Your Guide to What a Powerflush Is

Anyone who has a central heating system at home needs to know what a powerflush is. It's a cleansing system designed to remove all the dirt and debris from inside your electric heating boiler and the various pipes running through your home. If you have never heard of it before, you might already need one. In this article, we have worked with Electric Heating Supplies and we are going to discuss what it is and why you would need it.

What is a Powerflush? : The simple explanation is the powerflush is a procedure designed to remove sludge deposits and fragments of rust that have entered your central heating system. It is essential that these contaminants be removed as quickly as possible. When left to fester, they can reduce the efficiency of the heating system through blockages. In more severe cases, the powerflush is the only way of fixing your heating system, short of replacing the whole thing.

So How Does it Work : Let's pretend that you have an electric combi boiler and an engineer has deduced that you need a powerflush to get it back in working order again. The goal of this procedure is to restore full water circulation. On a side note, a powerflush can reduce the amount of noise you get coming from both the boiler and the pump. For the best results, the whole system needs to be flushed. A qualified heating engineer will connect a pumping unit that can pump at both high and low pressures. Using high strength cleaning chemicals, they will flush the system. This will remove any of contaminants within.

A specific concoction of chemicals must be used. These chemicals will include:

• A chemical to break down limescale
• Sludge crust breaker
• Rust and sludge remover
• Corrosion inhibitor.

When the process has been completed, all the acidic substances within your central heating system will have been removed.

Cost and Time : The full powerflush is not an easy procedure and it is not something that can be completed in an hour. A heating engineer will need to be present for an average of six hours before the process has been completed. However, there are no hard and fast rules relating to this. Severely affected systems may require eight hours or more. A powerflush is generally 100% effective. Only if there's something fundamentally wrong with your central heating system will the powerflush be ineffectual, but in most cases you will not have to pay for a powerflush to discover this fact.

As you would expect, it is not a cheap procedure by any means. It can cost anywhere from a few hundred pounds to over a thousand pounds. It depends on how severely your system has been affected. If your system is particularly problematic, you will end up paying hundreds of pounds more in labour costs alone. You also have to remember that price will differ between providers. Some will even try to charge you for added extras like descaler. Shop around to make sure you get the best price, but never compromise on the quality aspect!

Smart Advice for Positioning a Radiator

Whenever you decide to install new vertical radiators, you have to pay careful attention to their positioning. No matter how good your radiators are, you will never get the most from them if they are positioned in poor locations. With the help of Electric Heating Supplies, we are going to show you how you should best go about positioning your radiators. Keep reading to find out more!

Let Warm Air Circulate : Warm air needs to circulate if you are going to get the temperature you want. It is common sense that you would not install a radiator behind a sofa or behind any other area of furniture. If there are any obstructions, you are going to block the heat as soon as it is produced. You want to position radiators in a place that is not going to suck away the heat straight away. This is why you would also not install a radiator under a window. Most of the heat will leave through the window before it circulates around the room.

A Vertical Option for Small Spaces : Full-size radiators can be difficult to install in smaller rooms. Install a radiator of the vertical variety instead. These electric heaters are better because they send the heat upwards instead. They have more room to circulate, andthey are more practical for smaller spaces. They are most commonly used in kitchen areas, where most wall space is taken up by cupboards and countertops.

Move the Pipes : If you are running out of room, consider changing the order of your pipes. This is a big job and will require quite a bit of investment, but if you are moving into the property or redecorating this is a viable option. Changing the position of the pipes will give you more flexibility in where you put your radiators.

It allows you to design the layout you want. In addition, you can free up wall and floor space. It stops you from being forced into putting your radiators in certain locations. Take note, this should not be considered essential. If you can afford it, do it, but do not feel like you have to spend thousands on gutting your home. The savings you make on your bills will not recoup the cost.

Add Backing Insulation : Wherever you decide to position your radiator, you have to make sure you insulate in the right way. This is easy to do and it does not require you to call in the services of a professional. Go to the local hardware shop and pick up some polystyrene. Cut the polystyrene sheet to the size of your radiator and stick it on the wall behind the radiator. This will prevent heat from dissipating through the walls behind the radiator. You will now make your radiator as efficient as it can possibly be.

Overall, you have to remember that positioning your radiator is not just about efficiency and making sure that you are as warm as possible. The way you place your radiators could affect the amount of money you shell out on your heating bills. If you need help with positioning, consult a professional for some much-needed advice.

Why Should You Have a Combi Boiler in Your Home

The electric combi boiler is the most common type of boiler in homes across the UK. It is estimated about 70% of homes now contain this type of boiler. If you are one of the 30% of households that do not have one, you are missing out on a lot of big benefits. With the help of Electric Heating Supplies, we have compiled a list of the main three benefits to having a combi boiler in your home.

They’re More Reliable : It is a fact that these boilers are far more reliable than other boilers. They are built to last longer and they are built to be durable. Proven technology gained over years of research has made them highly efficient at adapting to the heating demands of the modern home. The biggest difference you will find with one of these boilers is it does not constantly switch itself on and off. What this means is you will get a smoother operation and less wear and tear on the components within. You will also get more overall reliability. Furthermore, since you have a more reliable boiler you will have to spend less time on direct maintenance.

