The calls for more energy efficient central heating systems have sounded for quite some time now. In light of the burgeoning environmental problems and rising cost of domestic fuel bills, homeowners are faced with the realisation that something needs to be done to address the inefficiency of houses in the UK.

According to research compiled by the Nationwide Building Society, however, the vast majority of Britons do not want to abandon the comfort and convenience provided by existing central heating systems. Therefore, greater time, effort and money must be spent on ensuring that houses are made more environmentally friendly. Double glazing, loft insulation and cavity wall insulation are typical examples of the more basic measures that can be undertaken by those who aim to improve energy efficiency in the home.

The UK Government’s Boiler Scrappage Scheme is another energy saving measure that can be employed by homeowners, as it offers each eligible household a £400 voucher that can be put towards the cost of replacing a G-rated boiler with a significantly more energy efficient A-rated model. The Boiler Scrappage Scheme’s £400 offering has been matched by most of the leading energy providers in the UK, including British Gas, so customers can potentially save up to £800. However, whilst all of the aforementioned measures can make a significant impact on improving the energy efficiency of homes, it may be advisable to replace the traditional radiator central heating system with one that is decidedly more energy efficient and convenient: underfloor heating.

According to Ian Mills of the Underfloor Heating Manufacturers Association, Britain has it all wrong so far as radiator central heating systems are concerned. Mr Mills argued: “In Germany, it’s extremely rare to find a home without underfloor heating and the situation is similar in Scandinavia”. Nationwide research suggests that British homes are the least energy efficient in Europe and are responsible for 27% of the nation’s carbon emissions. Replacing a radiator central heating system with underfloor heating may appear to be an unnecessarily expensive option, but the potential savings on fuel bills and carbon emissions have made it a distinctly more attractive solution.

The cold start to 2010 in Britain and much of Europe has shown how challenging a change in weather can prove to be in terms of cost to the economy. The freezing conditions that were coupled with heavy outbreaks of snow caused havoc throughout the UK, with school closures, transport chaos and health and safety problems causing misery to millions of people.

Unfortunately, whilst the snow and ice have thawed in most areas of the country, more cold weather is expected to hit Britain before the winter ends. As many people have discovered during the most recent cold snap, it is essential that domestic central heating systems are kept in good working order so that the adverse weather can be endured.

According to Marks & Spencer Home Insurance, there was a 200% rise in home emergency calls relating to water damage during the recent cold spell. Much of this damage was caused by the ice, which inflicted significant damage upon central heating pipework. Unprotected or exposed pipes were naturally the worst hit, as the freezing conditions caused cracks and leaks. Where a leak is found, it is generally advisable to turn off the mains water supply (there will be an internal stop valve located in the house – usually a kitchen or downstairs bathroom – or an external stop valve outside the home), drain the cold taps, then the hot taps and, most importantly, call out a trustworthy plumber. It is also advisable to turn off central heating boilers assuming that they do not run on separate water systems.

Of course, it is far better to prevent such leaks by ensuring that water pipes and tanks are adequately insulated, whilst it is also worth carrying out loft insulation not least to protect against freezing temperatures. Old boilers ought to be replaced under the Government’s Boiler Scrappage Scheme, as in addition to providing more efficient and cost-effective energy the new replacement boilers will usually offer frost protection mechanisms. It is also advisable to take out a home emergency policy that insures against central heating and plumbing problems, such as those provided by Aviva, Churchill, Cover Direct, British Gas HomeCare and Homeserve.

Following one of the iciest and snowiest Christmases in living memory, it is easy to mock an energy firm that advised everybody to turn down their central heating thermostats before the cold weather took hold over the country.

However, Northern Gas Heating’s pre-Christmas message to turn thermostats down by one degree Celsius is not to be derided. In fact, the advice remains perfectly sensible even in the midst of a cold spell that shows little sign of relenting in the near future. In short, Northern Gas Heating is suggesting that consumers take more control over their fuel bills by more effectively controlling the level at which their homes are heated. As a decade of excess draws to a close in continued economic uncertainty, such advice has never seemed more appropriate.

Northern Gas Heating claims heating the home accounts for around 42% (approximately £520) of the average annual household energy bill. Whilst environmentalists have long argued that lights and stand-by devices ought to be turned off when not in use, heating is often written off as an expense that nobody can afford to do without. However, a pilot scheme in Belfast that aims to build homes without central heating systems but which comprise the very latest in energy efficiency measures has highlighted how domestic heating may not be quite as necessary as first thought. According to Northern Gas Heating, approximately 10% could be saved on energy bills by simply reducing the thermostat setting by just one degree Celsius.

As with so many eco-friendly measures, consumers have a financial carrot dangled over their heads in order to encourage change. Whilst the need or such incentives may not reflect favourably on humanity as it strives to save itself from the potentially species-ending effects of climate change brought about by global warming, it is nonetheless important to the individual consumer. As highlighted by Northern Gas Heating, turning down the thermostat, introducing draught-proofing throughout the home and switching to a condensing boiler could save £300 on energy bills each year.

