One of the toughest decisions you will have to make is what type of fuel to select for your boiler. There are several options to choose from. Therefore, you need to decide which is best for you. The following is information about the pros and cons of an electric boiler. It may help you to decide if you should go with this design.

What is an electric boiler?

Firstly a little background. Certain boilers can use electricity to heat water and power the central heating systems. The electric comes from the mains to provide convenient, consistent supplies.

How do they work?

Generally, the boiler will have a large water tank attached to it. In the bottom, there will be a series of heating elements. When electricity passes through them they reach very high temperatures and the water is heated up. A pump will send this hot water to radiators and taps when it reaches the right temperature.

What are the pros?

There are several benefits to choosing this kind of boiler over other types of fuel. It is worth considering all of them.

Efficiency

The thing to remember with electric boilers is they don’t produce waste gas. That means there is no lost heat at all, resulting in better efficiency. Many models are 99% efficient, outperforming appliances powered by gas and biofuel.

Better for the environment

An added benefit of the lack of waste gas is the boilers are better for the environment. They don’t release any of this pollution at all.

Modern gas appliances now feature condensing technology to reuse the gas rather than waste it. Unfortunately, this produces a hazardous sludge that needs to be disposed of. Again, electric appliances don’t produce this.

Space-saving

Electric boilers don’t need a flue because there is no waste gas to expel. As a result, they can be placed in far more locations within a property. No fuel tank is needed either. As such, the units are generally smaller.

A good alternative

Not all properties have a gas connection. In these cases, electric boilers can be a great choice still allowing you to get the heat and hot water you want.

Cheaper installation

It is easier to hook up an electric boiler to the mains than it is to install a new gas line. Generally, all it takes is a little additional wiring. As a result, boiler installation is usually cheaper.

Safer

There are no concerns about gas leaks with electric boilers because they don’t use the fuel at all. Besides they don’t create carbon monoxide. This means your safety is more assured.

Easier maintenance

The only real maintenance you need to do on this kind of boiler is clean out the tank periodically. You need to do this to get rid of any debris brought in with the water. There is no burning so no residue to clean or concerns about pilot lights. This should also result in fewer boiler repairs.

What are the potential cons?

Although there are several benefits to consider, there are a few downsides. Again you should carefully weigh them up, particularly against the pros.

Electricity is more expensive

Everybody knows that gas is cheaper than electricity. As a result, the boilers running costs will be a little higher. Even a unit that is more efficient than its gas counterpart will come with slightly higher bills. You can find out more about the costs of installing electric boilers here.

Less heat

The major thing to keep in mind with electric boilers is they can’t generate as much heat as gas appliances. They are great for smaller homes but may struggle to effectively heat a larger property. It is wise to consider your heating needs and make sure the boiler you select can meet them.

Power cuts

Another issue is that a power cut will send your heating and hot water off too. If you live in an area where the loss of electricity is common, you will likely be better served with a gas boiler.

Weigh up all of the pros and cons of an electric boiler

As you can see, there are several things to consider. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of an electric boiler carefully before making your final decision. Think about short term upfront costs as well as ongoing maintenance and energy bills. Also, keep in mind the size of the property and how much you will need. Should you like to learn about the installation costs, you can click here for our helpful guide.

Call on Warm

If you need any additional help, warm.co.uk can put you in touch with an engineer. We compare hundreds of workers to bring you the best priced deals in your area.

Simply contact our team at 0800 311 8990. You can also make the most of our online quote form to make it as easy as possible to get help for your needs.

Even with a reasonably mild start to autumn, it feels as though colder weather is finally closing in. That means the heating is being switched on across the country – and that in turn leads to concerns over heating costs.  This article will go over the best ways to save on heating costs.

But there are ways to save on heating costs without noticing too much of a difference. Try reducing your thermostat by just one degree, for example. It makes little difference to the way you’ll feel, but your heating bill could drop by about £40 a year or more.

Layer up

Before you turn up the heating to start with, pop a jumper on. Why pay more for heating while walking around indoors in a t-shirt when you can wear more layers? The same applies when you go to bed at night. Get a warmer duvet, or add another blanket to your bed. Investing in a four seasons duvet is a great idea – just attach the summer one to the autumn one and you’ve got one thick enough to keep you warm during winter.

