Is It Time To Replace Your Old Boiler? Key Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Wondering if it’s finally time to replace your old boiler? It’s a question we’re asked almost daily by homeowners across Bath and the surrounding areas. If your boiler is approaching the 15-20 year mark, you’re likely weighing up whether to keep repairing it or invest in a replacement. As local heating specialists who’ve been servicing and installing boilers throughout Somerset for years, we’ve seen firsthand when persevering with repairs becomes more costly than investing in a new system. How Old is Too Old for a Boiler? The age of your boiler is perhaps the most telling indicator. Most modern boilers are designed to last between 10-15 years with proper maintenance. If you need to replace a 20-year-old boiler, you’re actually well past the recommended replacement timeframe. While it might still be functioning, older boilers typically operate at significantly lower efficiency levels – often as low as 60-70% compared to modern Worcester Bosch models that achieve over 90% efficiency. Signs It’s Time for a Replacement Beyond age, there are several clear warning signs that indicate it’s time for a new boiler: 1. Rising Energy Bills Have you noticed your gas bills creeping up despite similar usage patterns? This is often the first sign your boiler is losing efficiency. Modern Worcester Bosch boilers can reduce your heating costs by up to 30% compared to an older model. 2. Frequent Breakdowns If we’ve been out to repair your boiler more than twice in the past year, it’s usually more cost-effective to replace it. Those repair costs add up quickly, and parts for older models become increasingly difficult to source. 3. Strange Noises Banging, whistling, or gurgling sounds are typically caused by a build-up of sludge or air in the system, or a failing component. While a power flush might temporarily solve the problem, persistent noises in an ageing boiler often signal deeper issues. 4. Uneven Heating Cold spots in radiators or rooms that never seem to warm up properly suggest your boiler is struggling to circulate heat effectively through your home. 5. Yellow Flame A healthy boiler flame should be blue. If yours is burning yellow, it could indicate a carbon monoxide issue – a serious health hazard that requires immediate attention. The Benefits of Replacing Your Old Boiler While the upfront cost of a new boiler installation might seem significant, the long-term benefits make it a worthwhile investment: Significant Energy Savings Modern Worcester Bosch condensing boilers are remarkably more efficient than older non-condensing models. Many of our Bath customers report noticeable reductions in their energy bills after upgrading. More Reliable Heating There’s nothing worse than your boiler breaking down on the coldest day of the year. A new system provides peace of mind that your home will stay warm when you need it most. Enhanced Property Value A new, efficient boiler is an attractive feature for potential buyers if you’re considering selling your home in the future. Improved Safety Older boilers can develop potentially dangerous faults. A new installation eliminates these risks and comes with modern safety features. Better Environmental Performance Lower fuel consumption means reduced carbon emissions – something many homeowners in Bath are increasingly conscious of. Choose the Right Replacement If you’ve decided it’s time to replace your old boiler, selecting the right system for your home is crucial. As Worcester Bosch accredited installers, we recommend: Our boiler replacement service includes a thorough assessment of your home’s specific requirements to ensure you get the most suitable system. Protecting Your Investment Once you’ve made the decision to replace your old boiler, protect your investment with regular annual servicing. A yearly boiler service by GreenSmart’s Gas Safe registered engineers helps extend the lifespan of your new system, maintains your manufacturer’s warranty, and ensures optimal efficiency. We recommend scheduling your first service 12 months after installation and continuing annually to keep your Worcester Bosch boiler running at its best for years to come.. Considering Whether to Replace Your Old Boiler? If your boiler is showing any of the warning signs mentioned above or is approaching (or past) the 15-year mark, it’s worth considering a replacement before it fails completely. Our team of experienced heating engineers can provide honest advice about whether repair or replacement is the most cost-effective option for your situation. We offer free, no-obligation quotes for boiler replacements throughout Bath and the surrounding areas. Our Worcester Bosch accredited installers ensure you receive a high-quality, efficient system that’s perfectly suited to your home’s needs. Give GreenSmart Services a call today on 01225 982222 to discuss your options, or visit our boiler replacement page to learn more about how we can help you replace your old boiler with a modern, efficient system that will serve you reliably for years to come.
How Much Does a New Boiler Cost?
Understanding the cost of a new boiler before you commit to a purchase is essential for any homeowner. As heating engineers working throughout Bath and the surrounding areas, we’re often asked about new boiler prices during our initial consultations. It’s a fair question – after all, a boiler is a significant investment in your home’s comfort and value. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The cost of a new boiler installation depends on several factors, from the type of boiler you choose to the complexity of your installation. At GreenSmart Services, we believe in transparency, which is why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you understand what influences boiler prices and what you might expect to pay. Factors That Influence New Boiler Cost 1. Type of Boiler The type of boiler you choose significantly impacts the overallprice. Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect to pay for different Worcester Bosch models: 2. Boiler Size and Output The size of your home and your hot water needs determine what boiler output you’ll require. A small flat in central Bath might only need a 24-30kW boiler, while a larger family home in Lansdown or Combe Down might require a 35-42kW model. Higher output boilers typically come with a higher cost, but they’re essential for larger properties to ensure adequate heating and hot water supply. 3. Installation Complexity A straightforward like-for-like replacement will cost less than a system change—for example, switching from a conventional to a combi boiler. This is because changing systems often requires additional work, such as: 4. Additional Components Sometimes, your new boiler installation requires extra components, which will add to the new boiler cost: If your system needs a power flush before installation, this can add £300-£500 to the overall cost but is often essential for ensuring your new boiler’s longevity. Typical Price Ranges for New Boilers in Bath As a general guide, here’s what most of our customers in Bath and the surrounding areas typically pay for a new Worcester Bosch boiler installation: The Value of Professional Installation While the upfront cost of a new boiler might seem high, it’s important to consider the value of professional installation. Our Gas Safe registered engineers ensure: Choosing a cheap installation can lead to efficiency issues, safety concerns, and might invalidate your warranty – potentially costing more in the long run. Financing Options We understand that the new boiler price can be a significant outlay. That’s why we offer flexible financing options to help spread the cost. Many of our Bath customers find that the monthly payments are offset by the energy savings from their new, more efficient boiler. Ongoing Value: Maintenance and Efficiency A new Worcester Bosch boiler is not just an expense – it’s an investment in your home’s efficiency and comfort. Most of our customers see a noticeable reduction in their energy bills after installation, with modern condensing boilers being up to 30% more efficient than older models. Ready to Get a Precise Quote? While this guide gives you a general idea of new boiler costs, the most accurate way to determine your specific price is through a personalised quote. Our team at GreenSmart Services provides free, no-obligation quotations for boiler replacements throughout Bath and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re replacing an unreliable old boiler or upgrading to a more efficient model, understanding the new boiler price is the first step towards improving your home’s heating system. Give us a call today on 01225 982222 to arrange a consultation, or visit our boiler replacement page for more information. With over 15 years of experience installing Worcester Bosch boilers in homes across Bath, we’re perfectly placed to guide you through the process and ensure you get the right boiler at the right price for your property.
