appearance. It is made up of calcium carbonate that was once contained in the water. This is a common problem in areas where the water supply is hard. Boiler scale needs to be avoided, because it disrupts the overall efficiency of the unit. It is a very poor conductor of heat, so if your boiler is covered in scale, it will work less efficiently. If this heavy coating causes the boiler to overheat, on the inside, you could be looking at a serious malfunction.

What Kind of Scale Treatment Should I Use?

If a boiler has not been properly treated, with the right chemicals, for many years, it is probably best to have it replaced with a new top quality boiler. Severely corroded or heavily scaled units can be dangerous, because the calcium and magnesium deposits coat the internal mechanisms and cause them to overheat. While you can treat a boiler yourself, the process is very risky if not performed correctly. We always recommend seeking the help of our qualified boiler maintenance team.

How Do I Find a Company to Treat My Boiler?

This is the easy part. You just need to talk to your regular boiler maintenance company. If you do not already have one (you should), ask us today about our boiler care team who will visit your home and assess the damage. You are free to ask about qualifications and insurance and check for testimonials online before you make your final decision.

To find out more about dealing with boiler scale and how to maintain your unit, contact us via email or arrange a routine boiler review, call 01473 414140 and speak to one of our expert technicians. 


24 October 2018

Why Winter Spells Trouble for a Poorly Maintained Central Heating System

There’s one very good reason why so many boilers and central heating systems tend to break down in winter, right when homes need them the most. The change in temperature can be really hard on the pipelines. For central heating especially, the fluctuating seasons are a major health hazard.

During the summer, we stop using our heaters and radiators. They lay empty and stagnant, with a tendency to accumulate rust. Then, when the winter rolls around, we switch them back on again, oblivious to the fact that there are new blockages and faults within the system. The central heating then performs at much lower level.

So, is there anything that can be done to prevent your central heating system from becoming damaged in the winter? Keep reading for some effective tips and tricks.

Get It Serviced Every Year

The easiest way to keep your system healthy is to let the experts look at it once every twelve months. With reliable central heating servicing in Suffolk, you don’t have to worry about anything. A technician will arrive at the house, set up his tool kit, and tinker with the radiators. The aim is to look for any developing faults so that they can be pre-emptively repaired and you don’t have to endure the stress of a mid-winter breakdown. It just like getting a car serviced, as a way to prevent it from ever failing in the first place.

Bleed Your Radiators

It can be helpful, once a year, to bleed the radiators and let out some of the air that will have naturally accumulated inside. If too much air builds, they’ll find it hard to get really hot and the overall performance of the central heating system will fall. Fortunately, bleeding is a really easy thing that you can do yourself. Just fetch the bleeding key that should have been provided with the house – you can buy new ones, if necessary – and let all of the water out of each radiator. Remember to place a bowl underneath to catch it. Then, simply turn the system back on for a cleaner refill.

Keep an Ear Out for Trouble

You can actually learn a surprising amount from the way that your boiler sounds. For instance, too much air in the central heating system tends to make the unit gurgle and bubble. It is a good indication that radiators need bleeding. Also, if the unit is banging and clanking, it may be low on water. Some systems can be carefully opened and topped back up to a healthy level. If you can’t get in to see the inside of the boiler or it has been making odd noises for some time, it is best to get it checked out by a company that provides high-quality central heating servicing in Suffolk.

Deal with Leaks Quickly

It is not uncommon for boilers to develop small leaks. This can happen for a number of reasons. The pressure on the inside may be too high, for example, and causing a strain on the system. Either way, it is important that you get the problem repaired as quickly as possible. While minor leaks are easily fixed, they will always turn into bigger ones if ignored for long enough. It is a good idea to keep an eye on radiators too so that you’re aware of leaks if they do spring up.

For more advice on how to keep your central heating running smoothly throughout the winter, click here to visit Columbus Plumbers. Or, pick up the phone and call 01473 414140 to arrange  central heating servicing in Suffolk.


24 October 2018

Why It Is Worth Splashing the Cash on a High Quality Boiler

The boiler is one of the most expensive items in a home to replace. This is why winter breakdowns are such a stressful experience, particularly for families with young children. It just isn’t the type of appliance that you can pop out and buy in an afternoon.

