Frequently Asked Questions
Here are our most commonly asked questions
What to do if you smell gas?
Turn off the gas supply at the meter. Open windows but do not turn any electrical items on or off. Call National Grid UK on 0800 111 999 in the first instance.
How long does it take for an engineer to attend my property?
If you book for an engineer online the office staff must call you first to verify your details before confirming your appointment. You will then receive an email confirmation, and this will have the agreed time and date for the engineer’s attendance. Please note that the appointments are not verified until office staff have confirmed.
The time that is selected when booking an engineer is a guideline for us to know how urgent you require an engineer. If we cannot give you your preferred time and date due to engineer’s availability, we will do all we can to reschedule for a suitable time and date.
The time that is selected when booking an engineer is a guideline for us to know how urgent you require an engineer. If we cannot give you your preferred time and date due to engineer’s availability, we will do all we can to reschedule for a suitable time and date.
What is the danger if the boiler is not serviced regularly?
We have come across several instances where faults have laid undetected due to lack of maintenance and have resulted in carbon monoxide poisoning of the house occupants. In severe cases lives are at risk & some have been lost. Drowsiness, nausea, headaches are all symptoms.
How long does it take to fit a new boiler?
It is prudent, for safety and efficiency, to have the boiler serviced annually.
Why is my radiator cold at the top but hot at the bottom?
This usually means there is air trapped at the top of the radiator. The first step would be to bleed the radiator. However, if you are unsure, please call us and we would be happy to come out and check over your central heating system.
Why is my radiator hot at the tom but cold at the bottom?
The most common cause of this is sludge build up in the radiator. This can be rectified by having a Power Flush. However, if you are unsure, please call us and we would be happy to come out and check over your central heating system.
What is a periodic inspection?
A periodic inspection is an inspection and associated testing to check whether an electrical installation is in a satisfactory condition for continued service. On completion of the necessary inspection and testing, an Electrical Installation Condition Report will be issued detailing any observed damage, deterioration, defects, dangerous conditions and any non-compliances with the present-day safety standard which might give rise to danger.
What is a Portable appliance testing (PAT)?
Portable appliance testing (PAT) is the term used to describe the examination of electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use. Most electrical safety defects can be found by visual examination, but some types of defect can only be found by testing.
What is a periodic inspection?
A periodic inspection is an inspection and associated testing to check whether an electrical installation is in a satisfactory condition for continued service. On completion of the necessary inspection and testing, an Electrical Installation Condition Report will be issued detailing any observed damage, deterioration, defects, dangerous conditions and any non-compliances with the present-day safety standard which might give rise to danger.
How often should I get a periodic electrical installation test?
It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at least every five years.
I am a landlord, how often should I have an inspection carried out in my property?
If you own an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation), you have a legal obligation to have a periodic inspection carried out on your property every five years.
If your property is not an HMO, then you are not legally obliged to get your installation tested on a periodic basis. However, we recommend that you have a full periodic inspection carried out every five years or on change of tenancy – whichever comes first.
If your property is not an HMO, then you are not legally obliged to get your installation tested on a periodic basis. However, we recommend that you have a full periodic inspection carried out every five years or on change of tenancy – whichever comes first.
How much impact does insulation on the hot water cylinder have on bills?
It will reduce them in all cases. Modern cylinders come with pre-sprayed foam lagging and are much more energy efficient.
My hot water does not get warm enough
On a Combination Boiler this is usually due to sludge and scale build up in the DHW heat exchanger. This is not a DIY job to rectify and can be indicative of more far reaching corrosion problems in the system. In a normal, cylinder fed system, the ‘cylinder stat’ could be set too low. During winter months, the boiler thermostat will need to be set nearer the maximum than in summer, due to the extra demands made by the central heating.
What are the differences between 'combination' and 'conventional' boilers?
A combination boiler is where the boiler heats both the central heating and provides instantaneous hot water without needing external tanks or cylinders. Conventional /traditional boilers normally require a stored tank of cold water in the loft area & a hot water storage cylinder in the airing cupboard.
I'm a Landlord, what responsibilities do I have with respect to gas appliances?
You must have all gas appliances inspected and certificated once per year. It would be advisable to have the boiler serviced periodically too.
Should I leave my radiator valves open over the summer time?
Yes, it is recommended to leave all TRV in the full open position because they might become stuck if they are left in close position for long periods of time.