boiler repair (Rotherham)

Is smart home heating the way forward?

Is smart home heating the way forward?

Our customers often ask our advice on their home heating. Smart home heating is increasingly gaining interest. So we have decided to put together this blog to tell you what smart home heating is, it’s pros and cons, and if it could be the way forward for you.

Smart Home Heating

Smart home heating involves the use of thermostats. A typical/ traditional room thermostat simply allows you to change the temperature in your home by using a control panel or dial. A smart thermostat, however, provides you with more efficient and user-friendly control over the heating of your home- by using just three basic components.

3 components:

The first component is plugged directly into your boiler. It can wirelessly communicate with the second component. This is an in-home device- which is the thermostat and chief control. The third component is an app. This app is typically downloaded on to a tablet, or smart phone- though some are downloaded onto computers or laptops too. Users can then remotely control the second component (the thermostat/chief control device), by using the app. This allows them to easily alter the heating, wherever they are!

Note, however that this is just the basic foundation of smart thermostats. Some smart thermostats can offer much more! Some, for example, remember your household’s schedule, or can detect when you’re close to home. They can then prepare the heating accordingly.

The benefits of smart thermostats/heating

Being able to remotely control a home’s temperature can be especially appealing to those with busy schedules, or those particularly forgetful. If you have gone out and left the heating on, or if you have a meeting or appointment that is overrunning (so you’re not home when expected) you can just use your phone to turn your heating off!

Smart heating can thus save you from feelings of stress, the inconvenience of having to return home to turn off the heating, and save you money on your energy bills. You will no longer need to leave an empty house being heated. So although smart thermostats may not directly save you money- in the way switching energy suppliers can- they can save you money by helping reduce your usage. You can receive reports about how you use your energy. Becoming aware of times when you use and probably waste energy, will help you adjust your behaviour and preferences. Being less wasteful will obviously decrease energy bills.\

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Potential cons:

Some smart thermostats may seem like an initial undesirable expense. Yet, often the savings make them worth it. Many manufactures predict you will make the cost back within the first year! However, your actual savings will depend on several factors, such as which thermostat you choose to install and your current heating features and habits.

But please bear in mind that smart heating (and any smart technology) does require a good wireless internet connection, and the app to be downloaded on a modern device. So if you have an older model phone or tablet, you may find compatibility issues. And if you live in a remote area and suffer poor internet connectivity, smart heating doesn’t seem like it’ll be the way forward for you.

Do you need any boiler repair assistance in the Rotherham area?

If you would like more advice, or any boiler or heating assistance, please get in touch with us here. We are always happy to provide a no-risk consultation- free of charge!

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How dangerous can a burst pipe be?

How dangerous can a burst pipe be?

As the temperatures are quickly dropping, we thought it would be a good idea to remind you of the dangers of burst pipes. Cold winters can see a dramatic increase in water claims- due to frozen pipes bursting.

Potential damage of burst pipes

Burst pipes can release huge amounts of water. And water can cause significant damage. It can cause household items to break, stain furniture and ruin possessions– this can be particularly upsetting if it destroys sentimental belongings, like photos.

A burst pipe is also very inconvenient. The time, money, and emotional burden involved in repairs and replacements can become overwhelming. Sometimes the damage water causes can be so extensive that it even requires you to seek temporary accommodation elsewhere- whilst repairs are happening. And finally, water leaking is associated with mould growth, and risks to your health.

Therefore it’s really important to seek help, as soon as a pipe has burst- contact an emergency plumber immediately!  We also recommend you keep reading, and take note of the following advice. It should help prevent and minimise the risks of burst pipes, and its potential damage.

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Preventing and minimising the risks:

Insulate your pipes– this will help prevent them from freezing in the colder conditions. Frozen pipes are vulnerable to bursting. If you find a frozen pipe you must be cautious with handling it. If it is at ground level and easily accessible you may want to try thawing it. For guidance with this please click here. However, if in doubt we encourage you to contact a professional.