Look for better energy deals

Of course, it also pays to check the deal you’re on with your energy provider. Many of us are guilty of inertia – staying with the same provider for long periods without checking to see whether we could pay less by switching. Moving to a new provider opens the way to claim great deals – and switching is a lot easier than you might think.

Invest in better appliances that are more energy-efficient

An older appliance will generally use far more energy than a new model. An old washing machine might cost £100 a year to run, whereas a new model could cost as little as £20.

There are big savings to be had by upgrading your boiler, too. These are rated between A and G. If your boiler is rated towards the lower end of the scale, it won’t be anywhere near as efficient as a newer model.  An A-rated boiler will convert more of the energy it produces into useable energy for you.  This means it will be easier and cheaper to heat your home through the winter.

Energy bills are always a hot topic, but you can see there are ways to reduce your heating bills. A brand-new boiler could produce significant savings, as will the other steps we have mentioned above. What will you do to pay less for your heating this winter?

A new A-rated boiler could save you up to £320* on your annual energy bills. Ready for a Quote to see how much a new boiler will cost?

Think about boilers and the first thing that will probably come to mind is a gas-fired boiler, not an oil-fired boiler. Gas-fired boilers are the most popular type of boiler used in properties throughout the UK. Yet not every household will have one. The main reason for this simply, is that not every home in the UK is connected to the gas supply.  This is more likely to be the case if you live somewhere remote in the countryside. Gas lines won’t stretch out that far, and that means you need another method for heating your home.

One of the obvious solutions in this instance would be to invest in an oil-fired boiler. As the name suggests, it uses oil to heat your home and your water supply instead of gas. It isn’t usually as cheap to use an oil-fired boiler as it would be to use a gas boiler, but if you don’t have that option, it is usually the best alternative.

Finding room for an oil tank

If you ever take a drive in the remote countryside, you might notice most properties have a tank outside. This might be visible from the road, or hidden behind a hedge. This will almost certainly be the oil storage tank. The tank is filled when required and the oil boiler takes the oil from the tank to heat the property and provide the hot water.

If you buy a property that isn’t connected to the gas supply, chances are it will already have an oil boiler and tank. However, if the property has an electric boiler instead, you may wish to consider investing in an oil tank and boiler as a cheaper alternative.

Make sure you don’t run low on oil

This is the most important element to remember when you use an oil boiler – especially in the winter months. With gas boilers, you use whatever gas you need and pay for it as you go along.

In theory, the same is true with oil, but here you need to have it delivered into your tank. You will also need to pay for it at that point. The chance to pay as you go won’t be available in this case. This means keeping an eye on the oil level, so you can order more in plenty of time.

Once you get used to an oil boiler, you should find it serves your needs well in the countryside – even if it does work differently to gas boilers you’d had in the past.

A new A-rated boiler could save you up to £320* on your annual energy bills. Ready for a Quote to see how much a new boiler will cost?

Do you know how to maintain your conservatory heating without spending a small fortune on it each winter?

Some people are better prepared to heat a new conservatory than others. Underfloor heating usually proves a good method to use, but it does mean installing it during the conservatory installation. If you’ve inherited a conservatory by moving somewhere new, or you had one installed recently and it’s not working out as you’d hoped, don’t panic. There are things you can do to make it possible to use your conservatory throughout the year – even long into winter.

Preventing heat from escaping

This is a major challenge that is helped by ensuring roof vents are securely closed when the summer ends. The same goes for windows. Double glazing does help, but since most conservatories are more glass than anything else, they will still require more heat to keep them warm than the average interior room.  Ensuring that windows are closed when rolling into the winter is essential for maintaining your conservatory heating.

Ready To Get Up To 3 Quotes To See How Much Money You Could Save?

Trapping heat inside your conservatory is also made easier if you install window blinds. It’s worth spending a bit more on blinds that are designed to reduce heat loss too.

While your conservatory may look lovely when you leave the doors between it and the rest of the house open, you’ll also lose heat this way. Keep the rest of your home warm by keeping those doors closed during the colder months.

Add a radiator (an electric one, at least)

Radiators come in many shapes and sizes. Just because walls are scarce in a conservatory, don’t assume you can’t find a radiator to suit. Look for long and thin to go beneath windows, or tall and slim to fit on a small wall.

