Radiator systems are commonplace in almost every home in the UK, with most people unable to remember a time before they had central heating and radiators! They’re an effective method of heating a house and can quickly warm up a cold room.
Radiators work through a process called convection heating. Water is heated by your boiler, and it then travels through your central heating system to the radiators. The hot water is what heats the radiators .
When radiators get hot, the air surrounding them does too. This displaces the cold air which makes its way to the lower portion of the room, where it can be heated by the radiator. Eventually, the warm air that comes from the radiator cools down and returns to the bottom, where it can once again be heated by the radiator. This means there is a continuous flow of hot and cool air in the room, which goes on until the heating is turned off.
Water doesn’t stay in the radiator the entire time – once the heating is turned off, it filters out. This means air can make its way in, and this is why radiators need bleeding from time to time.
The surface of a radiator can be extremely hot, reaching temperatures upwards of 70 degrees celsius. This allows you to heat your home quickly, but can pose some health and safety risks. Fast heating radiators can also be quite expensive to run, but more on that in a little bit.
In a way, having underfloor heating is like having a giant radiator underneath your floor. However, the way the system works will depend on the type that you have. There are two main types of UFH systems:
Warm water underfloor heating system: The first type is warm water underfloor heating, which works similarly to radiators. Pipes beneath the floor surface are warmed up by hot water passing through from the boiler. The key difference between radiators and warm water heating is the process that distributes the heat. As mentioned, radiators use convection heat which warms the air, but water underfloor heating systems use radiant heat. This means the underfloor heating heats up objects instead of the air.
Electric underfloor heating system: Electrical underfloor heating systems are slightly different in the sense that they use wires under the floor that heat up instead of water pipes. These systems still provide radiant heat rather than convection heat.
Underfloor heating systems (be them warm water or electric) don’t get quite as hot as radiators. The surface temperature sits at around 27 degrees celsius, which is considerably lower than a traditional radiator system. This reduction in surface temperature means less energy is needed for the same overall heat output.
Another key underfloor heating benefits for both wet underfloor heating and electric systems is that there is a reduced risk of burns compared to traditional radiators. There’s also no need to worry about any sharp metal edges – having underfloor heating installed means your entire central heating system (except the boiler) is neatly hidden underground. This also works well in smaller homes when you don’t have much space to accommodate a bulky radiator system as well as your furniture.
There are numerous costs involved with getting a new heating system in place, with the first one being the installation costs. In this sense, underfloor heating systems are more expensive than radiators because there is more work involved, however they could save you money later down the line. Let’s delve a little deeper.
Most homes already have radiators in place as part of their existing heating system, which means replacing them is more or less a case of taking the old one off the wall and putting a new one on. A lot of people are now choosing upright radiators for wall space saving purposes and a more refined, contemporary look. This may involve moving the radiator to a new location, but again, this shouldn’t take more than a few hours to do.
In contrast, installing underfloor heating is a slightly more involved process depending on the age of your home. If you’re building a new house, it will be fairly simple because it can be installed before the floor. However, if you’re renovating a house, you may need to remove the floor and, in the case of warm water heating, raise the level. This is a more costly and lengthy process, meaning in terms of installation, radiators are generally cheaper.
After the installation, your next consideration will be running costs. This is where underfloor heating shines, as it’s far more efficient than radiators thanks to the lower surface temperature and radiant heat process.
The higher the surface temperature, the harder the boiler has to work to heat it up. Therefore, the more energy it uses, and so the higher your heating bills will be. While the surface temperature of a radiator might be higher, this doesn’t mean it will make your home warmer. Underfloor heating warms the area closest to the ground where you are, meaning you will feel warmer faster because the objects you come into contact with are warm, despite the fact it operates at a much lower temperature than conventional heating.
Another factor that affects energy usage is the spread of the heat. Convection heating only warms up the immediate area, leaving cold spots and meaning you need to keep your heating on for longer to warm them. This contributes to higher running costs in the long-term.
Radiant floor heating results in a far more even distribution of heat, meaning it doesn’t take as long to heat up the entire room, allowing you to turn off your heating sooner and reduce the running costs overall.
Generally speaking, underfloor heating is up to 25% more efficient than radiators. This is a big difference that will see your energy bills reduce drastically – a welcome reduction given rising energy bills. Over time, this will mean underfloor heating works out to be less expensive than radiators, making it more cost-effective to choose underfloor heating.
