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Five minor boiler problems that you could solve yourself

With businesses and home owners restricted by the rules of social distancing, isolation and lockdown, it might not be as easy to get a heating engineer to tend to your boiler emergency at the minute. The good news is that whilst it is always advisable to have a professional take care of most boiler repairs, not all problems need an engineer’s expertise. You might be able to solve the problem yourself.

The pros at British Gas highlight five common boiler problems that could be resolved by you at home or work. Have a look:

  1. Low pressure

Symptoms

  • Your boiler switches itself off
  • Your central heating makes banging sounds
  • Your upstairs radiators, or those furthest from the boiler, stop heating.

What to do?

Fixing this usually takes little more than a tweak of the filling loop on your boiler. So if the pressure gauge on your boiler control panel reads less than 1 bar, carefully use your valve to increase it to between 1 and 1.5.

Just bear in mind that you might have to reset your boiler once you’ve re-pressurised the system, so check your manufacturer’s guide for details on how to do this.

  1. Problem with settings

Symptoms

  • Your boiler doesn’t come on when it should, or comes on erratically
  • The boiler doesn’t fire up
  • You have an error displaying (or a blank panel) on your thermostat.

What to do?

Your timer settings may have changed if you’ve had a power cut, or someone’s accidentally knocked the panel. So double check and adjust them if you need to, using your boiler manual if you’re unsure. Check that the central heating dial on the boiler control panel is turned up too.

Next, check the thermostat settings. If the temperature is set below 21℃ your boiler might not fire up, so increase the temperature to see if this helps. If there’s nothing displayed on the thermostat panel you might need to replace the batteries.

  1. Pilot light gone out

Symptoms

  • There’s no visible pilot light on your boiler
  • Your boiler won’t fire up.

What to do?

A pilot light can blow out for a number of reasons, but you should be able to reignite it by following the instructions on your boiler.

  1. Boiler locks out and needs resetting

Symptoms

  • The lock-out (red) light on your boiler keeps coming on
  • Your boiler control panel displays an error code
  • The boiler won’t fire up

What to do?

Sometimes a simple reset is all that’s needed. You should find your boiler reset button somewhere on the front control panel. If you can’t locate it, take a look at your boiler manual then follow the instructions on how to reset the system. If this doesn’t work you could try switching the boiler off and then on again.

  1. Frozen condensate pipe

Symptoms

  • The boiler makes gurgling sounds when you try to use it
  • Your boiler won’t fire up
  • The temperature outside has been particularly cold

What to do?

Try thawing it yourself by applying hot (but not boiling) water and a warm compress – like a hot water bottle – directly to the pipe.

If these simple solutions don’t work it could mean that you have a more serious problem with your boiler. Also note that it’s only safe to perform the most minor boiler repairs yourself. If you’re in doubt about any of the above do not hesitate to call your trusted technician, who will be able to advise you on the best course of action, perhaps even as your make the repair yourself.

For further details on any of the aforementioned repairs, visit Britishgas.co.uk which has videos and more detailed explanations on how to conduct these minor repairs.

For all your energy related questions, feel free to contact the CH Systems team on 0208 302 8149 or info@chsystems.cc.

The impact of heating on CO2 emissions

To avert the impact of climate change we must reduce our carbon emissions; this is not news. However, a new survey by clean tech company, Vestemi, has revealed that many of us don’t realise that heating buildings has an environmental effect. Most buildings in the UK, whether homes or businesses, run on fossil fuels such as natural gas or oil; as a result heating contributes to 37 per cent of the UK’s carbon levels.

According to Vestemi, over half the people surveyed had no idea that heating is contributing to the UK’s carbon level. When asked how they felt about this fact, 75 per cent said it made them feel helpless and unsure about how they could change this. When asked if they would put measures in place to help reduce emissions, 78 per cent said they would and were keen to know more about what was available to them. A quarter of respondents said it made them want to take urgent action.

As a home or business owner, one of the simplest ways to help reduce emissions is to turn the thermostat temperature down to 19ºC; 82per cent of survey respondents said they would do this, across ages. Other measures that can be implemented to help reduce the carbon footprint of your building are smart radiator thermostats and insulation, which were the most popular choices for survey respondents.

For respondents who are aware of the impact of heating on emissions, the majority opted for more costly options, including improving insulation and boiler replacements.

