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Category: Boilers

Boiler Breakdown: Plumber Or A Heating Engineer?

Posted on by rob.fullsend

We rely on our central heating system to work effectively 24 hours a day, especially with Britain’s temperamental weather and often take it for granted that it’ll be there to provide heat when we need it. So when the worst happens and your boiler breaks down it can be frustrating and worrying.

When you’re facing a boiler breakdown, the question arises, “Should I call a plumber or a heating engineer?”, which leads to “are plumbers and heating engineers the same thing?” When the pressure is on to stop a boiler leak or restore heating to your house, knowing who to call can make all the difference.

On the surface, the role of a plumber and a heating engineer can appear quite similar but there are key differences.

 

Can A Plumber Repair My Boiler?

A plumber can work on your heating system and bathrooms with tasks including changing radiators, fitting thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), and fitting towel rails. They can complete repairs to pipework, taps, toilets, showers, gutters, water tanks, radiators, and the list continues.

While plumbers may be highly experienced in the full range of plumbing services, they are not necessarily qualified to work on a gas boiler. Dealing with leaky pipes, dripping taps, and dishwasher installation doesn’t translate into safe or effective boiler work.

Some plumbers can be Gas Safe registered, but this isn’t an element of their plumbing qualifications. If you find a plumber also offering gas central heating services, check the Gas Safe Register to make sure that they’re legally permitted to work with gas.

Call A Plumber If:

  • You need blockages removed from water pipes.
  • You’ve got water leaks that need to be inspected and repaired.
  • Your toilet isn’t flushing correctly or it’s overflowing.
  • You’re having issues with drainage throughout the house.
  • You need assistance installing or maintaining water-based appliances, like washing machines.
  • You’d like a new bathroom fitted or serviced.

 Can A Heating Engineer Repair My Boiler?

A heating engineer will work solely on heating in domestic and commercial properties rather than working across various disciplines, making them specialists in heating. For this reason, you may prefer to contact a heating engineer rather than a plumber, as they may be more familiar with your issue.

Heating engineers are experts on fixing boilers and can complete tasks including installing new boilers, repairing boilers, running new gas pipes, fixing gas leaks, changing radiators, fixing leaks, and installing heating controls.

Again, you should still ensure that your heating engineer is Gas Safe registered before allowing them to work on your boiler.

Call A Heating Engineer If:

  • Your radiators are providing no heat.
  • Your heating system is making unusual noises.
  • Your central heating isn’t reaching the correct temperature.
  • You suspect there are issues with your thermostats, vents, or hot water cylinders.
  • You’re having an emergency with your heating system and it isn’t working at all.
  • You’d like a check-up or a service for your central heating system.

 

Are Plumbers Gas Safe Registered?

Plumbers can register as Gas Safe engineers. After all, heating and plumbing jobs are incredibly varied and require different skill sets. Of course, some tradespeople will do everything, but most tend to specialise.

An experienced heating engineer skilled in repairing boilers may not get involved in heating system work. At the same time, a plumber that specialises in bathrooms may carry out radiator swaps while avoiding boiler repair.

A boiler repair involves working with gas, so only Gas Safe registered engineers can legally work on a gas boiler. The most significant difference between a plumber and a heating engineer – traditional plumbers don’t need to have any Gas Safe qualifications.

The gas industry is highly regulated to ensure that relevant services are provided to the highest safety standards. Whoever you choose to contact, you must make sure that only Gas Safe engineers are dealing with your boiler repair.

Kiasu Workforce use only Gas Safe Registered engineers to carry out our boiler maintenance, servicing and repairs. So get in touch with our team today to benefit from our central heating and boiler services.

Explained: The Different Types Of Boilers

Posted on by rob.fullsend

Whether your current boiler needs replacing or considering changing the type of boiler you currently have, it can be hard to know which ones are best for which properties. This is why we have decided to put together your ultimate guide to boilers, so you have all of the information you need to know about heating systems. If you require help fitting or servicing a boiler for a London-based property, then Kiasu can help. Our workforce comprises a team of gas-safe engineers who can carry out any task, from boiler inspections to full system upgrades.

There are three main kinds of heating systems available in today’s market. These are heat-only, combi, and system, each of which has its advantages depending on the usage. Let’s break each one down:

 

Heat-only:

Heat-only boilers are the oldest heating model still available today; they may also be called “conventional” boilers. These systems only provide heating directly to the radiators in your property. Hot water is supplied separately from a cylinder typically located in an airing cupboard using what is referred to as an open-vented heating system. If your home or property has older radiators, you will likely have a heat-only system. Modern boilers can produce too much pressure to feed through these older appliances and cause problems.