10 Clear Signs You Need a New Boiler: When to Upgrade Your Home Heating
Is your boiler trying to tell you something? Recognising the signs you need a new boiler early can save you from unexpected breakdowns, soaring energy bills, and the discomfort of a cold home during winter. As local heating engineers serving Bath and the surrounding areas, we’ve seen countless cases where homeowners waited too long to replace their ageing boilers, often leading to more significant problems and expenses. 1. Your Boiler is Over 10-15 Years Old Age is perhaps the most obvious indicator. Most modern boilers, including our recommended Worcester Bosch models, are designed to last between 10-15 years with proper maintenance. If your system is approaching or has exceeded this timeframe, it’s sensible to start considering a replacement, even if it still appears to be functioning adequately. 2. Frequent Breakdowns and Repairs Are you on first-name terms with your repair engineer? If your boiler requires repairs more than once a year, it’s usually more cost-effective to invest in a new boiler installation rather than continuing to fund these recurrent fixes. 3. Unusual Noises Banging, whistling, or gurgling sounds aren’t normal boiler behaviours. These noises often indicate internal issues such as air in the system, pump problems, or a build-up of sludge. While some noise issues can be resolved with a power flush, persistent or worsening sounds typically suggest it’s time for a replacement. 4. Your Energy Bills Are Climbing Have you noticed your energy bills steadily increasing without a change in usage? As boilers age, they become less efficient, requiring more fuel to produce the same amount of heat. Modern Worcester Bosch boilers offer significantly improved efficiency ratings that could reduce your heating costs by up to 30%. 5. Uneven Heating Throughout Your Home Cold spots in radiators or certain rooms that never seem to reach a comfortable temperature are classic signs of a struggling boiler system. While sometimes these issues can be resolved with radiator balancing, persistent problems often indicate your boiler lacks the power or efficiency to maintain consistent heating throughout your property. 6. Your Boiler Has a Pilot Light That’s Yellow or Orange A healthy pilot light should burn blue. If yours is yellow or orange, it suggests the gas isn’t burning efficiently and could potentially be producing carbon monoxide—a serious health hazard. This change in colour requires immediate professional attention and might indicate that a replacement is necessary for your safety. 7. Leaks or Corrosion Water leaking from your boiler is never a good sign. It typically indicates a broken internal component, a seal that’s failing, or corrosion that’s developed over time. Significant corrosion on your boiler or its pipework is a clear indication that your system is deteriorating and likely needs replacing. 8. Difficulty Finding Replacement Parts If your boiler breaks down and your engineer is struggling to source replacement parts, it’s usually because the model is outdated. In such cases, investing in a modern Worcester Bosch system is not just more practical but often the only viable long-term solution. 9. Your Boiler is Not a Condensing Model Since 2005, regulations have required all new boilers installed in the UK to be condensing models due to their superior efficiency. If your boiler predates this change, upgrading could significantly reduce your carbon footprint while lowering energy costs. 10. Your Hot Water Performance is Inconsistent Does your shower run hot and cold? Or perhaps you’re finding there’s never enough hot water for the whole family? These frustrating issues often signal that your boiler can no longer meet your household’s demands, and it’s time to consider an upgrade to a more suitable system. The Benefits of Upgrading to a New Boiler Recognising these signs that you need a new boiler is the first step toward improving your home’s heating performance. When you choose to upgrade with GreenSmart Services, you’ll benefit from: Our team specialises in boiler servicing and boiler repairs, but we’re also experts at helping homeowners transition smoothly to new, more efficient heating systems. Protect Your Investment with Annual Servicing Once you’ve invested in a new boiler, protect your investment by getting your boiler serviced annually. These plans provide ongoing maintenance and priority service should you ever encounter issues with your new system. Ready to Upgrade Your Home Heating? If you’ve spotted any of these signs that you need a new boiler in your home, it’s time to speak with our experienced team about boiler replacement options. We provide comprehensive heating services throughout Bath and the surrounding areas, offering free, no-obligation quotations and expert advice tailored to your specific needs. Don’t wait for your boiler to break down completely. Contact GreenSmart Services today on 01225 982222 or explore our boiler replacement service to learn more about how we can help improve your home’s heating efficiency and reliability. Our friendly team of local heating engineers is ready to guide you through the entire process, from selection to installation, ensuring you stay warm and comfortable for years to come.
Combi or Conventional Boiler: Which Is Better for Your Home?
