Frequently asked questions
- How do I choose between boiler brands?
To choose between different boiler brands, start with design and features. It's important to know if the proposed boiler is meant for a single house, or will service multiple homes and businesses; and it's also best to look at energy efficiency levels. Once you've settled on a certain brand, read reviews from customers that have already purchased this boiler. This will help you determine whether or not you're making the right choice for your needs. Boiler brands to consider are Viessmann, Vaillant, Potterton and Worcester Bosch. Once you've answered these questions you'll be able to make a decision on which brand of boiler is best for you.
- How do I know if i'm getting a good deal on my boiler?
One of the most difficult aspects of buying a boiler is navigating price, and you want to make sure you receive the greatest deal possible. The first step in ensuring you get a decent price on your boiler is to choose a company that displays the Which? Trusted Traders symbol.
- How often should I replace my boiler?
The simple answer is that it depends on the lifespan of the boiler and its efficiency. You can check if your current boiler is efficient enough by asking for an eco rating (A-G) from a Gas Safe registered engineer who will install a gas meter to measure energy usage. This will give you an idea of the efficiency of your boiler. If you have a lot of hot water usage, you will need to upgrade your gas boiler sooner. This is because the restriction in flow caused by sediment build up reduces the heating ability of the boiler.
- How do I reset my boiler?
If your boiler won't switch on, it's most likely in 'lockout,' which means there's a problem. A fault in the system may exist, which will be shown by an error code on the display screen if one exists. There could also be additional issues, such as a disruption in gasoline delivery. In either case, you should see a heating specialist before just resetting the boiler.
- How do I know if my boiler is efficient?
When looking to buy a boiler, one of the first things you should look at is its energy efficiency rating. The most recent A-G energy ratings are used in the UK for gas appliances and boilers. Appliances with an A+ or A++ rating will be more efficient than those with a B rating. The higher the G value the less efficient the appliance will be. Since April 2018, all boilers sold in the UK are required to have at least an energy efficiency rating of A. - How do I know if my boiler is economical?
You can find out, if your boiler is economical by looking at its efficiency. High efficiency boilers are much more expensive than [low efficiency] boilers and it is important to figure out if you need a high-efficiency boiler. If you choose a boiler with lower efficiencies - usually ones you can get for free or that are very cheap - you can save a lot of money on your expenses, however those saving aren't as high than investing in something more advanced. Also, if you want to invest in a boiler just for the sake of having an economical boiler, think about how much time will it take to pay off its price and make up for its higher running. - How do I bleed a radiator?
Step 1: Turn off your heating system (allowing radiators to cool).
Step 2: Get your old towel ready (to catch any water splashing out).
Step 3: Using the radiator key, gently release the valve at the top of your radiator.
Step 4: Slowly twist until a hiss is heard. As the amount of air in your radiator increases, the hiss becomes louder.
Step 5: When the hissing stops, water may start to drip. As quickly as possible, tighten the valve.