boiler repair (Rotherham)

How To Maintain Energy Efficiency During The Holiday Season

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That magical time of the year is almost here. The days already got shorter and people already enjoy their mugs of mulled wine. It won’t be long until we start seeing holiday decorations all around us.

If you own a commercial space, this is probably one of the most stressful times of the year. All the decorations and gifts add up to the heating costs and December always turns out to be the most expensive month of the year.

How can you not only survive but also enjoy it? Read on to find some tips that will help you keep the energy bill down without having to sacrifice the holiday spirit.

Decorating Your Office or Store?

Holiday decorations can be both magical and energy-efficient. If you’re not sure of that, we’ve got some tips you could use this winter.

1. Go for LED Lights

They use, on average, 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. And considering that some installations are solar-powered, this is by far the most efficient trick to have a holiday-ready office without having to pay more than it’s worth.

2. Use Battery-Powered Lights

Battery-powered installations use a limited amount of energy. Rechargeable batteries are more cost-effective than traditional ones, and you can also get to control how many times you recharge and use them for holiday lighting.

3. Install a Light Timer

Whether you choose to plug the lights in or to go for a batter-powered installation, a light timer is the best accessory that will help you reduce costs. How does it work? You can set your business schedule as the working interval, and the time off as the inactive interval. The timer will turn on and off the lights automatically, so they won’t flicker unless there’s someone to enjoy them.

Reduce Energy Consumption During Off-Days

The energy requirements for an empty office are fairly low. Here’s what you can do to reduce consumption during off-days:

1. Turn Down the Heat

For every 1°C that’s been reduced, the fuel consumption drops by 8%. Cut down the energy costs by turning down the heat to a level that’s just enough to prevent frost.

2. Unplug All Devices and Appliances

Idle appliances use stand-by electricity that amount for hundreds of pounds every year. If you want to cut down the expenses during winter break, you can unplug all printers, computers, TV’s or kettles and microwaves before you close the office. Considering the costs involved with the decorations, you’ll surely notice the difference.

3. Insulate the Windows

This is a cost-effective measure that will last long after the holiday season is over, but this is why it’s worth it. You can choose an insulation film, a magnetic tape or even to retrofit the windows, depending on how much heat is lost.

4. Replace Old Appliances with Energy-Efficient Versions

The older a boiler, a heater or even a kettle is, the more likely it is to require more energy than a modern counterpart. Check all your appliances and the entire heating system to make sure it’s running efficiently.

With an experience of over 20 years in the industry, we’d be glad to find the right solutions for your property. Give us a call at 0800 061 4102 or contact us via the contact form on our website.

What Repairs Are Landlords & Tenants Responsible For?

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Renting properties comes with legal responsibility, and as a landlord – or tenant – it’s in your best interest to know what the responsibilities of each party are. The legal framework of the landlord-tenant relationship is set out in The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, which regulates the rental market.

Landlord Responsibilities

As per law, the landlord must rent the property in a state that is fit to live in. The structure of the building must be stable, while the electric, water, and heating systems must be perfectly functional and meet the safety standards. Functional sanitation facilities are also mandatory – at least a sink, a toilet and a bathroom are required for every property. Furthermore, any possible threat to the tenant’s life or health, like damp, mould or pests should be addressed before the tenant moves in.

After the tenant has moved in, gas safety is probably the most important responsibility of a landlord. A regular check-up should be done every year to make sure the property is still safe to use and that all appliances, wires, exhaustion system and other components are working perfectly.

All the basic utilities and their pipework fall within the responsibility of the landlord. However, appliances that have been installed by the tenant are the tenant’s responsibility. The landlord must only ensure that these have been connected safely to the entire system.

The landlord should also install detectors for fire, smoke and CO2 on every level of the property.

Tenant Responsibilities

The legal responsibilities of a tenant are, among others, cleaning and maintaining proper sanitary conditions on the property, and reporting any damage caused to the property, regardless of what or who caused it. The tenant is solely responsible for damage caused by self, their family or their visitors.

