Powerflushing The Benefits To Your System

Ability provides heating, plumbing and electrical assistance in West Kent, East, and West Sussex. Powerflushing is a popular method of cleaning and maintaining a central heating system. A Kamco machine is used to send high pressured water through the system to dislodge and remove debris, limescale and sludge build-up.

Over time sludge and debris build up in the central heating system and tend to gather in radiators, pipework and heat exchangers. This sludge is a mixture of dust, dirt, and rust in the water. When debris is left radiators can become cold, valves can become damaged and if left untreated could result in a boiler breakdown.

Powerflushing will allow the debris to be removed and heat dispensed evenly throughout the system. Household bills will be reduced due to the increased efficiency of the central heating system. Also by keeping the system clean the lifespan of the boiler will hopefully be increased. However, homeowners should be made aware that once highly corroded areas have been treated this can sometimes result in leaks on the system that will need to be repaired.

Powerflushing machine

After the first stage of the powerflushing has been completed a high-quality inhibitor should be pumped through the system. This will remove any existing iron oxide or calcium deposits that could be left in the system. After around 10-15 minutes a test should be carried out to make sure all deposits have been removed. If, not the process should be repeated.

Many boiler manufacturers now make the warranty dependant on keeping the system clean in line with the Compliance Guide to Part L of the UK Building Regulations

Should you feel your central heating system would benefit from powerflushing call Ability on 01892 514495 or email info@ability.uk.com for a free no-obligation quotation. Our engineers will be happy to do an assessment and identify any high sludged and corroded areas within the central heating system.

Environmental Change And The Future of Gas Fires

Ability’s engineers are Gas safe Registered and provided the installation and maintenance of gas fires throughout the Kent, East and West Sussex areas.  The Government’s target is to reach 80% reduced emissions by 2050 to help tackle environmental change.  There will be no gas central heating in new builds from 2025.

Gas Fire

With this in mind, it has been suggested that heating our homes will no longer be provided by gas but will be provided by all-electric instead to help the environmental change.  For a household to switch from gas to electric it would cost on average £12,000 as each home would have to replace their boiler, pipes and whole heating system.  The UK would have to spend millions of investment in nuclear reactors and solar energy sources to facilitate this change. Many of us not only heat our homes with gas central heating but also with gas fires and developments need to be made to make them environmentally friendly.

Over the past few years, gas fires have become significantly more environmentally friendly with them producing the same heat but using far less gas.

Currently gas supplies 85% of homes throughout the UK and we have used gas to heat our homes for over 200 years, as a result currently a gas boiler is sold every 15 seconds.  Rather than converting all households to electric to meet the environmental targets, it would be cost-effective to use green gas instead.

Green gas is produced from the breakdown of grass.  Grass regrows so unlike fossil fuels which have become exhausted overtime grass can be replenished.  Gas mills are being developed to mass-produce green gas and it is hoped that eventually enough will be produced to supply the UK.  The focus on environmental change will not only have a positive impact on the future of the planet but also have a positive impact on the reduction of energy bills too.

Ability provides heating, plumbing and electrical assistance please call us on 01892 514495 or email info@ability.uk.com

Longer Guarantee on Worcester Bosch Boilers

Ability is Gold accredited installers for Worcester Bosch who are now providing longer guarantees. We provide boiler installations in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, and surrounding areas as well as East Grinstead, West Sussex.

Worcester Bosch is to offer guarantees of up to 10 years on its gas boilers. The longer guarantees are part of the company’s promise to continue to support the gas engineer community throughout 2020 and beyond.

10 Year Guarantee

From 1 January 2020, Worcester Bosch’s guarantees are as follows:

• Greenstar 8000: eight years as standard or 10 years if a Greenstar system filter is fitted

•  Greenstar CDi/Si/I/Ri: seven years as standard or eight years if a Greenstar system filter is fitted

• Worcester 2000: five years guarantee as standard or six years if a Greenstar system filter is fitted.

Martyn Bridges, director of Technical Communication and Product Management, says: “Our installers are very important to us, so of course we listen to them. Following their feedback, we are taking the necessary steps to keep them, and our customers, happy.