There is also a branch of heat-only boiler called a back boiler placed within the chimney breast behind a fireplace. If this is your current method of heating, then you will be unable to have it replaced when it no longer works. Instead, you will have to choose an alternative combi boiler model.

 

Combi:

Combination boilers operate from a single unit by doing what their name suggests, combining all the functions of a heating system into one. This removes the need for any hot water tanks in the home, so they take up less of your space. The heating and hot water are provided through an integral heat exchanger supplied by the cold water mains, which is the answer for an immediate hot water supply. This particular type of boiler will is popular in smaller, new-build homes, as it saves space and works out to be cost-effective in the long run.

 

System:

If you are a large household or residential property, then a system boiler is the best option for you. They include all of the innovative functions of a combination boiler with an extra steel hot water cylinder feature. All critical components are still inside the boiler. Still, they work in a similar style to a traditional heat-only system. They can work effectively with higher demand on the hot water supply, so this boiler is ideal for a household with multiple bathrooms. System boilers can provide a strong hot water flow to various outlets simultaneously, so great for when there is a demand for more than one shower in the morning!

 

Key Benefits:

Heat-Only

Beneficial in older properties with old radiators, and the boiler component is cheaper to replace.

Combi

More cost-effective to run and low maintenance costs because all the parts are covered under your boiler’s warranty.

System

Excellent option for properties with multiple bathrooms and covered under warranty.

 

Disadvantages:

Heat-Only

If you require a replacement to your system, only the boiler component is covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. This makes repair or replacement of other parts will come at an extra cost.

Combi

Reduces water flow rate when more than one outlet is using hot water simultaneously. They are also less effective on pipes 15mm or smaller due to their size.

System

Only maintain good water flow so long as your mains water pressure is high enough. They take up additional space with their water cylinder.

 

So, which heating system is right for you?

The existing features of your property will be able to determine that, and we can narrow it down into the key factors. If your home has an old radiator system, then you are better off opting for a heat-only system so as not to override them. If you are a household with multiple bathrooms or are looking to extend your property, then a system boiler will better suit you. It will give you better, heated water pressure. Gas prices are rising by the day, so if you are concerned about cost or are on a budget, then it is best to stick with what you’ve already got.

If you require a replacement boiler go for a newer version of the current model. For overall low-maintenance and upkeep costs, your ideal option is a combi boiler. This is because it provides all the features you need from a sound heating system, with minimal fees.

 

Whichever boiler you need in your home, it is crucial to ensure that it is installed and maintained by a licensed professional to be considered gas safe. Getting your boiler checked regularly prevents the risk of potential danger. It also helps your boiler to work as efficiently as possible. British Gas stated that the average household spends fifty-five percent of their annual energy bill on gas. Modern boilers can save you up to £200 a year to heat your property.

If you have any questions about installation or would like to inquire about our boiler servicing in your London-based property, then don’t hesitate to call us. We will be able to help you get the most energy-efficient, cost-effective results.

DIY: What You Need & When to Call A Professional

Posted on by rob.fullsend

Fairly often, when things go wrong in the home (or we just need something doing!), the first thing we consider doing is making an emergency call to someone. Sometimes, it can be a family member who you know is fairly handy, but other times it can be an emergency electrician or plumber, depending on what has gone wrong and how quickly you need it solving! We often panic that we can’t do anything ourselves or perhaps we don’t trust ourselves to try and right the wrong.

Despite this, there are definitely a few repairs and home maintenance things that can be done by yourself, provided you have the right tools and equipment to do so. By having some tools ready and waiting, you’ll know when a repair or task is needed, whether you can grab your kit and do it yourself, or if you need to call in a professional.

 

Drains

Drains have a habit of getting blocked from time to time. Whether you’ve put something down there that you shouldn’t have, or there’s been a blockage further along, it happens. Two pieces of equipment that can help you unclog a drain yourself are a plunger and a drain snake. Both together and seperately, these tools can assist in getting your drain unclogged and back in working order if the issue is small.

However, there may be occasions where the blocked drain causes damage and inconvenience like flooding, larger blockages on your street or foul odours. This may be the situation where you may have to call for a professional in blocked drains. They will be able to assess the situation and work to resolve the issue(s), leaving your drains clear and clean.

