How to Prepare the Install of New Heating Systems in the Workplace

We all need a comprehensive electric heating system in the workplace to protect ourselves against those cold winter months. The installation can cause an insurmountable amount of disruption, though. It is a time where preparation can potentially save your business from losing productivity.

Unbelievably, you do not have to accept the disruption and reduce your output. By having a contingency plan in place, you can have your panel heaters installed without any hassle.

The Best Case Scenario : The easiest way to prepare is to not have any disruption in the first place. Companies that specialise in installing heating systems on business premises will do everything they can to install at a convenient time. For most companies, this is at the weekend. When everyone is away, they can complete the installation and eliminate most of the disruption.

Understandably, this is not always possible, but this should be your ideal option.

Talk to Your Employees : You should warn your employees in advance of the situation. This will help them to brace for the arrival of the engineers. Talk to them about where they will be working and whether any areas will be cordoned off. If they are working close to the front entrance, you might have to tell your employees to come in through the back door on Monday morning, for example.

Moving Away : Most of the time, installing an electric combi boiler and heaters will require you to move some of your workers out of the way. It is important that you already have desks setup prior to the engineers arriving. When the day comes, any affected employees should know where they need to go. You do not want to run into conflict when someone discovers his or her desk has suddenly been deposited in the corridor the night before.v

Help the Engineers by Giving Them Space : It is difficult enough for your workers to function under these conditions. The installers have to contend with challenges, as well. By helping them, you will reduce the amount of time it takes to complete the installation process.

Give them the space they need by providing them with a designated area where they can leave their tools and carry out any cutting and welding work. Cordon the area off by keeping employees out. In a busy workplace, the presence of both employees and engineers in the same place tends to slow everything down and disrupt the work of both parties.

Get the Workers Out! : Not every business can adjust appropriately to suit a full heating installation. Some bosses have to accept they are going to lose out. The easiest way to prepare for this is to schedule the work around the installation.

Rather than planning anything significant for the affected days, reduce the workload and catch up later on. Alternatively, if you are planning a business trip or a teambuilding day, this could be the time to do it. Getting the workers out of the workplace will only accelerate the installation.

This is not always possible, but if you plan for it far enough in advance, you can make both events coincide with each other.

Electric Heaters vs Oil Heaters - What are the Key Differences

You have a series of vertical radiators and you are wondering whether it is better to have an electric heater or an oil heater. They function in different ways and both have their pros and cons. We want to demonstrate the various nuances of each. In this article, we are going to explore a range of attributes to help you determine the best heating option for you.

The Function : It seems obvious; both heaters are designed to keep you warm. The difference is in how they manage to keep you toasty.

Oil heaters have hollow columns where heated oil is circulated to produce heat. A small flame or electric current acts as the heating element. Electric boilers rely entirely on voltage to produce heat. They do not use any form of liquid. Electric heaters tend to heat up faster, as a result.

How Safe Are They? : All heaters carry some sort of risk. In the case of an electric heater, they are hot to the touch. This naturally means you should never place any flammable objects close to the heater. Oil heaters are also hot, but do not come to the same external temperatures as electric heaters.

Although the differences are not significant, it is best to be aware of the general safety risks.

Environmental Effects : A well-maintained oil and electric heating boiler will not cause any damage to the environment. The oil within an oil heater will circulate for years before it needs replenishing, and electric heaters do not leave any waste behind.

The only real environmental effect is that the oil in oil heaters is toxic. If it is not disposed of properly, it can damage the local ecosystem.

Efficiency Concerns : Electric heaters have the problem of always needing a constant supply of electricity to function. The oil within an oil-based heater can stay warm for hours after the power has been turned off. As a general trade, however, electric heaters can begin producing heat immediately, whereas oil heaters can take some time. It depends on your priorities, but all modern heaters are extremely efficient.

Weight : The weight differences are significant. Oil heaters are far heavier than electric heaters. Manufacturers of oil heating boilers must use materials that emphasise durability, in order to contain extremely hot oil. This means you will need less storage space to have an electric heater installed in your home.

Noise ; Oil heaters win out when it comes to noise levels. Although none of these heaters will keep you up at night, there is a noticeable difference in sound levels. This happens because electric heaters always have to work to keep the temperature at the correct level. An oil-based heater does not have to do this. It can stay warm forever.

What is Better? : The key difference is in the size. In the majority of cases, oil and electric has no real difference. Electric heaters do offer a more lightweight solution, which is perfect for homes that cannot spare the space. Moreover, as long as the electricity is gained from sustainable sources, purchasing an electric heater is far better for the environment.

Carbon Monoxide - The Main Danger of Faulty Boilers

Boilers, whether these are electric or gas, have risks associated with them. When the problems of a boiler are ignored, it can become downright dangerous to be in the same building as them. Although we would like to think the biggest threat of an electric heating boiler is the fact it might explode, this is not the case. Exploding boilers are comparatively rare.

What you have to watch out for is carbon monoxide poisoning. Otherwise known as the silent killer, carbon monoxide is a gas produced by all faulty boilers. In this article, we are going to discuss carbon monoxide – how to notice it, and what you should do about it.

