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Author: No Hassle Heating Team

Avoiding DIY Disasters This Summer

Posted on by No Hassle Heating Team

Thanks to the Government’s traffic light system, we’re having to make the most of our precious annual leave by holidaying-at-home this summer. It’s time to recharge, reset and maybe get round to a spot of DIY.

We have always been a nation of DIY enthusiasts and a year or so of lockdown has only reaffirmed this, as Britain is ‘set to spend £47 billion on home improvements’ this year, according to DIY Week. With this considerable expenditure, it’s important to ensure that we are getting the right results, and that the exciting projects we have planned don’t lead to disaster.

From faulty light fittings giving electric shocks to kitchens wrecked by poorly installed sinks, DIY jobs go wrong year after year, leaving homeowners in need of expert help. Even tasks that might seem simple, such as painting and decorating, often require the services of a professional to fix or finish.

What Are Some of the Most Commonly Attempted Electrical and Plumbing DIY Jobs That Professionals Are Called Out to?

Homeowners frequently attempt to change light sockets, switches and fittings themselves, despite having limited knowledge and experience. According to research by Electrical Safety First, these home improvement attempts result in nearly 50% of all serious electric shocks in UK homes. In most cases, electrical work is best left to the professionals because of the risk of serious injury or fire.

Although not typically as hazardous as electrical disasters, plumbing DIY mistakes can still lead to injury as a result of flooding or water damage in the home. Professionals are most often hired by homeowners to finish fixing leaks followed by plumbing in appliances, plumbing in bathrooms and replacing taps. Our advice? Try to resist the urge to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in if you don’t know what you are doing.

How to Avoid the Worst DIY Plumbing Disasters

If there is an issue that you are confident you can fix yourself, it’s crucial to know exactly what you’re getting into. Here’s how to avoid the worst DIY plumbing disasters this summer and to keep your home dry:

  • Turn off the main valve before embarking on any repair projects to water fixtures. Removing or adjusting a pipe while the system is running will result in flooding.
  • Don’t take a fixture apart without first knowing exactly how it goes back together.
  • Make sure you have all of the appropriate tools and materials and only replace fixtures with the exact same model or type of product.

For professional, quality plumbing and heating services, contact No Hassle Heating today. Our engineers are on call 24/7 to cover any emergencies, keeping our customers happy and safe.

Is It Time for A New Boiler?

Posted on by No Hassle Heating Team

Your boiler is the very heart of your home’s central heating system, but chances are you will only find yourself replacing it maybe once or twice in your lifetime. At No Hassle Heating, replacing a boiler is only ever a last resort. Our team of qualified gas engineers will work tirelessly to keep your boiler in tip top condition, ensuring it keeps running efficiently long after its installation. However, if the worst case scenario happens, it’s worth knowing the warning signs that your boiler is about to throw in the towel!

Although the industry standard advice is to replace your boiler every 10 years, regular checks and servicing can help your boiler to live well into its golden years. At times, however, there’s no better alternative to “out with the old and in with the new”.

What Are the Tell-Tale Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your Boiler with A Younger Model?

  • If you’re calling out a gas engineer multiples times a year for breakdown services, it’s worth considering whether the cost of repairs is actually exceeding the cost of a replacement boiler.
  • If your bills are increasing year on year, it’s likely that your boiler is less efficient than its modern counterparts.
  • Take note of any changes to the sound your boiler makes. While you might be able to take care of a radiator that needs bleeding, some specific sounds, such as vibrating, humming or banging, indicate that the boiler is suffering from a serious fault.
  • If your boiler flame has changed from bright blue to a yellow or orange colour, the gas to air mixture in your boiler is incorrect and it requires immediate servicing and potentially replacing.
  • If your boiler is throwing out an unusual odour, you could be experiencing a gas leak. In which case, your boiler may need replacing.
  • Water leaking from your boiler suggests damage to an internal component, such as a valve or seal. This could cause your electricity to short circuit and affect the structural integrity of your home. It is possible to restore a leaking boiler to full working order, but it is often necessary to arrange a boiler replacement.
  • An older boiler may require obsolete spare parts that can be difficult and, therefore, expensive to find. The cost of repairs could mean it makes more economic sense to replace the boiler instead.