 

Boilers

Boilers are an aspect of your home/property where you have to be extremely cautious and careful. Issues with boilers and gas pipework can be severely harmful if not looked at by a professional. An issue that we commonly come across involves radiators that aren’t fully warm, affecting heating and costing money. This is something that can be solved at home if the problem isn’t a large one. All that you need is a radiator key to ‘bleed’ your radiators and that may resolve the issue. Some other hands-free solutions that you can perform at home include re-pressurising your boiler and manually resetting it.

There are certainly some instances where boilers need professionals to look at them. Whether you’re looking to replace or install a gas boiler, or you smell gas, ensure that you call a professional – the latter could be extremely dangerous.

 

Odd Jobs

There are plenty of odd repair and maintenance jobs that you can do around your home. Some may require special tools that you can easily grab from your local DIY store, whilst others may require your typical handyman equipment. Jobs include tiling walls, plastering, replacing lightbulbs or fitting new lights altogether, or simply painting and decorating your property.

The above can certainly be simple jobs you can work on yourself with no real danger (if done properly) but they can, however, be time-consuming and messy if not done properly and with care. Property maintenance isn’t something that everyone loves and wants to get involved in, but luckily there are services out there that can take the hassle from you.

 

Ensuring that your DIY box is filled up with appropriate tools could save you both time and money in the long run, allowing you to do some jobs that professionals aren’t required for. However, as always, ensure you know of and look out for the warning signs of certain issues that may require a professional to step in.

Here at Kiasu, we have teams of emergency electricians, gas & heating engineers and plumbers to assist should you need it.

Reducing Utility Bills: Top Tips

Posted on by rob.fullsend

Our utility bills account for a large portion of our expenditure. This isn’t all bad, however. In fact, it means that by putting some time into this one area we can cut our spending by notable sums. We are not saying that you will be able to buy your dream car just by switching to energy-saver lightbulbs but with a few changes you can cut down your utility bills and save a little bit extra – it all adds up.  

 

Boiler Maintenance

Your boiler is one of the biggest factors in the cost of your utilities. If you do not carry out the necessary boiler service and repairs, it will run inefficiently requiring more energy to do the same job. More energy equals more money. In other words, if you don’t stay on top of your boiler maintenance you are throwing away cash. Not to mention the costs of repairing your boiler if it breaks down. Read our guide to boiler maintenance for all the tips on keeping it running efficiently (and in turn cutting down your utility bill).

 

Insulation

When winter comes around, you will naturally see an increase in your use of heating. This increased use comes along with increased energy bills. However, you can mitigate some of this increased use by properly insulating your home. Insulation can help keep your home warmer reducing the need for central heating. Wall and ceiling insulation are important, but you can also insulate your pipes meaning your boiler won’t have to work as hard during the winter. All this insulation adds up and so to do the energy bill savings.

 

Efficient Use of Appliances

The easiest way to throw away money by needlessly increasing your utility bill is an inefficient use of appliances. Using a dishwasher for just a few dishes is a clear example of this. Similarly, small laundry loads waste both energy and water. Even the temperature of your refrigerator could be costing you money. If you are inefficiently using your refrigerator by having it set too cold you could be wasting energy and adding to your energy bill. Almost all appliances can be used more efficiently. Simply by being cognisant of this when using them you can cut back their energy use and reduce your utility bills. Limit the washing machine to full loads, air dry instead of using the tumble dryer where possible, and only use the dishwasher when it is full and you are well on your way to cutting down your utility bill.

 

Energy Efficient Appliances

Using your appliances efficiently is a great way to cut down the energy bill but it can seem like an uphill battle if your appliances themselves are inefficient. An appliance’s energy efficiency rating will give you a good idea of its energy consumption. The more efficient an appliance is the less energy it uses. The less energy it uses the lower your utility bill. It seems simple and it is. Merely by owning more energy-efficient appliances, you can start making savings on your utility bills.

 

Energy Grants

Many people don’t know it but when it comes to energy bills there is often free cash up for grabs. Government grants, for example, could give you money off your energy bills or help you pay for insulation or installing solar panels. Not everyone is eligible for all the available options, but you might find one that you can take advantage of. There are grants from the government and energy suppliers so there are plenty of options to explore. Check out this “Government energy grants for your home” guide from Which for more details.