Know where your main stopcock is– where the water enters the property. In the event of an emergency it is important to know where and how to stop your flow of water. Occasionally test the stopcock to ensure it is working properly. If you ever find it is not, seek a plumber for assistance.

Report and deal with issues as soon as they’re noticed. The longer you leave problems, the worse they become. This will end up requiring more work and cause greater stress and expense.

In the event of a burst pipe

Even with all the preventive measures, sometimes pipes can still burst. Burst pipes can cause serious damage to structure of your home and the electrical wiring.  So if you experience this, we strongly advise you to take the following steps.

Turn the water supply off– turn off the main stop tap. This is normally located under the kitchen sink, or where the service pipe enters the home. Drain your system by turning on all your cold taps. If water has been leaking for a while, and the ceilings are bulging you must be careful. It may be dangerous to enter that room. If you think it is safe, carefully make a hole to release the water. Place buckets underneath the catch the escaping water. But, never touch the ceiling if you doubt its stability- contact a professional.

Turn your water heating systems and electrics off. The central heating and electrics should be off and electrical appliances should be moved away from any water. Remember electricity and water mixing can be extremely dangerous!

Call a professional Asap to help fix the pipe and repair any damage.

Do you need commercial gas near Rotherham?

If you need a boiler help (or any heating or plumbing assistance) in or around Rotherham, please contact us. We promise to always offer an affordable, and professional service.

boiler repair (Sheffield)

How to deal with those annoying noises

How to deal with those annoying noises

Enhanced Energy Solutions can provide many services from installing renewable technology,  to performing a boiler repair. We cover Sheffield and its surrounding areas.

Our customers often come to us for advice about their central heating system. This can make a range of noises. Sometimes these can indicate a serious issue- which will need to be looked at by a professional. However, other times they can be easily resolved by the typical homeowner. So we are here to tell you about some of the common noises your central heating system makes- and how best to deal with them!

Noises from your central heating system

Noisy boiler

A build-up of limescale is often responsible for a noisy boiler. It is fairly common in older boilers, and in places with particularly hard water. So before calling for a professional, you should try removing the limescale to see if this will solve your noise issues. Removing this excess scale is relatively straightforward. You just need to add a de-scaler to your feed and expansion tank. Then, once it’s been allowed to make its way around the system, you need to flush your central heating using clean water. Also add some radiator inhibitor- as this will help prevent corrosion. To prevent further occurrences you may also want to consider adding a water softener.

Banging pipes

Your pipes banging, could be due to a number of reasons. They may be simply overheating, or perhaps they were not secured under the floorboards correctly. The first thing you should do when you notice your pipes making thudding sounds, is check the thermostat. In order to do this, turn your boiler off and let the system fully cool down. After it’s been off for a while, switch your heating back on again, cranking up the thermostat. When you do this you should hear a click. If you don’t hear a click, you have a problem and will need an engineer to come diagnose and fix it.

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Gurgling Radiators

If your central heating system makes a gurgling sound (it may sound like a kettle starting to boil) it’s likely due to trapped air. When air becomes trapped it can cause uneven heat distribution. Normally, you can easily identify this problem by simply feeling your radiators. The problem is more likely to occur in winter due to the sudden increase in heating demand. Fortunately though, with the correct tools and guidance, you can quickly resolve the issue by bleeding your radiators.

Humming sounds

Your boiler making humming noises can mean that the heating elements are not functioning as they should. This is normally due to being set to the wrong pressure or timing. So, the first thing you should do is check that your thermostat is working correctly. If you find that it is, focus on the central heating pump. Sometimes these are set too fast- so cause noises- and need to be slowed down. It may also be necessary to decrease the pressure. Having your settings too high can result in clanging sounds and damaged pipes.

Do you need a boiler repair in Sheffield?

Often there can be a simple solution to your central heating noises. However, if you have found our advice unsuccessful we strongly encourage you to contact a professional. If you need a boiler repair in Sheffield- or any other heating, gas or plumbing service- please do not hesitate to contact us. With over 20 years of experience, we are confident we can meet all your heating and plumbing needs!

boiler installation (Sheffield)

How to get the most out of your boiler this winter

How to get the most out of your boiler this winter

Enhanced energy solutions can provide Sheffield with many boiler services- from boiler installation to repairs. A boiler is essential to a home- especially in the winter! So, find out how to get most from it, by continue reading.