On the other hand, boilers are designed to last for at least a decade, so they do offer great value for money in the long term. The problem is that initial upfront payment, and many do struggle to meet it. The good news, however, is that there’s more than one way to buy a boiler.

This guide to professional boiler installation in Suffolk will outline some of the options and explain why you definitely can afford the best.

Finding a Great Provider

The first step is finding the right vendor. Making a good selection is always important, but it is especially pressing if you’re hoping to pay for a boiler in instalments or as part of a structured payment plan. Not all companies offer this option.

Fortunately, the best installers are committed to helping customers get the equipment they need, for their individual circumstances. After all, no matter what kind of house you live in, you need a high functioning hot water system for bathing, cooking, and staying warm.

Going Green to Save Cash

While it’s true that a boiler installation can be pricey, the cost is significantly offset as long you invest in an energy efficient product. Thus is easier than you might think because the law requires all new installations to be in this category.  

High efficiency condensing boilers (the norm in Suffolk households) reduce CO2 emissions by as much as 25%. They can save homeowners up to £300 per year, in conserved energy. So, even if you end up paying a high end price, the costs are fully recouped within a few years.

Considering All the Options

Once you find an installer, you’ll be asked a lot of questions about how you want to use the new boiler. To ensure that the boiler installation moves quickly, think about your answers before you speak to any engineers or technicians.

For instance, where would you like the boiler to be positioned? The most common option is a wall mount, but standing units are available for older properties with fragile walls. Larger homes, with intensive water routines, often need to invest in boilers designed for heavy use.    

Making the Service Work for You

Don’t forget that your installer has a responsibility to provide the best possible service. This means answering your questions, acknowledging any concerns, providing accurate information, and offering proof of credentials if requested.

They must be Gas Safe, or OFTEC registered, depending on whether you’re having a gas or oil boiler installed. Ask about the warranty covering the boiler and the work performed. It should cover you for at least two years, but ideally longer (five or even seven).  

Arranging ‘After Care’ and Maintenance

It almost always works out cheaper if you stick with the original installer for after care and maintenance. In fact, most vendors offer special deals to customers who are willing to sign up to servicing programs. It is a good idea because regular servicing is essential for boiler heath.   

You’ll get to enjoy low rates, and you’ll never forget to book the system in for a routine inspection because the vendor will take care of it. Ultimately, the better you treat your boiler, the longer it will last and the more money it will save you in the form of smaller utility bills.

For more advice on selecting and installing a new boiler, click here to visit Columbus Plumbers. Or call 01473 414140 to speak to the Suffolk team and arrange a boiler service, repair, or replacement.


22 October 2018

How to Pick the Right Boiler Installation Company

With so many boiler installation companies to choose from these days, it can be difficult to know where to turn. And confusion is the last thing that you want if your main source of heating and hot water has up and abandoned you. This is one of those circumstances in which a wealth of choice can end up being a tricky thing, so make sure that you pick carefully.

Whether your boiler has completely broken down or you’re just keen to update an old heating unit, you need the help of a reliable Worcester accredited installer. The best place to start looking for a trustworthy specialist is online, because there are usually lots of testimonials and reviews from past customers to browse through.

If you find a Worcester accredited installer that you like the look of, but you cannot find any reviews on the website, pick up the phone and have a chat with a sales representative. This is often the fastest way to determine whether the company can meet your needs. There are a few things that you should consider before making a choice – keep reading to find out more.

Making Efficiency a Top Priority

The first place to start is with the efficiency of any new boiler that you may be considering. This is something that tends to get overlooked and families end up saddled with units that do not fit the needs of their home. If you want to keep energy bills low and get the most out of your heating, you need a new boiler that is just the right size. A high quality Worcester accredited installer will be very happy to discuss the most economical options.

Consider Upgrading to a Modern Unit

If you have quite an old boiler in your home, an unexpected breakdown can be an opportunity to upgrade. While most homeowners prefer to save before splashing out on a new unit, older boilers are temperamental things and it is difficult to predict when they will give up the ghost. At the very least, you can use the temporary crisis to pick and install a much newer and more reliable system. Ask your installer about the cost of fitting a modern condensing boiler.

