Money is there to replace the broken boiler but permission is needed first from the Canterbury diocese

When Father Colin Johnson turned up to preach at his parish church he took along his hot water bottle to keep himself warm. Why? Because the church had suffered a boiler breakdown at the end of last year.

During one of the coldest days so far this winter, the congregation had to endure sitting through service shivering. They did so as the church wardens tried to sort out a replacement for the broken boiler.

The boiler packed in before Christmas at the All Saints Church, in Eastchurch, on the Isle of Sheppy. This leaft the 15th century listed building and all the parishioners freezing cold.

The wardens did manage to get a quote for a replacement boiler of £5,1000. The work is on hold though because the Canterbury diocese insist on having an architectural survey done before they agree to the new installation.

Architectural engineers would like to drill a 2″ vent hole through the stone wall of the kitchen area.

Reacting to the cold

During a recent Sunday mass, Father Johnson from Kent, who’s 70, stayed snuggled up to his hot water bottle. The congregation sat with blankets wrapped round them and wore woolly hats and gloves.

Because of the cold temperatures, Father Johnson reduced the length of his sermon. This ensured that he didn’t have to keep his worshippers in the chilly church for too long.

Father Gerry Arbor, who shares the services at the church, warned Fr Johnson about how cold it was inside. That is why he came prepared with a hot water bottle.

Father Johnson believes that the church authorities were worried that there might be holes drilled here and there. For this reason, the boiler work is on hold at the moment.

At a recent christening service at the church, the staff had to fill the font up with warm water.

“It is desperately annoying. But all we can do now is pray,” said church warden, Yvonne Dyer.

Call 0800 311 8990 today to speak to one of local engineers regarding boiler installation, cover, repairs, servicing or central heating installation.

No job is too big or too small for our local boiler installers, especially not a breakdown. Fill in our simple Boiler Quotes. for a free no-obligation quote within the hour.

How to avoid boiler breakdowns in February

Landlords and householders beware!… February has been revealed as the worst month for boiler breakdowns in the UK. According to new figures, the second month of the year is the peak time for faulty boilers. Figures suggest an increase of over 160% in the month compared to the monthly average.

As it’s one of the coldest months of the year, suffering a faulty boiler in February is an unpleasant situation. It can leave you and your family uncomfortably cold and without hot water.

We want our customers to stay warm and safe this month. Therefore, we have compiled a short list of advice which could help you:

• Bleed Your Radiators – if your radiators aren’t heating up properly, with the top areas remaining cold, they may need bleeding with a radiator key. These cost just a few pounds and can be purchased at any decent DIY store. Releasing a build-up of air from your radiators can fix the issue cheaply and quickly.
• Book a Service – booking a boiler and heating service with a qualified Gas Safe or OFTEC registered engineer is a sensible option. It can help to prevent a sudden breakdown. During the service, the engineer will test the system and clean some vital components; if the engineer has any concerns regarding your machine, he will alert you to these and you can go ahead with any repair work.
• Low Heating – during the cold winter spells, we recommend keeping your heating on low at all times. This is not only is this more energy efficient than short, high bursts. It can also prevent your boiler’s external condensate pipe from freezing up.

Contact a professional engineer for more advice

If you would like help or advice from a local, accredited boiler and central heating technician, please contact us for free on 0800 311 8990. Alternatively, complete our quick and easy quote form to receive a no-obligation quote from a local expert within hours (Mon-Fri, 9am – 5pm).

The Government funded boiler grant is available to anyone looking to replace an oil, rusty appliance. With it you can upgrade to a new, efficient model. Consequently, they will enjoy lower energy consumption and bills.

What is a boiler grant?

The government’s ECO (Energy Company Obligation) 2017 scheme states that certain individuals are entitled to a free or heavily subsidised boiler replacement. The European Union has set many targets for its member nations to reduce the carbon footprint of domestic properties. As a result, the Government wants to encourage the replacement of old, gas-guzzling boilers.

The six big energy providers in the UK are obliged to fund the replacement of outdated boilers for anyone who meets the criteria. As part of the Government’s Affordable Warmth Obligation, certain householders can also receive funding for insulation improvements.

The property’s current energy efficiency will determine the amount of funding an eligible person receives. Therefore, a registered professional must assess the energy efficiency. The grant can cover the cost of the new boiler installation in some cases. Due to higher costs, some people may need to contribute their own money.

Who is eligible for a boiler grant?

Homeowners can apply for the grant. Tenants may also benefit but must have the landlord’s permission to perform the replacement work.