When it comes to choosing between a combi or conventional boiler, many homeowners in Bath and across Somerset find themselves scratching their heads. It’s one of the most common questions we get asked during our callouts from customers looking to get a new boiler in Bath, and with good reason – selecting the right heating system for your home is a significant decision that impacts your comfort, energy bills, and property value for years to come. At GreenSmart Services, we’ve installed hundreds of both combi and conventional boilers throughout Bath, giving us first-hand experience of which systems work best in different homes. Today, we’re sharing our practical knowledge to help you make an informed choice. Understanding the Basics: Combi vs Conventional Before diving into which is better, let’s be clear about what we’re comparing: Combi (Combination) Boilers A combi boiler provides both heating and hot water directly from one unit, without needing separate water tanks or cylinders. When you turn on a hot tap, cold water flows directly from the mains through the boiler, where it’s heated instantly. Conventional (Regular) Boilers A conventional boiler works alongside a cold water tank (usually in the loft) and a hot water cylinder (often in an airing cupboard). The system heats water and stores it for when you need it. When a Combi Boiler Shines Combi boilers have soared in popularity over the past decade, and we’ve installed numerous Worcester Bosch combi boilers that homeowners absolutely love. Here’s where they excel: Perfect for Smaller Properties If you’ve got a modern flat, terrace, or small semi in Bath, a combi makes brilliant use of limited space. Without the need for water tanks or cylinders, you’ll free up valuable storage space – perhaps that airing cupboard could become a handy pantry instead? Ideal for Lower Hot Water Demands For couples or small families who don’t typically use multiple hot water outlets simultaneously, combi boilers provide excellent efficiency. One of our customers, a professional couple in Oldfield Park, switched from a conventional to a Worcester Bosch combi boiler and were delighted with the improved performance and reduced energy bills. Energy Efficiency Advantages Modern combi boilers only heat water when you need it, eliminating the heat loss associated with storing hot water. This means lower energy usage and reduced bills – something we all appreciate in today’s economic climate. When Conventional Boilers Work Better Despite the rise of combi boilers, conventional systems remain the better choice in specific circumstances. We still install many conventional boilers across Bath, particularly in certain types of properties: Superior for Larger Properties If you’ve got one of Bath’s beautiful Georgian townhouses or a larger family home in Lansdown or Widcombe, a conventional boiler often performs better. These systems can supply hot water to multiple bathrooms simultaneously without any drop in pressure or temperature. Better with Low Mains Pressure Some areas around Bath have fluctuating or low water mains pressure. In these locations, conventional systems often deliver more reliable performance since they’re not dependent on mains pressure for operation. Works with Older Heating Systems If your home has an older radiator system, particularly one with narrow pipes, replacing like-for-like with a conventional boiler often causes less disruption. During a boiler replacement, we can often connect to your existing pipework with minimal alterations. Considerations Beyond the Boiler Type When advising our Bath customers on choosing between a combi or conventional boiler, we always consider these additional factors: Water Usage Patterns How does your household use water? A family with teenagers who all shower in the morning might find a conventional system with a well-sized cylinder more appropriate than a combi. Future-Proofing Planning home extensions or additional bathrooms? These changes might affect which system works best long-term. We’ve had several customers in Bathwick and Combe Down who opted for conventional systems when planning home expansions. Available Space While space considerations usually favour combi boilers, some modern conventional systems have become quite compact. The Worcester Bosch Greenstar range includes conventional boilers that take up surprisingly little space while delivering exceptional performance. Energy Efficiency Goals Both systems can be highly efficient when properly specified and installed. During a professional boiler service, we can advise on optimising either system type for maximum efficiency. The Verdict: No One-Size-Fits-All Answer The truth about whether a combi or conventional boiler is better? There’s no universal answer. The right choice depends entirely on your specific property, household needs, and preferences. This is why we always conduct a thorough assessment before recommending boiler types to our customers. Our survey provides a comprehensive evaluation of your home’s heating requirements, ensuring you get the perfect system. What About System Boilers? As a quick aside, system boilers offer something of a middle ground – like conventional boilers but without the need for a heating system water tank in the loft. For some properties in Bath, particularly those with loft conversions but multiple bathrooms, a system boiler can be the ideal solution. Don’t Forget About Aftercare Whichever type you choose, proper maintenance is crucial. Annual servicing ensures your new boiler remains efficient and reliable year after year. Get Expert Advice for Your Home Still uncertain whether a combi or conventional boiler would work better for your Bath property? Our team of local heating engineers has been advising homeowners across Bath and North East Somerset for years. For personalised recommendations and a no-obligation quote on a new boiler installation, give GreenSmart Services a call at 01225 982222. We’ll help you navigate the options and find the perfect heating solution for your home, ensuring reliability, efficiency, and comfort for years to come.