Even with an annual service, you may still notice your boiler beginning to struggle. If your radiators are taking their time to warm up, or you are continuously adjusting your boiler’s pressure, it could well be time to look for a new one. 

You can rely on our extensive knowledge of heating systems to determine the key problems you might be facing with your boiler. For honest advice, contact the No Hassle Heating team today – if we can’t fix it, we’ll replace it!

How to Make a Moving House Checklist

Posted on by No Hassle Heating Team

Whether you are a first-time buyer, a long-term homeowner, or renting your next property, moving house is hard work. Prioritising your preparations can help to make moving home less stressful.

At No Hassle Heating, we have helped customers across the region prepare their old properties and settle into their new homes. Try our five top tips to make moving house more manageable.

1. Check Your Moving Dates

This is the first place to start. If you are selling and buying property, contact the conveyancers and relevant agencies for specific dates, or in the case of renting, get this in writing from your landlords. Remember that chains can lead to delays, so prepare to be flexible.

2. Contact Your Utility Suppliers

Once you have your dates confirmed, contact your utility suppliers to either switch or cancel, including electricity, gas, water, landline phone and broadband. Just as moving house takes time, so too can moving services, so give providers ample notice to avoid waiting.

Before moving out, note down your meter readings to pass to your suppliers. Take a photo if possible so that it will be time stamped. Settle any outstanding bills and contact your local authority to receive a final statement for your council tax.

And, if you’re a No Hassle Heating customer, don’t forget to let us know your new address!

3. Update Your Address

Informing your contacts of a change of address might sound simple, but you will be surprised how many are on the list! If you have dependents, their contacts will need updating too. Here are some of the most important places to inform.

  • Work and Education
  • Banks / Financial Providers
  • Insurers
  • Pension Providers
  • Local Council
  • Doctors / Dentists / Vets
  • DVLA
  • National Insurance / DSS Offices
  • TV Licensing
  • Post Redirection Services
  • Family and Friends

4. Research Your New Property

There is nothing worse than moving home only to find a fault. Plan ahead by finding out where everything is in your new property including gas and electricity metres, fuse box, thermostat, stopcock (the valve for the main water supply), and instructions for appliances.

Moving house is also a good opportunity to make sure you know how all of the above work, or that you have a company you can call if anything does go wrong. No Hassle Heating cover the West Yorkshire region and can assist with boiler and heating checks and maintenance for new homes.

5. Arrange Your Home Removal

Moving house is exhausting so it can be helpful to use a professional service. Look around for quotes to get the best deal using The British Association of Removers and get rid of unwanted clutter as you pack. Keep any valuables on your person.

Label your boxes clearly and include lists of their contents. Put aside essentials such as a kettle, mugs, teabags, cleaning products, toilet roll and bedding so you can feel more comfortable on your arrival. Finally, once you have moved house, take the night off – you will have earned it!

Need a helping hand? Get in touch.

Safety Checks Required for Residential Landlords

Posted on by No Hassle Heating Team

All residential landlords within the UK are responsible for the continual safety of the tenants within their rental property. This legal obligation includes conducting regular checks of fittings and systems by qualified persons relating to electrical, gas and fire safety, and obtaining relevant certificates.

With frequent updates to government legislation, however, it can be difficult for landlords to know exactly when, where and why any changes need to be made. To ensure full compliance as well as peace of mind, checking for details online and enlisting the support of a professional company can both prove helpful. Here are some of the key areas for residential landlords to look out for.

What Safety Checks Should Landlords Complete?

Electrical Safety

Landlords are required to check that all electrical systems and appliances within the property are safe to use including plug sockets, light fittings, kitchen appliances, and any extra items supplied under the tenancy. Anything found to be broken or damaged should be removed and replaced.

A new set of regulations for residential landlords also came into force last year. Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 state that landlords must now arrange safety inspections every five years, which should be completed by a qualified professional. Electrical safety reports must also be provided to tenants and, in some cases, to local authorities.