However, you may need to consider a radiator that works independently of your central heating system. Building regulations will usually require you to find a radiator or heating system that does not extend from the main one. Check the latest building regulations and information to make sure you do not fall foul of it.

Be smart about heating

Many people only use their conservatories at certain times of the year. In hot weather, they can be too hot to sit in, and when it’s cold, well… you get the idea. An electric heater is the best idea as it can provide quick and easy heat when you need it. Many are quite cheap to run, but do look at the figures for each heater so you can see which one presents the best value for money.

Having reliable cover is the best way to avoid a boiler breakdown. But what simple measures can we follow ourselves to ensure boilers stays in tip top working condition all year round?

Here’s just a few hints and tips for you to follow to reduce the risk of your boiler breaking down, with them you can keep your appliance working perfectly day in, day out.

The most important thing to remember is to arrange for an annual gas boiler service by signing up to an annual plan with us – call NOW.

One of our Gas Safe registered engineers will visit your home once a year to carry out an inspection of your boiler and central heating system. This will make sure everything is in perfect working condition.

An annual gas boiler service should hopefully reduce the chances of a problem occurring.

Our engineer might have to carry out small repairs to your boiler, or may even recommend a powerflush of your system – they are experts in boiler and heating installations, repairs and maintenance, so will ensure your machine and central heating system is working perfectly.

Pipe Insulation

Another way you can avoid a boiler breakdown is by using pipe insulation.  Pipe insulation is easily available at most DIY stores.

Pipe insulation can stop your pipes from freezing up when the weather turns cold. Condensate pipes on a gas boiler are at risk of freezing in the winter and if they do, it could lead to a break down.

This is such a simple, cost effective way of protecting your boilers. It will also help improve the efficiency of your central heating system.

Knowing your boiler

It’s also important that you know and understand how your appliance works. If a problem does occur you will recognise the signs. Water pressure on a gas boiler should normally be at one bar, never going higher than two bars. You can refer to the manual for advice regarding simple issues, so make sure to keep it handy.

You need to make sure you know how to deal with the pilot light turning yellow, or if it blows out altogether. The best advice if this occurs, is to switch the machine off and call the experts.

Central Heating System

Lastly, ensure your central heating system is working correctly. Check that the radiators are heating up and if you think there could be an issue you with one or two not warming up properly, bleed all the radiators to remove any trapped air from inside the system.

A good idea for the summer months is to ensure your central heating system doesn’t become clogged up with sludge. Turn on your heating every month for around 15-20 minutes just to make sure the water keeps flowing.

More Information on how to avoid a boiler breakdown

For more information regarding boiler installations, repairs and maintenance services simply fill in our free Quote Form for a quick reply from one of our expert Gas Safe Registered engineers.

Drying clothes on radiators can bump up your energy bills and make your boiler work harder

Here are the best boiler tips from experts that will help you save some money. Read on and see how much you could benefit.

The first of our boiler tips is to be more careful how you dry your clothes at home, especially later in the year. We’re probably all guilty of doing it at some point during the winter – drying clothes on the radiators in our home.

With the weather outside too cold to hang the washing out and clothes on maidens not drying quickly enough, it’s very tempting to just pop them on the radiators.

However, by placing wet clothes straight onto the radiator to dry, you could be bumping up your energy bills. You are also guilty of making your boiler work much harder than it already has to.

The reason for this is the clothes on a radiator prevent the heat from being released.  As a result the boiler has to use more energy to try and warm the room up. It is a bad situation and will cost you much more to dry your clothing in the long run.

By adding extra moisture to the air, more energy is needed to heat those rooms. In addition, condensation could become an issue at some point in the near future. This can lead to problems with mould and damp.

Use a drying rack

The best way of drying clothes indoors is by placing them on a drying rack.  Preferably in a ventilated room – they will dry even if the heating is switched off. The best places are warm rooms like the kitchen or conservatory.

Drying clothes this way is much more energy efficient and puts less strain on your boiler. The rooms will be able to heat up first, which will then in turn help to dry the clothes, rather than the other way round where the radiators are having to heat up the clothes first before heating up the rooms. This is extremely inefficient and wastes lots of energy.