This also means that they are responsible for using all-electric or gas appliances as stated in their manuals. Any damage created by improper use of appliances or interference with any of the electrical, gas or water systems is not the landlord’s responsibility. In this case, the costs can be deducted from the tenancy deposit. If the deposit does not cover all the expenses, the landlord has the right to seek a court order.

Moreover, The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 states that landlords don’t bear any legal liability for damage that has not been reported by the tenants or that has not been detected during the regular checkup.

Regardless of who bears the responsibility for the damage, it’s up to the parties to decide who carries out the repairs. If the tenant wants to fix the issue themselves, they must ask for permission from the landlord. If the landlord disagrees and contacts their specialist, the tenants must ensure access to the property.

Issues that are not included in Section 11 of the Act, such as who bears responsibility for the interior walls design or who carries out minor repairs to windows and doors, can be agreed upon between the two parties before signing the contract. Although not stated in the Act, minor repairs such as replacing a bulb or fixing a door are usually the tenant’s responsibilities.

The Law & Being Gas Safe – Landlord Check

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Owning a property comes with both privilege and responsibility. One of these responsibilities is carrying out all the check-ups to make sure your property is gas safe and that the life of your tenants is not at risk.

But, what exactly are these responsibilities? Read on to find below the three most important things any landlord should know.

What Are a Landlord’s Gas Safety Responsibilities?

As a landlord, you must ensure that everything related to the heating system – from boilers to the last vent – works in optimal conditions. How should you do that?

1. Regular Gas Safety Checks

As per the most recent regulations regarding gas safety checks (April 2018), all the gas appliances and flues must be checked annually. The inspection can be carried out only by Gas Safe Registered Engineers and it must be done before the due date of the previous inspection. For example, if the last check-up was performed on April 15th, 2019, the next one should be done on April 14th, 2020, at the latest.

It is important to know that if your tenants bring their gas appliances you are not legally responsible for them. However, if they need to be connected to the pipes and/or the flues in your home, it is your responsibility to ensure they have been properly connected.

2. Regular Maintenance of the Gas System

All appliances that work on gas, the gas pipes and the exhaust system need to be checked regularly, as well. While the Gas Safety Check aims at ensuring the entire gas system is functioning properly, regular maintenance of each part of the system ensures that there is no problem with any cog of the wheel.

Check the instruction manual of each appliance and perform all the inspections as recommended. If there are no recommendations, arrange for an annual inspection with the Gas Safe Registered Engineer.

3. Keep All the Records

Your legal responsibility extends to keeping the record of all Gas Safety Checks carried out in the past two years. These should always be available to your tenants, but if you’re renting the space for less than 28 days at a time, you can display a copy of the records and keep the originals in your own home.

Keeping the records outside the compulsory two-year period is also important in case you need to prove your history of legal compliance regarding gas safety regulations.

What Else Can You Do?

Talk to your tenants and explain to them how the gas system works, where can they turn it off if needed, and what to do in case of a gas emergency.

Additionally, you can install a carbon monoxide detector in the building. Although they are not required by law, detectors can give a reassuring feeling to your tenants, knowing that even if such a problem occurs, they can act on it quickly.

If you need to perform any check-ups or you’re looking for Gas Safe Registered Engineers, reach out to us via the Contact Form on our website or call us at 0800 061 4102.

Why You Can’t Hire A Domestic Heating Engineer For A Commercial Job

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What is the difference between domestic and commercial heating engineers? Or is there any difference at all? Even if both jobs imply fixing and maintaining similar appliances or systems, this is where the resemblance stops. The issues that a commercial heating engineer deals with are more varied than the ones that occur in a household, and they require specialised intervention.

If you are a commercial landlord, read on the recommendations of our team to understand better why you can’t hire a domestic engineer for any issues that is not domestic.

Do I have to Hire a Commercial Engineer?