Jeremy Lock, CEO of Vestemi, says: “It’s clear the energy industry as a whole needs to raise more awareness of the solutions available. Reducing emissions is not about complicated solutions, it’s about making those small steps to great impact. If we all do a little, and now, we can achieve a lot more in a shorter timeframe and help reach that 2050 net zero goal.”

For all your energy related questions, feel free to contact the CH Systems team on 0208 302 8149 or info@chsystems.cc.

Source: phamnews.co.uk

Keep the air cool and cost-effective in your business this summer

One might assume that because winter’s over and the heating is finally off, that energy costs will take a dip but this is not necessarily the case! There’s nothing more uncomfortable than working in a scorching hot office, which is why businesses tend to crank the air conditioning with little hesitation – and cold air costs! But there are ways to help your business save money this summer:

  • Service and repair (if necessary) your current air conditioning system, to keep it running smoothly and efficiently; preventing inconvenient costs from cropping up throughout the summer months.
  • Keep the cool air in by insulating your business premises, and if using air conditioning remember to keep windows and doors shut to keep the cool air from flowing out.
  • According to the Energy Department, you can save as much as 10 per cent a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 3°-4°C for 8 hours a day from its normal setting.
  • The days are longer, which presents the perfect opportunity for businesses to take advantage of natural lighting. Fluorescent bulbs use around 75 per cent less energy than the standard light bulbs but apart from that, why not figure out where the sun will be and when, and rearrange the layout of your business space accordingly? Move desks around so that they are not in direct line with the main window when the sun is beaming in throughout the afternoon. This way you can keep your blinds open and your lights off.
  • Using a fan can help increase the efficiency of an air conditioning system.
  • If you’re not using an air conditioner, open windows and doors to ventilate the office and relax business dress to keep staff cool and happy at work.
  • Turn off anything that creates heat when not in use, such as printers and monitors.

For more excellent tips on how to cut down on energy costs this summer, read “Summer energy tips: How to cut down on costs” on Britishgas.co.uk.

If you’d like further information, feel free to contact the CH Systems team on 0208 302 8149 or info@chsystems.cc.

New Ereba air-to-water heat pump cuts costs for small businesses

As the owner or manager of a small commercial property you’ll be interested in CIAT Ozonair’s new range of high efficiency Ereba monobloc air-to-water heat pumps, which provide heating and cooling at minimal cost.

The pump can be used as a stand-alone heating source in small commercial applications, or to augment/back-up conventional boiler-based heating systems in existing buildings. With a high water outlet temperature of up to 60ºC at 10ºC ambient, Ereba covers the full spectrum of heating and hot water requirements, and is compliant with all types of radiators and underfloor heating systems.

The packaged system comes complete with an integrated hydraulic module, Class A variable-speed pump, and a built-in expansion tank. An automatic air purge system ensures it continues to operate efficiently without the need for manual intervention or frequent maintenance.

The variable speed inverter-controlled fan enables gradual soft-start ramp up to protect power supplies, plus a night mode for super-quiet operation when end users and neighbours are sleeping.

The electronic controller manages all operating parameters and allows multiple settings, including Time Clock control, Mode, and Day and Night functions, via the “Touch ’n’ Go” setting.

The full Ereba range includes nine models, five single-phase and four three-phase models.

If you’re interested in the technical details of the monobloc air pump, read “NEW EREBA AIR-TO-WATER MONOBLOC HEAT PUMP” at hpmmag.com.

If you’d like further information, feel free to contact the CH Systems team on 0208 302 8149 or info@chsystems.cc.

139 Kensington High Street, W8

CH Systems recently completed a Plumbing, Heating & Ventilation installation in 9-apartment building in Kensington, London W8.

We installed a communal Scuba Tank (booster set) provided by Duty point to provide boosted mains water to each of the of 9 apartments. The apartments incorporate Nuaire extraction units for the kitchens/bathrooms & Ariston boilers/water heaters providing the heating and hot water throughout.

All the pipework, for the heating and domestic services, has been installed in Uponor PEx and all the soil and waste pipework has been installed in Geberit HDPE.

Using the aforementioned materials has allowed us a trouble-free, high quality installation, and enabled a plumbing, heating and ventilation system that can be trusted.

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Government axes support for Green Deal!

The Government has announced that it will offer no further financial support to the Green Deal Finance Company (GDFC), citing lack of interest and concerns over industry standards as reasons for the decision.