Check for Qualifications and Insurance

Your choice of Worcester Boiler accredited installer absolutely must have the proper qualifications to carry out the job safely. Usually, you can find evidence of this training on the website in the form of accreditation logos and other information. However, you can also ask a representative of the company directly. The same rules apply to insurance; do not work with an installer unless you know that they are covered for all eventualities.

Go Ahead and Shop Around a Little

If you are not quite sure what the going rate for a boiler installation is, do not be afraid to shop around for quotes. This is one of the best ways to grab a great deal, because there is nothing stopping you from using a cheaper quote from one provider as leverage to get a better price out of another. However, do remember that the safety of a boiler installation is paramount. It is worth considering all aspects of the job and not just opting for the cheapest choice.

For more help and advice on finding a reliable Worcester accredited installer, click here to visit Columbus Plumbers. Or, pick up the phone and call 01473 414140 to arrange a boiler installation today.


12 October 2018

The Warning Signs That Mean You Need a Boiler Replacement

The boiler in your home is probably something that you don’t spend too much time thinking about. It’s one of those doggedly consistent beasts of the house that just keeps purring away nicely in the background. In the same way that we take the health of plumbing and power points for granted, we also just expect the boiler to be running smoothly.

That is, until it’s not; and the house is cold and you can’t get any hot water. Unfortunately, boilers do break down sometimes. They come with a life expectancy, like everything else in the home, and they need careful maintenance and attention. The older a boiler gets, the greater the risk of a breakdown, so keep an eye out for signs of trouble.

If you spot any of the following warnings signs, you are advised to seek reliable boiler replacement in Suffolk as soon as possible.

Strange Odours

A healthy boiler shouldn’t be producing any odours at all. If you detect a distinct whiff coming from your unit, you really do need to arrange for an inspection right away. Do this as soon as you can, because the smell may be due to a gas or oil leak and this is a potentially dangerous situation. If the boiler develops a carbon monoxide leak, the health of everybody in the home could be in jeopardy.

Leaking Water

One of the most obvious warnings signs that indicates the need for boiler replacement in Suffolk is an actual leak from the unit itself. While this doesn’t always mean that the existing boiler is unusable, you do need to have it checked out. If there is a substantial rupture on the inside, a new boiler will be needed so that the old one doesn’t burst and cause water damage. A leak of any size means that power is being wasted; until you get it fixed, you’ll also be wasting fuel and energy.

Fluctuating Temperatures

If the boiler is finding it hard to regulate temperatures, even if you set the dial quite precisely, it could be suffering from poor circulation. This means that the water inside isn’t being heated evenly; only sections of the liquid are being heated as they move quickly through the pipes. More often than not, this is due to a leak or a clog within the boiler. The only way to know for certain whether you need complete boiler replacement in Suffolk is to call in the experts.

Hissing Sounds

Boilers that make strange hissing sounds usually have an iron or sludge build up on the inside. This makes it hard for the water to be moved around the unit in an even fashion. Consequently, the water doesn’t get hot all over when you need it to. It may also cause the unit to start overheating and this not only damages the boiler, it substantially increases energy bills. Once again, this problem doesn’t always require a complete replacement. In some cases, a repair is all that’s needed, but you’ll never know if you don’t arrange a professional inspection.

Understanding the Value of a Quick Response

When it boiler maintenance, a quick response is invaluable. If you want to save money on repair and replacement costs, you need to address problems as soon as they develop. So, even if you’re not 100% sure that that odd knocking noise or strange smell is definitely a warning sign, it is best to get it checked out and make sure.

For more help and advice on caring for your boiler, click here to visit Columbus Plumbers today. Or, to get up to date information on boiler replacement in Suffolk, call 01473 414140.


10 October 2018

Central Heating Bills Too High? Here Are 6 Money Saving Tips from the Experts

If there was ever a good time to start saving on your central heating bills, it is right now. Homeowners in the UK have been tackling the impact of rising living costs for some time. For many, it has meant cutbacks in all kinds of different areas. The good news is that you can economise your energy use without compromising on comfort.