Our Favourite Kitchen Styles We Cannot Wait to See in 2023
The humble kitchen is the most important and influential room in your entire home. Even for those who are perhaps not avid cooks, kitchens are still important parts of any home. They are where stories are told, meals are enjoyed, experiences are shared and memories are made. With the world moving in a direction of combining aesthetics with practicality, we’re excited to see what 2023 has in store for kitchen interiors and styles. And if you’re hungry for a new kitchen installation this year, have a gander at some of our favourite kitchen designs and trends cropping up this year for some inspiration. Trending Styles Organic & Eco-friendly With the population shifting focus towards nature and the environment, kitchen interiors have been and will continue to make a beeline towards organic, natural and sustainable styles. Homes in general have seen an increase in natural materials and decors such as plants, woods, wicker, and concrete incorporated into rooms and it would seem this won’t be stopping this year with kitchens. We’re pretty thankful to see this style becoming mainstream. Anything that can help reduce the use of microplastics and materials that aren’t brilliantly friendly to the environment is a win in our books! Re-use & Recycled Out with the old and in with the new couldn’t be farther from reality in 2023. We’re seeing a lot of repurposing of items and furnishings, all being added throughout entire homes in general. It’s a great way to show some love to an item that either had a previous purpose or belonged to someone else. And don’t discredit the idea of recycling something to add to your kitchen so easily! Yes, there are large-scale DIY projects you can do to repurpose an item for your kitchen but sometimes just buying a second-hand set of chairs off eBay or Facebook Marketplace and giving them a fresh lick of paint can really bring your food-prepping haven to life. Warm & Earthy Creating warmth via colours, textures, lighting etc creates an inviting and comforting feel which is one of the biggest attributes most people want when it comes to their kitchen. It needs to feel safe, welcoming and accommodating so using soft elements and natural lighting will bring this feeling of warmth into the kitchen. Combining rustic features with softer elements such as wood floors and neutral wall paints or wallpaper (and vice versa) can help to achieve this and make your kitchen feel earthy and spirited. Waking up to get breakfast or your morning coffee in a kitchen that breathes energy and warmth is perhaps the best way to feel rejuvenated and ready for the day ahead. Patterns & Textures Fluted If you’re searching for textures that just scream chic, then look no further than fluted (and ribbed textures). Whether you opt for bamboo, wood or other, this texture is an excellent addition to any modern kitchen. It’s a versatile style to incorporate into your kitchen and adds a real pop of character to the room. Plus, the movement and dramatic style further compliments the natural energy harnessed within kitchen spaces. Ribbed and fluted textures can be added to cupboards and drawers but are more popularly stylised on kitchen islands. Copper Copper and occasionally brass metals have been popular for a while now and are being increasingly introduced throughout homes, in particular bathrooms. But this style is starting to branch beyond the washroom environment and making its way into the kitchen scene. Copper accentuates other features of the kitchen such as the drawers, taps and even backsplashes. If you want your kitchen to hone in on that rustic and warm feel, then mixing in some metal features like copper is the way to go. Wood Like mentioned earlier, organic and natural assets such as wood are highly favoured elements of kitchens. Recent years saw popularity in lighter woods the likes of oaks and birch which were used for past trending Scandi-style kitchens. But now is the turn of slightly more dramatic and richer woods such as walnut and mahogany. Even painted woods are becoming quite trendy which we love to see. Whilst these can also include matte black painted wood, we have also seen some truly unique, fun and bolder choices such as greens, pinks and yellows. Colours Forest Greens Forest green has been a popular colour in the world of interior design for some time now but is something we’re looking forward to seeing more of this year in the kitchen especially. Rich Modern Sleek Ocean Blues Deep blues have also been popular in tandem with greens too. We’re especially fans of the blue-green colours that make us think of the ocean and navy colours too. Luxurious Adventurous Warming Matte Blacks Matte blacks are typically used in kitchens as accents but do also work well as the main attraction, especially if paired with complimentary wood flooring and furnishings. Powerful Contemporary Sophisticated Sage Greens Sage greens are seeing the light of day this year, particularly in those organic and natural kitchens. It’s a luscious and calming colour that replicates nature. We’re all for it. Calming Refreshing Harmonious Dusty Pinks Both a brilliant pairing with matte blacks and sage greens, but a solo trending colour by itself. Dusty pink kitchens are on the rise and partner superbly with lighter woods and patterns such as herringbone. Youthful Warming Invigorating Earthy Terracottas Terracottas and colours in the clay and rust palette are excellent for creating that organic and earthy feel that we’re looking forward to seeing in 2023. Somehow, it’s a style that is both classical and modern. Inviting Stimulating Enthusiastic Warm Whites Classics are timeless. The familiarity of whites for a kitchen is comforting but with the trend of warmth, whites that are not too polished seem to be taking over this year. We think they look brilliant and work well with all of the kitchen colour trends of 2023. Friendly Classical Versatile Features Styled Tiles/Slab Backsplashes Gone are the days of plain white wall tiles and backsplashes. 2023 is the
Skills and Qualifications Needed to Become a Plumber
Whether you’re a school leaver searching for your first job, trying out different industries to see which fits you best or someone with plenty of past job experience but looking to retrain into a new career, the life of a plumber is certainly a fruitful and dynamic one. It’s a role that is always in demand and valued. If you enjoy helping people and doing hands-on work, this vocation is certainly one to start considering if you haven’t already. Here’s what you need to know about kickstarting this journey, including the skills and qualifications you’ll need to have in your back pocket. Responsibilities A plumber is a tradesperson that either works for themselves, a company or a local council. A plumber installs and maintains water, plumbing and central heating systems for homes or commercial buildings such as offices. Plumbers can also be a part of blueprinting tasks and work on designing systems and fixtures for a property. The responsibilities of a plumber will vary from project to project. The general duties of a plumber include, but are not limited to: Skills As with any career, there’s a mixture of hard skills and soft skills required to become a plumber. But the combination of these two skill types is so important for a plumber. You deal with members of the public and are entrusted to work on their properties so a strong toolkit of both personal attributes/characteristics and learnt skills are paramount for generating the ultimate customer experience for our clients. Some of the skills usually desired for plumbers to possess include: Working hours This can vary from tradesperson to tradesperson depending on the hours you work and your employment type, whether part-time, full-time, contract, permanent or temp. One thing that is guaranteed is that you don’t have to worry about sitting behind a desk for 8 hours a day. Plumbers operate on fieldwork so are usually on their feet for most of the day. Whilst the estimated hours of work are the usual 9-5, plumbers can also be required for emergency call-outs and last-minute emergency fixes. After all, a burst pipe doesn’t work on our time. Because of this, the estimated working hours for a plumber is around 37 – 40 hours per week but are subject to being longer as they may be needed for morning shifts, late-night shifts and even weekends/bank holidays. The