Is your boiler due to be replaced? Our guide explains what to expect on the day. If you're struggling to pay your utility bills, please talk to us to see how we can support you.
Boilers and heating
- Gas central heating
- Electric storage heaters
- Air source heat pump
- Ground source heat pump
- Solar photovoltaics
- Solar water heating
Gas central heating
Your heating is provided by a gas boiler, which we maintain and service. We are required by law to service your boiler every year. You'll be contacted, usually by letter, to advise you of your scheduled service date. If you need to rearrange your gas service, please contact us as soon as possible.
We'll maintain and repair your central heating system including radiators, heating pipework and room thermostats but there are a few things which are your responsibility.
Pressurising your gas boiler
If the pressure to your gas boiler is too low your heating and hot water may not work. In most cases the boiler pressure can be easily topped up by following the written instructions which you should receive when you move in. You can also access instructions and videos online by typing the boiler make and model into your search bar.
Bleeding your radiators
Turn your heating on. Identify which radiators need bleeding - they will usually feel cold at the top (be careful!). Turn off your central heating, then open up the radiator bleed valve using a radiator key. Hold a cloth over the bleed valve as water may spray from the valve once the air has been released. Keep the valve open until the air is released and water is visible at the valve. Repeat the process on all affected radiators.
Electric storage heaters
A typical storage heater is wall-mounted and looks a bit like a radiator. It works by drawing electricity over the course of a few hours at night, using a cheap rate tariff, and storing it as heat in a bank of clay or ceramic bricks to use the following day.
Unless your storage heater has a 'boost' button, it will need to run for 24 hours when it is switched on for the first time before it will heat the room. You should also check the 'output' control as this regulates the amount of heat released into the room. If you require heat in the evening, you will need to ensure this control is turned down overnight so the heat is stored until it is required.
Air source heat pump
An air source heat pump extracts heat from the outside air in the same way that a fridge extracts heat from its inside. Heat is taken from the air and through a process of heat exchange, the pump provides heat and hot water for your home. Heating your home with an air source heat pump is cheaper and more efficient than using electric radiators.
The system is serviced every year and you'll be contacted, usually by letter, to advise you of your scheduled service date. If you need to rearrange your service, please contact us as soon as possible.
Ground source heat pump
A ground source heat pump makes use of renewable energy stored in the ground, providing one of the most energy-efficient ways of heating buildings.
The system extracts solar energy naturally stored in the ground and increases its temperature to the right level for heating your home. It works in all seasons because the temperature below ground level is the same throughout the year. In your home there will be a familiar wet heating system with radiators.
Ground source heat pumps have absolutely no site emissions. There is no need for regular servicing or annual safety checks.
Solar photovoltaics
Photovoltaic systems use daylight to power ordinary electrical equipment, for example, household appliances, computers and lighting. If you have a system like this in your home, the best way to save money is to use electrical appliances in your home during daylight hours, where possible - for example, setting a timer on your washing machine so that it runs during the afternoon.
In your home you will have a display meter and this will show the amount of electricity being produced. After a while you will be able to see how much is produced on days with different amounts of sunshine and you can then monitor if your system is working correctly. If on a bright sunny day the display shows zero then there is a problem.
The system is serviced every year and you will be contacted, usually by letter, to advise you of your scheduled service date. If you need to rearrange your service, please contact us as soon as possible.
Solar water heating
Solar panels filled with a mixture of water and antifreeze convert energy from daylight into enough energy to pre-heat cold water. This is known as renewable energy: it is clean, safe and does no harm to the environment. The system also provides free water heating during daylight hours and reduces carbon emissions from your home.
Direct sunlight produces the most power but some energy is produced on overcast days. The heated water from your solar collectors is stored in a tank for use when needed.
The system is serviced every year and you will be contacted, usually by letter, to advise you of your scheduled service date. If you need to rearrange your service, please contact us as soon as possible.