 

Our utility bills can often become quite expensive but by following the tips in this guide you can reduce them and start making some savings.

Our Boiler Maintenance Tips To Prevent A Boiler Breakdown

Posted on by rob.fullsend

Most of us know that boiler maintenance is important but that doesn’t stop countless homes across the UK neglecting it. Failing to maintain the upkeep of your boiler can lead to expensive repairs, increase running costs and even produce potential health risks. Thankfully, there a variety of ways you can keep on top of your boiler maintenance and reduce the need for boiler repairs.

 

Use Pipe Lagging To Prevent Boiler Breakdowns

Your home houses a complex network of water pipes and one of the best ways to maintain them and your boiler is through insulation. Also known as lagging, insulating pipework offers a few benefits. The better insulation keeps pipes from freezing, preventing boiler breakdowns and burst pipes as well as the consequent flooding and repairs. You can carry out lagging yourself with foam pipes though you may require help for some of the harder to reach pipework.

 

Switch Your Boiler Off In The Summer

Once the weather warms up and your boiler is going to see less use you can turn it off. With a combi-boiler simply change the settings to water-only. However, you should turn it back on for 15 minutes once per month to avoid problems when winter rolls back around. Turning the boiler back on for a short time each month will help prevent the pumps from seizing up.

 

Get Your Boiler Serviced Yearly

Possibly the biggest key to maintaining your boiler is having it serviced annually. A boiler service should be carried out by a gas safety registered engineer. This will help you make sure everything is running smoothly and enable you to identify and fix any issues (before they turn into a bigger more expensive problem). This annual check will go far in making sure your boiler is performing optimally and running efficiently.

For more on why you should get an annual boiler check read “Why should you get your boiler serviced regularly?”

 

Pay Attention To Your Radiators

Radiators are an integral part of your heating system and as such, they play a big role in boiler maintenance. There are a couple of ways you can better maintain your boiler when it comes to radiators. Firstly, remove air from your central heating system by bleeding your radiators. Secondly, if you find that your radiators only heat up at the top it could mean that debris has gathered in the bottom of them. You can fix this by having them professionally cleaned with a power flush. A power flush will clear out debris from your radiators and pipes.

 

Don’t Make Repairs Yourself

It can be tempting, especially if you’re a handy or DIY-oriented person, to attempt to make fixes yourself. Do not do this. Boiler repairs and checks should always be carried out by a professional. Unless you are a gas safe registered engineer you should leave your boiler alone. If you suspect an issue call a professional, if there is a problem, they will confirm your suspicions and carry out the necessary repairs. By following the tips in this post you should see few if any, issues between your annual boiler service but if one does come up speak to a qualified engineer.

 

There are a few ways to maintain your boiler and avoid emergency boiler repairs. Some of them you can implement yourself such as switching your boiler to hot water only during the summer months. Others, however, require a professional. When you require boiler repairs or checks always make sure they are carried out by a gas safe registered engineer. At Kiasu Workforce our engineers are fully certified and gas safe register approved which is why you can count on us to deliver the highest standard of work on all boiler services and repairs.

Why should you get your boiler serviced regularly?

Posted on by rob.fullsend

People go all summer without touching the thermostat, but as the weather turns colder, and they turn to their heating system to provide warmth and comfort, they could find that it’s not working at all. 

In that case, the need to get an emergency plumber out will be a costly expense that could’ve been avoided.

Servicing your boiler regularly keeps it healthy

If boilers aren’t looked after properly, they can become faulty and, in the worst-case scenario, be fatal. It’s not uncommon to experience boiler problems from time to time but to minimise the possibility of a bigger issue, we recommend regular boiler servicing. 

Every boiler should at the very minimum have a service every year carried out by a Gas Safe engineer. They will fully assess the current condition of your boiler and make sure it’s running more safely and efficiently. 

Reduce boiler breakdowns

One of the obvious benefits of regular gas servicing is that you can avoid costly boiler breakdowns. The costs can quickly mount up when you find yourself calling out a specialist for a boiler-related emergency.

Instead, by keeping on top of your boiler maintenance and servicing, you can keep your boiler in great working order and identify issues before they get worse.

Save money in the long-term

Maintaining the condition of your boiler will save you money in the long-term. You may begrudge the cost of paying for regular servicing but these costs will be significantly less than the cost of repairing or replacing a boiler that hasn’t been serviced and breaks down.