If you want to run your central heating in Suffolk more efficiently, you need to think about how you might be producing wasted energy. For instance, properties without insulation are much harder to keep warm. The heat simply moves back outside. Single, centralised thermostats are inefficient too because they do not allow for custom settings in each room.

Keep reading to find out how you can solve these problems and what the experts recommend if you are trying to economise your central heating.

Turn It Down

It might sound basic, but there is no better way to save money on heating bills. If you turn your thermostat down by just one degree, you will barely feel the difference. However, you could stand to save as much as 10% of your average annual usage.

Look After It

If you do not give your boiler the love and care that it needs, it will start to degrade in performance over time. It is why central heating in Ipswich requires yearly maintenance checks. Servicing inspections are quick, affordable, and they ensure that boilers and radiators are running as healthy as possible. If they are on top form, they will not be wasting money.

Insulate Your Home

In the UK, properties are insulated for free as part of a government initiative, so there is no excuse not to have it. Draught proofing and wall and attic insulation save homeowners hundreds of pounds every year. They keep the heat produced by your central heating inside, where it belongs, and prevent it from leaking back to the exterior.

Use Thermostatic Valves

One thing which centralised thermostats cannot do is adjust the temperature to optimal settings in each room. So, it is almost impossible not to be losing money on wasted energy if you have spaces which don’t get used all the time. However, thermostatic radiator valves enable individual control of each room, so high traffic areas always get the most heat.

Check Your Water

If you have your central heating in Suffolk serviced regularly and you try to be careful about how you heat rooms, one other thing to try is turning the water temperature down. If it is above sixty degrees, it is probably too hot, and you are going to need to add lots of cold. The question is, why bother (and waste water) when you can simply turn the temperature down?

Only Use the Best

Ultimately, boiler performance is only ever going to be as good as the central heating in Ipswich. The better the standard and quality, the more efficiently it will run. While there are lots of purchases which you can safely skimp on, it is always worth investing a little more to get a reliable, sturdy boiler. It is the workhorse of your home, so it needs to be right.

For more help and advice on shopping for the best central heating in Suffolk, visit Columbus Plumbers. Or, call 01473 414140 to arrange a boiler installation, service, or repair with a local plumbing company.  


12 September 2018

As the British know all too well, you don’t have to be in the middle of winter to experience cold showers, perpetual drizzle, and bitter winds. When the summer is a washout, people tend to turn their central heating systems on earlier. This is what is referred to, in the energy industry, as the ‘annual switch on,’ because most of the country does it at around the same time.   

Unfortunately for some, a season or more of neglect and poor maintenance means that radiators and boilers aren’t always there when needed. They might be clogged up, have corrosion in their pipes, or just be working sluggishly because the units need draining and refilling. This is why central heating servicing in Ipswich is so important. It helps homeowners keep on top of routine maintenance and identifies problems early, before they lead to crisis.

These handy hints and tips will help you prepare your home for the annual central heating ‘switch on.’

Bleed Your Radiators

One of the quickest and easiest ways to increase the efficiency of a central heating system is to bleed all of the radiators. You’ll be able to tell if your units really need this from how hot they are to the touch. If they tend to get very hot at the bottom, but stay cool at the top, bleeding is recommended. The process is a simple one and all it does is let some of the excess air out, so that more hot water can enter.

Each individual radiator has a small valve on the side. You need a radiator bleed tool to open it, but this should have been supplied with the house. If you have lost yours or you never had one, you can pick one up online for just a few pounds. Always remember to place a bucket or container beneath the valve, before you open it, because some water will spill out. Leave the radiators to empty and then close the valve, turn them back on, and listen to them refill.  

Book a Routine Service

With central heating servicing in Ipswich, it is easy to determine how healthy your system is at any point throughout the year. This is particularly useful at the end of summer, when you’re starting to think about switching on for the cold months ahead. When radiators and boilers are not used, they essentially stagnate, just as most parts of a home would. One way to avoid this would be to turn them on regularly, for small bursts, throughout the summer.