Additionally, you must be currently receiving one of the following benefits (as taken from www.gov.uk):

• Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit (with an income of £16,010 or less)
• Working Tax Credit (with an income of £16,010 or less)
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Universal Credit (having earned £1,250 or less after tax in any assessment period in the last 12 months)

If you would like free boiler and heating advice, including boiler replacement advice, please call us on 0800 311 8990 or complete our no-obligation quote form for a speedy reply from a local engineer.

Despite the efforts made by campaigners, new data shows a rise in cases of carbon monoxide poisoning in the UK. The issue is very serious. The dangers and how to protect against them need to be clarified. An alarm and regular gas appliance servicing are vital.

The young and elderly are most at risk

Requests from the Freedom of Information (FOI), found there’s been a 10% rise of reported incidents concerning suspected CO poisoning at NHS Trusts throughout the UK. They mostly affect the elderly and youngsters.

Shockingly, the cases involving CO poisoning in youngsters had risen by 20%. At the same time, cases concerning people over the age of 60 had jumped by 17%.

Project SHOUT acquired the data and looked into the recorded cases of CO poisoning from July 2014 to June 2016. Project SHOUT is a national campaign to help raise awareness of the dangers of CO. Their goal is to get people talking about carbon monoxide.

From 2015 to 2016, the number of recorded CO poisoning incidents in the UK climbed to 2,430, compared to 2,220 the year before – meaning on average, six people each day visited A&E with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning.

However, these figures could potentially be much higher. After-all, there’s a total lack of understanding concerning the symptoms of CO poisoning. Misdiagnosis can happen because of similarities to flu symptoms.

A major cause for concern

Rob Lyon, campaign director for Project SHOUT said: “These numbers are very concerning, particularly the rise in cases among the most vulnerable, namely children and the elderly.”

Youngsters and the elderly are especially at risk because their bodies are more susceptible to the effects of CO. In addition, many elderly people tend not to make sure that their gas appliances, such as boilers, fires and cookers get a regular service.

Around 50 people every year in the UK die as a result of CO poisoning. This is something people can prevent by making sure gas appliances get a regular inspection. Leaks can also be detected by installing a CO alarm in the property.

Most importantly, people should ensure they understand everything there is to know about CO and the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

To find out more about boiler and heating gas safety checks, or for any other help and advice regarding boiler installation, repairs and servicing, please browse our website.

Our local boiler engineers are all Gas Safe Registered for your peace of mind. Call us NOW on 0800 311 8990, or simply fill in the form for a free no-obligation quote.

Vaillant UK sets up a heated beanbag in Piccadilly Gardens

Leading boiler manufacturer Vaillant UK took to the streets of Manchester to promote Warmth Week, which took place between 16 and 22 January. The event was well timed as the British public struggled through Blue Monday.

Boiler brand Vaillant UK set up a giant, heated beanbag in Piccadilly Gardens in the city of Manchester. Locals and visitors were invited to make themselves comfortable. The cosy beanbag is so big it has even been awarded a Guinness World Record.

The beanbag was in the gardens from Monday to Friday during Warmth Week. At the same time Vaillant aired two films daily whilst offering complimentary snacks and beverages. People were invited to take a seat in the heated and enjoy such classics as Toy Story, Mamma Mia, The Martian, and Frozen.

Vaillant said the aim was to “help homeowners reconnect with the joy of their homes” and to bring a little cheer to people during the most miserable week of the year.

Warmth Pods

The boiler manufacturer also toured the country with its so-called ‘Warmth Pods’ during the week. The pods were set up at train stations across the country. They gave commuters the opportunity to enjoy a comfortable and warm atmosphere whilst waiting for their trains.

Vaillant took the heated pods first to Edinburgh train station then onto Manchester before ending Warmth Week in London Waterloo.

This isn’t the first year that Vaillant has taken to the streets of the UK to showcase its technology whilst also bringing a smile to the faces of the public. Last year, the company toured its ‘Smiling Vending Machine’ which dispensed a free, warm beverage when you stood in front of it and smiled.

If you would like to find out more about Vaillant UK and its products, click here.

Otherwise, call us free on 0800 311 8990 for helpful advice. We work with engineers knowledgeable regarding all makes and models of boilers and central heating systems. Alternatively, complete our easy quote form for a speedy, no-obligation quote from a local and qualified engineer.

Gas safety support should be given to up to 8 million elderly people

The results of a recent survey carried out by the Gas Safe Register were very startling. They revealed that elderly people in the UK are at risk from dangerous gas boilers and gas appliances.

Gas Safe Register questioned boiler and gas engineers working throughout the UK as part of the survey. The aim was to gain a professional opinion regarding the dangers of gas appliances in the homes of elderly people.