A tumble dryer is another option when the weather turns cold, so are heated drying racks. If your home is on the smaller side, ceiling mounted drying racks are a great solution. If you have any more money saving boiler tips please send them in to be added to this page.

Are You Ready To Get Up To 3 Quotes To See How Much Money You Could Save?

A simple guide from Warm.co.uk on what to do and how to cope if you have a boiler breakdown.

When your boiler breaks down it more often than not decides to do so right in the middle of winter. This can leave everyone in the property freezing cold and without hot water.

If you have boiler breakdown cover, you simply ring the engineer and they’ll be at your home within the next few hours.  For those of you without boiler breakdown cover and struggling to find the money to pay for an engineer to come and fix the problem, you could be spending days living in unhappy and unpleasant conditions; freezing cold rooms, no hot water for baths or showers and having to boil the kettle just to wash the dishes.

How to cope with a boiler breakdown:

A boiler breakdown in winter is much more serious, especially for the elderly or those suffering from health problems. A cold, damp house could possibly be life-threatening.

Your only option might be to grin and bare it but if there’s a chance you can stay with family or friends until the boiler is fixed, this would be the best solution.

However, if you do have to grin and bare it, then borrow or buy alternative heating sources, such as space heaters or electric radiators and heat up the main rooms only in your home, such as the living room and warm up the bedrooms for a short while before going to bed.

If you have an open fire or gas fire, you’ll be able to keep the living room warm and simply use the alternative heating devices to warm up other rooms as required.

Never use non-electric heating devices inside your property to keep warm. This can include devices such as outdoor gas burners or camping stoves – they emit carbon monoxide and could be dangerous in an enclosed environment.

To provide extra insulation, use towels or draught exluders on the doors, mask any cold spots around windows and keep the curtains pulled to stop the heat from escaping.

Staying wrapped up is essential – keep coats, hats, gloves and scarves on and put your thermals on. Wrap yourself up in your duvet and use hot water bottles and electric blankets to warm the beds up. Drink plenty of hot drinks and eat hot food to keep warm.

You can still bathe too! It might be time consuming but boiling the kettle a dozen times to fill the bath is an option.

Leave it to the professionals

The most important thing not to do is mess with the boiler yourself. Not many people know this, but it’s illegal in the UK for anyone to use gas appliances if they think it could be unsafe.  So call the experts.

Our boiler engineers are Gas Safe Registered and can deal with any type of boiler breakdown.

Call NOW on 0800 311 8990 to speak to an expert and find out more about our boiler service and maintenance plans.  They give you peace of mind if the worst does happen.

Our Gas Safe registered engineers will have you back up and running in no time!

The boiler installation process from start to finish

Now that you’ve contacted us about having a new appliance fitted, you need to know how the process works. This will ensure you know what to expect. So, here is our guide to boiler installation.

We assure you that the right product for your specific needs will be installed in your home.

This is performed by fully qualified Gas Safe registered engineers and at the best price you can find.

The survey

Firstly, a fully qualified Gas Safe registered engineer will carry out a free survey of your home. You will then be advised on the best boiler system for your hot water and heating requirements. This will be based on the type of property you have, number of rooms, insulation, windows and so on. A free no-obligation quote will be provided with a run down of the work involved and the cost.

The Schedule

Once you are happy with the suggestions our engineer has made and the quote is acceptable, we will schedule a time and date for the work to begin.

The Installation

Our Gas Safe registered engineer will start installation work on the date specified and on time. The time it takes depends on the system you have chosen and the work it entails but generally, a new combi boiler installation normally takes around a day. The engineer should carry out a system power flush to clear all the debris.

Upon completion, the installer will check the system to make sure it’s working perfectly and show you how it all works and how to operate your new appliance.

Boiler Registration & Aftercare

Finally, you must register your new boiler within 30 days of installation – this is a warranty requirement. Many brands insist that the Gas Safe registered installer registers the new appliance on your behalf.

In addition, to keep the new boiler working in tip top condition, you should make arrangements for it to be checked annually, along with other gas appliances around your home.

For more advice on this guide to boiler installation, the systems themselves, or maintenance, please call 0800 311 8990. Or fill in the free Boiler Quotes form and we’ll have up to 3 Gas Safe registered engineers contact you back.