However, this is not economical or very cost efficient. The better option is to have them inspected and serviced at the end of summer, so that you can fix any problems before the need for central heating becomes more pressing. Fortunately, booking a service is an easy thing to do. Just get in touch with a reliable boiler installation and maintenance provider. They’ll be able to tell you all that you need to know.    

Know Your System

You’d be surprised at just how many minor boiler or radiator ailments can be fixed with a superficial tweak of the settings. While there are plenty of issues that do require professional attention, things like a wonky pressure gauge can be rectified in seconds. If your system is misbehaving, it is worth taking a look at the pressure reading, because a dip can cause the hot water to dry up completely. It looks serious, but a quick twist of the dial is often enough to get the heat flowing again.

You are strongly advised to consult the handbook before you change any settings. Make sure that you are twisting the right valve and that you know how to stop the pressure from rising when it reaches the optimum level. It is dangerous to push the pressure too high, so be careful. If in doubt, it is always best to call in the professionals. They’ll be able to diagnose the problem quickly and start repairs right away.

To find out more about how you can prepare your home for the central heating ‘switch on,’ click here to visit Columbus Plumbers today. Or, to arrange central heating servicing in Ipswich, call 01473 414140.


12 October 2016

6 Things to Know About Combi Boilers before Installing One in Your Home

These days, combination boilers are such a common sight in UK homes that it’s easy to forget their relative youth. They haven’t been around as long as you might think. While they first emerged in the 1970s, it took some time before homeowners accepted the switch from oil to gas based heating systems.

At first, many were concerned that the new combi boilers would be overly complex. They worried about breakdowns and finding plumbers who could make essential repairs. However, we now know that combination systems are extremely robust and efficient. It is no overstatement to say that they have revolutionised domestic heating in the UK.

Currently, around 50% of the systems fitted in British homes are combination boilers. So, if you’re thinking about making the switch, here are some things that you should know.

Easy to Install

The early concerns about combi boilers being too complex were unfounded because they’re actually much easier to install than conventional systems. With reliable boiler installation in Ipswich, it only takes a day to fit a replacement boiler. You should allow 2-3 days for an upgrade from a conventional to a combination system. The pumps, tanks, and hot water cylinders can all be fitted as a single unit, rather than individually, as was traditional.

Energy Efficient

If energy efficiency is a priority for you, there’s no better choice than combination boiler installation in Ipswich. These super economical heating systems are over 90% efficient. In fact, it is now illegal for anybody to install a combi boiler which does not meet this figure and receive an A rating from SEDBUK. It is such a lean, green option because the hot water and the heat for the central heating system are combined in one compact unit.

Saves on Space

This integration of hot water and central heating is packaged into a surprisingly small area of space. Therefore, combi boilers are known to be very valuable in smaller houses, apartments, as well as awkwardly sized places like garages and lofts. Conventional boilers are much larger, so they can’t always be positioned in the most practical spots.

Increasingly Affordable

The older, more conventional boilers are now dying out and being replaced with super-efficient combination systems. This is driving down prices and making combi boilers more affordable than ever before. If you pick a trusted local company, your boiler installation in Ipswich will be competitively priced, expertly fitted, and protected by a ten year quality guarantee.

Low Maintenance

It is not just the cost of combi boilers which is falling. The speed at which plumbers and technicians are making repairs is also shrinking. This is because the vast majority of installers now prioritise knowledge of combi systems. Technicians are highly experienced, very skilled, and can identify most hot water and heating problems within minutes. It means that maintenance and repair costs are much lower for combi boilers.    

Ideal for One Bathroom Houses

The only downside to combi boilers is that they can struggle when asked to provide hot water to multiple bathrooms, at the same time. Generally, though, this isn’t a big problem, because most families don’t shower at the same time anyway. Nevertheless, it is worth considering if you do live in a larger property and are considering a boiler upgrade. Do take the time to have a quick chat with your provider and discuss the best options.

For more information and advice on finding the right boiler installer, click here to visit Columbus Plumbers today. Or, for up to date information on boiler replacements in Ipswich, call 01473 414140.


© Copyright 2020 | All rights reserved