What is Carbon Monoxide? : Carbon monoxide is a gas that can be emitted by any boiler running off fossil fuels. This makes practically every household in the UK capable of emitting carbon monoxide. Electric boilers when they give off carbon monoxide are a danger to human health. It only takes a few hours of exposure to suffer permanent damage.

The problem with the gas is you cannot see it and you cannot smell it. You have to search for other signs, including the symptoms in humans.

Is Your Boiler at Risk? : Electric heaters in your home can put you at risk of carbon monoxide exposure. There are no concrete signs as to when you have been exposed to it until you start to notice symptoms in yourself.

What you can do is search for any signs that your boiler is faulty. There are a number of key signs of faulty boilers. Let uslook at the primary ones:

1.The flame is not blue. It is orange or yellow at all times.

2.There are stains above the fuel burning applications. This might also manifest itself as a covering of soot.

3.Any wood or coal fires in your home take ages to burn or they go out frequently.

4.You find it almost impossible to light a fire.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning : When you begin to notice symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, this is the time to seek urgent medical help. It also means you need to turn off the boiler at the mains and call a professional. Your energy provider will have a number you can call, and they will send out an emergency engineer.

These are some of the main symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: tiredness, nausea, chest pains, drowsiness, headaches, and dizziness.

Preventing a Build-Up : All boilers must have enough ventilation to function. You need to make sure the flues are not leaking and the chimneys are swept on a regular basis. Poor ventilation can exasperate these problems and lead to human health hazards.

Take note, it is the responsibility of the household to make sure their boiler is well maintained. In rented accommodation, this is the responsibility of the landlord. Complain at the first instance if you believe the boiler requires servicing. If your landlord refuses to help, you have the ability to sue them for negligence. A poorly maintained boiler is a major offense and must be taken seriously.

5 Clever Ways of Increasing the Efficiency of Your Home Boiler

Your boiler is the source of your energy bills. The more efficiently it works the less you can expect to pay. The problem is that many people are not aware of the simple maintenance techniques that can save them hundreds of pounds every year. Electric Heating Supplies is here to help guide you through the little things you can do to save money.

1.Check Your Boiler Yearly : Annual inspections by a qualified engineer are not a superfluous expense. On the contrary, they can spot the issues you have missed. You as an unqualified individual can only notice a faulty boiler when there are obvious external signs. An annual inspection will involve delving deep into the boiler’s mechanisms to discover if anything has gone wrong.

Solving problems as early as possible both saves on repair costs and prevents you from paying more on your energy bills in the short-term.

2.Clear the Air Ducts : The air ducts in your home become dirtier over time. This eventually leads to clogging, which reduces the airflow. To combat this, appliances like air conditioning systems and electric heating boilers have to work harder to reach the same level of efficiency. Your boiler is working harder to produce the same results.

Get into the habit of cleaning out the air ducts each year. This will prevent any significant diminishing of the airflow.

3.Installing an Electric Ignition System : The electronic ignition system makes the old-fashioned pilot light obsolete. It means the boiler does not have to burn all the time. It will cost more in the short-term to install, but it will save in the long-term because your boiler will only work when it absolutely has to.

4.Check the Seals : The seals open up what should be a closed system and helps to diminish the effectiveness of a boiler. Usually, the seals are the first things to encounter issues on a boiler. The seals around the home boiler should not allow for any cracks of leaks. If you spot any of these problems, call an engineer immediately. It is a simple repair thatwill not cost a lot of money. Leaving cracked seals can lead to breakages in the long run.

5.A New Heating System : Getting new vertical radiators and a new boiler tends to be a last resort. Boilers older than fifteen years should always be candidates for replacement. There are usually far more efficient models on the market by this point. The cost of installing a new boiler will be outweighed by the savings you can make on your energy bills.

When you decide to purchase a new heating system, get the help of an engineer. They will be able to assess your needs and provide you with some recommendations on the best boiler for you.

In some areas of the UK, you can even get access to grants that will pay for a portion of the installation costs. The UK government considers it in its best interest to support more efficient heating options, so you can take advantage of this.

How to Make Sure Your Electric Heater Does not Waste Energy

It's common to find homes with electric heaters and radiators. These are ideal for keeping you warm during the winter. Heaters have come under fire for not being energy efficient, though. With all the concern over carbon emissions and going green, energy inefficiency is something you want to avoid.

Heaters can waste energy if used in an incorrect manner. In this article, we will discuss how you can make sure your electric radiators and heaters are as energy efficient as possible.

Thermostats : A thermostat is more than a device designed to tell the heater how much power it needs to use. Thermostats keep the room's air at that specific temperature. Many cheap, low-end heaters that do not incorporate thermostats will continue to heat the room, even when it reaches the desired temperature.

Always shell out for a heater with a thermostat. Once the room reaches a certain temperature, the heater will automatically stop, and therefore save energy.

The Right Size Heater : Let's say you want to look at a range of vertical radiators to heat a room within your home or business. This heater must be of the right size to sufficiently heat your room. The wrong size heater can lead to huge amounts of electricity being wasted.