Worcester Bosch Gas Boiler

“Our new guarantee structure represents the first step of many exciting changes in 2020, as we continue to ensure our products reflect the evolving market and are accessible to all types of customer.”

www.worcester-bosch.co.uk/professional

Worcester Bosch will be hosting a Facebook Live event on carbon-free heating on 30 September 2019. It’s the second Facebook Live event from the manufacturer and this time it will be joined by representatives from Gas Safe Register, Oftec, CIPHE, and Registered Gas Engineer magazine to discuss the hot topic.

The panel will be answering questions directly from gas engineers around what new technology and fuel could help the decarbonisation of heating and hot water in the UK.

To get involved, visit Worcester Bosch’s Facebook page at 1930 on 30 September to tune into the Facebook Live event. There you’ll be able to ask your question about carbon-free heating, simply by commenting on the post.

Reliability comes top of the list of considerations when people choose their gas engineer, according to new research from Worcester Bosch who now provides a longer guarantee.

If you require a quotation for a boiler installation please call Ability on 01892 514495 or email info@ability.uk.com

New Boiler And What To Consider When Purchasing One

Ability are gold accredited, Worcester Bosch installers. We have years of experience when it comes to installing both gas and oil new boilers and provide services in the Kent, West and East Sussex areas.

the team ability
Feet up, coffee and fire.

At this time of year, we are extremely busy with boiler repairs and unfortunately, it is not always possible to keep nursing them along. With the Winter in full swing, the boilers are working extremely hard to keep our homes warm the added pressure on an old boiler can sometimes be too much and a new boiler is the only solution. The cost of replacing a boiler at any time of year can be a drain on the funds but with Christmas, just around the corner it is important that the best price for the best quality of work is obtained.

When it comes to getting quotations traditionally it has always been recommended that 3 quotations are obtained for a good comparison. However, when a boiler breaks down many of us want to source a new boiler as quickly as possible and getting multiple quotations takes time. Homeowners should make sure that the installer is Gas Safe and/or Oftec registered. When comparing quotations make sure they are like for like. The boilers should be of the same quality or make and offer the same number of years guarantee or warranty.

A powerflush may be required to thoroughly clean away any debris that could be blocking the pipes and radiators. This could be an additional cost to the new boiler installation so make sure the quotation has a clear and upfront pricing schedule to avoid any nasty hidden surprises further down the line.

Ability not only carries out boiler installation it also offers plumbing and electrical assistance so if you require a free no-obligation quote for any of the above please call us on 01892 514495 or email info@ability.uk.com

PowerFlush, The Advantages Your Central Heating System

Ability provides heating, plumbing and electrical assistance. In the last week, we have carried out a powerflush in the Tonbridge, Sevenoaks and East Grinstead areas. It is so important especially this time of year that our central heating system is working efficiently as possible.

Kamco powerflush machine

Cleaning a central heating system is integral to its health and powerflushing is a popular cleaning method due to the rapid but comprehensive clean it delivers. The benefits of a clean heating system are well-documented:

more even heat distribution throughout the property

improved overall energy savings

lower household bills

increased system reliability

extended system life

So how do you know if a system needs a powerflush? Here are some symptoms to look out for.

Are certain rooms much colder than others?

Does it take a long time for system to warm up?

Are one or more radiators cold at the bottom?

Do radiators need frequent bleeding?

Is the boiler noisy?

It’s important to keep your radiators working properly, so they can keep you warm through the winter. If you’re having problems with your heating, your radiators might need a powerflush.

There are several symptoms that show you might need a powerflush. If your radiators are cold at the bottom and hot at the top, you could have sludge blocking your radiators or pipes.

Sludge might also be to blame if some radiators aren’t warming up while others work properly.

You’ll find information below about the causes of sludge in your central heating system. We’ll also explain the powerflushing process.

Sludge in pipe

Why is there sludge in the radiator?

The older your central heating system is, the more likely it is you have sludge in your radiators and need a powerflush.

Blocked radiators make your bills higher, as your heating has to work harder to warm your home. Sludge can also damage your boiler, heat pump and valves.

If you need a powerflush, the engineer will connect a machine to your system. This will push a powerful, low-pressure flow of liquid through your system. This dislodges sludge and rust, removing it from your radiators and boiler.

It can take several hours to flush out your radiator system. It can take even longer if you have a larger system or there’s a lot of sludge.

Your central heating system will contain fresh, clean water after the power flush. The engineer will probably add an inhibitor solution. This liquid chemical will stop sludge building up again.