hours are basically as and when you’re needed. Salary Your salary will be dependent on the hours you work and your skills/experience level. This isn’t uncommon and is usually the case for any vocation – the newer you are to a role and if you’re still learning the ropes, you’ll likely be sitting on the lower salary mark but with time, experience and expertise, so will too the money. In saying this, as there is seemingly a constant demand for plumbers due to how valuable and significant the role is, the pay for plumbers isn’t too shabby. The salary starts at roughly £15,000 per year for starters and can meet £40,000 per year for experienced plumbers. (Source: National Careers Service) The current average salary for plumbers in the UK is £30,838. This is as of February 2023 and subject to change. (Source: indeed) How to become a plumber Now you have a bit of background behind the career, earnings and requirements of a plumber, think it’s something you’re ready to go after? In that case, let’s walk through the different ways you can achieve your goal of becoming a plumber. Although you need to work hard, it’s not a career that you need to dedicate years and years to get into. And if you didn’t come out of secondary education with an A* in every single subject, don’t worry. It’s desirable to have at least your Maths and English GCSE at a grade C (4/5). What’s sought out more than GCSE results is your further education after secondary. You can apply for a plumbing college course or apprenticeship. Even work experience or working alongside a friend or family member as a ‘plumber’s assistant/mate’ can help further you along the path of becoming a plumber. If working on a construction site, you will need to make sure you have a CSCS card first. Qualifications you’ll need to have as a plumber Whether you obtain these qualifications via a college course, apprenticeship or other, you’ll ideally want to come out from your training/learning with a suitable qualification to add to your CV that shows your credibility and demonstrates employability to an employer. The most common qualifications for a plumber in the UK are: To further add to your credibility, you’ll also want to become registered as a Gas Safe engineer/plumber on the UK Gas Safe Register. In order to be added to the register, you will be required to hold a Level 3 Diploma in Gas Utilisation Installation and Maintenance or a Level 3 NVQ in Gas Installation and Maintenance. What is the typical career progression ladder for a plumber? Already thinking of the journey ahead and the career progression of a plumber? Of course, you must learn to walk before you can run but there’s no harm in scoping out the potential future promotions/pathways set out ahead of you. The role of a plumber can be varied and whilst sometimes you can specialise in one area such as ventilation, pipework, gas etc, you can also become a jack of all trades. If you’ve got your sights set on bigger sights, you may even become a manager or director of a plumbing business. Alternatively, if you enjoy passing your knowledge on to others, you could redirect back to where you may have begun your training and become a tutor or training professional for a college or educational institute. Think it’s the career for you? You’ve learnt what you need and how to become a plumber, now the power is in your hands and ultimately it’s your decision if it’s a career you want to pursue. We
6 Useful Plumbing & Heating Tips for 2023
Our homes’ plumbing and heating system is something that doesn’t really cross our minds. It’s just there working in the background and doing its job. That is until a problem occurs. Whilst larger problems require professional assistance, there are smaller ones that you can attend to by yourself such as unclogging the toilet or tightening a loose pipe fitting. However, no matter how manageable the problem is, it’ll be much less tiresome to prevent these issues from occurring to begin with. These tips can help you save the hassle and time of having to tend to any potential problems that could arise. Plus some are just good-to-know to help save some pennies. 1. Know where to locate your home’s main water valve/stop tap It’s incredibly useful to know where your home’s main water valve/stop tap is in case of those extremities such as a burst pipe. There are two types of stop taps, internal and external. An inside stop tap will typically be situated under a kitchen sink or in an airing cupboard, but if not you can also find it underneath your stairs, floorboards, near your front door, or within a utility room such as a bathroom or garage. The valve itself looks just like a tap without a spout. In order to turn off your mains water supply from the stop tap, turn the valve itself clockwise. If you can begin to feel resistance when turning the valve, do not exceed this and stop turning. 2. Try to avoid using chemical drain cleaners – they can do more harm than good A lot of the chemical drain cleaner products on the shelves are pretty convincing but don’t be easily fooled. Most of the time they’re not too effective and can sometimes even cause more harm than good. Because of the harsh chemicals that are used within these products, they can damage pipes and can even cause erosion. 3. Don’t pour grease, oils, or food down the drains Pouring grease, oils, and food down your drains can cause pretty severe blockages within your waste pipework. The blockage isn’t usually immediate and will build up over time. Greases will solidify and large chunks of food can get stuck, ultimately creating stubborn blockages in your pipes. If you want to dispose of any fats used for cooking, try using a material such as tinfoil to capture the waste. Place it on top of the drain and slightly push in to mold the drain shape and pour the oils in here (once cooled down, not whilst they are scorching hot!). Then scrunch up the material to capture the greases/oils and dispose of it with normal household waste. For food items, particularly those that are a combination of liquids and food chunks (such as soups and canned items), use a strainer/sieve to separate the two so the liquids can go down the drain as normal but the food chunks can be binned. 4. Prevent pipes from freezing over with insulation Insulating pipes (especially in unheated areas like lofts and garages) will help prevent any frost buildup and allow the water to flow easily. There are plenty of affordable pipe lagging and tank jackets available online and in most DIY/hardware retailers that you can use to insulate your home’s pipes yourself. 5. Minimise draughts by insulating your windows, doors, and more Older UK homes that have poor insulation suffer from draughts more so than newbuilds, so applying some preventative measures to help tackle these will keep your home warmer at lower costs. You can purchase plenty of different types of insulation for windows, doors, and floors to help draught-proof your home without breaking the bank. However, if you do want to be more sparing with your money, you can makeshift a few draught excluders that can be used at the bottom of your doors to stop the cold air from creeping in. Just simply take some old materials such as blankets, shirts, jackets, or anything that you’d be ok with having on the floor and roll them up and place them at the bottom of your doors to obscure the gap where the draughts enter. 6. Turn individual radiators off in lesser-used rooms One thing to save money on your heating is to manually turn off the dials of radiators in rooms that are not used. Whether it’s the spare bedroom that only has guests 3 times a year or the bathroom that you only visit a handful of times throughout the day, turning the radiators off at the valves means heat won’t be distributed to a room that there’s no point in heating. If you need help identifying the valve for each room’s radiator, it will be the manual lever at the bottom of your radiators, usually labeled with marks from 1-6, with a 0 to turn it completely off. And that concludes our tips to take with you this year. If you want to prevent any of the larger, more severe problems from occurring within your home, you’ll want to look at getting a boiler service completed. And if those problems have already begun to appear, it’s high time to get them sorted. Get in touch with one of the expert and friendly GreenSmart Services engineers so that those emergencies can be dealt with promptly.