The Government’s withdrawal of funds will have no impact on existing Green Deal Finance Plans or existing Green Deal Home Improvement Fund applications and vouchers.

The ‘Green Deal’ rolled out in 2013 as an initiative designed to help business and home owners employ more green technologies in and on their properties. Applicants were granted loans that would be paid back through energy bills over a period of time. The scheme also offered cash-backs and incentives on things such as double-glazing, insulation and boilers.

For both home owners and businesses, the building would effectively be responsible for the costs of all the improvements and these costs would be repaid through the energy bill related to the property. Upon the sale of the property in question, the new owner would take over the energy bills pertaining to the previous owner’s Green Deal loan.

There were no upfront costs for the applicant to incur at the outset. The only cost would have been the assessment, which might be waived or enveloped by the provider depending on the deal struck between the provider and the business (or home owner) applying.

The golden rule of the Green Deal was that the expected financial savings must be equal to or greater than the costs attached to the energy bill. And yet the plug failed to engage.
According to the Heating & Hotwater Industry Council, (HHIC), the news came as no surprise;
“This policy failed to engage with both installers and consumers, and delivered little in terms of energy efficiency. Its demise therefore is expected and understandable.”
Interestingly, the Government has not come up with a replacement scheme to reduce the UK’s carbon footprint. The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has, however, expressed interest in working with the building industry and consumer groups to agree a new “value-for-money approach.”

If you missed out on the Green Deal and are thanking your lucky stars but inadvertently lamenting the loss of the opportunity to eco-up your business and save money in the long term, perhaps this was just a learning curve and the best policy is yet to come. Here’s hoping.

Source: bbc.co.uk – “Green Deal funding to end, government announces” and Hvnplus.co.uk – “Government ends Green Deal Finance Company funding”.

If you’d like further information, feel free to contact the CH Systems team on 0208 302 8149 or info@chsystems.cc.

4 Deans Yard Westminster Abbey

CH Systems is pleased to have completed the mechanical ‘fit out’ at the prestigious and well known address: 4 Deans Yard Westminster Abbey, in Central London.

The work comprised completely renewing the heating and domestic water system at this property. As it had been split into three separate flats, there was also a large amount of zoning that had to be carried out to meet current building regulations.

These project also included reinstating a number of original cast-iron rods back into the refit, as well as a cold water booster set in the basement to provide the necessary additional water volume to the newly created habitable upper floors.

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For more information, feel free to contact the CH Systems team on 0208 302 8149 or info@chsystems.cc

How powerflushing can make your heating service more efficient as well as save your business money

Have you noticed cold areas on office radiators, excessive noise from the boiler or the heating system pump, cloudy tap water, discoloured water when bleeding the radiators and (or) the slow warming of the heating system in general – all of which disrupt not only productivity but the general cadence of a typical working day?

If so, your heating system might be due a powerflush.

A powerflush is a cleansing process used to remove corrosive elements from a central heating system to prevent damage to the system and its components. It’s the rapid movement of water through the heating system, aided by the use of super strength cleaning chemicals (including sludge crust breaker, descaler and corrosion inhibitor), to remove deposits.

Unblocking pipes and clearing sludge minimises corrosion by constraining the build-up of debris (limescale, rust etc.) and inhibiting the growth of microbiological organisms, which will improve the efficiency of your central heating system – radiators swill be hotter and will warm up quicker, employees won’t cringe when filling the kettle with water to make a warm drink and you’ll be able to have a meeting or conduct a phone call without the intrusion of a rowdy boiler. Pumps will also last longer and radiators will have an extended life if there is no corrosion present and suitable corrosion inhibitors are used.

A system that is longer lasting and less likely to break down will result in reduced running costs, saving your business money.

Powerflushing a heating system can take up to six hours, sometimes longer if deposits are extreme, and the cost will depend on the size and location of the system.

For more information, feel free to contact the CH Systems team on 0208 302 8149 or info@chsystems.cc

Five energy-saving tips that will help your business cut costs this winter

The recently announced energy price hikes have sent Britons into a state of slight panic as homeowners and commercial enterprises rack their brains for ideas on how to keep warm without bankrupting budgets. In fact, new research by Bristol-based sustainability company Sustain has revealed that 90 per cent of British consumers are concerned about increasing energy prices this winter.