Imagine you had a problem with your eyesight – would you take that to an ophthalmologist or to a cardiologist? Both of them are doctors, but only one of them is able to help you with this specific problem. The same principle applies to engineers – some of them are specialised in household systems and appliances, while others are specialised in commercial jobs.

1. More Complex Systems Than In The Domestic Field

The heating and plumbing systems in commercial buildings are more complex than a boiler, basic plumbing, and some accessories.  Moreover, the number of appliances (i.e. AC units, WC’s and sinks, etc.) is considerably greater than in a household, which increases the probability of accidents.

For example, the pipework or the meters that supply an entire office building are too large to be checked by a domestic engineer, and need specialised intervention. Even if a domestic engineer could inspect one of the boilers, they would have no qualification to perform on the largest part of the system. And this brings us to reason number two:

2. A Commercial Job Requires Different Qualifications

The plumbing or heating problems that occur in a household can be unpleasant and disruptive. But, when the same problems occur in a commercial building it can cause serious damage, including temporary suspension of the businesses that operate in the area. Therefore, such problems must be addressed immediately. A specialised engineer will know how to read the mapped out systems, when and where to intervene, and how to minimise the damage.

Aside from qualifications, the experience gained while working on similar issues can save enough time to make the difference between an isolated incident and an accident with devastating effects on long term.

3. Legislation Issues

Another aspect to take into consideration is legislation requirements for commercial buildings, which differs from the requirements for a typical household.  If you’re a business landlord, hiring a specialised team should not be up for discussion. Just like domestic engineers are trained under the regulations regarding households, a commercial engineer will help you not fall foul of the law.

Looking For A Commercial Heating Engineer?

Our team has an experience of over 20 years in heating and plumbing, both commercial and domestic. If you’re looking for a commercial heating engineer, reach out to us and we’ll assign you the people suited best for your needs.

Rotherham boiler repair

A Short Guide to LPG

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Liquefied petroleum gas, commonly referred to as LPG, is the main fuel used for cooking equipment and heating appliances found in every home. In order to avoid accidents, we have come up with a short guide to help you prevent or detect LPG leaks and minimise the possible damage. Keep on reading to stay informed and be safe!

About LPG

When handled correctly, LPG poses no threat to your health or the environment and is safe to use. As any flammable substance, it ignites easily and should be used respecting strict regulation. Because LPG is typically odourless, it has a powerful odourant added so that it can be easily detected.

What to Do If You Smell Gas

First, open all doors and windows to make sure you have enough oxygen in the room. Turn off all appliances and do not switch on or off any lights or electrical equipment. If the incident happens during night time, do not light any matches or lighter. Leave the room or the house entirely and call the fire brigade.

Do Not Skip Regular Maintenance

One of the most common causes of accidents is equipment or appliances that haven’t been properly maintained. Read the instructions for all equipment, have it serviced as required, and only reach out to Safe Gas Registered engineers.

Regular maintenance is important because it helps you prevent fuel waste and detect cracks or other possible issues before they can pose a threat to your home. On the other hand, regular check-ups can lead to the optimisation of fuel usage, which translates to lower energy costs.

How to Detect Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a by-product of malfunctioning appliances. It is a colourless, tasteless and odourless gas, which makes it hard to detect. Nausea, headaches and dizziness are the most common indicators there is a carbon monoxide emission in the room. Because indoor emissions of carbon monoxide can quickly rise to a lethal level, it is important that you turn off any gas appliance you are using, leave the room and call the fire brigade.

In order to prevent such accidents, you can install a CO detector near any major gas appliance.

How Can You Prevent Accidents

  • Make sure you turn off the gas cooker after you have finished using it
  • Install a carbon monoxide detector
  • Do not allow anyone that is not Gas Safe Registered to install, repair or alter the equipment

If you want to run a regular check for your gas appliances or equipment, contact us at 0800 061 4102 or fill in our contact form. With an experience of over 20 years in heating and plumbing, we’d be glad to help you, as well.