For example, if a large room has just a small heater at one end of the room then it is never going to reach your desired temperature. It does not have enough power to hit the temperature you set on the thermostat. This means it is going to struggle on for hours, wasting immense amounts of electricity.

A heater that is too large will use too much electricity in getting to your desired temperature. This isn't an exact science. Ask your supplier for some guidance on the right size heater for your room.

Heating Location : Heaters need to have correct positioning to make them as efficient as possible. A heater that sits near an outside wall will spend more time and energy heating up the cold air coming in from the outside.

Make sure it is pointed towards an interior wall. The stream of heat should reach the centre of the room to ensure it is not wasting all its energy trying to heat up an exterior wall.

If you pointed a heater directly at the outside wall, it would take longer for the room to reach your desired temperature. In other words, the heater will have to work for longer and use up more energy than needed.

Get it Fixed! : The problem with heaters is these are often put into storage when the spring comes around and forgotten about until it's cold again. This means people often forget about essential maintenance.

As a heater gets older, it tends to become inefficient. It needs to use more energy to maintain an optimal level of performance. You should inspect your heater after each winter period to make sure it does not require any attention from a professional.

Proper maintenance will ultimately help you to save money on your energy bills in the long-term.

How Should You Size Your Electric Radiator

Electric radiators are convection heaters, which, by their very nature, heat the air around them. The problem is the radiator might not have the power to heat the air, since it’s too small, or it’s too big and using too much power. To keep your energy bills down and maximise efficiency, you must have the correct size radiator.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is not taking into account the heat loss of a room. They only take into account the size. And this is where knowing radiators are convection heaters comes in handy.

In this article, we will discuss how you should go about sizing your electric radiator.

Fact Finding Mission : To start with, you need to find out a number of key pieces of information about the room you want to heat. The type of radiator does not matter when making these calculations, so you don’t need to change anything if you’re using vertical radiators.

Find out the following:

- square footage 

- ceiling height 

- any insulation in the walls 

- the number of windows 

- the number of fireplaces.

You should use this information online. There are plenty of calculators to help you discover the amount of heat loss in a room. This will ultimately determine the best radiator for you.

For the most accurate results, take these calculations to a professional installer. They will be able to recommend a number of radiators that work for you.

Features and Type : Now you have an estimate about the right sizes of radiator suitable for your room, you need to choose the features. The features you pick can determine how efficient your radiator is.

To start with, your radiator must have a thermostat control. This ensures your radiator only heats as much as it needs to for reaching the desired temperature. Without a thermostat control, it will continue to heat the room, and therefore waste energy.

Other features you should consider depend on the needs of your home, such as safety devices, wheels, and handles for transportation.

Type of Radiator : You may have to purchase a different electric heating boiler system depending on the type of radiator. An electric radiator is a general term used to describe a series of different radiators. There are multiple types you have to consider.

When sizing your electric radiator, you have to consider the following radiator types:

- portable –these tend to be attached to wheels and may not have the same level of power 

- wall-mounted radiators, which are the most common types 

- baseboard 

- wall inset.

Radiator Output : The radiator’s output must be determined by converting the wattage of the model to something called British Thermal Units (BTU). You have to convert wattage to this unit because this number takes into account the results gained through intensive room-based testing.

There are a number of free online conversion tools online to help you with this. By using BTUs, you can determine the type of radiator that will have enough power and efficiency after the heat loss of your room is taken into account.

In some cases, you may also discover it is more viable to purchase multiple smaller radiators for larger rooms.

Your Guide to Thawing a Condensate Pipe on a Frozen Boiler

A frozen boiler is a big danger posed by winter in the UK. The problem is thatwe are never quite sure in the UK whether we are going to have a cold or a mild winter, so we never prepare for them. The biggest problem is the condensate pipe. If your boiler freezes, this tends to be the heart of the problem. A blocked condensate pipe can leave you without any heat at all.

Electrical Heating Supplies always recommends finding a professional engineer to help you with this. Thawing the pipe yourself can lead to cracking and splintering, which is far more expensive to repair. If you feel you can do it yourself, you do it at your own risk.

What is the Condensate Pipe? : Let us begin by discussing what part of a heater the condensate pipe is. Most modern electric heaters have this pipe, which helps transport water away from the boiler itself. The boiler takes away the energy from the flue gasses to increase efficiency. This waste gas cools and leaves some acidic water behind. The condensate pipe is responsible for taking this acidic water to the drain.

You have to check that your boiler actually has one of these pipes. Not all modern electric boilers have them. These pipes are about 2cm wide, white, and plastic. If the rest of the pipes are metal, this is almost certainly the condensate pipe.

As a final check, see if the pipe runs into the drain. If it does, you have a condensate pipe.

Why Does the Condensate Pipe Freeze? : Simple! It is the only part of the boiler outside your home. It cannot drain the water without exposing itself to the outside elements. Acidic water is prone to freezing. When it freezes, the pipe is blocked because the water from the boiler continues to be sent down the pipe. Luckily, modern boilers have a special automatic switch to turn everything off to prevent the entire system becoming flooded.