According to new research undertaken by Screwfix, it seems the problem with around half of young men in the UK is they simply do not know how to bleed a radiator.

As reported by Northern Gas Heating, the study into how men of different ages cope with a poorly performing central heating system shows that approximately 50% of males aged in their 20s would call for professional help where the situation requires a radiator to be bled. In contrast, only 17% of older men would hire the services of a plumber or suitably qualified gas engineer in order to bleed a radiator. Why are younger men seemingly incapable of fixing this relatively straightforward problem?

It has been suggested younger generations know much less about practical DIY matters because they have been brought up in an academic environment. Whilst such an opinion is impossible to dismiss or endorse with any reliability, the fact remains many young men in the UK are either incompetent or not sufficiently confident to fix their own central heating systems. Although this is arguably a good thing (nobody could seriously suggest a clueless individual tinkering around with a gas condensing boiler is a good idea) it does become somewhat more problematic where the simple task of bleeding a radiator is concerned. In fact, it is thought the relatively minor issue of trapped air in radiators accounts for many cases of inefficient central heating systems in the country, which is obviously not good for the environment.

Bleeding a radiator is a relatively straightforward task that can be safely handled by even the most inexperienced of men (or women). In most cases, bleeding a radiator simply involves loosening the valve at the side of the radiator with a special key (sensibly called a radiator key). As soon as water begins to drip out of the radiator (usually after a hissing sound associated with escaping air is heard), the valve can be tightened again. This simple process removes the air from the radiator and ensures that it works with optimal efficiency.

Although today’s central heating boilers conform to strict regulations, undergo annual safety inspections and are generally built to last, it is common for parts to break down or become faulty.

Moreover, central heating systems generally are prone to the odd leak or blockage but when central heating systems experience problems the effects can be disastrous, with flooded homes and potentially unsafe gas appliances wreaking havoc. Thus, it is understandable that many customers choose to indemnify their properties against such mishaps by taking out one of the many gas, plumbing and electricity insurance policies that are available.

Indeed, it is commonly perceived that an insurance policy, which typically requires monthly instalments or an annual fee to be paid, is the cheaper and more convenient option to having to call up a private Gas Safe engineer, electrician or plumber when something goes wrong. To all those customers who have experienced cowboy private traders, the insurance policy option is an attractive one if only to ensure that trained professionals will carry out the work within an agreed time. Furthermore, whilst no policy will cover every possible central heating related hazard, there are comprehensive options that take care of most problems at no additional cost.

However, a recent article published in the Guardian’s online service suggests that British Gas HomeCare policyholders would be better off saving their money in a savings account than continuing with their policies, which are set to rise by up to 50% during the coming months. Indeed, Which? research shows that 90% of households would profit from letting their policies expire (beware of automatic renewals, though) and setting aside the premium funds in the event of problems arising.

Did you know that the 1st October was official ‘Central Heating Day’? According to a recent article published by the BBC news service, the 1st October is the day most people turn their central heating back on and as the weather turns colder the thermostats chug back into action.

Rising costs of home heating mean people try to hold out for as long as possible before turning their central heating back on. Lucky though we are to have this ’standard’ luxury, most people take central heating for granted. However, the BBC article explores the ways in which our lives have changed as central heating became common place.

People no longer ‘dress’ for cold weather in their homes – favouring watching telly in a t-shirt, despite temperatures plunging outside. A modern condensing boiler and central heating system have changed the way we furnish and decorate our homes. Out have gone heavy curtains, thick carpets and small dingy rooms, replaced by designer blinds, open plan living and laminate flooring.

The flip side is people gathered as a family to keep warm but still interacted with each other, but today everyone spends more time alone in separate rooms in front of a telly or computer. Let us not forget the impact on carbon emissions and the environment.

So, instead of complaining about the cost of gas and electric prices, why not appreciate the luxury of central heating in your home and the freedom it provides. But, also try to do something for the environment and turn your thermostat down! Average homes set their thermostat at 22 degrees, but surely you could lose a degree or two by simply wearing a cardigan?

In today’s modern world, we are often reminded about our impact on the environment with not just green charities and seemingly faddish green energy devices being thrust into our lives, but also the Government passing new laws and rules on how we consume energy in our homes. But, apart from the environmental benefits, why should you or I strive for higher energy efficiency – what are our bonuses for an often expensive choice?

The answer is in energy efficiency – the more efficient our boiler system is in our home, the cheaper our energy bills become, and with the steady rise in gas, oil and electricity prices we are all experiencing, investing in a boiler that is more efficient is the answer.

But what is a high efficiency condensing boiler – and how do they work?

The Basics

The condensing process that occurs on high efficiency condensing boilers are what gives them their name. Condensing occurs in the most efficient types of boilers, inside using a larger or a secondary heat exchanger – this means that more of the energy that is created by the boiler is extracted to the exchanger to heat the water while the boiler is in use, and reduces the amount of energy that is wasted. Normally, this heat would escape up the flue of an average boiler, but in a high efficiency condensing boiler the heat of the flue area is lower, reducing the temperature of the flue gases and producing condensate.

