Month: February 2018

New Gas Boiler Installation showing engineer fitting a new gas boiler

“Boiler Plus” – What you should know

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With a view of protecting the environment for generations to come, the Government has published its Clean Growth Strategy highlighting key policies and proposals meant to tackle greenhouse gas emissions. Amongst these, one of the changes will see new standards being imposed on new boiler installations.

Generally referred to as “Boiler Plus”, the new legislation will require all boilers installed from April 2018 to have a new Erp (Energy-related Product) rating of 92% or higher and they must also have a programme timer and a thermostat. Most homes already benefit from this, however it will now become a requirement not just an extra option. In addition, combi boiler will also have to have at least one of the following energy-saving measures installed: flue gas heat recovery systems, load compensating thermostat, weather compensating thermostat or smart thermostat.

What are my options?

  1. Flue gas heat recovery systems: This system improves your boiler efficiency by reusing heat from your boiler rather than wasting it. In some instances, this technology might already be incorporated.
  2. Load compensating thermostat: This addition is able to adjust the radiator temperature according to the temperature in the home.
  3. Weather compensating thermostat: Similar to load compensating thermostats this system will adjust according to the outside temperature.
  4. Smart thermostat: This can be accessed using a smartphone or tablet allowing you to adjust the temperature even when you are not home.

Are you getting a new boiler installed anytime soon? Then be sure to check that it adheres to the new standards. With Arktek, you can rest assured that you are in good hands. We value customer satisfaction and always strive to deliver the best services.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the option of getting a new boiler, give us a ring on 0191 516 6911 or go to our website https://www.arktekheating.co.uk/ for a Free boiler quote.

Product Spotlight: ThermaBead Cavity Wall Insulation

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The winter season always brings with it an inevitable spike in the energy bill. According to the Energy Saving Trust, about a third of all the heat lost in an uninsulated home escapes through the walls. As a result, people living in such properties will be spending more to keep themselves warm and in addition, will also increase their carbon footprint.

Does my house have a cavity wall?

Properties built after the 1930’s tend to have two brick walls. The gap between the inner and outer walls is known as a “cavity”. If the space of the cavity is at least 40mm between bricks and held together with wall ties then cavity insulation is suitable and recommended.

 

 

 

Arktek aims to provide the best quality of service to its customers and has a strong commitment to maintaining its quality standards. This is why we are offering the ThermaBead cavity wall insulation system which has been identified as having several advantages over standard fibre insulation.

Benefits of ThermaBead:

  1. Lower U value: Heat lost through materials is measured as a U value. Depending on the property and the length of the cavity, installing the ThermaBead product can improve the U value by approximately 70%, making it up to 20% more efficient than standard fibre insulation.
  2. Ease of installation: Using all weather specialist equipment, installation can be done in one day. Due to the unique nature of the fast flowing beads, the process requires fewer and smaller drill holes than other insulation systems and ensures all possible areas are filled.
  3. Flowability: The special flow properties of the beads allow the system to achieve a superior cavity fill, ensuring no cold spots and addressing settlement issues identified in other materials.
  4. Moisture Dissipation: Unlike other fibrous materials the special beads used to insulate the wall do not possess the same absorption properties and will not allow water to accumulate allowing a safe dispersion of moisture.

Considering the above points, our team has reached the conclusion that ThermaBead offers an easier and more effective solution to making your home warmer and more environmentally friendly. In addition to being a BBA(British Board of Agreement) and KIWA approved product, all work comes with a 25 year Insurance Backed Guarantee through GDGC. With potential savings of up to £250 per year this is the ideal solution for your home in regards to cavity wall insulation!

If you would like to know more please give us a ring on 0191 516 6911. For more information on the product you can check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brJfhvO3sQQ

Arktek Gas Engineer

Don’t cut corners with gas

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Gas Safe Register has launched a campaign encouraging people to avoid using illegal fitters or doing any unsafe DIY repairs when working with gas appliances and we explain why you should care.

What is the Gas Safe register?

Replacing CORGI registration in 2009, the Gas Safe Register became the official list of gas engineers who are qualified to work safely and legally on gas appliances. By law, all gas engineers must be on the Gas Safe Register, but there are unregistered gas workers out there.

How can I tell if an engineer is registered?

All Gas Safe registered engineers carry a Gas Safe Register ID card. Before any gas work is carried out always check the card and make sure the engineer is qualified for the work you need doing.

How can I keep my family safe?

Badly fitted and poorly serviced appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous gas. You can’t see it, taste it or smell it, but it can kill quickly with no warning.

Protect yourself and your family from the dangers by following these simple steps:

  • Only use a Gas Safe registered engineer to fit, fix or service your appliances
  • Get your gas appliances regularly serviced and safety checked every year
  • Fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm
  • Check for warning signs such as lazy yellow flames or black marks or stains around the appliance.
  • Know the six main signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning – headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse and loss of consciousness.

Always ask for a Gas Safe registered engineer and always ask to see their ID card. Check it, don’t risk it! If you suspect anyone to be working illegally report them to Gas Safe Register. For more information and to find and check an engineer go to www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk or call 0800 408 5500

Remember – Don’t Cut Corners and always use a Gas Safe registered engineer for any gas work.

 

Arktek Promise

We aim to get it right the first time, every time. All our engineers are registered and ready to help. If you need a helping hand why not give us a ring on 0191 516 6911. For more information you can also visit our website: https://www.arktekheating.co.uk/