How Do You Thaw the Pipe? : You have two possible ways of thawing the pipe. To start with, you can get some hot water and apply it to the outside of the pipe. The water should never be boiling or it can cause the material to crack. Warm water works best. Drop the water across the frozen section slowly and deliberately.

Another option is to use a heat wrap or hot water bottle. Wrap it around the pipe and hold it. The water should begin to flow again.

If you do not feel confident in your ability to do this, call a professional. The treatment sounds simple, but it is easy to go wrong. If the water is slightly too hot, you could damage the pipe beyond repair. Always start with lukewarm water and work your way upwards.

Overall, you cannot do much about this problem. It is impossible to prevent completely because the pipe is exposed to the cold air. Thankfully, UK winters are not as long as they used to be. They can often unfreeze themselves as quickly as they freeze themselves, so it is not a problem to fret over.

Vertical or Horizontal Electric Radiators - What Are Best?

There are two main types of electric radiator - vertical radiators or horizontal radiators. By far the most common type of radiator is the horizontal one. If you are thinking about installing new radiators in your home, you are probably wondering what's best for your house.

In this article, we are going to look at the pros and cons of each type of radiator. Thankfully, they operate using the same electric boilers, so if you are replacing one type of radiator with the other it will notaffect your choice of boiler.

A Crucial Difference and Something You Didn't Know : Vertical and horizontal radiators are exactly what you would expect. Horizontal radiators have a bigger width than they do height and vertical ones have a bigger height than they do width. It's easy, right.

Something not many people know is that you do not always have to have the long rectangular radiator style. The truth is you can have your radiators custom-made to suit your home. Whatever the dimensions of the room, you can have a radiator crafted to suit that specific shape.

If you have precise needs, it might be worth looking into getting a custom-built radiator, as the standard sizes might not work for you. Take note: a custom radiator will cost significantly more than a standard ‘off the shelf' radiator.

Energy Usage : Both types of radiator come in electric and steam models. You will have to consider the type of energy you want to use before choosing between the two.

Steam radiators will use pipes to carry water from the boiler to the heating elements within the radiator. This creates steam, and therefore heat. Electric radiators use electrical wiring to create the same effect.

Vertical radiators do not require a boiler to function correctly. This can help to reduce the costs of installation, which is ideal if you are running to a strict budget.

Aesthetics : The real difference is in the aesthetics of each type of radiator. Many people prefer horizontal radiators because these can be hidden behind sofas and other objects. Vertical radiators are much more intrusive and cannot be hidden. You will have to have a specific idea in mind if you want to go with these ones.

Location Issues : Consider each type of radiator based on the layout of your room. A vertical radiator will work better in a smaller room where you do not have the wall space for a horizontal radiator. On the other hand, a hallway area might work best with a horizontal option.

This is where Electrical Heating Supplies (EHS) recommends calling in the help of a professional engineer to help deal with concerns relating to space. They will be able to give you an idea of how the installation will work, as well as being able to provide you with some recommendations.

Overall, there is little functional difference between the two types of radiator. Instead, they give you the flexibility needed to organise your home in the way you see fit. They allow you to have a comprehensive central heating solution in every room.

Why You Should Consider Replacing Older Electric Radiators

Electric radiators can easily last for a couple of decades and more if you take good care of them. There comes a time, though, where you have to consider whether it is worth investing in newer ones. Sometimes, keeping an older model of radiator in good health can actually lead to you losing money in the long-term.

In this guide, we will look at some of the reasons why you might want to consider replacing an older electric radiator.

Energy Savings : Newer models will always be more efficient than their older counterparts will. You can begin by measuring the British Thermal Units (BTUs) of an older radiator and comparing it to a newer one. You will always find you will save money, if the radiator you already have is old enough.

Compare the savings against how much it would cost to purchase new radiators. How long is it going to take you to recoup your investment?

If it takes five or six years to get that money back, for example, it is probably worth looking at newer radiators. Thankfully, you will usually make some savings in initial installation costs as well. It is not uncommon to see companies offering free installation right now.

Newer and Better Features : All new models of radiator will have a thermostat attached. Even the cheaper models will have these features. This was notnormally the case up to about ten years ago. It iscrucial to have a feature like a thermostat, or you will be wasting more money than you need to on your heating bills.

You also might discover many of the newer features are more convenient for you. Your needs could have changed since you had your last radiators installed, and the newer models could fulfil these needs to a far greater degree.

More in Maintenance : You will discover older vertical radiators breaking down as these get older. This will happen on a more frequent basis until they shut down completely. In the end, keeping an older model going could actually cost you more in on-going maintenance than replacing it entirely.

If you find your home’s heating system requiring essential maintenance on an annual basis, it is time to accept you need a replacement. Maintenance is costly and can drain any savings you make from your energy bills.

Choosing a New Radiator : Always talk to a professional before settling on a new radiator. They can help you choose the best radiator for your room. We believe it also ensures you are notmissing a better model elsewhere. If you’ve already picked one you like, you might have missed out on something better you’ve never heard of.