Changing your heating system is a big step, so it’s natural that you’ll have questions about it. Plus, every home is different which means the costs of installation and efficiency will vary in line with room sizes and insulation.
Over time, products and systems wear out, break down, or simply become obsolete in favour of new technology – central heating is a perfect example of this. Your central heating system will consist of a boiler and radiators, both of which will need replacing eventually.
There’s no hard and fast date after which you need to upgrade your central heating system, but as a general rule of thumb, you should do it every 15 to 20 years. Boilers that were manufactured 20 years ago will be vastly different to the ones we have today, with the most common difference being that they are less energy efficient. This means you’re probably overpaying for them!
Similarly, radiators that were manufactured two decades ago are far bulkier and inefficient than new ones. They require more water, often take longer to heat up, and look less appealing when compared to newer models.Whether you’ve just moved into an older property that’s in need of a refresh, or if you haven’t replaced your boiler since the turn of the millennium, it’s probably time you started thinking about it.
You might be reluctant to upgrade your boiler and radiators because there are no tell-tale signs they need it, but generally speaking, even if you think everything is running smoothly, there are likely signs that indicate you need to invest in a new system. Below, we explore some of the most common signs that you need to upgrade your central heating system.
Energy bills are one of the biggest expenses in any household, and even more so now with rising energy costs. Due to the price cap increase introduced in April 2022, every household will probably see their energy bills increase – but those with old, inefficient central heating systems will be among the hardest hit.
Older boilers and radiators were not built with the energy efficient technology that’s available today, but what’s more, as they begin to age, they become sluggish at heating your house, therefore using more energy and generating higher bills as they work harder and slower. This will result in energy bills consistently increasing over time, and with the new price cap seeing bills soaring already, this isn’t an expense most households can accommodate.
If you’re unsure whether you’re paying too much, research how much it should cost to heat your house. You could also ask your energy provider for a breakdown of your bill, or ask your neighbours what they pay. If your bills are higher and your heating system is older, you’ve solved the case!
Creeping energy bills aren’t always the most obvious sign you need to upgrade your central heating system. General wear and tear is also worth keeping an eye out for.
The first sign of wear and tear is a noisy boiler. You shouldn’t be hearing any rattling sounds or signs of strain, but if you are, this is a strong indication that your boiler has a loose part or is on the blink. Similarly, if you notice any smells emitting from your boiler, this is a sign something is wrong and needs replacing.
For radiators, wear and tear may include sludge in the pipes (which can be cleaned) or slow heating (which may be a sign they need bleeding). If, after draining the sludge and bleeding your radiators, you notice they’re still taking a long time to heat up, this is a sign they’re old and on the way out.
Whilst some central heating system issues can be repaired, it starts to get trickier the older your system becomes. This is because manufacturers stop producing parts after a certain time, making it difficult to get hold of necessary items for ongoing boiler repairs.
If you notice you’re having to foot the bill for repairs or the repairs are taking longer due to parts supply issues, overhauling your central heating system is the best course of action.
There are many reasons why you might have cold spots in certain areas of your house, but if you’ve got the heating on and you’re finding some rooms or areas are still cool, this is a symptom of an unfit central heating system.
As mentioned, sludge builds up over time in pipework and can cause blockages, resulting in cold spots. Although it can be cleared, frequent sludge build-ups are an indicator that the overall central heating network isn’t working quite as well as it once was and parts of it, or all of it, need replacing.
Radiators that need bleeding are another common cause of cold spots, but if doing that doesn’t fix the problem, there’s a good chance sludge is the issue.
There’s no doubt that upgrading a central heating system is a big expense, especially if you’re replacing both the boiler and the radiators. Despite this, there are of course several benefits to getting a replacement:
We recognise that upgrading your central heating system is a big decision, and that’s why we’re committed to helping you ensure it’s the right thing to do. Our team of engineers are on hand to advise you on what system is best for your home, ensuring you’re able to keep costs down whilst effectively keeping your house warm.
To learn more about upgrading your heating system and keeping costs low as energy bills rise, get a quote today.
It’s inevitable that at some point throughout leasing a property, the boiler may need repairing or replacing. This can be a hefty expense to cover unexpectedly and it can also be difficult to find a plumber at short notice. If the boiler breaks in winter, the last thing you want is for your tenants to be waiting days for a plumber to come out.