A Guide to Smart Meters: Modernising Energy Monitoring
Whether you have one or not, you’ve likely heard about smart meters in recent years. Their presence is inescapable and won’t be phasing out any time soon thanks to a government-led initiative being rolled out which is offering smart meters to all UK homes by 2024. Throughout this article, we’ll explore more about what a smart meter is, the benefits of having one, and if it is a mandatory requirement to have one in your home. What are smart meters? A smart meter is an electronic device that replicates a home’s gas and electricity meter box. The device itself is an easy-to-use small display screen that allows you to easily read your gas/electric readings. It works by taking automatic readings of your gas and electricity usage which are then sent to your energy supplier via a remote connection whilst also displaying your home’s energy consumption via the display screen to you. No more do you need to be trekking outside in your dressing gown and slippers in the cold with your key in hand or have to feel like you’re trying to land a plane with the systematic display controls to take a reading. A smart meter eliminates all of that hassle whilst also bringing energy reading methods into the modern age of digitalization. We all love a good touchscreen device. Types of smart meters There are two types of smart meters currently being rolled out, 1st generation and 2nd generation (abbreviated respectively to SMETS1 and SMETS2). SMETS1 smart meters are, as the name implies, the first generation of meters to be distributed to homes. They use a 3G connection to feed readings data to your energy supplier. This does present an issue of the meter itself becoming incoherent if switching energy suppliers. However, these first-gen meters are being gradually replaced with second-gen meters. SMETS2 smart meters are the successor to the SMETS1 smart meter. These are the types of smart meters more commonly being rolled out amongst UK homes. These don’t rely on 3G technology and instead work by having all of the data collected sent to a central network that can be accessed by your energy supplier, meaning they won’t become incoherent if you switch suppliers. Are smart meters compulsory? The initiative to roll out smart meters to homes was introduced in 2012, with the target goal in place of offering every UK home a smart meter by 2020. However, this timeframe was reevaluated and pushed back to a more reachable deadline of 2024-2025. With this being said, it is not actually mandatory to have a smart meter. Your service provider must offer you one, but you do not have to accept. It’s important to do some research beforehand and weigh out the pros and cons of smart meters to help you decide if you wish to have one. We would also advise discussing the processes and steps required with your service provider to ultimately help you make your decision. So, if you have not yet been approached by your service provider about a smart meter, you will be offered the option to have one installed at some point. Likewise, you can check to see if you are eligible for one by contacting your service provider. And when you are contacted about a smart meter, you are not obliged to have one if it is not something you want. How much will it cost? There is actually no upfront cost for getting a smart meter installed in your home. However, you will want to enquire further with your service provider as sometimes, the cost to cover the rollout may be included within your gas/electricity payments. What is the benefit of a smart meter? As is the case with anything, technology especially, there will also be plenty of pros accompanied by some cons. Smart meters themselves are plenty beneficial for you, your energy supplier, and the environment. Provides more accuracy on bills You won’t be billed for an estimation of the energy you use within your household but instead only for the absolute, accurate amount of energy consumed. Reduces energy consumption Because you get an immediate view of your home’s energy consumption as and when energy is being used thanks to real-time data, you’ll be able to better manage what you use and how much, which can ultimately reduce the amount of energy (and money) you consume. Smart decisions, smart savings. Modernizes our energy systems A network of smart meters will help contribute to the country’s efforts to make a more sustainable, smart energy grid. Your one small smart meter will be part of millions of others that are now installed amongst UK homes and businesses, meaning you’d be helping to positively reduce our global carbon footprint. Provides insights for energy providers As energy suppliers can track and analyze the data they receive from the recordings to understand more about our collective energy consumption, they will be able to make smarter and more efficient decisions with energy production. Make use of time-of-use tariffs With a smart meter, you can make use of exclusive tariffs offered by some energy suppliers. These are ‘time-of use’ tariffs that provide cheaper prices to smart meter owners. You’ll need to inquire about this with your energy provider, as not all offer them and the tariff will be different per supplier. Are there any negatives? Subject to signal issues Because smart meters solely rely on transmitting data across a mobile network, any disruption to the signal would result in the readings sent to your service provider being inaccurate and estimated once again, potentially increasing your energy bill. Cannot revert back to an old system Once a smart meter has been installed, you cannot revert back to an old system, meaning that you’ll need to be certain that going down the smart meter route is correct for you. Could lead to family friction If you know what energy is being used and when, it could potentially lead to some finger-pointing and squabbles in family households
Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
Journeying to make a home more energy efficient is now a shared goal of many UK homeowners and renters alike, no thanks to the colossal expenses and bills that most are having to dish out. By improving the energy efficiency of your home, you can avoid having to pay out of pocket on unnecessary expenses. 2022 already has been hit heavily by a cost of living crisis, which has resulted in many UK families having to pay more than previous years. In fact, the energy price cap has raised to above £3,000 per year, which has increased by roughly £1000. Not quite sure where or how to start making your home more energy efficient? We’ve got some guidance on ways to achieve this so that you can save your money whilst also doing your bit for the planet. How energy efficient is my home? First things first though, what is meant by energy efficiency and how do you find out how energy efficient your property is? Energy efficiency means consuming less power/energy to achieve the same outcome. The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) defines it as a means of eliminating energy waste, something that a lot of homes in the UK do without realising. A study conducted by Ofgem in 2020 showed that the average British household uses roughly 242 kWh of electricity and 1,000 kWh of gas each month. Most of the population strives to do a little better when it comes to our carbon footprint for the sake of the planet and the first step in doing this is by identifying how energy efficient your home is in its current state. The easiest way to get an understanding of how energy efficient your home is, will be to look at your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Your landlord should have provided you with a copy of this when you initially moved into the property, but for a digital view, you can search through the GOV.UK EPC register. An EPC will give you a visual graph that depicts your property’s current and potential energy rating, with a rating from A to G. If you use an EPC to gauge your home’s energy efficiency, you can identify