Annual servicing

To get the most out the boiler you should make sure it is annually serviced by a qualified engineer. Having an annual boiler service will ensure that your boiler runs efficiently. This will be especially important in these winter months. An annual service will allow for your engineer to detect any small problems and identify any potential issues, before they become big and costly. So, if you have not yet had your annual service, we strongly recommend you arrange one soon! Plus, remember not having an annual service can invalidate any boiler warranty you have.

So as to have your boiler running efficiently and working as hard as it can be, you should also consider doing the following things to prepare your home this winter.

Preparing your home

Exclude draughts

Winter breezes really can be chilling. They’re sneaky and will slip into the gaps in your home- if you don’t block them. So, check the edges of your windows and doors for draughts and seal any gaps. You can do this with self-adhesive draught strips. Or you can purchase draught excluders. You could also hire a professional, to assist you in draught proofing your home.

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It’s important to do this for the sake of your energy bills. Letting cold air in and warm air out, will obviously make your home colder- thus, forcing your boiler to work harder. Plus, if you don’t exclude draughts, you will end up wanting the heating on for longer and higher!

Add insulation

On average about ¼ of the heat in your home is lost through the roof. So having good loft and wall cavity insulation, could help keep your house warm and your energy bills low. For information on insulation- including where to insulate and the potential savings in doing so- please click here.

Your pipes should also be insulated. The colder temperatures can cause your pipes to freeze. Frozen pipes can be vulnerable to bursting. This could cause massive damage to your home. Insulating them is the best way to prevent this from happening. If you find your pipes have frozen, you could attempt to thaw them. For guidance with this, please click here. Only do this if they’re easily accessible and at ground level. If they aren’t, or if you’re feeling unsure we encourage you to seek professional assistance.

Check your radiators

You’ve probably barely used your radiators over summer. So when they start being in high demand again, they can display a few problems. One of the most common issues is trapped air. This can be identified by feeling for cold spots on your radiator, or noticing that your radiators are significantly colder towards the top. Trapped air stops the heat from circulating properly. It prevents your home from feeling as warm and forces your boiler to work harder. To release this tapped air you will need to bleed your radiators. This should be a fairly simple task, which most home-owners can do. For help click here.

Do you need a boiler installation in Sheffield?

If you need a boiler installation- or any heating assistance, or advice- in Sheffield, or its surrounding areas, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would love to assist you with all your heating needs!

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How a new boiler can save you money?

How a new boiler can save you money?

Old and broken boilers can be a huge cause of expense and frustration. Enhanced Energy Solutions understands this. With over 20 years’ experience, we offer full design and installation service- from plantroom to boiler installations- to Sheffield and its surrounding areas.

Installing a new boiler may seem initially expensive, but in the long-run, it can be save you considerable money! Read on to find out more…

The cost of a new boiler:

Your boiler is a very important part of your home, especially in the colder months. Therefore, it is important that you can rely on it, to run properly and meet your heating demands. When/if your boiler does start to fail, you will need to consider arranging for a repair, or a replacement. However, sometimes the costs can be a discouraging factor.

New boilers are not particularly cheap. The price can differ depending on the brand, size and type that you choose. Prices typically range from about £500 to £2500. Nonetheless, fortunately the costs of boiler installation and replacement are normally compensated, due to the savings from your new, higher energy efficient boiler.

Installing a new boiler and replacing an old energy inefficient one, will save you considerable money on your gas bills every year. Your annual savings will depend on the efficiency of your old and new boiler. However, over your boiler’s life expectancy- (typically between 10-15 years)- the savings on your bills will outweigh the initial new boiler costs.

When to consider a new boiler installation

Frequent repairs

If your boiler keeps breaking, and you keep calling out for repairs, it may be more cost efficient to arrange for a new boiler installation. Your engineer will tend to advise when it is best to invest in a boiler replacement. You should really follow their recommendation. Otherwise, you can end up having a lot more financial and emotional burden in the long run.