Landlord boiler cover affords you protection in the event of a boiler breakdown. The repair and replacement costs are covered, and the best policies also guarantee 24/7 access to a plumber, ensuring your tenants aren’t left in the cold.
It’s important to note that most boilers will come with a warranty as standard that serves a similar purpose to boiler cover, but there may be some terms and conditions you need to adhere to in order to qualify.
In addition, some home insurance policies have boiler cover built in, so make sure you check that you’re not covered elsewhere before you take out additional insurance.
If your boiler is more than seven years old, you may struggle to find coverage for it. This is because older boilers may not meet the criteria set out by insurers, and they may be more likely to break down or need repairs. In this case, willing insurers may charge more, so consider whether it’s cheaper to install a new boiler.
When choosing the best landlord boiler cover, you need to consider the extent of the cover you’re getting. There are three main options:
Like any type of insurance or coverage, there are lots of landlord boiler cover options, and that can make choosing the best one somewhat difficult. That being said, there are a number of things you can do to find the best cover at the right price.
1. Choose the right type
As mentioned, there are three main types of coverage, but the type you choose will depend on the heating system you have in your property. If the heating system is older, then it may be best to go for boiler and heating system coverage, especially if your central heating system is no longer covered by the manufacturer warranty.
On the other hand, if your radiators and pipes are new and covered by a warranty but the boiler is a little older and out of warranty, boiler only cover could be the most suitable option.
Arguably the best option is emergency cover because it allows you to find a plumber any time of the day or night, any day of the year, and it covers the whole heating system. If you want maximum peace of mind and coverage, this is the best landlord boiler cover.
2. Think about callouts
If you’ve got an older boiler or have previously had to have multiple callouts in a year, this will be something you need to factor in. Most providers will have a limited number of callouts, and some might charge extra if you need a callout at the weekend or in the evening. Make sure you compare policies effectively to ensure you’re not left high and dry, and if you repeatedly need a callout, it could be time to replace the boiler.
3. Compare what’s included
Not all landlord boiler cover policies cover the same things. In addition to differences in callout caps and out of hours charges, some policies may also differ in which parts are covered and whether labour is covered, too. Avoid overpaying or hidden fees by reading the small print.
4. Check the costs
When you take out boiler cover, you’ll need to pay a monthly premium and excess when you claim. As a general rule of thumb, the lower the monthly premium is, the higher the excess will be, so you may need to find a large sum of money upfront if you choose a plan like this.
It’s also worth noting that the most expensive plan might not be the best plan for you, so it’s important you shop around. To find the best price for the coverage you need, it’s a good idea to use a price comparison website.
Once you’ve figured out the best type of coverage for you, you’ll need to look at suppliers. There are a few recognised suppliers, including:
Landlord boiler cover isn’t compulsory, but it’s a good idea to have it. In the event you don’t have it or your provider can’t fix your issue, BBright provides an emergency boiler repair service. Our wide network of engineers are on-hand to help you if you need it. Simply call us on 01279 888429.
Alternatively, you can also call us if you’re thinking of replacing your boiler.
‘Combi boiler’ is short for ‘combination boiler’. This means that, unlike other types of boilers, the water heater and main central heating boiler sit together in one unit, eliminating the need for a separate water tank.
One of the reasons combi boilers are so common and popular is because you’re able to access instant hot water any time you turn on a hot tap, without having to wait for a cold water feed tank to heat up. With a combi boiler, you also don’t need to dedicate space for a water storage tank in your home.
When it comes to how a combi boiler works, it’s simpler than you might think. The boiler will receive signals from a thermostat that can be set to suit your preferences. When the temperature in the house falls below the set temperature, the boiler will automatically turn on and heat the house to the set temperature.
For example, if you don’t want the temperature in your home to fall below 19°C, the boiler will automatically kick in as soon as it does, heating your home to 19°C and maintaining the temperature, switching itself off once it reaches or exceeds the set point.
In terms of water, when you turn on a hot tap, a diversion is created within the combi boiler via a valve that directs the heat from the boiler to the water supply. When the tap is turned off, the diversion is reverted and the internal valve goes back to the standard central heating setting.
There are many advantages to having a combi boiler, with the main one being that you will use less energy overall. Updated regulations mean that all new combi boilers have to have condensing technology. This ensures heat that would otherwise be lost in the flue of the boiler is retained, ensuring you’re keeping the energy you generate and not having to foot the bill for lost heat. This also benefits the environment, so it’s a win-win!