Gas Safety

Ensuring the gas supply to a rental property is safe is also the responsibility of the landlord, along with checking any related equipment and fittings. The law specifies that these should be installed, checked and repaired only by Gas Safe registered engineers. Tenants also need to be provided with a gas safety check record prior to renting or no later than 28 days following an inspection.

Fire Safety

Smoke alarms are essential in any building but within rented properties, landlords are legally required to provide them on each floor. A carbon monoxide detector should also be installed in spaces with solid fuel burners. These should both be tested regularly by tenants and landlords.

It is also important to keep escape routes clear, ensure any furniture and furnishings are fire resistant, and that fire alarms and extinguishers are provided in the case of HMOs (large houses with multiple occupants). An online version of the Fire Safety Order (FSO) provides further guidance.

How Can Landlords Meet these Safety Requirements?

Whether preparing or improving a residential property, there is support available to help landlords achieve these legal obligations and to obtain any required safety certificates. At No Hassle Heating, all our engineers and plumbers are fully qualified with experience of providing safety checks and reports to residential landlords and their tenants. As well as boilers, radiators and thermostats, we can also assist with gas supply pipes, water and waste pipes, internal electrical wiring, sockets and switches, taps and toilets, and more. Find more information here or get in touch with us directly.

Begin the Spring with a Boiler Maintenance Check

Posted on by No Hassle Heating Team

Never has a new season felt more welcome than this year. After months of lockdown, we can finally look forward to time indoors without the pressures of remote working, home schooling, financial strain and emotional stress. With spring cleaning routines well underway, make sure to include boiler maintenance on your to-do list to ensure you don’t get caught out. 

Why You Should Check Your Boiler 

Boilers and heating systems that are not fully functional or even faulty can be more than just an inconvenience. Not only do you risk going without heating and hot water, but leaks and breakages can cause damage to other parts of your home and even be dangerous to you and your loved ones. 

Inefficient systems mean wasted energy that can lead to increases in your utility bills, as well as affecting warranties and even the validity of your home insurance. Finding problems sooner rather than later will ensure you avoid a hefty bill for repair work while also giving you peace of mind. 

Boiler Maintenance: What to Look For 

Firstly, have a look at the pressure gauge on your boiler. The recommend level is between 1 and 1.5, so anything outside of this indicates that your boiler needs to be adjusted. Check the unit for any leakages and listen for unusual noises such as banging, knocking, hissing or clicking. 

Try to check as much of the pipework and fixtures as possible, noticing any issues like cracks, leaks, rust or limescale. Regular moisture and temperature changes during the winter months can cause damage to both the inside and outside of your system and home. 

Also listen for sounds along the pipework and check for any cold areas on your radiators, which can both be a sign of blockages. Again, what may be a minor concern now can easily grow into a larger problem, so it is worthwhile resolving these tell-tale signs when they arise. 

How to Improve your Heating Systems 

While a spring check-up is recommended for homeowners, knowing you have year-round protection can be a much more reliable and reassuring way to guarantee your boiler remains fully functional. Choosing a maintenance plan will make it even easier for you to receive regular checks as well as providing emergency support should anything go wrong. 

No Hassle Heating have been delivering professional boiler servicing to the West Yorkshire region for many years. Our fully qualified engineers and plumbers will check, repair and improve your system on a regular basis, giving you complete confidence that your boiler and heating are safe, reliable and cost-effective. Whatever your requirements, we can provide a monthly maintenance package to suit your needs, including tailored plans for landlords. 

With the imminent increase in electricity prices this April, there has never been a better time to ensure your heating systems are working efficiently. Begin your spring with a boiler maintenance service to save you from the time, money and stress of any potential problems in the future. 

How to Save Money on Your Energy Bills

Posted on by No Hassle Heating Team

Spring is often associated with new beginnings, but for many UK households, changes to electricity prices will mean a return to pre-pandemic high payments. The good news is that there are ways you can help to reduce your costs, including boiler maintenance and heating checks. 

Regulator Ofgem have announced a price increase on energy bills from 1 April 2021, raising the cap to the level it was before the first lockdown. Due to the pandemic, wholesale prices fell rapidly with the cost saving being passed on to consumers. However, demand has since increased, resulting in a rise of £96 for 11 million tariff customers and £87 for the 4 million with pre-paid meters. 