Visit our site to find out more about the various radiators on offer. You need to spend a few weeks looking into the options available to you. Some will give you better savings but are not as durable in the long-term, whereas some are more convenient to use and give you more control over the temperature of a room.

Choosing a new radiator is not a decision to take lightly!

What Should You Tell Your Engineer When Installing a New Boiler?

Before you have a new electric heating boiler installed, an engineer has to come to your home. He or she will need to see where you want the boiler installed and how everything is going to work. They will also let you know about the various features you can have and your specific needs.

It is a part of the process and you need to be ready for it. Your engineer will also ask you a number of questions, so they can make sure they get everything right. Here are some of the things you need to tell your engineer when installing a new boiler.

The Location : You will need to determine the location for a new boiler. Newer boilers using a condensing system will cause a plume of steam to be released. If this is in the wrong location outside, it can be a nuisance for both you and your neighbours. This is why many people do not have the outlet in the same location.

Your engineer will be able to look at the current location and determine whether an electric combi boiler would be best placed having an outlet located elsewhere.

Demands and Lifestyle : Consider what your boiler will need to do. For example, multi-bathroom households could have two showers running at the same time. How well does your current boiler deal with such demands? Most households will have to think about whether you can have multiple hot water taps on at the same time, for example.

Your engineer will be able to tell you more about how a new boiler might cope with these same demands. Remember, you do not have to settle on a specific model just yet.

What are Your Future Plans? : Are you planning on any further renovations in the process? This will affect the type of boiler that’s right for you.

A household planning a loft conversion may not be able to install a regular boiler because it may require loft space. The loft space will be the place that the expansion and feed tanks will be located. Houses with converted lofts, therefore, can only use system and combi boilers.

Electric Heating Boiler recommend planning your future renovations a few years in advance because a boiler is a significant investment. You do not want to have to change your boiler type a year or so after installation.

The Budget ; Every single type of boiler will have a different price tag. Your engineer will ask about your budget to present you with your best choices. It is pointless showing you every possible model if you cannot afford half of them.

They will also provide you with additional information relating to installation costs and future maintenance.

Expectations : Finally, you need to tell them about your expectations for your new boiler. Do you want something that simply heats your house or are you looking to invest in a new boiler simply to reduce your energy bills?

By telling your engineer about what you expect from your new boiler, they can help point you in the direction of the boiler that is right for you.

How to Repair an Electric Radiator When the Heat Disappears

Electric radiators are amongst the most reliable heating implements in the world. They rarely break and it’s only when they lose out in efficiency to newer models that they need replacing. One of the most common complaints when something does go wrong is a lack of heat. It is also one of the most difficult problems to diagnose. The problem is that no heat can be caused by a variety of issues. It is not as easy as simply spotting the problem and fixing it in a few minutes.

In this article, we will give you an in-depth look into what can cause the heat to disappear and how you should go about fixing it.

What Causes a Lack of Heat? : Electric radiators often lose their ability to produce heat for a number of reasons. Most of the time, you can put the problem down to the following things:

- loose or disconnected wires 

- tripped circuit breakers 

- blown fuses 

- wrong thermostat setting 

- defective heating element 

- obstructed airflow.

As you can see, there are many potential problems and many potential repair options. Unless you are a professional, we always recommend contacting the experts at Electric Heating Supplies (EHS) for help with it. You do not want to cause further damage through a botched repair.

The Easy Fix : To start with, look at the thermostat setting. You’d be surprised at how many people call out a repairperson when the only problem is they have not had the thermostat switched on. Make sure you have not made this common mistake.

Another easy fix is with disconnected wires. These wires connect the unit to the central system. It might be a case of the wires simply coming loose. Turn off the heating system and power, and put the wires back in. It doesn’t take an expert to be able to do this.

Electrical Problems : In the case of a tripped circuit breaker, you have to reset the circuit breaker. To do this, you will have to find your electrical service panel, which could be under the stairs. You’ll see that one of the switches is now in the ‘Off’ position. Switch it back on again to solve the problem. If it keeps tripping, this represents a deeper electrical problem, for which you will have to call a professional to sort out.

A blown fuse sometimes goes hand in hand with a tripped circuit breaker. You will need to replace the fuse with the right one. Unless you know about the appropriate fuse, call someone to help you.

Defects and Positioning : Electrical heaters work by drawing air into the heating element. If there are any obstructions, you can starve it of the air it needs. Make sure curtains and other nearby objects are not obstructing the openings in the radiator. It might be a matter of simply removing the obstruction.

If none of the above works, you could have a defective heating element. You will need to replace the heating element, which is a big job and requires the touch of a professional.

5 Most Common Boiler Problems Revealed

Electric boilers (as well as gas boilers)are integral parts of our homes. We often expect them to work by default. These are often an afterthought until everything goes wrong. Sooner or later, something will go wrong with your boiler. The trick is knowing what the issue is likely to be and what your next course of action is.

To start with, unless you are a professional, you should not attempt to fix a boiler yourself. If you get it wrong, it can add hundreds of pounds onto your repair bill. In extreme cases, it can even be hazardous to your health. If you do not know what you are doing, you could find the boiler blowing your house up.