Some boilers can be confusing to work to say the least, but combi boilers tend to be easy to get to grips with thanks to their moden design and simple thermostats. Another benefit of a combi boiler is that they combine the boiler and water tank, so if you live in a smaller property where space is at a premium, you don’t need to give up valuable square footage to a secondary tank. Instead, it’s all neatly compacted into one box, allowing you to retain more of your precious floor space.
One of the most advantageous things about a combi boiler is that it solves the age-old argument about who used all the hot water. The water is heated up instantly as soon as you turn on a hot tap, as opposed to being sought from a hot water storage tank where there is only a finite amount of hot water ready to be used. This means no one has to have a cold shower again, making a combi boiler ideal for families or those who use a fair amount of hot water in a day.
To help make combi boilers as energy efficient as possible, all installations need to comply with the Boiler Plus regulations that were introduced in 2018. This means that when you have a combi boiler installed, it should include weather or load compensation, flue gas heat recovery, or a smart control system that automates and optimises output.
All in all, a combi boiler is one of the easiest boilers to use and so there isn’t a lengthy list of accessories or controls. When your boiler is installed, you can control it directly from the thermostat. You can choose a set temperature that you’d like your house to be kept at, and the thermostat will send signals directly to the boiler, communicating what the temperature of the house is. If it’s below the set temperature, the boiler will automatically come on and heat the house, and if it’s above, the boiler will switch off.
For added convenience, you can buy high-tech thermostats that connect to an app on your phone, giving you the freedom to adjust the heating if you want it higher or lower in time for when you get home.
Combi boilers are a fantastic choice for most properties, but there are a handful of factors that might affect how suitable they are for your home. For instance, a combi boiler requires a high water pressure rate, which means if you live in an area where the water pressure is low, you won’t get the best output of hot water.
Similarly, if you live in a larger house with multiple bathrooms, where showers and baths are likely to be used at the same time, a system boiler could be the better option as they have greater capacity.
On the whole, combi boilers are a great solution for most households, but if you’re unsure whether one is the best option for you, we can help. Our expert installers are on hand to provide any advice you need, and they can explain in more detail how a combi boiler works and what it can do for your home. Simply call us on 01279 888 429, or email us at ask@bbright.co.uk.
Alternatively, you can get a quote for a combi boiler online today.
There are several types of boilers available, with combination boilers (combi boilers) becoming increasingly popular in recent years. But, what exactly is a combi boiler? In short, a combi boiler provides central heating as well as instant access to hot water. While a regular boiler requires a tank and a hot water storage cylinder, a combi boiler is a far more space-efficient option, as it needs neither. Most efficient combi boilers are also cheaper to run than regular boilers, helping you to reduce your energy bills in the long term.
However, one of the issues that can crop up if you have a combination boiler is that if you have more than one hot water source on at a time (e.g. two showers on at the same time) the water pressure can drop. In this instance, system boilers may be a good option. System boilers work in a similar way to combi boilers, but they’re more suited to larger properties with increased water demand.
Some people assume that combis aren’t the most reliable boilers, because if they break, both your hot water and heating system are knocked out. However, at Bbright we make sure to stock some combi boilers that come complete with 10+ year warranties, for added peace of mind should anything go wrong.
There are a number of advantages of combi boiler models which may sway you towards getting one. Some of the key benefits, no matter which combi boiler you choose, include:
As mentioned, combi boilers are small in size and don’t require a water tank, making them a great option for flats or smaller houses where space is limited. This means you don’t have to worry about a water tank taking up space in a bedroom or creating an awkward layout that limits the use of a room. If you’re low on storage, combi boiler installation could help you maximise your available space.
Combi boilers are by far and away one of the most efficient types of boiler, boasting 90%+ efficiency compared to standard boilers. This is because hot water is readily available and heated directly from the main supply rather than having to heat up on demand. The benefit of this is that the boiler only needs to heat the exact amount of hot water you use instead of a whole tank, therefore using less energy and saving you money on your bills.
With a normal boiler, you have to wait for the hot water tank to heat up before you can get access to hot water, and even then, supply is limited to what’s in the tank. If you have a large family, this may not be ideal because there’s the chance that the hot water may run out if everyone wants to shower or bathe in quick succession. This isn’t a concern with a combi boiler.