If you would like a no-obligation quotation for a powerflush or indeed any of the other services that we provide please call Ability on 01892 514495 or email info@ability.uk.com

A Plumber Solving An Issue Can Cost Less Than You Think

It’s always an inconvenience when something goes wrong with plumbing in the home especially when its something we didn’t anticipate and can’t put right ourselves. Many of us will be reluctant to call a plumber and will leave a dripping tap or leaky toilet for days, weeks and sometimes even months. Millions of water is being wasted throughout the UK each day because of unnecessary leaks. If a tap is left dripping for a week it will waste approximately 168 litres of water. It is estimated that 10% of water wastage is from leaking toilets.

Common signs that a plumber may be required include, a slow gradual leak coming from pipework, pipes making a rattle or banging noise as water travels through them, continual running of water in the toiler, slow drainage in a sink/shower, low water pressure and an huge increase of the household water bill.

A big factor homeowner’s are worried about is the cost of a plumber however, the sooner a leak is fixed generally the lower the costs will be. How much a plumber charges mostly depends on the severity of the problem. If leaks are left further costs could incur with water damage repair. For smaller jobs such as fixing a leaky faucet or unblocking a toilet plumbers normally charge at their hourly rate but for larger jobs a quotation may be required

Ability provides plumbing, heating and electrical assistance throughout the Kent, West and East Sussex areas. We cover Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, East Grinstead, Crowborough, Paddock Wood, Orpington, Bromley and surrounding areas. All our charges are clearly transparent, set out on our website and no call out charges are applied.

If you require a plumber please give us a call on 01892 514495 or alternatively email info@ability.uk.com and we be happy to help

Pressure Dropping In The Heating System

Ability provides heating, plumbing and electrical assistance in Kent, East and West Sussex.  As the temperatures start to drop we receive an increased volume of calls from customers saying that the pressure on their boiler has dropped.

Boiler Pressure Gauge

The power to the system must be turned off before starting to re-pressurise the boiler.  It’s something the homeowner can do themselves but if the pressure continues to drop then a heating engineer will be required.  Modern boilers work best usually around 1.5 bar.  The boiler will have a pressure gauge that shows the minimum and maximum operating pressure.

There are 3 main reasons why the pressure could drop.

Bleeding Radiators Low Pressure

When bleeding radiators air is being let out of the system and can cause the pressure to drop.  This can be easily rectified by letting more cold water back into the system.  This is simple to do however each boiler is different so you will need to refer back to the boiler manual or the manufacturer’s website for direction.

bleeding your radiators-central heating system
Pets Warm at Home

Water Leak

If there is a leak in the system the pressure will continue to drop even if you have added more cold water into the system.  It can be very hard to locate a leak but the best place to check first is the radiator valves. Wipe the valves with kitchen roll and place a tray beneath it to collect any dripping water.  If you are unable to locate the leak then an engineer may be needed to locate and fix it because the leak could be behind a bath panel or floorboard.

Boiler Fault

It is important to have your boiler serviced annually as this helps to keep your boiler running efficiently.  Any fault will be detected earlier and can be fixed before further problems develop.  If the pressure in the system keeps dropping after cold water has been added, it could be the expansion valve that has failed or limescale could have built up in the boiler.  A certified engineer will be needed to check this out.

If you need any assistance with the above please give Ability a call on 01892 514495 or email info@ability.uk.com.

AGA Technological Advances For A Greener Future

Ability plumbing, heating and AGA engineers cover a wide area of the South East from Maidstone to Orpington and Bromley in Kent to Crowborough and East Grinstead in East and West Sussex.

The AGA cooker was invented in 1922 by a Swedish physicist, Gustaf Dalen.  He was forced to stay at home after losing his sight in an explosion and saw how his wife struggled with the cooking.  He then decided to invent a new way of cooking which has since been the heart of many homes for decades.

AGAs make a wonderful feature in any kitchen

AGA cookers are made from cast iron which retains heat and transfers it from the core to the oven and hot plates.  They are available in 2,3,4 and 5 oven models, with a boiling and simmering plate.  It will not only warm the kitchen but can be used to heat the whole house.

Developments

AGA in the past has been slated for using large amounts of energy and being bad for the environment. However, developments to accommodate our change in lifestyle mean they are now much more environmentally friendly. AGAs have thermostatic controls and cook using radiant heat which is gentle on food and locks in moisture, flavor, and goodness.