The survey suggests that around 8 million pensioners living in private accommodation could be at risk. The Gas Safe Register stated over 250 people aged 65 or more suffer injuries as a result of unsafe gas appliances.

Just over 80% of the engineers who took part in the survey called for help from the government. This would ensure gas safety support and advice is provided to elderly people.

Those questioned said people over the age of 65 should be offered free information leaflets and guides at first. Safety campaigns should also target them.

In addition, discounted carbon monoxide (CO) detectors should be provided and set up correctly. These alarms are vital safety tools.

The survey found 33% of gas engineers think elderly people are more likely to be careless with their gas appliances. Consequently, they are less likely to take heed of any potential faults developing.

Gas Safe engineers provide vital advice

Furthermore, 83% of the engineers told the Gas Safe Register that they regularly offer free advice to local householders over the age of 65.

The Managing Director at the Gas Safe Register, Jonathan Samuel, commented: “Registered engineers are at the front line of gas safety in the UK, and have the best insight into the safety of elderly or vulnerable residents.”

Following the results of the survey, the Gas Safe Register is encouraging gas engineers to look after householders throughout the country by ensuring they are aware of the potentially lethal dangers of ignoring faulty and dangerous gas appliances.

Call us on 0800 311 8990 for free advice regarding boilers, heating systems, and gas appliance safety. Alternatively, complete our no-obligation quote form to receive a quick reply from a local engineer.

The boiler broke 8 months ago but there’s no money available for repairs

Around 60 soldiers have been left in extremely cold conditions at Baker Barracks, in Thorney Island near Chichester, West Sussex. According to one whistleblower, the bosses have no funds to fix the boiler and save them from the cold temperatures.

Many of the British heroes from the 16 Regiment Royal Artillery have been forced to use electric heaters to try and keep because of the boiler problems.

A senior, who’s been in the Army for over 10 years, felt it was right to speak out about the freezing conditions they’ve had to put up with in the Sergeants’ Mess.

He said that bosses claimed there was no money left to carry out repairs on the broken boiler and was disgusted with the conditions. If it was a landlord doing the same, they would be taken to court.

Temperatures affect attitude

The senior claimed that morale within the barracks was starting to suffer. Some of the soldiers were even thinking of leaving the Army as a result.

A non-executive director of the armed forces campaign group, the UK National Defence Association, Colonel Peter Walton, said: “I have never heard of anything quite this bad. That is outrageous. Yes, the Army is short of money but not short of hundreds of pounds to sort out a boiler.”

A spokesman for the Army confirmed that there was a problem with heating in question. They stated that every effort is being made to resolve the issue.

He added that heaters had been handed out to the mess occupants. They also have the option now to move over to the brand new accommodation block that’s just finished being built.

Warm.co.uk understand the discomfort and stress a broken boiler can cause. Fortunately, we can help people to find highly trained engineers to fix issues or provide new installations. Contact us to speak to a local specialist.

Ideal Boilers hope for continued success in 2017 after sales over over 400,000 units

Celebrations continue for Ideal Boilers following a successful year of sales in 2016. The manufacturer reported that the company managed over 400,000 unit sales in the UK during the year. This means one in 4 appliances sold across the country was an Ideal boiler.

Figures for 2016 of more than 400,000 units, meant sales of almost 1,100 of per day. In turn, that is 46 boilers each hour and a staggering 33,300 sold every month.

Tim Broadhurst, Chief Commercial Officer for the international boiler manufacturers, spoke about their 2016 success. He was delighted that installers were choosing Ideal boilers. However, he reaffirmed the good news doesn’t mean that the company will be resting on their laurels.

Continued development

Mr Broadhurst said reliability, customer commitment and a focus on design and technology, had all played their part in last year’s success for the company. He hoped this will be repeated moving into 2017.

The company collects important information from Gas Safe Registered installers in the UK, to gain a better understanding of how their boilers perform out there in the real world.

The installers feedback, along with research and development programmes at Ideal, enables the company to produce boilers that are super efficient, easy for the customer to use, simple to install, and technologically advanced.

2017 will see further technological advancements made to their exisiting Logic range.

Ideal Boilers current Logic Combi model comes highly recommended by the Energy Saving Trust, mainly due to its super high-efficiency. In 2013, the firm was awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation.

The company will continue to support and work with Gas Safe registered installers in the UK.

If you want a professional boiler service we can help. Warm.co.uk work with Gas Safe Engineers from across the UK and make it easy to find a quote. Contact us or complete our simple quote form.