improvements to make in your household then have another EPC completed after to get an updated report based on the changes made. Alternatively, for a more detailed reading of your home’s energy usage and consumption, you can perform a home energy audit. How can you make your home more energy efficient? Insulate your home Floor Adding insulation to floors in a house of any age, whether new or old, can massively prevent heat loss from your home. The materials of your floors will determine the type of insulation needed. If your home has suspended flooring, wool or foam insulation can be inserted between the joints of the suspended floors. If your home has solid flooring made of stone or a type of aggregate such as concrete, a layer of insulation will be placed on top of this before a floor covering is applied to prevent the coldness of the hardened material from seeping through. As heat rises, it shouldn’t really matter about insulating floors in rooms upstairs. However, if you have a room above an open and cold space such as a garage or an outside walkway (if you live in a maisonette), floor installation can be beneficial. Wall The walls of your home will typically be the biggest contributor to heat loss, in fact roughly one third of heat lost is attributed to a home’s walls. The amount of heat loss your home will suffer from depending on the type of property you rent or own. For example if you live in an apartment, or semi-terraced house, you’ll be less susceptible to heat loss however, a terraced house will be more susceptible to heat loss. Because every home is different and certain neighbourhoods were collectively built at different time periods, the type of insulation you’ll need for your home’s walls will be different from someone else’s. If your home has solid walls, internal wall insulation boards can be fitted to prevent heat loss. If your home has cavity walls, which most now do, then insulation can be built in the gap within the cavities. Roof A lot of heat can escape through your roof or loft if not well insulated. You’ll want any heat that’s in your home to stay firmly inside your home and rebound back around your home to keep it heated rather than escaping through the roof. Usually a wool-type insulation is laid out on the surface of your loft both between the joints in the loft and then with an additional layer on top of the joints. Double or triple glazing Majority ‘newer’ UK homes will be fitted with double glazed windows, simply as it is part of the building regulations that tradespeople must comply with as a means of improving energy efficiency. Although in saying this, it is not actually illegal to have single glazing installed in homes. A double glazed window is just two glass panes fitted with a gap inbetween usually filled with air or an imobile gas. The best part about double-glazing is that not only is it energy efficient, but also helps with noise reduction. Triple glazing is the same but with one more layer of glass, and hence another gap of air/gas. Whilst triple glazing is more effective, it is also more costly. If your home has single glazed windows and you want to upgrade, double-glazing will do the job. Central heating system Your central heating system does what it says on the tin. It’s important to make sure you’re maximising its potential without creating any heat loss. There are some ways you can achieve this and they’re pretty straightforward. Firstly, it may be worth looking at installing a more energy efficient boiler than your current one. Now each type of boiler will have its own model that is ‘more energy
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
We’ve had a great year here at GreenSmart Services and are massively thankful to all of our clients and partners during 2022 for their custom and kindness. Our business has clocked some brilliant milestones this year and we wouldn’t have been able to do any of it without you. We: So as a little Christmassy thank you from us, we have a video made just for you: It’s been a real honour to have served all of you in 2022, whether we were needed for an installation, renovation, some scheduled maintenance, or an emergency call-out. We’re still around during the holidays, so are available if you need us. However, the team will not be working on Christmas Day. We hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Underfloor Heating
In our world today, everything is about finding a fine balance between practicality and aesthetics. One major feature that a lot of homeowners and even businesses like to implement into their spaces is hidden furnishings and electrics. By ‘hiding’ elements of a property such as wiring and pipes, it helps to keep spaces looking neat and refined. Underfloor heating is slowly becoming more popular and demanded in homes across the nation with the underfloor heating market (UFH) having grown in the past few years with a last reported market share of 7.7%. We’ll look through the pros and cons of this heating system to learn if it’s worth the investment. What is underfloor heating & how does it work? As the name suggests, this is a type of heating system that is installed underneath your floors, essentially functioning as a giant radiator. Underfloor heating provides heat distributed evenly around your house, leaving it beautifully toasty and comfortable. There are 2 different forms of underfloor heating, water and electrical, often referred to as ‘wet’ and ‘dry’. Water systems use a continuous stretch of pipe to run heated water from your central heating system whilst electrical systems use electric wires to generate heat. Both of these will be installed on top of insulation so that the heat may rise up. A traditional radiator’s water can reach very high temperatures, making it extremely hot to the touch while also posing a risk of increased energy waste. Due to the even distribution of the heat and the fact that underfloor heating operates at lower temperatures, less energy is wasted and heat is gradually distributed throughout your room(s). Is my home suited for underfloor heating? Most homes are eligible to have underfloor heating installed. Perhaps you’re concerned that because you live in a new-build, your property will not be permitted or suitable for the installation but this is not the case. In fact quite the opposite as new build homes have been constructed under the Building Regulations legislation, meaning they meet the insulation requirements stated within. Underfloor heating can also be installed in older homes too, although if lacking in insulation, this will need to be addressed prior to any underfloor heating installations. There’s almost no limitations when it comes to underfloor heating, it’s brilliantly versatile and suited for most properties. You can choose whether to have underfloor heating installed in just one room, multiple or under all your rooms’ floors. Typically, the most common room to have underfloor heating installed in is the bathroom, with the kitchen being the second favourite. What are the advantages of underfloor heating? Efficiency Whilst many homes will typically have a radiator in roughly every room, there will always be ‘blind spots’ where a draft can be felt or where the temperature is generally lower compared to that closer to the radiator. This can make for mismatched heating within rooms and a generally uncomfortable feel. Underfloor heating is far more efficient as it heats rooms evenly and because hot air rises, the heat will eventually be distributed across every square inch of the room. Lower energy bills As underfloor heating is operated at much lower temperatures compared to radiators, they do not require anywhere near as much energy to power them, saving some money on bills which is a plus in most people’s books. Opens up some space Although not the largest objects in a room, radiators can cause some spatial issues from time to time. Underfloor heating eliminates this and frees up some wall space for decorations and any furniture that you previously