There are plenty of benefits to choosing a combi boiler, but knowing which one to go for can be difficult. The first thing you need to consider is suitability. Although combi boilers have many desirable advantages, they’re not ideal for every home. If your home has more than one bathroom where more than one person might shower or bathe at a time, then a combi boiler won’t be the best choice. This is because the water pressure from a combi boiler can drop if multiple sources of hot water are turned on at the same time.
This aside, if you have one bathroom or live in a smaller property, a combi boiler could be perfect, but it’s important you choose the right model. Here are some things to consider when shopping for a new combi boiler:
Every home will have a different amount of available space. Whilst combi boilers are compact by design, some are encased in larger units than others. With this in mind, make sure you carefully measure the space you have, especially if your boiler is going to be in a cupboard.
Boilers come in different sizes, and those sizes are measured in kW (this is different to the actual dimensions of the boiler, so don’t get these mixed up). As a general rule of thumb, the larger your house is, the higher the kW you need.
For example, if you live in a one bedroom apartment or house, the Main Eco Compact 25 kW Combi boiler could be a good option for you. In contrast, if you live in a larger home, the Worcester Greenstar 8000 45kW Combi boiler may be a more suitable option.
Another thing to think about is how many people are in your home. The more people there are, the higher the demand for hot water will be, and this means you’ll need a bigger sized boiler to accommodate. A system boiler could work better here.
On the other hand, if there are only two people in your house and you choose a bigger boiler, you might find that it produces more energy than you actually need, resulting in higher bills and more emissions.
As mentioned before, the number of bathrooms you have will largely dictate which boiler you get. As a guide, combi boilers work well for homes with one bathroom or multiple bathrooms where only one is in use at a time. This is to avoid a water pressure reduction.
There’s no denying that your available budget will have a bearing on the boiler you choose. It’s important to choose a boiler that can best service your heating and hot water needs, but make sure you know what your budget is beforehand so you can narrow down your search even more.
Our combi boiler range has something to suit every budget, including premium combi boiler models, mid-range combi boiler models, and entry-level combi boilers. No matter what your budget is, every modern combi boiler will feature enhanced energy efficiency and reliability.You can get a quote online at Bbright to give you a better idea as to what the combi boiler cost might be before you place an order. We also offer finance plans across some of our central heating systems and our combi boiler range, giving you more flexibility and ways to pay for your new combi boiler.
At Bbright, we stock a number of the best combi boiler brands in a range of sizes, kW and prices, so you’re sure to find the right combi boiler for your home. In addition, our specialist team of combi boiler installers are on hand to professionally install your new gas combi boiler for you.
As the name suggests, underfloor heating is the process of heating your home from the floor as opposed to through traditional radiators on the walls. You will either have water-based or electrical underfloor heating, but both involve laying a network of pipes underground that heat up your house.
An underfloor heating system is like having a giant radiator underneath your feet. Depending on the system you have, a network of pipes or cables that are installed beneath the floor will heat up either through water or electricity, producing an even distribution of radiant heat.
Rather than getting your heat from radiators which use convection heating to push air upwards – and only heat the immediate area around them – underfloor heating heats the house from below, providing more heat but at a lower temperature. Generally speaking, radiators can heat up to 75 degrees, but underfloor heating will only go to around 27 degrees.
Whilst the surface temperature is lower, you should find that your home feels warmer, and that there are no more cold spots because the heat is spread evenly throughout the house. With the heat coming from below, both you and objects in your house will feel warmer.
The first underfloor heating system is electric underfloor heating. This involves installing a thin heating wire underground. When the heating is turned on via a thermostat, the wire will heat up and warm the room. The benefit of electric underground heating is that you can install it yourself and don’t need to worry about raising the floor – making it a great option for a DIY renovation. You will, however, need to get an electrician to connect the heating to the thermostat.
Installing warm water underfloor heating is slightly more involved because underfloor heating pipes will need to be laid into the structural subfloor. This can mean the floor height needs to be raised. A manifold and a pump mixing unit will also need to be installed between the boiler and the pipes to make sure the water that flows into the pipes to produce heat is the right temperature. Like electric heating, you can adjust the temperature using a thermostat.