6 Ways to Make Your Office More Energy Efficient

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Energy consumption in office buildings is a hot topic and there are many ways in which you can make it more efficient. We have come up with 6 recommendations that can reduce your energy bill and contribute to a greener environment.

1. Optimise the consumption after hours

One of the best ways to reduce energy consumption in the office is to turn off all the lights and electronics when the day is done. This includes laptops, AC units, fax machines, scanners and other appliances that do not need to be permanently plugged in. Moreover, you can even plug them out to prevent drawing standby power.

2. Replace old electronics

Usually, older appliances consume more energy than the new ones. For example, an AC unit that has been installed earlier than 5 years ago will require considerably more energy to cool the air than a new unit. This happens because the regulations that apply to new electronics have become more strict regarding their energy consumption and effects on the environment.

3. Choose smart switches and smart extension cords

Smart switches allow you to control the lights in a room or building, no matter your location. The switches are available on your smartphone so that you can turn off the lights in the office even if you have already left the building.

On the other hand, smart extension cords are a great solution when it comes to devices that are turned off but still plugged in. These devices still draw power, which can increase your monthly bill by up to 10%. A smart extension lead discontinues the power to gadgets that are in standby mode so that no energy is wasted.

4. Open the shades during daytime

This recommendation may sound simple, but ensuring enough natural light in the office can cut the costs on the energy bill significantly. Moreover, according to The World Green Building Council, employees who are exposed to natural light instead of indoor light are 15% more productive.

5. Use the power-saving mode feature on your devices

Devices that are being used at all times, such as laptops or smartphones, require energy constantly. Therefore, any improvement can be noticeable on the energy bill and, later on, on the environment. By enabling power-saving mode on your devices, you enhance their battery life, so they will need to be charged less often.

6. Check for malfunctioning appliances

Another way to avoid energy waste at your office is regular maintenance for all appliances. A broken AC unit, for example, will use more energy and still won’t work as expected. To prevent this from happening, make sure all the devices and systems are working properly.

Turn Your Office Greener

If you’re thinking about how to turn your office more energy efficient, these 6 recommendations are a great start. Start a “green challenge” to make your co-workers or employees tag along in your efforts of making the office more energy efficient.

In case you need help with replacing old equipment or installing a more sustainable alternative, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. In the last 20 years, we have proudly served domestic and commercial plumbing and heating clients in South Yorkshire and we’re happy to help you, too.

The Most Common Air Conditioning Problems and Solutions

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Air conditioners can be a blessing during summer days, but they can also turn into a great discomfort if they are not maintained properly. Our team at Enhanced Energy Solutions has come up with 3 of the most common problems that can occur when an AC system is installed, and the solutions at hand to fix them.

  1. The Unit Isn’t Cooling the Air

Probably the most common problem for air conditioning systems is a unit that won’t cool the air. This can happen due to many reasons, such as a big temperature difference between the air outside and the temperature that was set, dirt on the air filter, ice stuck in or around the pipes or a low level of refrigerant (the solution that cools and dehumidifies the air). However, a low level a coolant indicates a leak or a crack in the system, since the liquid doesn’t naturally consume.

Solutions:  The first thing to check in this case is the air filter. If there is too much dirt gathered on the filter, it can impair the entire system. If the filter doesn’t present signs of dirt, check for ice or debris in or around the pipes. Clean them before restarting the air conditioner. If the problem persists, check for cracks that may cause leakage of the refrigerant and address the issue.

  1. The Air Conditioner Is Blowing Hot Instead of Cool Air

Once again, a dirty air filter can be at fault for a unit that blows hot air instead of cold. A clean filter allows the air to flow properly, but dirt can impair this flow.

Solution: Clean the air filter and check the outside unit as well, to make sure that there isn’t any debris that might obstruct the air flow. Another cause of hot air coming out of the air conditioner is low freon.

  1. There Is a Leak Coming from the Unit

In order to blow cool air, the unit uses condensation that is typically drained through the pipes. If the pipes get cracked or blocked, the condensation might not get drained properly.

