Last year’s harsh winter caused widespread chaos
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With temperatures dropping, homeowners are being urged to protect themselves from the misery of frozen water pipes and help keep their boiler running smoothly
Last year’s harsh winter caused widespread chaos with boiler manufacturers and maintenance service firms struggling to cope with the volume of frozen boiler condensate pipes.
Now, as part of its “Don’t let the cold catch you out this winter” campaign, PlumbNation is helping to show homeowners how they can stay warm and save money over the coming months.
Here are PlumbNation’s top tips for a warmer home this winter:
• Invest in a high efficiency A-rated condensing boiler – you could save up to £225 per annum on your average fuel bills.
• Install thermostatic valves on radiators – allows you to precisely control the heat in your rooms and lower the heat settings in rooms that are used less frequently.
• Fit correctly sized radiators – you only need to heat the space you have. Too large a radiator will increase bills unnecessarily, but too small a radiator will be too cold and will be constantly running at maximum.
• Install a heating controller – this allows you to programme the boiler setting times for when your property is occupied – instead of heating it when it is empty. Wireless controls are cheaper to install as they have less wiring involved and also minimise disturbance to your existing decor.
• Install a room thermostat in the coldest room of your home – keep the thermostat away from any form of heat source to avoid inaccurate readings. This will ensure your home is the correct temperature at all times.
• Invest in a weather compensator – this allows you to gradually heat your house as weather patterns change rather than switching on the heating to full which quickly wastes energy and money.
• Check regularly and add chemical cleansing inhibitor – this helps to keep your system at optimum performance.
• Install a central heating filter – to remove sludge and limescale from the radiator system.
• Install a high efficiency A-rated water pump – up to 80% more efficient than uncontrolled circulation pumps. Pre-lagged to retain heat.
• Insulate your pipes – retains heat in your central heating system and protects pipes from freezing during colder months.
For more information about PlumbNation’s winter campaign, visit http://www.plumbnation.co.uk
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