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Continuous pilot light

If your current boiler has a continuous pilot light, you may want to consider getting a new boiler. A continuous pilot light is the flame, which you can see burning through a little window on the front of your boiler. These tend to be a popular feature on older boilers. They are a significant waste of gas, so your gas bills should considerably decrease with a new boiler.

Location

If your boiler is located on the floor, instead of on the wall, it is probably an older and less energy-efficient model. Again, if you are in this situation you should consider purchasing a replacement.

More money saving methods

Before arranging for a new boiler- or, even after having a new one installed, there are some things you can to further save money.

Firstly, make sure you keep up to date with your annual boiler service. This will help your engineer detect any small problems, before they become anything major. It will ensure that your boiler is efficient and running properly, so you are not spending more on energy bills than you need to.

Also add insulation to your home. Adding insulation to your loft, walls and floors will help reduce your energy bills, thus saving you money! Click here to find out just how much money insulation can save you.

Need a boiler installation in Sheffield?

We pride ourselves in offering a first-class service, covering domestic, commercial gas and plumbing and renewable technology.

So please, if you need a boiler installation in Sheffield, or its surrounding areas, do not hesitate to contact us.

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Does your boiler do any of these things?

Sometimes your boiler might being trying to tell you that something isn’t quite right. When that happens, it’s important that you listen so here’s a few things you need to look out for when it comes to your boiler…

Is it making strange noises?

If your boiler has started to make noises then that usually means that something could be wrong and you should take the time to get a better idea of what’s going on. It can be difficult to express exactly how something sounds but there are a few sounds that we’ll try to generalise that you should keep track off.

Whistling noises tend to be cause by something known as kettling. It could also be down to trapped air somewhere inside of your system. Kettling is something that you might already be familiar with. Kettling tends to occur from a build up of limescale near the heat exchanger in a device. and if it turns out that there is a buildup of trapped air somewhere in your system and is a very simple fix for a heating engineer. Your heating engineer will also be able to tell you how the situation occurred in the first place and put things in motion so that it doesn’t happen again.

If you start to hear loud banging noises, then this may also be a sign of of kettling from within your system. If a blockage develops from within the system that limits the flow of your water can cause some of water to rise and expand and that can be the cause of the loud noises that you have been hearing.

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Is it costing you money?

If you don’t keep an eye on the settings that you use then it might be that your boiler isn’t working as efficiently as possible which means that it could be costing you more money in bills than is actually necessary.

There’s a few things that you can do to make sure that isn’t happening. The first is to make sure that you keep your boiler at a reasonable temperature. It might sound elementary, but the easiest way to save money is to keep you boiler at around 19-21 degrees. From there, as tempting as it might be to turn up the heat to warm yourself up quickly, the best thing you can do is wear more layers of clothing, as your boiler won’t heat up quicker by turning up the thermostat. It will need to fire up and reach those higher temperatures which won’t get you warm quicker.

Don’t forget to make good use of a timer as this is one of the easiest ways to keep your bills down. The reason that it pays to get used to understanding how your timers work is that it means that you’ll be able to feel the benefits of the heat your boiler is creating when it really matters.

Need help with commercial gas in Sheffield?

We work in commercial gas in the Sheffield area, but also understand how to help homeowners understand what’s best for their needs. If you have any questions, get in touch us on 0800 061 4102 or leave us a message here on our website.

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What you need to know about boiler types?

Every household is different and because if that there isn’t an overall best choice of boiler type for everyone. The most important thing to take into account is how many people in your home need to make use of hot water at any given time…

We’re great with commercial gas, working the Rotherham area!

How many boiler types are there?

There are two main boiler types that we think homeowners need to be aware of to make the best choice for their homes. These are combination (or combi) boilers and system boilers.

We can’t stress enough how important it is to make sure that you ignore price for the most part and really focus on what you actually need. We encourage homeowners to view boilers as an investment for their home since they are a huge cost so here’s a breakdown at what each type is good at.