Keep you and your family safe 

Regularly servicing your boiler will make sure it’s combusting fuel safely and efficiently, minimizing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is odourless, colourless and tasteless, meaning that most don’t even know they are being poisoned.

For the elderly, vulnerable, or those with young children, a lack of heating and hot water can have severe health and financial implications so ensuring you have a working boiler is a must. 

Boiler servicing needs to be done by a Gas Safe engineer

As property maintenance specialists, we recommend getting your boiler serviced at least once a year by a Gas Safe engineer. This regular boiler servicing will keep your boiler working effectively for longer, reduce the risk of boiler breakdowns, save you money in the long-term, and keep your family safe.

Speak to our team today for all your boiler servicing needs. Give us a call on 0208 988 1662 or email us with your enquiry.

How Do You Check If Someone Is Gas Safe?

Posted on by rob.fullsend

Engineers Working With Gas Must Be Registered

The Gas Safe Register is the UK’s official list of gas and plumbing businesses. By law, a gas engineer must be on the Gas Safe Register to work safely and legally on gas appliances. The same goes for businesses, whether they are carrying out domestic or commercial works.

 

Do Engineers And Businesses Need To Be Registered Separately?

A Gas Safe engineer can be registered underneath their own name, or listed against the registered business they’re representing. As long as their name or their business has secured the Gas Safe certification, they’re qualified to safely undertake gas work. If you’re planning to search for an engineer, be sure you check their name and their business name as the registration may be under either.

When it comes to gas, a small saving is not worth risking lives

 

How Do I Find Gas Safe Registered Businesses?

  1. Go to the Gas Safe Register’s “Check the Register” page
  2. Under “Find by Location”, enter your postcode
  3. Select whether you need a domestic or a commercial gas engineering business
  4. Optionally, you can choose the type of appliance which needs to be worked upon
  5. You will be shown a list of qualified businesses in your area
  6. Select from the options offered, safe in the knowledge that you are choosing a qualified, competent gas business

 

How Do I Check A Business On The Gas Safe Register?

  1. Go to the Gas Safe Register’s “Check the Register” page
  2. Enter the business’ Gas Safe Registration number or search by the business name
  3. The business you are checking should show up in the results page
  4. Click through to “View our Engineers” or expand “Company Services” for more information

Kiasu Workforce Gas Safe Register Screenshot

How Do I Check An Engineer’s Gas Safe Registration?

  1. Go to the Gas Safe Register’s “Check the Register” page
  2. Enter the Gas Safe Registration number which is on the engineer’s Gas Safe Register ID card
  3. Your engineer should be happy – in fact, they should be proud – to show you their credentials. If they don’t want to disclose this information, find another engineer who is willing to operate transparently
  4. Click through to view information for that engineer, including the types of system they are qualified to work on

 

Details On The Front Of A Gas Safe Card:

  • The engineer’s photo
  • The start and expiry dates
  • The licence number
  • The security hologram
  • The engineer is from the business you employed

 

Details On The Back Of A Gas Safe Card:

  • The engineer is qualified to carry out the gas job you’ve employed them to do
  • Their qualifications are up-to-date

If you don’t know the name of the business, or would like to search for an individual engineer by name, that’s fine. Just call the Gas Safe Register on 0800 408 5500 to check the details.

 

What’s Being Done About Illegal Gas Work?

No matter how cautious you are, scams still happen. Companies and engineers can fake their identities to appear on the register. If you’d like to raise concerns and report illegal gas work, the Gas Safe register website will investigate your claim.

All too often, engineers undertake gas work illegally, and customers are left to pay the price. However, the government is acutely aware of the dangers gas poses. As a result, there are additional clear indicators beyond checking the register that your engineer has received the Gas Safe certification. Below, we’ve listed some documents and certificates you should always receive after hiring a qualified engineer.

 

Gas safety certificates & record keeping

Building Regulations Compliance Certificate

You should receive a compliance certificate if a Gas Safe Registered engineer installs a heating gas appliance in your property. This informs the Local Authority of the new appliance. The certificate should be posted to you within 28 days of a new appliance being installed.

Gas Safety Record

The documentation an engineer leaves behind depends upon the purpose and type of work carried out. The only legally required documentation is a Landlord Gas Safety Record. This details exactly what checks the engineer has carried out and if the appliances checked meet the appropriate standards of safety.