Price caps are set every six months in response to the cost of electricity and gas for suppliers, but this latest alteration comes at a time when many homeowners are already facing financial difficulty. Ofgem’s chief executive Jonathan Brearley describes the cap as a “safety net against poor pricing practices” and advises customers to “shop around for a cheaper deal” in light of the changes. 

How Will the Price Increase Affect UK Households? 

This latest increase to the price cap will see the average homeowner paying £1,138 per year for their gas and electricity bills. The update will affect around half of UK households who have ongoing suppliers or with discounts that have finished. Those on fixed rate deals will not be affected. 

Several industry professionals have already raised concerns. Following research conducted in December 2020, Citizens Advice have estimated that 2.1 million homes are struggling to keep on top of their energy bills, an increase of 600,000 from the pre-pandemic figure. 

While Ofgem have encouraged consumers to move to a different energy supplier to save money, the cost of fixed rate deals has also been rising, making it tougher than ever to find an affordable option. The lowest figure has increased by more than £50 in the past three months to £851. 

How Can I Save Money on My Energy Bills? 

While there may be limited choices when it comes to finding a cheaper deal from suppliers, there are ways you can lower your energy usage and make your bills more manageable. Monthly maintenance checks can help to find and remedy problems early before they become serious.   

After a long cold winter, boiler maintenance is essential as well as checking your pipework and fixtures. If you are concerned about any element of your system, contacting a professional engineer or plumber will ensure your heating and boiler are efficiently maintained and fully functional.  

No Hassle Heating are experts in boiler maintenance, providing an expert service to guarantee your systems are safe, reliable and energy efficient. Our monthly maintenance packages include 24/7 access to engineers, no additional charges for emergencies, and even a new boiler should your old one fail.  

Take a look at our wide range of heating plans or get in touch with us. 

What Happened to CORGI? What Gas Safe Means for You

Posted on by No Hassle Heating Team

Do you remember the days of “Corgi Registered”? 

The Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI) was established in 1970, as a direct result of the Ronan Point gas explosion. From 1991 to 2009, registration with Corgi was a mandatory requirement for gas operatives and businesses throughout the UK under the Gas Safety Regulations 1970. As of 1998, there were approximately 55,000 Corgi registered businesses throughout the country, employing close to 110,000 gas operatives. 

What is the Gas Safe Register? 

The Gas Safe Register is now the official gas registration body of the UK, replacing Corgi in Great Britain and Isle of Man in 2009 and Northern Ireland and Guernsey the following year. A review of gas safety in 2006 brought the Corgi registration scheme to its end. Therefore, in order to work legally on gas equipment today, all gas businesses and their engineers must be Gas Safe Registered. 

A gas engineer can only be issued with a license to undertake gas work on behalf of a registered business and the types of appliances they can work on will vary depending on their qualifications. Registration can be applied for once an engineer has obtained the relevant qualifications and evidence of competence through a recognised training programme.  

Why Do Gas Engineers and Plumbers Need to be Gas Safe Registered? 

The Register was introduced as a means of protecting the public from dangerous gas work carried out by unqualified engineers. If your engineer or plumber is on the Gas Safe Register, then you can be certain that they are trained and qualified to work safely and legally with gas. This is crucial when you consider the number of deaths each year which occur as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning, through faulty or poorly maintained gas equipment.  

As well as greatly reducing the risk of incompetence, being Gas Safe Registered is good for the plumbers and gas engineers too. Registered engineers have access to a network of professionals, including technical support specialists, and industry standards at reduced costs. The number of potential customers who search for engineers via the Find by Location service will also raise the profile of the business significantly. 

Do you have to be Gas Safe registered to provide boiler maintenance services? 

According to HSE, “a non-registered person may carry out ‘wet work’, i.e. install water pipes and radiators for a heating system, but any work on the gas boiler itself and the final connection of the water pipework to the boiler, must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer.” 

If your gas boiler (or other gas appliance), requires fitting, fixing, or servicing, it is your responsibility to ensure the work is undertaken by a qualified gas engineer for the safety of all concerned.