Solution: check the drain pipe for cracks and ask for help with repairment or replacement. If the pipes are fully functional, check for debris or ice and clear them. Last, but not least, you can check the connection to the pump that condensates the air, as a simple disconnection can cause condensation to spill inside instead of be drained through the pipes.

With over 20 years of experience in the industry, we’re more than happy to help you with your air conditioning system installment or replacement. You can reach out to us via the Contact Form on the website or call us at 0800 061 4102.

How to Improve the Energy Use in Your Home

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Old boilers can be noisy, energy-consuming and expensive. By taking a few energy-efficient measures, you can cut down on the energy consumption and on the bills for heating your home. A greener household leads to a sustainable consumption so you can enjoy the same–or an even better–comfort, without wasting energy and money.

As per the measures announced in 2017 by the Government, all domestic households should align with the regulations that aim to reduce the carbon emissions in both the UK and Europe. Although the regulations refer only to the boilers installed after the 1st of April 2018, eventually, all heating systems will need to include one (or more) of the following systems that allow an efficient energy use:

  1. Flue gas heat recovery system

It is estimated that the flue gases released by a heating system can reach temperatures as high as 60°C. Therefore, a lot of warmth that is normally produced by a boiler is wasted away. Flue gas heat recovery systems were designed to cut down on waste and reuse the already heated water. They can be installed by a gas safe registered plumber and they can significantly cut down the bills you pay during winter. Their biggest advantage is that they don’t interfere at all with your comfort so you can enjoy the same temperature, but consume and pay for less energy.

  1. Weather compensation system

Another energy-effective system, it was designed to match the temperature in your home to the one outside. A sensor placed on the outer wall of your home communicates with the boiler so that the heat generated inside is adjusted to the cold or sunny day outside. It practically automates the temperature setting, so that the boiler only generates the energy required. This system not only saves you money but also increases your comfort, as the days when the house is too hot or too cold will be long gone.

  1. Load compensation

This function is already used on a wider scale than the previous systems mentioned, and thermostats are just an example. The idea behind load compensation is to adjust the internal temperature to the one set by the consumer so that the boiler doesn’t generate constant energy.

  1. Smart controls

Smart controls are probably one of the best innovations that technology brought along. With a simple tap on a tablet or smartphone or just a few clicks on a laptop, the consumer can remotely modify the temperature settings in their home, giving full control over the energy use.

     5. Turn your household greener

If you want to replace your old boiler or install an energy-efficient system to your boiler, get in touch with us. With over 20 years of experience in heating, gas and plumbing service, we have proudly served clients in and around Sheffield, ensuring them the comfort they deserve.

What Services Does a Commercial Plumber Offer?

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What is the difference between a residential and a commercial plumber? Are both suited for the same type of services or is it better to hire one over the other? If you’re not sure about how exactly can a commercial plumber help you, you’re in the right place. We gathered all the info you need in one article, so keep on reading to find out what are the services of a commercial plumber.

1. Pre-planned Maintenance

Gas appliances need regular maintenance in order to extend their lifecycle. This can also help prevent any unexpected breakdown. A commercial plumber can help you with both annual or occasional service, that ensures top safety for your business.

2. Assistance in Case of Breakdown or Emergency

Sometimes, things don’t work out as planned. A central heating system, a boiler or other gas appliance breaking down in the middle of a meeting is the sort of emergency that a commercial plumber is trained to attend to.

3. Catering

As an entrepreneur, one of the top priorities is to make sure your business complies with the law and that your employees operate in a safe workplace. A commercial plumber can easily draw attention to and correct any issue that has the potential to get you a fine. Our engineers are also qualified to issue gas safety certificates or other proofs that your business is legally compliant.

4. Laundry

We don’t do laundry, but we do help you install, repair and service the non-domestic laundry gas appliances that you use in your business. The commercial plumbers in our team are also Gas Safe Registered engineers, which means they are qualified to carry out gas safety records.