Kiasu Workforce Landlord's Gas Safety Record

Gas Safe Register Summary

To finalise, checking the register couldn’t be quicker or easier. It’s the best way to guarantee your safety, and the quality of the work that will be completed. If you have any concerns, visit the Gas Safe Register website for advice and support.

Obviously, it would be best not to need any work undertaking (read our boiler maintenance tips!). However, should the time come, a quick search against your engineers is all it takes to secure peace of mind.

5 Boiler Maintenance Tips You Should Follow

Posted on by rob.fullsend

If you’re concerned about your boiler and future issues you may have to face, then you have come to the right place. Here at Kiasu Workforce, we want to help our customers with regular and efficient maintenance that keeps repair costs down and eliminates your worries.

But why is boiler maintenance important for your business, and why should you care?

 

Why is Boiler Maintenance Important?

Boilers are an integral part of every property, whether it’s a residential home or a commercial business, they’re crucial in the day-to-day running of a building. They create heating, power and electricity, depending on the type of boiler you decide to have installed. They keep our radiators warm and our water running hot exactly when needed.

From time to time, boilers can become costly. If you have ever had to call out a specialist for a boiler-related emergency, you will know why. This is where we recommend that you keep on top of your boiler maintenance to keep the pennies in your pocket and avoid any future accidents.

 

5 Boiler Maintenance Tips

If boilers aren’t looked after properly, they can become faulty and unfortunately, in the worst-case scenario, a faulty boiler can even be fatal. This is why keeping on top of regular maintenance can prevent costly fixes and emergency repairs that might have been avoidable.

To help you, we put together our top five boiler maintenance tips that we recommend that you follow to keep your boiler running efficiently and thus, your business running efficiently.

 

#1 Maintain Regular Boiler Servicing

Every boiler should, at the very minimum, have a service yearly, according to British Gas. This service should be carried out by a trained professional who can ensure that it’s working correctly.

A Gas Safe engineer will be able to fully assess your boiler’s current condition. From this, they can make any adjustments that can make it run more efficiently. They will also note any cause for concern and ensure that you receive the correct solutions.

Boiler servicing is one of the fundamental parts of boiler maintenance. As they see a lot more use in the colder months of the year, they need to be in the best condition possible.

 

#2 Prevent Pipes Freezing

Frozen pipes can be a big danger to boilers as they can block the system, allowing pressure to be built up within the boiler.

When the weather is cold, ensure that you have the heating on for at least a couple of hours a day just so the pipes are kept to a temperature that won’t allow for freezing to occur. Even in the warmer months when we don’t tend to use the heating as much, it’s a good idea to do this to ensure everything is running smoothly.

 

#3 Leak Awareness

A leaking boiler is more common than you would think, so it’s important to be regularly checked for any signs of leakage as they will be cheaper to fix the earlier they are spotted.

Leaks are dangerous as they can cause rust in the system and also electrical faults, so they must be dealt with as soon as they are spotted.Check the cupboard where your boiler lives every so often to ensure there are no signs of a leak.

 

#4 Check Ventilation Regularly

Like anything else, your boiler needs room to breathe so it can work properly.

Ensure that your boiler is free of any clutter that may surround it, as it needs the space to do its job well. If it is in a cupboard that is also used for storage, ensure that other items are well out of the way so that they do not cause any ventilation issues that could lead to further boiler damage.

 

#5 Bleed Your Radiators

Although not directly boiler-related, your radiators not heating up is a sign of possible boiler damage. To ensure you don’t jump the gun in this situation, it is best to bleed your radiators every once in a while.

Bleeding your radiators gets rid of any condensed air that can sometimes get trapped and will often result in the pressure gage in your boiler reducing. You can read more details about boiler pressure in your boiler manual.

Find out how to bleed your radiators in our handy guide.

 

Is It a Legal Requirement to Service your Boiler?

For homeowners, regular annual services of your boiler are not legally required. However, they are usually a requirement put in place by your insurance provider. Failing to maintain regular maintenance checks and services could mean your insurance policy is invalidated.

For landlords, regular boiler services are a legal requirement. 

 

Further Boiler Help & Advice

Ensure you are up to date with annual boiler services with the help of our expert and experienced team at Kiasu Workforce. Our certified Gas Safe engineers can help you with expert advice and guidance following your annual boiler service, including offering information on any relevant or needed next steps.

Find out more about the boiler services we can offer in London today, and contact our teamfor further help and advice.

Alternatively, why not discover how we can assist you with boiler installation, repair and replacement work?

