Choosing a Combi Boiler: Is it the right boiler for me?
Are you wondering if choosing a combi boiler is a good decision? Here are some helpful information for you. Combi Boilers The combi boiler is now the most popular boiler choice for homeowners in the UK. Its main feature is that it provides on- demand domestic heating and hot water. It also does not include a cylinder, unlike the convention boiler. Hence, they are not bulky and storage is easier. (Read more: All About Combi Boilers) Is choosing a combi boiler a good decision? Consider that there are many benefits to investing in a combi boiler. For one, the compact size works great if you have limited space in your home. Most combi boilers can fit into kitchen and storage cupboards. Typically, they also come with minimal piping. If you need to get a new one installed, there work and mess. The water that your combi boiler uses feeds directly from the mains. As such, hot water is always available on demand, and the water pressure will not drop even after long periods of use. It is important to note some disadvantages, though, before choosing a combi boiler. If your home has more than one bathroom, you may experience a drop in water pressure if two or more appliances are using the boiler at the same time. To avoid straining your combi boiler and possibly needing repairs, avoid using multiple appliances at the same time. Also, consider that bigger combi boilers are typically better at fighting decreased pressure because of strain to the system. Choosing a combi boiler: Which one should you get? There is a wide variety of sizes, styles, models and...Boiler Fix
Do you need to do a boiler fix? It is always best to call for a trained engineer to fix any boiler problems. However, a DIY homeowner can diagnose the issue and do a boiler fix for minor problems. This will actually help you cut your costs, and even make the job faster for the engineer, if you eventually schedule one. Easy Boiler Fix Boiler radiators are not heating: CAUSE: Radiators that are cold at the top show that there is air trapped in the system, rusty pipes, or problem with the pump. SOLUTION: You can remove trapped air by bleeding the radiators. You can do this job yourself. Here’s how. If that does not fix the problem, a power flush may be needed. Here’s how to power flush. Boiler turns off: CAUSE: This problem can be caused by a number of reasons including low water pressure, thermostat problems, a frozen condensate pipe, air trapped in the system or a pump problem. SOLUTION: We already know that you have to bleed the radiators in case air is trapped in the system. If your pipes freeze during cold months, you can thaw them yourself. Learn how to thaw a frozen condensate pipe. You can also learn how to repressurize your boiler if you see that the pressure is incorrect. Replacing the pump must be done by a qualified engineer. Pilot light keeps turning off CAUSE: Either the thermocouple is not working properly, or there are damages to the seal. SOLUTION: Both of these types of work must only be completed by a qualified engineer. Learn more about how the pilot light works....How The Pilot Light Works
Have you ever noticed the blue flame in your boiler – that is the pilot light. The pilot light is a small gas flame that ignites a more powerful gas burner. Typically, that flame lights continuously. Today, only older boiler models, those that use natural gas, or fireplaces that use gas logs, have pilot lights. Other gas appliances that use pilot lights are furnaces, water heaters, hobs and gas ovens. How does the pilot light work? Pilot lights are basically valves that provide the flame needed to light the gas that comes out of the main burner. A small amount of lighted, continuously burning gas passes through it. When the boiler is turned on, another valve releases gas into the burner and the pilot light ignites that gas. Identifying pilot lights If you are not sure whether your boiler operates using one, look at the power switch of your boiler. There is likely a “pilot” position for the switch if the appliance uses a pilot light. You can also check the panel where the gas burner is. When you open the panel, you should see the small blue flame visibly. Pros and Cons of Using Pilot Lights Pilot lights do not require electricity to operate, so most appliances that use pilot lights will operate during a power outage. Because pilot lights are always burning, they offer instant ignition to the main burner. One of the downsides of using pilot lights is the waste of gas. In the US, 20% of gas used annually is for pilot lights alone. Safety In the event the the pilot light goes out, there is...Thermostat Calibration
Thermostat calibration is done for every thermostat by the manufacturer. This ensures that each and every one of them is working properly before they are sold at the stores. Over time, thermostats can lose calibration and this can affect the temperature and performance of your boiler or central heating system. Loss of thermostat calibration can be caused by different factors. Some examples are accidental bumping or dent to the unit, or even build up of dirt. As a result, the thermostat will not provide accurate temperature for a room. For example, temperature setting at 70 degrees may either heat only at 67 degrees or too hot at 73 degrees. This not only affects the level of comfort in your home, but the inefficiency will also affect your energy use. You can do a thermostat calibration yourself. However, it is important to remember that thermostat models and brands vary so it is important to read and follow the instructions on your manufacturer’s manual. Here are some easy tips to follow when doing thermostat calibration. You will need the following: glass tube thermometer tape paper towel soft brush level screwdriver Step 1: Tape the thermometer on the wall next to the thermostat, placing a few inches of distance in between. Use the paper towel to cushion the thermometer so that it doesn’t touch the wall. Make sure that no outside elements are affecting both the thermometer and the thermostat. Step 2: Allow 15 minutes for the mercury to stabilize. Compare the temperature reading from the thermostat to that of the thermometer. Step 3: If the variance is more than one degree,...How to Detect a Gas Leak
Learning how to detect a gas leak early can save you and your family’s lives. According to the Gas Safe Register, there had been 31 deaths and more than 1,000 injuries in the last three years that resulted from gas leaks. They also said that one in every six homes they have inspected had one unsafe appliance. Gas leaks are serious and can be fatal. In addition to the deadly carbon monoxide poisoning, gas leaks can also cause house fires and gas explosions. Appliances that are not properly installed or maintained usually lead to a gas leak. However, if you know how to detect a gas leak early, you can leave your home before the situation gets worse. Such is the story of the gas explosion that happened in Upper Arlington, OH earlier this year. In March of this year, the police received a call around 12:46 pm from the neighbor of the home that would eventually explode in two hours. How to detect a gas leak: be wary of the following signs A rotten egg odor. Discolored or dead vegetation over or near the pipeline. A hissing, whistling or roaring sound near a gas appliance or pipeline. Dirt or debris being blown into the air. Persistent bubbles in streams, ponds or wet areas. Flames (if a leak has ignited). If you detect a gas leak, evacuate the area immediately and warn others not to enter the area. From a safe location, call the police, fire department or your local gas company. At the same time, DO NOT: turn natural gas valves on or off turn any electric switch on...
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