And if you’re a business owner the stress is likely to be more severe: taking measures to curb costs (like simply turning heating off and throwing on a few jerseys) is just not feasible because if your office is cold, productivity will decrease – the same goes for factories and warehouses; and when it comes to restaurants, shops, hotels or churches, if people don’t feel that warm blast of air emanating from the doors of your establishment, chances are that your enterprise will be a few customers short.

So, the heat has got to be on and the money has got to be spent.

But there are ways to do so efficiently! Here are five tips on what you can do to save your business money this winter:

      • Control your heating system: turn heating (as well as other energy-consuming appliances – lights) off when premises aren’t in use, and reduce heating in areas that aren’t people populated.
      • Contain heat: when heating is on, make sure windows are closed and when the sun goes down close blinds and curtains to prevent heat from escaping through the windows.
      • Consider insulation: insulating windows, walls, pipes and boilers might be an initial expense but could save you money in the long term. There are also some local authorities that offer incentives for businesses that wish to insulate their premises – definitely something worth checking out if you’re keen on the idea.
      • Service boiler system and replace old equipment: inefficient heating equipment will cost your business. Old boilers are reportedly 65 to 70 per cent efficient; a new boiler should up efficiency levels to 90 per cent. There are government schemes (the Green Dead and the Enhanced Capital Allowances scheme) that offer incentives for the installation of energy efficient equipment. Otherwise, just make sure that your boiler is serviced yearly, enabling your heating contractor to find and fix any faults.
      • Position thermostats with care: in other words, not in draughty areas or areas with uneven temperatures (in direct sunlight or near machinery that gives off heat).

Reducing heating by a mere 1 per cent can cut costs by 10 per cent, which is a great incentive for further advice on how your business can get the best out of its boiler.

For more information, feel free to contact the CH Systems team on 0208 302 8149 or info@chsystems.cc

Businesses cut water bills by recycling ‘greywater’ with new product

Statistics say that water bills are rising 5.5 per cent each year, for both consumers and businesses – which is why more and more commercial enterprises are considering ‘greywater’ recycling as a way of reducing water bills.

‘Greywater’ is the water that comes from sinks, showers, tubs, and washing machines, which usually contains traces of dirt, food, grease, hair, and certain household cleaning products. Greywater is not water that comes from the toilet or has come into contact with faecal matter from nappies (for example) and the like. In other words, it’s water that appears dirty but is ‘safe’ to use for irrigation purposes – in soil and on plants (as long as there is nothing toxic in the water – bleach, shampoo, bath salts etc.).

Which is great but if you’re running a business it’s not always easy to ensure that chemicals are kept out of the water for the sake of recyclability – especially if you’re running a hotel or B&B, or perhaps managing a care facility, restaurant or hair salon. And if you are able to control what goes down your business sink, maybe you have no garden in which to pump the used water. But there is another way to recycle greywater, other than for irrigation purposes – and that’s to use it in flushing toilets.

Water and heat recycling company Reaqua Systems has a product range that collects waste-water (greywater) from sinks, baths and showers and recycles it for use in flushing toilets – thus reducing water consumption by 30 per cent!

Reaqua Systems’ reAqua Unit takes all greywater waste and redirects it through a compact reAqua filtration unit, treating it with a proprietary disinfectant and then sending it on (via pipe) to supply all flushing water needs for multiple toilets. If one toilet is specified, gravity feed is sufficient. If two or more are connected, an electrically pumped feed is provided within the unit.

And if you feel like saving your business even more money, the reAqua+ Unit not only recycles greywater (thus saving on water bills) but reduces energy bills by recycling heat. The unit recovers the heat from the bath and shower water used, and transfers it to the building’s central heating system. The installation setup is similar, but it includes the addition of a heat exchanger located in the greywater storage tank. Recovered heat is transferred to the cold feed of a combi-boiler or hot water cylinder, reducing demand on the existing central-heating system.

The filter bag and proprietary disinfectant liquid that are installed with the units will need to be replaced annually (under normal circumstances) – which can be done at the same time as an annual service and should cost no more than £20.

With the energy and water recycling, your business is looking a 50 per cent bill reduction, which is a huge money saver!

To find out more about these products, visit Reaquasystems.com and chat to your plumber about installation probability and costs.

For more information, feel free to contact the CH Systems team on 0208 302 8149 or info@chsystems.cc