Combi Boilers

Combi boilers are very popular choices in smaller homes across the UK and for good reason. They have the ability to heat water as and when you need it, meaning that you don’t have to wait long periods of time before you can make use of the hot water. A great example of this are those cold winter morning where the last thing you want to do is wait for your water to heat up before you can jump in the shower.

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However, they are not without limitations. Combi boilers can only deliver hot water to one location in a house consistently at any time. This means that is someone upstairs wants to shower at the same time someone downstairs wants to crack on with the washing up then there may be a hot water problem. This means that combi boilers are a great choice for people that live alone or in small homes made up of 2-3 people where it less likely that people have a demand for hot water at the same time.

Conventional boilers

Conventional boilers in contact are a great choice for larger homes as they have the ability to deal with a greater demand of hot water at one time. These kind of boilers work well in homes that make use of more than one bathroom as it means everyone will be able to use the shower as and when they need to.

While that can deliver water at multiple places at one time, they do make use of a tank and cylinder and therefore take up more physical space in a home and that means that they might not be a great option for those of you out there that value your space. They also require time to heat the water that sits in the tank. This means that once you have used up all the hot water inside, you will have to wait for it to refill. A popular example for this is where one person uses all the hot water in a very long shower, leaving everyone else at a loss while they have to wait for their turn.

Need commercial gas help in the Rotherham area?

If you need more infomation about anything mentioned above, or have a need with commercial gas in the Rotherham area, please don’t hesitate and leave us a message on our contact us page!

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How your boiler could be costing you money?

How your boiler could be costing you money?

There are many simple ways you can save money on your energy bills, from switching off inactive appliances to reducing the temperature on your washing machine and boiler. A reason, sometimes overlooked for a costly energy bill is an inefficient boiler. Enhanced Energy Solutions, based in Rotherham, have over 20 years of experience working with boilers, and know they can be a cause of big expense.

Signs your boiler is costing you

There are some obvious signs to look out for when your boiler is mis-behaving. Generally, the earlier you spot the problem, the cheaper the boiler repair/s. Noticing problems early gives you the best possibility of having quick inexpensive repairs. If left they can lead to an extensive costly boiler repair, or possibly even a boiler replacement.

Below are the key signs that your boiler could be costing you money, which you could be spending elsewhere…

Heating time

An important thing to take note of is the time it takes for your home to heat up. If, once your boiler has kicked in, the time for the heat to reach the top floor exceeds 45 minutes, you should have it serviced, as it very likely that your boiler is costing you big money.

Leaking Water

Another thing to check for, is if there is water coming from the discharge pipe. If there is there could be a malfunction with a valve, or a pipe. This can lead to rust. Rust can be difficult to work with, and could result in high expenses having it replaced. When this happens, your boiler also costs more to run. Your boiler will continue to cause you high costs, until you get this fixed and arrange a boiler repair.

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Flame

The shape and colour of your burner flame can also indicate how healthy your boiler is. If your flame is red, or a limp orange, it is probable that your boiler is costing you needless money. Flames should be blue and short, as this means the fuel is being burned efficiently. If the flame is not short and blue, then you are going to be wasting money, spending it on fuel, which is not actually heating your home!

Age

The age of your boiler is also very important. It can be the difference between an efficiently heated home, and an expensive disaster, when it comes to fuel consumption. Typically, it is advised that you replace your boiler every 20 years. However, you’ll be very fortunate if your boiler lasts this long, without needing any repairs or replacement parts in the meantime. Annually servicing your boiler though will help prolong its life.

Living near Rotherham and need a boiler repair or replacement?

If you have noticed any of the above signs, or feel your boiler is not working properly, then your boiler is probably causing you to waste money. If you are regularly paying out for boiler repairs, it may be time to invest in a new boiler. In the long run this will be a lot more energy and cost efficient.

If you live in Rotherham, or surrounding areas, then please contact us. We are always happy to discuss customer’s options with them, and endeavour to find the most cost-effective solutions.