AGA

AGA has to adhere to the latest environmental standards and is subject to rigorous controls. Advances in their technology now mean that they have, switch on/off hotplates to reduce running costs. Their latest models ‘Total Control‘ and ‘City60’ have independently controllable ovens meaning they can be turned off when not needed.

The AGA is also almost entirely recyclable.

Here at Ability, we can install, service or repair your AGA. We have qualified and experienced engineers trained specially in the maintenance of this classic, quality appliance.  If you would like assistance, please call us on 01892 514495 or email info@ability.uk.com.

If Your Heating System Working To It’s Full Potential

Ability provides assistance with heating system, plumbing and electrical assistance in the Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, East Grinstead, Maidstone, Bromley, Orpington and surrounding areas in Kent, East and West Sussex areas.

Heating systems currently attract dirt and obtain air within them.  It is important to service regularly to remove these to ensure that all is working to its full potential.  If dirt and air are left untreated it will inevitably lead to problems and could, therefore, lead to system breakdowns, which usually happens at the most inappropriate times

Debris in the heating system

Ability has found that whilst technology has moved on and heating systems are far more advanced with smart controls etc we have also noticed that unfortunately, they are more sensitive to contamination from dirt particles and with airlocks.

Whilst many of us will have our boilers serviced regularly, we do not tend to think about the quality of water that is running throughout our heating systems.  An inhibitor to minimise corrosion should be applied particularly in hard water areas.  It is recommended that a heating system should be flushed every 5 to 6 years to ensure efficiency and stop limescale build-up and remove debris and rust.

Common Heating System Complains

Here at Ability we look at some of the most common system complaints to look out for, which suggest air and dirt which could jeopardise the performance of a light commercial or domestic heating system.  

Noisy System – if the system is becoming unusually noisy when in operation this is usually because there is air and build-up within the heating systems resulting in the radiators and pipework banging and clanging as the water tries to pass through.

Cold radiators – If radiators have cold spots or are cold at the bottom but warm at the top, this would suggest there is a build-up of debris within the systems and therefore a power flush may be required.

Corrosion within the system

Air – if there is increased air in the system, this will accumulate in the radiators and potentially clog up the pump, this will usually be noticeable by a noisy system and should be treated as soon as possible to prevent problems.

Replacement of Parts- if parts are being replaced faster than expected this could be due to contamination within the heating system.  When there are debris and air within the system the parts such as the pump are having to work harder to achieve the same output, leading to strain and excessive wear on parts.  Replacing parts can be very costly and can be avoided by keeping the boiler regularly services, water treated and radiators bleed.

If you require any assistance please contact us on 01892 514495 or email info@ability.uk.com

Insurance For The Home, Are You Sufficiently Covered?

Ability provides plumbing, heating and electrical support in the South East.  Home Insurance if very important. We have received numerous calls from clients over the years where they have been away and unfortunately have come back to a leak or they have a fault with their boiler.

Keep your home covered
Keep that smile on everyone’s face with the correct home cover

Home Insurance

When making your final preparation to go on holiday or visit family and friends over the summer, as well as packing the suitcase, checking for passports, sun cream and that the sunglasses are at the ready you need to think is my home safe.  Have you checked all electrical sockets are turned off that can be, have you turned the water off and do I have appropriate home insurance?  It is very easy to forget the latter.

It is important to know what your home insurance policy covers for most eventualities as the last thing you need when returning from a nice break is a huge bill for an essential home repair because your home insurance is inadequate.

Home Insurance Claim

In our experience boilers seem to go wrong at the most inconvenient time, so check do I have emergency cover included in your home insurance.  Also, many companies now will only cover emergency call out claims for boilers up to the age of 15 and some only up to the age of 10.  Ability feels this is very unfair as 10 years is not exactly old with the quality of manufacturing these days, even if it’s a condensing boiler.

leak
water leak

One in five home insurance claims tend to be down to a water leak internally rather than externally and if this happens whilst you are away the damage could be catastrophic.  Therefore, it is so important that you have the right cover for you.  We all like to grab a bargain but the cheaper option is not always the best!  Check the excess, if this is high it becomes a false economy going with a cheaper premium option and look closely at what you are actually going to be covered for.

If you require an emergency plumber, heating engineer or electrician please call Ability on 01892 514495