When it comes to energy efficiency, a high efficiency condensing boiler is the most efficient type of boiler available on the market today, converting more than 86% of all the fuel consumed into heat. Most conventional boilers only manage around 78%, with older boilers and back boilers managing even less.
High efficiency condensing boilers are not just efficient with their energy, but also in the amount of materials used in their construction, and ultimately, their size. Depending on the work-load of the boiler needed, the size will vary, but many will fit snugly into a standard kitchen cupboard space. This can be much smaller than many other boilers on the market, especially when you factor in the energy efficiency – a less efficient boiler may need to be larger to create the same output as a high efficiency condensing boiler.

Types of High Efficiency Condensing Boilers

There are three main different types of high efficiency condensing boilers on the market today, these include:

Regular Boilers – A heat only or regular boiler provides hot water straight to your radiators. The system needs a storage cylinder for supplying hot water to taps and showers.
System Boilers – Requiring a separate hot water cylinder for storing heated hot water, but not requiring a roof tank like some types of boiler.
And
Combi Boilers – Requiring no tank, a combination boiler will heat up hot water on demand and circulate it where required. These are the most popular type of modern boiler, as they take up considerably less space.

What are the Negatives of a High Efficiency Condensing Boiler?

A high efficiency condensing boiler will suffer from an effect called ‘pluming’, which occurs in all types of condensing boilers. Pluming is a side effect of the condensing method, and looks like steam or gas escaping from the boiler and is much more noticeable in colder weather as it has an average temperature of 54°C. This plume of wet steam vapour will condense on a cold surface into small droplets of water, similar to when breathing on a window, and for this reason it is advised that all high efficiency condensing boilers are situated away from windows or cooler surfaces, as well as walls or internal corners where the damp may be trapped.

Summer is upon us at last, and while things finally start to heat up outside, we can all take advantage of the financial perks that come with hot weather – i.e., no heating, and getting washing dried outside on washing line.

However, British Gas boilers are determined to remind us that winter fuel bills are just around the corner!

It is not all doom and gloom though, as customers have just over a month to take advantage of the latest boiler offer from British Gas. Which they are claiming that you could save up to £852, if you buy a new boiler from them before the 25th July 2009!

Customers who take British Gas up on this offer will also receive a one year aftercare service, called HomeCare 200, that even also applies to radiators and pipes that are already existent in their property!

Included in the estimated £852 savings, are the installation of six ‘free’ radiator controls – a saving that amounts to a staggering £248!

British Gas also claim that a new boiler bought from them, that is energy efficient, could make you a humongous saving in the region of £275 a year off your heating bills!

Of course as you are buying from British Gas, all their engineers will be Gas Safe registered and trained. British gas also will fit your new system with magnaclean corrosion inhibitor, protecting the future of your central heating system.

Full details of this offer are available on the British Gas website, including telephone numbers to ring if you would like a quote, or have any enquiries.

We’re pleased to announce our sister site Boiler Guide has been launched, the site offers a complete list of nationwide engineers for the installation and servicing of gas and oil central heating boilers.

The site enables consumers to find and locate engineers in their area and in some cases request quotes directly through the site. The quote request feature is being gradually rolled out as more engineers register for the service which is currently on a 6 month free trial basis.

Popular locations include Birmingham and London alongside Manchester and Leeds and with over 8,000 engineers listed we’re hoping to supply Britain’s boiler and heating engineers with a good supply of sales leads!

Generally speaking, choosing a renewable energy supply for a household’s central heating is a principled choice. It is not, however, traditionally seen as a way to make money. This is because the installation of, for example, solar panels demands a hefty financial outlay – and the bigger the property, the bigger the upfront cost – which can be difficult to justify in these harsh economic times.

Whilst loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and double glazing are all superbly efficient ways in which energy can be retained, it takes a while for these to result in a significant financial benefit. Furthermore, they are cost-saving initiatives as much as they are environmentally friendly, which simply means that they will not make you any money but should save a bit – a perfectly respectable consequence, it should be added.

Nevertheless, it is possible to be green and actually generate money in the process. No, we are not talking about opening a fitness centre full of exercise bikes that are hooked up to a giant turbine – although that does seem like a fantastic idea – but instead a tried and tested source of renewable energy can produce a little sterling on the side.

Sunny Money

Solar panel installations, as aforementioned, can punch a sizeable dent in the bank balance. Because a solar-powered home remains hooked up to the National Grid, the home is capable of using traditionally generated electricity as and when the solar powered juice runs dry. However, if your solar panel installation is generating more energy than your home consumes, which is especially possible with larger installations, the extra power can be fed back to the National Grid.

The National Grid will then pay the home supplier for this excess under whatever tariff was agreed – normally, this will be either as a typical export tariff for the extra power or a generation tariff that includes all power generated by the panels.

So, what are you waiting for? Once you have the solar panels installed, all you need is a little unbroken sunshine…