could not push all the way up against the wall. Plus, you no longer would need to fish out toys and all the other bits the kids throw down the radiator. Compatibility There’s little to no limitation to the types of flooring you can install underfloor heating underneath. Regardless of if your home has carpets, floor tiles, lamination, vinyl, wood, stone, underfloor heating can still be used. Safety They may not appear unsafe on the surface, radiators can actually be fairly dangerous objects, especially with bump-prone little ones. Not only this but radiators can cause minor burns due to the incense temperatures they emit. Underfloor heating does not pose this risk as everything is tucked away and hidden beneath the floors. Out of sight, out of mind. No maintenance Whilst bleeding traditional radiators is quite an easy job and requires nothing more than a radiator key and some towels, it’s still extra maintenance to do on an object that most people would rather have just sit in the background. Underfloor heating practically doesn’t need you to carry out maintenance so there’s no extra hassle involved for you. It might require the occasional servicing but that’s a job for an engineer. Silence Particularly with older heating systems, pipes can sometimes make a fair bit of noise when you turn your heating on. Underfloor heating runs silently through your home so you won’t even notice its there. Adds value Since underfloor heating is a modern, luxurious and more beneficial heating system, it ticks the boxes for prospective home buyers, increasing the value of your home. What are the disadvantages of underfloor heating? Costs The price tag for underfloor heating installation is never going to be the cheapest. The price will massively vary from place to place but will typically be more expensive for larger rooms or whole home installation. If the conditions of your home need some work too, such as extra insulation, then prices can go up a little more to cover this addition too. Run time Because underfloor heating operates at a much lower temperature than traditional radiators, it can take a little bit longer to heat up, sometimes taking up to an hour to heat up a room. But if you have flooring that is a better conductor for heat such as floor tiles, it shouldn’t take too long to heat up. Decor restrictions Some items of furniture may be a little too
7 Ways to Increase Your Boiler’s Lifespan
Let’s face it, with the ongoing increase in energy bills, nobody is too thrilled at the idea of having to dish out extra money for a new boiler, especially not if your boiler is fairly new. But a boiler, like any household appliance, needs to be maintained and cared for in order to operate as smoothly as possible for as long as possible. Neglecting your boiler or only attending to it when a visible problem has occurred will mean higher chances of it experiencing serious complications in future or worse yet, a complete breakdown. Why is it important to take care of your boiler? We can safely say that the biggest reason has to be to save money. The more care you apply to the condition of your boiler, the less money you’ll need to spend in the long-run. Imagine if you left your boiler unattended and it needed repairs too frequently, the costs alone from addressing the fixes would begin to pile up, eventually leaving you with bills that could have been avoided. What is the average life expectancy of a boiler? The average lifespan of a boiler is estimated to be between 10-15 years. With the addition of regular boiler servicing and maintenance, your boiler could potentially exceed its life expectancy. And whilst some maintenance steps are simple enough to carry out by yourself, you don’t have to feel as if you’re expected to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. We can assist with the more nitty gritty aspects of caring for your boiler. With that being said, we’ll look at the top ways you can extend your boiler’s life expectancy for as long as possible before a new boiler replacement is considered. What are the ways I can increase my boiler’s lifespan? 1. Servicing is a saviour The first and foremost piece of advice we can give it to make sure that your boiler is serviced. It only needs to be done once a year so it’s not too much of a disruption but is a hugely effective way to increase your boiler’s life. By getting your boiler serviced by a Gas Safe-Registered Engineer, you can make sure that any and all little fixes are noted and addressed before they become troublesome. It’s like a health check-up for your boiler and does wonders for it. Plus, it means your warranty remains protected. DIY? 2. Invest in and install a magnetic filter Debris, sludge and the iron compounds from water can easily get clogged in heating systems, making it a huge vulnerability. The more build up of this, the less likely your boiler will be able to effectively provide heat around your home. A magnetic filter helps to filter all the grime and metallic components that get built-up in your system, leaving it cleaner for longer. This is a brilliant little addition to install to your system as it also helps to save more on energy bills, considering your boiler won’t need to work harder and longer as it would if it was full of sludge and magnetite etc. DIY? 3. Bleed your radiators When air gets trapped in your heating system, it means that heat emitters such as your radiators are not able to provide heat around your home as efficiently. If you feel your radiators and they are warm to the touch at the bottom but colder towards the top, they will need bleeding. Learn more in our guide: How to bleed your radiators. This only requires a couple of different affordable and accessible tools and is a brilliantly simple way to help release the air trapped in your home’s heating system. Your radiator will have a bleed point at the top where you can insert a radiator key to release the air. Place a towel or absorbent material underneath to catch any water that may release too. DIY? 4. Apply inhibitor to your heating system Build up of limescale is to be expected in a system that’s purpose is to move water. But leaving limescale to teem in your heating system can cause corrosion beneath it, weakening the metal that makes up your heating system. An inhibitor is a liquid that helps to protect your boiler against limescale, rust and corrosion by applying a protective coat to your system. DIY? 5. Give it a power flush A central heating system power flush essentially gives your heating system a deep clean by using water at a high pressure combined with cleaning chemicals. It will help to clear out anything that may be sitting in your heating system that could be causing build up or damage. With the presence of a magnetic filter or inhibitor, your system would less likely be in need of a power flush. But whether you have these installed or not, giving your heating system a bit of TLC can help to completely cleanse and revitalise it, making it almost as efficient as when it was first installed. DIY? 6. Turn the heating on in the summer Whilst it sounds completely contradictory, it is advisable to turn your boiler on for short periods throughout summer. This only needs to be very short bursts occasionally. Once every month for about 10-20 minutes should do. A boiler doesn’t cope very well being left unused for long periods of time. Turning the heating on every so often during the summer months helps to prevent moving parts seizing and keeps the water flowing through your heating systems. After all, the last thing anyone wants is to get to autumn/winter and have insufficient heat in the home. DIY? 7. Keep pipes insulated It’s important to not forget about the pipes, particularly ones that are exposed to cold air like up in the loft or outside in a garage. These are prone to freezing in the winter months, which is one of the biggest causes of boiler problems during these colder periods. Insulating the (typically copper) pipes with lagging helps to prevent a major boiler