Let uslook at the five most common boiler problems, and their causes.

1.No Heat : If your central heating system is not producing heat, or there is no hot water coming out of your taps, the chances are this is an issue with your boiler. An electric heating boiler could have a broken airlock, a broken diaphragm, or it could be something to do with the thermostat.

There are so many reasons why your boiler stops producing heat. Your only real option is to call a professional, who will then be able to inspect it.

2.Water Leakage : Water leakage is another major problem. Sometimes it can be just a case of a leaky pipe, or there can be a torrent of water rushing out of your electric heaters. The problem with water leakage is it could be a by-product of practically every boiler problem imaginable.

This is another one of those issues where you will not be able to find the cause without calling a professional to look at it.

3.Strange Noises : Odd noises in a boiler can manifest themselves as anything from a gurgling noise to a banging sound. The most common cause of this is the air; the sucking sound is the air passing through it. Another cause could be low water pressure.

In the case of older systems, it is nearly always an issue with pump failure. These are notorious for breaking down in this way. Check how old your boiler is for further guidance on where the issue is coming from.

4.Where’s the Pilot Light : When the pilot light goes out, you can be sure this is a broken thermocouple. The gas supply has been blocked from reaching the pilot light. A significant draught might also cause it, although this is far rarer.

5.Losing Pressure : Electric heaters that are not working might be caused by a loss of pressure in the boiler. This is usually caused by a water leak, but if you cannot see any water then you’ll need to replace the pressure relief valve. It tends to be a problem with older boilers but, on occasion, you might discover newer boilers doing this as well.

You will need to call a professional to have the new valve fitted. Thankfully, some retailers offer deals where you can have free maintenance within the first few months of owning a new boiler.

Why Should You Look at an Electric Combi Boiler for Your Home?

An electric combination boiler is the primary boiler of choice in countries like the UK. It focuses on helping homeowners maximise efficiency by disposing of traditional hot and cold water tanks. It brings together the domestic water heater and central heating water exchanger.

If that didn't make much sense to you, it means you can heat water at will without worrying about how much hot water you have left. An electric heating boiler is the most convenient option on the market right now.

You can also find combi boilers that use oil or gas, but these are far less common these days.

Get the Facts Straight : Before we discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of these boilers, let's take a closer look at the average electric combi boiler. These boilers take water from the main supply running through your home. Immediately, you can discard separate hot and cold water tanks. It means much of the pipe work you had to have before is no longer necessary.

As well as heating water, combi boilers directly feed into the central heating system. Your vertical radiators are allowed to work because of your combi boiler. Traditional boiler systems also do this, but combi boilers are cheaper, which essentially makes old-fashioned boilers obsolete.

Saving Space Inside and Outside : The main reason people decide to look at combination boilers is the space savings. Previously, you had to have a boiler cupboard to fit the various tanks and cylinders. Now, many people can have a boiler in their bathroom without the need for a separate cupboard.

Combination boilers do not have any tanks or cylinders. They also do not have the same amount of pipe work. This affects the installation. Installers can put them in much faster than they could before. An experienced tradesman can fit a combi boiler in a matter of a few hours. Naturally, this is going to impact on cost, which we will discuss later.

People who live in flats are no longer at a disadvantage. Flat owners often lost so much space without combi boilers. Now this is no longer the case. The demand for something smaller for flat owners is part of the reason the popularity of these boilers has gone up.

What about Cost? : The cost is much lower than a traditional boiler system for a number of reasons. In terms of installation, there are fewer materials involved and fewer man-hours. Installers haven't simply inflated their prices to accommodate this; they've passed the savings onto customers. There's an incentive for this. Combi boilers are easier to fix and more reliable, so having customers switch boiler systems is beneficial for them in the long-term.

Capabilities : Combi boilers are hardwired to deal with unexpected events. They can contend with wild fluctuations in water temperature. They can also heat the water quickly. It only takes them about forty seconds to heat ice cold water to an acceptably hot temperature.

If you purchase a storage combi, you can also store hot water on a permanent basis, but you do not have to install the huge hot water tanks you find with traditional boiler systems.

Why Should You Get Professional Help When Choosing Panel Heaters?

Choosing how to heat your home is a big decision. You can choose from a range of vertical radiators and panel heaters. There's nothing to prevent you from having multiple types of heat in your home. If you have decided a panel radiant heater is best for you, stop right there.

Don't make the mistake of picking the first model you see and having it installed. Prior to making a purchasing decision, you should consult the help of a professional. If you purchase your heaters from a reputable dealer, you should have access to an expert on the subject.

Here are some of the reasons why it's worth consulting an expert on panel radiant heaters.

Fire Hazards : Radiant heaters act like campfires. The heat radiates outwards and heats whatever is around it. Electric radiators will heat the air. Radiant heaters have a heightened risk of a fire. This depends on the layout of your home and where you decide to put the panel itself.

A professional will be able to show you where the fire hazards are and where you should install your heater. You also have to beware of other hazards, such as moisture. Experts can help you to understand the risks and what you need to take into consideration.