5. Installations

What kind of equipment do you need to run your business? If it implies LPG or natural gas appliances, pipework or boilers, you can contact a commercial plumber to take care of the issue and hand out the gas safety certificate.

6. Pipework and System Works

If your business needs a complete makeover of the plumbing system, a commercial plumber can help you choose the right pipes and design the ideal plumbing system for your project.

7. Services for LPG appliances

Do some of the appliances in your headquarters run on LPG? Our commercial plumbers are trained to offer repairment, maintenance and replacement servicing for LPG appliances, among others. They also verify whether the plumbing systems are legally compliant and report any disturbance.

Do you need commercial plumbing services near Rotherham or Sheffield?

Now that you know how a commercial plumber can help you and your business, please do not hesitate to contact us when you need such solutions in sheffield and throughout South Yorkshire. We offer first-class service and would love to assist you in making the best choice for your business.

boiler repair (Rotherham)

Is your home ready for the cold this christmas?

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Is your home ready for the cold this Christmas?

Enhanced Energy Solutions can provide Rotherham and its surrounding areas with many services- from performing a boiler repair, to installing heat pumps. And with Christmas just round the corner, we’ve decided to put together this post to help you make sure your home is ready for the cold!

Preparing your plumbing

Being unprepared for the dropping temperatures this winter could end up causing serious issues for your plumbing system. Pipes can be vulnerable to freezing- affecting your heating and plumbing systems- and are vulnerable to bursting. Burst pipes can cause significant damage to your home! So, to keep yourself safe from these risks follow these tips:

Insulate your pipes and hot water heater

Insulating your pipes will help prevent them from freezing. It’ll also help keep your energy bills down. Hot water heater blankets can be a great way to insulate hot water heaters. It can reduce energy consumption and extend the heater’s lifespan- because the system won’t have to work as hard.

Fix any leaks

Leaks can always be a problem. They can make your water bills soar! They can also cause damage to your home and are associated with some health problems. So, we always encourage you to keep a lookout for leaks and get any fixed at the earliest opportunity.

In winter fixing leaks seems especially important. When the temperature drops, even the smallest of leaks could cause big problems. If the water freezes, there could be more damage to the surrounding pipes. And- as mentioned= leaks can cause serious damage and costs to your home. So, never ignore them- it can and will just make the problem worse!

boiler repair (Rotherham)

Preparing your heating

Along with your plumbing, you should check that your central heating system- particularly your boiler- is still operating efficiently and safely. Make sure you fix any boiler problems as soon as you can.  To see some boiler signs which indicate a problem, keep reading. Some problems may [just] be annoying and affect your energy bills. However, others can leave you and your home in significant danger! So make sure you familiarise yourself these common boiler warning signs.

Boiler warning signs

  • Boiler noises
  • Frequent repairs
  • Fluctuating water temperatures and pressure
  • Lazy orange flame

A lazy orange flame can be a sign of carbon monoxide. This is a dangerous- potentially fatal- gas. So we encourage you to know its symptoms– see them here. Seek immediate help if you suspect its presence. Also fit a carbon monoxide detector, if you haven’t already. It’s one of the best ways have your house ready and protected from this poisonous gas. Detectors can be purchased cheaply from most hardware stores, and are easy to install. For guidance please click here. However, if you’re struggling with this, an engineer can assist you.

Annual boiler servicing

Have you had your annual boiler service? Your boiler should be serviced every year. It can allow for any problems to be detected, before they become more serious. A service helps make sure your boiler is operating efficiently and safely. Plus, not having a service invalidates most boiler warranties! So, if you haven’t had your annual boiler service yet, we encourage you to promptly arrange one.

Do you need a boiler repair in Rotherham?

If you need a boiler repair, or any other heating and plumbing assistance to help your home- in or around Rotherham- get ready for the cold this winter please don’t hesitate to contact us. With full public liability insurance, you can hire us with complete peace of mind!