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Maintain My Boiler?

Regular maintenance tasks involve monitoring pressure levels, inspecting for leaks or signs of damage, bleeding radiators, cleaning, replacing filters and annual servicing by a qualified heating engineer.

These simple yet effective tasks help to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your boiler. If you do not fancy carrying out these tasks, hiring a M&E contractor is recommended as they will upkeep and improve system performance, extending its lifespan and lowering the risk of breakdowns.

Why Boiler Maintenance is Important?

Boiler maintenance is crucial for prolonging the lifespan of the boiler; it helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and maintains safety by identifying and addressing potential hazards. Poorly maintained boilers can have serious consequences such as gas leaks or carbon monoxide emissions making your boiler dangerous and inciting emergencies. It is recommended that you hire a M&E contractor to inspect, identify and solve any issues that your boiler may have regularly.

How Often Should Boiler Maintenance Be Done?

Ideally boiler maintenance should be conducted annually by a qualified engineer. They should thoroughly inspect, clean and service the system. The planned maintenance programme should involve regular checks and tasks throughout the year to monitor performance and address any minor issues. This strategy will maximise the efficiency and reliability of your boiler.

The rise of smart heating & home automation

Posted on by rob.fullsend

Smart heating & home automation: 2000-2019

10 years ago, smart heating & home automation might have sounded like concepts from Back to the Future. But with more internet-connected devices than ever before, they are now realities which look set to stay.

Now, this might lead you to ask “where’s my jetpack?”. But IoT-connected smart devices could save you just as much time and effort in the long run. Albeit without quite as much fun.

Smart appliances, the IoT and connected living

Kiasu - Smart heating & home automation - Nest UpdateThe Internet of Things, or IoT, essentially refers to the collection of devices which are connected to the internet, functioning without user input in most scenarios. This connectivity allows devices to communicate with sensors, other devices and systems outside of the device.

Now you can control multiple factors of your building using smart services. Nest paved the way for smart heating controls with its smart thermostat, introduced in 2011. Smart thermostats attempt to save energy by sychronising the timing of heating and cooling with patterns of household occupancy.

Their precursors, programmable thermostats, typically resulted in higher energy use than simple ones. This was largely down to user error and the difficulty of programming. A smart thermostat aims to obviate the need for human interaction, simplifying the task of saving energy whilst maintaining an equitable temperature.

Since then, a plethora of devices have become available, covering every conceivable application.

Various products can integrate with your lighting & garage door, sense smoke & carbon monoxide or toggle your devices to create the impression that somebody is home. And of course, all these devices will eventually integrate together.

Advantages of home automation

Home automation enables users to save time and effort. It could also lead to savings by preventing mishaps. Such as the one I experienced at the age of 19 when, after living with some friends for a year, we realised we’d had the boiler set to “continuous” the whole time. No – the bill was not a pretty sight.

We ended up paying considerably more than the cost of a smart thermostat, which made us wish we’d had the foresight to buy one. Then again, having just turned 18, our money was spent on goods in liquid form only. A smart thermostat would have been unlikely to make the cut.

Smart appliances will enable users to complete their housework remotely, prepare the house for guests, maintain cleanliness and much more. The concept essentially allows any application that can be dreamt up. It enables devices – rather than users – to utilise all the technology at our disposal.

Iot: Risks & Threats

Kiasu - Smart heating & home automation - code

The IoT is not simply a case of turning your devices on and then riding off into the sunset, however. Security risks, which pose the biggest threat to smart appliance development, are inherent in some devices and difficult to conclusively prevent.

Besides the router, each IoT-enabled connected appliance is also at risk from hackers looking for firmware vulnerabilities to exploit. The more devices, the more points of vulnerability.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning look set to drive a wave of secure advancements within the sector. AI will constantly probe, detect and learn from security logs, reacting to cyber threats faster than humans. Machine Learning could enable self-diagnosing smart appliances, which issue update notifications and security fixes when a firmware issue is detected.

The future of smart heating & home automation

Kiasu - Smart heating & home automation - Cyber Security

With our modern taste for convenience, it seems inevitable that smart appliances and home automation will play an increasing part in our lives in the years to come. It is imperative that the security risks inherent are tackled, rather than simply talked down.

However, provided robust threat prevention methods can be implemented, the concepts look like being the first of a new technological paradigm.

Article by Barney Scott, Kiasu Group

© 2019 Barney Scott, Kiasu Group