The Size : There are so many different sizes of panel. You want to purchase a heater that keeps your energy bills down and gives you maximum efficiency. Making the wrong decision can stop you from making significant savings on your energy bills. The size of your heater will depend on a range of factors, including:

- where you install the heater

- the size of the room

- the type of insulation within the room.

You also have to take into account your personal needs and expectations. For example, if you live in the Highlands of Scotland, where temperatures are often cooler, you'd need something more powerful.

A professional who knows your area will be able to give you a better idea of what heater will work best for you.

How Much Do You Want to Spend? : In-house customer service experts are trained to give customers the best deal. By talking to a professional, you can make sure you are getting the best deal. They will be able to give you a list of models that suit your budget.

They can also take into account the costs of installation, which is a cost so many customers forget.

Is it Right for You? : You might think getting one of these heaters is the right decision for you. It might not be the case, though. You might make more savings by choosing a different type of heater. Always keep an open mind as to what type of heater you require to fulfil your needs.

A professional does not have to cost you a penny. You can speak to the retailer and they will be able to help you. Whilst it does not cost you anything but time, picking the right heater can mean the difference between thousands in savings in the long-term.

What Are The Differences Between Convection And Radiant Heaters?

Convection and radiant heaters are both heating types you might find working alongside an electric combi boiler. Not many people know the difference between convection and a radiant heater. It is important to understand this because it will influence your choice of heater in the long-term.

The primary difference comes in how the heater transfers heat. Before we begin, we will discuss the main difference in how they heat the air.

Convection heaters concentrate on transferring energy into the air itself. Radiant heaters will transfer heat to nearby objects.

How Convection Heaters Work : Radiators are the most common examples of convection heaters. They are the most common types of heater found within the modern home.

The convection heater will begin by blowing cold air across its heating implement within. The heat is absorbed into the air. The now warm air is blown out of the heater and into the room. It essentially means the cold air in the room is being replaced by new warm air.

The air is blown across the heating element by way of an internal fan. This warm air is circulated around the room, which changes the average temperature. It continues until the correct temperature has been reached, as dictated by the thermostat. After this is done, the heating element shuts off until the temperature drops again.

How Radiant Heaters Work : Radiant heaters heat objects instead of the air. The most common type of radiant heater is the panel heater. Panel heaters are often found in bathrooms where bulkier radiators would not be viable. They tend to work best in small spaces where it isn't necessary to raise the entire temperature of a room.

The crucial difference here is air is radiated out of the heater,much like a small campfire. Anything around the heater is warmed up.

Although the average panel heater is new, the concept of a radiant heater is not. This is why you have to avoid using older models. Many of these are unsafe due to the heating elements being exposed. House fires are often caused by radiant heaters that were manufactured long before safety standards were brought in.

Does One Have the Advantage Over the Other? : Before you begin hunting for electric heating supplies, you will have considered whether one type of heater is inherently better than the other is. The answer is not really. They each have advantages and disadvantages that you have to take into account.

For larger rooms where you need to heat a big area, you would choose a convection heater. Radiant heaters would not have the strength to heat an entire room by transferring heat to objects. Smaller rooms where radiators are too bulky or it isn't necessary to heat the air will benefit more from a radiant heater.

Businesses and households will often be found using a combination of both types of heater. Carefully consider your needs prior to settling on one or the other. It might be worth talking to a professional first. You might just find both types of heater work for you!

The Homeowner's Guide to Panel Heaters

Panel heaters are a relatively new addition to people's homes. Most people are more familiar with electric radiators. It is becoming an increasingly viable option to have one of these heaters in your home, though.

These offer a number of benefits, including ease of installation, their size, and their ability to heat your home in the most efficient way possible. Let's take a look at what these heaters are and where you can commonly find them.

How Do They Heat Your Home? : Another name for them is the radiant panel heater. They gain this name because of how they transfer heat. Infrared waves are used to transfer radiant heat to the air. It heats the air and turns a cold room into a warm room.

Since they heat the air, they work best in rooms where there are a minimal number of openings. If doors and windows are opening and closing all the time, this can curb its efficiency.

What are the Main Benefits of these Heaters? : There are multiple reasons why a homeowner might decide to choose a radiant panel heater over a conventional radiator with electric combi boiler. They are lighter than radiators and smaller. They take up less space. In the case of a radiator, you will have to dedicate a significant portion of wall space to it.

These heaters and electric radiators are literally a small panel. They fit seamlessly into the room. Furthermore, their size makes them easier to be mounted.

One of the main advantages they have over radiators is the direction of the heat. Radiators can only heat in a single direction. Panels have no restrictions on the direction they can send heat. This, obviously, enables them to be more effective at heating a room.

If maintenance isn't your speciality, you will not have to worry about age-related decreases in performance. These heaters do not decline as they age. The only time you'll have to worry about maintenance is when they break completely.

Where are they Used? : You won't just find them in the home. The fact they're so thin makes them highly useful in a range of industries. It's not uncommon to find them in industries like food processing and any industry that involves preparation of materials. They can be found almost anywhere, due to how adept they are at water evaporation and space heating.