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Why a combi boiler might not be for you

‘Enhanced Energy Solutions’ have installed many boilers in Sheffield. Boiler installation requires many considerations. Although the combination (combi) boiler has become the most popular choice of boiler in the UK, it might not actually be right for you.

What is a combi boiler?

A combi boiler are now the most common type in the UK. They can be either electric or gas and they work by drawing water from the mains supply and then heating it, when it is needed.

As they do not need a tank in the loft, they do not require a lot of space.  They can provide heat and hot water on demand and storage combi boilers allow for a small store of water. They cannot, however, effectively supply multiple taps simultaneously.

Is a combi-boiler right for me?

Who is it right for?

If you are a small family, or have a small house, with one bathroom, then installing a combi boiler could be right for you. They can meet low demands of heat and water, when required. They can also easily fit into small spaces, such as in a cupboard, meaning there will be more space available- the loft will be not be needed!

Who is it not right for?

If you are a large family, or have a large house, with multiple bathrooms combi boilers may not be right for you. They can only effectively supply one tap at a time, so they will not be able to meet high demands of hot water. If there are many people needing hot water, to get ready for school or work for example, they will be better suited to an alternative boiler.

If not a combi boiler, then what?

If you decide a combi boiler is not suitable, you might want to consider getting a conventional or system boiler. Both these boilers can supply multiple taps. Conventional boilers need more space compared with other boiler types; they need both a cylinder and a tank, and the pump is housed outside the boiler.  However, they can then deal with a greater demand for hot water.

 

System boilers are similar to conventional but they only require a cylinder. Consequently, the loft is left available- no feed tank is needed to be stored there. System boilers also house several of the components, which a conventional boiler does not, meaning boiler installation is easier.

Looking for boiler installation, in Sheffield?

If you are looking for a new boiler to be installed in the Sheffield area, please get in contact.

 

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Do You Know What To Do When You Have A Gas Leak?

It is not always easy to detect a gas leak in your home, which means that it’s not always easy to see the effects that they can cause until it is too late. Tackling gas issues quickly is important to keeping you and your family safe.

We handle boiler repairs in the Rotherham area, we’ve seen many different situations. Here’s what you need to know if you find a gas leak…

Why gas leaks are dangerous?

When people think gas, many times it is their boiler that first comes to mind but that isn’t the only appliance that you need to keep in mind when it comes to gas safety. Many cookers make use of gas, particularly older ones so it is important that these are maintained well.

Other than the obvious reason that gas is highly flammable, one of the biggest reasons that gas can be dangerous is that it can affect you in ways that aren’t obvious straight away or even noticeable to your senses. This means that there might be an issue that is affecting you and you have no way of even knowing before it’s too late. 

How to tackle gas leaks?

The most important thing to understand about gas safety is that there are some things that you can do and some things that you should never do. It is important to be clear here: only people who are ‘Gas Safe’ registered are allowed to install or maintain gas appliances in the UK by law. This means that handling gas  yourself is not something that you should never do under any circumstances. Many homeowners don’t know how to identify a gas leak or the reason that it has occurred.

The best way to make sure you are safe is  to stay on top of organising regular servicing and keep your boiler and gas appliances properly maintained by only hiring a Gas Safe heating engineer.

The dangerous of carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide or CO is a huge danger that all homeowners need to know about. It’s known as the ‘silent killer’ and is the cause of over 200 people having to go to hospital due to poisoning every year according to the NHS. Carbon monoxide poisoning sadly claims the lives of 50 people a year and what makes it so dangerous is that is odourless, colourless and tasteless, meaning that you cannot rely on your 5 senses to keep you and your family out of harm’s way.

Carbon monoxide usually occurs through gas leaks from pipes, boilers or from poorly maintained appliances. That’s why it is important to have a carbon monoxide detector in your home. This way, you’ll know if there is a problem even if the leak isn’t obvious straight away.

Need a boiler repair in the Rotherham area?

We understand how important it is to keep your home safe, that’s why we go the extra mile to help homeowners understand how to make that happen. If you have any questions, get in touch us on 0800 061 4102 or leave us a message here on our website.