The Convenience of it All : All boilers need to be convenient if they are going to appeal to you. The good news is this type of electric heating boiler could not be simpler to use. You have the power to control your central heating by using the integral clock found on most models. This reduces annual fuel bills and ensures the heating is on when you need it.

Large amounts of piping are a thing of the past. Anything that has needed to take the heat through to your taps and radiator is contained within a single boiler casing. They take up less space and you do not need to worry about where you are going to put the central heating pump or the water storage cylinder. Water is always delivered using the mains pressure whenever you need it. This means baths will fill quicker and you will get the powerful shower you crave straight away. The only limitation is on how many taps can be running at the same time on hot.

Better Efficiency : In general, combi boilers have a higher efficiency rating on every measurable scale. You will always save money on your heating bills simply by making the switch. Although they are more efficient just as they are, you can take action to make them even more efficient. By paying more now for a better boiler, you have the option of more temperature controls and better timers. Even by having a slightly more accurate thermostat you can save up to 20% on your energy bills every year. Through making a bigger investment now, you can save more in the long-term.

No other type of boiler has this amount of choice. It’s the boiler type that can appeal to both the low-end and high-end customer, as well as everything in between. They are always covered by extensive warranties, so when you pay for your boiler you never have to pay anything more if something goes wrong.

What are the Most Common Boiler Mechanism Problems

Your boiler can have at least a hundred things wrong with it. With so many problems, it can be hard for householders to know what has gone wrong and what they need to do next. Today, we are going to focus on various boiler mechanism problems. Read on to find out more, or click here for further information.

What Is Wrong With My Thermostat? : The thermostat is the root of a considerable number of problems. Start by checking how old the thermostat is. No matter how well you maintain your boiler it will lose its accuracy over time. This can lead to a host of complaints, such as displaying an incorrect temperature, turning the heating on and off at the wrong times, and misreading the settings you put in. A professional can recalibrate older thermostats, but it is usually better to purchase a new one with more energy saving controls.

Time Switches : Time switches are designed to turn the heating on and off at certain times and for specific lengths of time. If there is something wrong with this, look at the clock dial first. It should not be stuck. If it is stuck, the timing will be wrong and you will not be getting the results you want.

Electric Programmers : All electric boilers have electric programmers you need to maintain. Look at the LCD display, circuit board electronics, and the relay. If any of these have failed, it is not as difficult to fix as you think. Let’s take a look at the standard universal backplate as an example. This is something that fits behind a failed electronic backplate. Its construction means a replacement can be plugged in without any real technical knowledge. All you have to do to fix the programmer is to remove the retaining screws and put the replacement on.

The Radiator Valve : If your panel heaters are being powered by a boiler with a thermostatic valve, turn up the thermostat if there is a problem. A conventional lock shield valve will require a bit more work. You will need to remove the plastic cover and adjust the setting from there. Your instruction manual should explain how you could do this for your specific model.

If nothing changes after you have changed the settings, it means you have a fault with the radiator valve. This is something you should never attempt to fix by yourself. Call a professional and they will be able to drain the system and replace the valve.

A Word Carrying Out Complex Repairs Alone : Nobody who is unqualified should attempt to conduct complex repairs alone. These are incredibly dangerous and can lead to serious repercussions if you get them wrong. At best, you can expect to break your boiler and have to pay more for a professional to come and fix it. At worst, it can be a hazard to human health. There is a reason every boiler repairperson in the UK has to be Gas Safe certified by law. Unless you have undergone this training, leave it all to the professionals.

Troubleshooting an Electric Hot Water Heater

Electric heaters are an essential part of your home. When the hot water heater goes wrong it can paralyse your life. This is a problem that cannot wait. There is nothing stopping you from troubleshooting the heater at home, though. We are going to look at some of the most common water heater problems and go through what they mean for you. You can also visit our site to find out more about this.

No Hot Water : The most common reason hot water stops appearing is a tripped circuit breaker. In this case, all you need to do is replace the circuit breaker, which does not necessarily have to be done by a professional. If the circuit breaker is fine, you have to look at the possibility that the limit switch, heating element or thermostat has broken down. Since you cannot test for this unless you are a professional, you will need to call an engineer.

Hot Water Giving Out : Second to no hot water is the hot water not staying on long enough. This is nearly always caused by a thermostat breaking down or a heating element. The only other explanation is loose wiring. If wiring has come loose, you will need to put it back in order to restore the flow of hot water. Again, this is something you will need to call a professional for.

Reheating Times : If your water heater is taking too long to reheat, it could take a while for your electric radiators to reach the desired temperature. Check the thermostat first. It is not uncommon for people to simply forget to turn the thermostat. If there is an actual problem with it, it’s often to do with the lower thermostat. Older water heaters may be slow because of a build-up of sediment at the bottom of the tank. 

You can clean your tank at home, though, so search for an online guide.

Hot Water : If you have turned the thermostat down and you are still getting water at boiling temperatures, the chances are the thermostat has completely malfunctioned or it has notset. You can solve this problem by yourself, but it is nearly always better to call in a professional.