In the home, heaters like this tend to come into their own in the bathroom. Bathrooms often cannot support radiators because of their bulk. If you have a small bathroom, this heater could be your only option.

Consider the Weaknesses : Radiant heaters also have a number of weaknesses. For a start, they cannot be in any environment where moisture tends to build up. They are not waterproof. For this reason, they have to be grounded sufficiently or they can become a risk to humans.

Another weakness is how flammable they are. Any area where flammable substances are used should not have one of these heaters in the vicinity.

Apart from these considerations, anyone who installs one of these heaters will be pleased with both their efficiency and durability.

How to Make Sure Your Electric Heater Doesn't Waste Energy

It's common to find homes with electric heaters and radiators. These are ideal for keeping you warm during the winter. Heaters have come under fire for not being energy efficient, though. With all the concern over carbon emissions and going green, energy inefficiency is something you want to avoid.

Heaters can waste energy if used in an incorrect manner. In this article, we will discuss how you can make sure your electric radiators and heaters are as energy efficient as possible.

Thermostats : A thermostat is more than a device designed to tell the heater how much power it needs to use. Thermostats keep the room's air at that specific temperature. Many cheap, low-end heaters that do not incorporate thermostats will continue to heat the room, even when it reaches the desired temperature.

Always shell out for a heater with a thermostat. Once the room reaches a certain temperature, the heater will automatically stop, and therefore save energy.

The Right Size Heater : Let's say you want to look at a range of vertical radiators to heat a room within your home or business. This heater must be of the right size to sufficiently heat your room. The wrong size heater can lead to huge amounts of electricity being wasted.

For example, if a large room has just a small heater at one end of the room then it is never going to reach your desired temperature. It does not have enough power to hit the temperature you set on the thermostat. This means it is going to struggle on for hours, wasting immense amounts of electricity.

A heater that is too large will use too much electricity in getting to your desired temperature. This isn't an exact science. Ask your supplier for some guidance on the right size heater for your room.

Heating Location : Heaters need to have correct positioning to make them as efficient as possible. A heater that sits near an outside wall will spend more time and energy heating up the cold air coming in from the outside.

Make sure it is pointed towards an interior wall. The stream of heat should reach the centre of the room to ensure it is not wasting all its energy trying to heat up an exterior wall.

If you pointed a heater directly at the outside wall, it would take longer for the room to reach your desired temperature. In other words, the heater will have to work for longer and use up more energy than needed.

Get it Fixed! : The problem with heaters is these are often put into storage when the spring comes around and forgotten about until it's cold again. This means people often forget about essential maintenance.

As a heater gets older, it tends to become inefficient. It needs to use more energy to maintain an optimal level of performance. You should inspect your heater after each winter period to make sure it does not require any attention from a professional.

Proper maintenance will ultimately help you to save money on your energy bills in the long-term.

How Should You Size Your Electric Radiator?

Electric radiators are convection heaters, which, by their very nature, heat the air around them. The problem is the radiator might not have the power to heat the air, since it's too small, or it's too big and using too much power. To keep your energy bills down and maximise efficiency, you must have the correct size radiator.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is not taking into account the heat loss of a room. They only take into account the size. And this is where knowing radiators are convection heaters comes in handy.

In this article, we will discuss how you should go about sizing your electric radiator.

Fact Finding Mission : To start with, you need to find out a number of key pieces of information about the room you want to heat. The type of radiator does not matter when making these calculations, so you don't need to change anything if you're using vertical radiators.

Find out the following:

• square footage
• ceiling height
• any insulation in the walls
• the number of windows
• the number of fireplaces.

You should use this information online. There are plenty of calculators to help you discover the amount of heat loss in a room. This will ultimately determine the best radiator for you.

For the most accurate results, take these calculations to a professional installer. They will be able to recommend a number of radiators that work for you.

Features and Type : Now you have an estimate about the right sizes of radiator suitable for your room, you need to choose the features. The features you pick can determine how efficient your radiator is.

To start with, your radiator must have a thermostat control. This ensures your radiator only heats as much as it needs to for reaching the desired temperature. Without a thermostat control, it will continue to heat the room, and therefore waste energy.

Other features you should consider depend on the needs of your home, such as safety devices, wheels, and handles for transportation.

Type of Radiator : You may have to purchase a different electric heating boiler system depending on the type of radiator. An electric radiator is a general term used to describe a series of different radiators. There are multiple types you have to consider.

When sizing your electric radiator, you have to consider the following radiator types:

• portable –these tend to be attached to wheels and may not have the same level of power>
• wall-mounted radiators, which are the most common types
• baseboard
• wall inset.

Electric Radiators Output : The radiator's output must be determined by converting the wattage of the model to something called British Thermal Units (BTU). You have to convert wattage to this unit because this number takes into account the results gained through intensive room-based testing.

There are a number of free online conversion tools online to help you with this. By using BTUs, you can determine the type of radiator that will have enough power and efficiency after the heat loss of your room is taken into account.

In some cases, you may also discover it is more viable to purchase multiple smaller radiators for larger rooms.