During a boiler service, people just see the engineer fiddle with the boiler for five minutes and then the engineer will most likely say that everything is ok and leave but you probably wonder what actually happens during this process.

Guide to what happens during your boiler service:

• The engineer will begin by doing a visual check of the surrounding. Then they will go onto looking at the actual flame within the boiler. It should be a distinctive colour and if it isn’t this will be the first problem which the engineer would need to tackle.

• The engineer will go onto opening up the actual boiler to do checks within. They will always lay down a cloth to begin as they want your home to remain clean. Now the interior components and pipe work need to be checked over. If all of this is ok, the interior will be cleaned using a special hover to maintain that all the parts will not be affected by dirt.

• After this process then all of the components will be tested using specialist equipment to make sure that the boiler is working at full potential and efficiency.

• If a fault is found at any stage of the process then the engineer should try and fix the problem there and then so that there is no difficulty caused for the customer.

A simple way of doing this is to set your boiler up in a way which is both cost effective and environmentally friendly. One can set the boiler so it is only on when it is essential for use. If you are at work during the day then there is no reason for it to be active. Set the timer so it benefits you and our world. Another simple method of saving money on your gas bills is to just shut your curtains during the evenings. This will stop heat escaping through your windows and make sure that your home stays warm. If you do this then you can set your boiler up at a lower temperature as your home will already be warm. If you turn down your thermostat by even 1 degree centigrade you can save yourself some money. These simple methods will benefit you long term so why not try it.

If you smell gas coming from anywhere in your house, you must first call 0800 111 999 which is the number for the National Gas Emergency Service. This service is provided 24 hours a day and seven days a week and will cost you nothing to call. After calling this hotline, you will be put through to a trained operator who will take your details and help you in dealing with your situation. One crucial point is that if you do smell gas, you should never create any type of flame or operate any electrical switches which could cause a spark. This spark could trigger and explosion and cause serious damage to your property and the surrounding area.

When you call the National Gas Emergency Service, one of their expert agents will ask you various questions to establish the seriousness of the threat and the proper procedures which need to take place. Some of the questions which you need to answer are; the address and area of the suspected gas leak and where the smell originated from and how prominent it is around the property. These questions are asked so you can find out how and why the gas leak has occurred. For example, if the problem has started direct from the boiler, this can be very serious as carbon monoxide could spread around the entire property and can cause health problems.

If you smell gas, you must react immediately to prevent any serious problems developing for yourself and your community.

New boilers have rated efficiencies of 90 per cent or more meaning that they use less fuel, resulting in lower CO₂ emissions and running costs. Renewable heat technologies do not use fossil fuels, reducing CO₂ emissions still further.

For example, this means by upgrading your G-rated boiler to an A-rated one, your household heating bill should drop by about a quarter – a saving, on average, of around £235 a year.

Even if you are not eligible for this scheme Mercia Gas has many special offers available right now. Contact us to find out more and you could save up to 40% off your energy bills by installing a new energy efficient boiler.

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Combi Boiler

The Combi boiler combines all of the components of a conventional boiler into one system – a form of condensing boiler.

The advantages of such a system are:

* This system supplies hot water on demand
* The central heating system works through this system
* These are the most popular boiler type
* Combi boilers heat the water direct from the supply
* Can be more energy efficient than other boiler types
* Do not require storage space
* Eliminates the heat loss process that you would find with regular copper cylinder system (Traditional heating systems store heated water in a copper cylinder situated within an airing cupboard within the property)

The disadvantages:
* The water flow can be less efficient than a cylinder system
* This system works particularly well in small domestic homes. This system is not ideal for a large home with more than one bathroom.

Traditional heating systems

This system is in two parts and consists of a boiler and a water cylinder. The advantages of such a system are:

* There is more water stored which increases the flow to taps
* Through the right installation hot water is available at will
* An efficient system suitable for large homes with more than one bathroom

The disadvantages:

* A pump will be required for high pressured showers
* The cylinder will require storage space
* Pipe work in the loft area are more likely to freeze

Unvented Heating

This system enables users to access high pressure water to several taps at any one given time. The advantages of the system are:

* No need for water storage tanks in the loft
* High pressure shower – no additional pump required
* This system is suitable for all

The disadvantages:

* This option can prove to be the most expensive
* A water pressure test will be required

Please do not hesitate to contact us on 0800 77 3333 should you have any queries on Boiler Installation, Repair or servicing.

Thanks
Mercia Gas