Black Water : When you start to get colour discolouration, this is a sign that the anode has dissolved or there is a build-up of elements within the water tank. The water heater anode is essential for preventing rusting. If it has to do with your anode, it means the water heater has started to rust. This can often mean a complete water heater replacement.

Strange Odours : If you have started to notice that your tank has started to smell funny, this is due to bacteria within. Flushing the tank will help to reduce the strength of the odour. Another option is to replace the anode rod with a different metal. If you have to replace the anode rod, see a professional about it immediately. As already mentioned above, feel free to flush the tank yourself. Only call someone else to do it if you lack confidence.

Signs that Your Boiler Needs a Powerflush

The powerflush is a procedure performed on boilers to remove sludge and slurry from within. Not powerflushing a boiler reduces its efficiency and can eventually cause it to breakdown completely. This is why you need to act when you spot the signs. Of course, you first need to know what you should look for. Let uslook at some of the signs your boiler needs a powerflush. This is not an exhaustive list, but should be enough to give you an idea of when you might need to order a powerflush. You can also visit our site to find out more about this.

Noise from the Boiler : If your boiler is rumbling away more than normal, this could be a sign that your boiler requires a powerflush. A boiler will typically make more noise when it has to work harder. It also makes sounds when there are obstructions in the pipes, such as a bit of rust has fallen off or there is too much sludge inside. We know this because after a powerflush you will usually discover that the amount of noise has decreased, if it has not disappeared completely.

Water Discolouration : When you bleed your radiators, you will always notice some dirt in the water. What you should never see is water that has gone completely brown, or even black. This is a sign that there has been a significant amount of build-up in the pipes. You releasing the radiator’s valves has allowed some of that slurry to leak out of the system. If you are noticing more than a normal amount of solid matter leaking out when you’re bleeding electric radiators, this is also a sign that you need a powerflush.

Slow Warming : Powerflushing is designed to remove any obstructions within the central heating system. Obstructions increase the amount of time it takes for the temperature to rise. The boiler also has to work harder to reach this temperature because it has been hampered by the debris inside. You tend to notice that everything seems to be slowing down over a long period. If you are noticing over the course of six months that it is taking longer and longer for your house to reach your desired temperature, the chances are you need a powerflush.

What Do these Signs Mean? : You do have to be careful when diagnosing a problem in electric boilers. All of these symptoms are shared with other issues. It could be a case of your boiler has reached the end of a lifespan and a powerflush will not do a great deal for it. If this werewhat is wrong, you would replace the boiler instead. Another problem may be a broken part and nothing else.

In short, the problems could be down to anything from a significant issue to a minor repair. You never know until you call in a professional. This is why we always recommend getting in touch with a professional heating engineer with experience in both diagnosing problems with central heating systems and performing power flushes. They will be able to diagnose the problem and determine the best course of action for you.

Disadvantages of Solar Panels and Why You Shouldn't Worry about Them

Households running electric boilers know they have the option of installing solar panelling to help them generate electricity. There are so many benefits to them, such as reducing your carbon footprint and making sure you pay less on your heating bills. We are not going to lie, there are disadvantages associated with them. There are cons as well as pros. This is why we wanted to clear the air on the matter. Yes, there are disadvantages, but there are many reasons why thesedo not actually matter. Read on for more information, or visit our site to find out more.

Aesthetic Concerns : It is true that some people simply don’t like the aesthetic look of solar panels. Some people believe they look like eyesores. The truth is fashion is changing in the housing trade and the ultra-modern panels are a fashion statement. More and more new homes are having these installed by default. The aesthetic concerns may be a problem, but any worries should be tempered by the fact you are going to save hundreds if not thousands of pounds over the course of your lifetime on energy bills.

100% Sun : Most households will not be able to become self-sufficient in the UK. They will have to have a backup electricity generating option. The reason for this is that we have long periods throughout the year where we do not have a lot of sunlight. This is especially the case in places like Scotland where, in the winter, days are incredibly short and nights are long. This should not be a problem, though. Yes, you will not have sun all the time, but it does not cost you anything if your solar panels are not generating electricity. You will not pay anything more for them to be on standby.

Moreover,there is nothing stopping you from remaining connected to the National Grid through your conventional electricity provider. It will notaffect the amount you save!

Expensive Installation Cost : Much has been made of how expensive these panels are to install. We cannot deny it will cost thousands of pounds to install new solar panels. What people have to remember is this is a long-term investment. You are supposed to recoup the cost over an extended period. There’s no record of a household with solar panelling ever not making that money back through savings.

If you are regularly using panel heaters to heat your home, you’re going to save a lot of money simply through generating free energy from sunlight.

Furthermore, you can sell any leftover energy you generate back to the National Grid at full market price. This allows you to make money whilst you are saving money. These days you can expect it to take roughly ten years for you to get the money back. It can vary depending on what part of the UK you live in, the direction your house is facing, and the weather over the next few years. Some factors are unpredictable, which means it could be shorter or it could be longer. The bottom line is you will always get the money you spent on the installation back.