A lot of people assume that underfloor heating is expensive, but this isn’t always the case. Whilst you’ll have upfront underfloor heating cost for installation, you will find that your energy bills decrease over time (more on that below), meaning underfloor heating systems are actually cheaper in the long run.
The upfront cost will depend on the type of underfloor heating you go for and how big the room is, as well as whether you need to raise the floor level (warm water option only). At Bbright, we are one of London’s leading underground floor specialists, installing the very best underfloor heating systems in just a matter of days. To get a rough idea of how much it might cost you, enter your postcode on our online quote service, or call us to speak to one of our underfloor heating specialists directly.
One of the main questions you’ll be asking is how energy efficient underfloor heating really is. In short, very! It’s thought that underfloor heating is, on the whole, 25% more energy efficient than a traditional radiator system. This is because an underfloor heating system heats at lower temperatures and expands across a room, meaning you will use less energy overall. This is of particular note with rising energy prices.
With the install costs of underfloor heating, it’s natural to wonder whether installing an underfloor heating system is really worth it. Well, there are lots of advantages to installing underground heating, including:
Almost every house is suitable for underfloor heating, and with the benefits above, it’s clear to see why so many people are choosing it.
Are you thinking about getting underfloor heating installed? If so, get in touch with the Bbright underfloor heating specialists. We can offer expert advice on the intricacies of each system, which one would be best for you, and give you a fixed price quote.
The short answer to that question is: yes, absolutely. But there are some specific reasons why Ideal boilers are so popular.
Firstly, they have impressive efficiency scores, good specifications and a high level of resilience. On top of that, they usually come with a decent warranty – depending on the model, it can be up to 12 years.
Another positive point is that Ideal price tags are quite a bit less hefty than you might expect. They’re often cheaper than their big-name counterparts, but deliver a comparable or even better output.
The Ideal catalogue is full of unit options, and each one comes highly recommended. How do you know which model is best for your home?
The first step is to figure out what kind of boiler you need: combi, regular or system. If you’re unsure, you can always start a quote. Our quick initial questionnaire will give you a much clearer idea of the boiler type you currently have as well as detailing any upgrades you may need to suit your home and specific heating requirements.
Below, we’ve picked out some of the most popular Ideal models in the UK, all available now from Bbright.
Available at: 24 kW, the entry-level Ideal combi boiler and perfect for a smaller home; 30 kW, cost-effective and powerful, suitable for medium-sized homes; or 35 kW, more powerful and made for larger properties.
Each of these Ideal combi boilers come with a 5 year parts and labour warranty. The Exclusive 2 Ideal combi boiler fits neatly inside a cupboard and is easy to use, with dedicated buttons to preheat and restart. The Exclusive 2 series has an ERP efficiency score of 94% and improved connections using Ideal’s OpenTherm wiring.
This Ideal combi boiler series comes in 24 kW to meet smaller demands, 30 kW for mid-sized properties, and 35 kW for a larger home requiring more heating and hot water.
Every Logic Max Combi boiler comes equipped with Ideal’s built-in frost protection and a clever design, which allows it to fit compactly inside a cupboard. They have an ERP efficiency score of 94%, a large digital display, and are easy to install. Combi boilers will not require a hot water cylinder.
These boilers come with a 10 year warranty from Bbright, have a compact cupboard fit, and are fully compatible with Ideal’s clever control systems. They have an easy-to-reach pressure gauge and a Class A ERP efficiency rating. A British favourite for those working on a budget.
Available in sizes 15 kW, 18 kW, 24 kW and 30 kW.
Similar to the Logic Heat series, this Ideal boiler can be installed for a variety of different use needs: 15 kW, a suitable option for smaller homes, 18 kW, 24 kW (for properties with up to 15 radiators), through to 30 kW, for heating larger homes.
These boilers come with a 10 year warranty as standard and are designed with space-saving in mind. The Logic system boasts an ERP Class A efficiency rating, which will help save you money in the long run. They are hard-wearing, scratch-resistant, and have a large digital display.
Like the Logic combi and regular Logic Max units, Logic system gas boilers come with a 10 year warranty. Solid and compact, they’re good for a discrete installation in a kitchen cupboard or on the wall. This Logic system also has an ERP Class A efficiency rating to give you peace of mind.
You can install Logic Max system boilers at 15 kW, 18 kW, 24 kW and 30 kW.
Part of the reason why an Ideal boiler is such a popular choice in the UK is that customers enjoy a number of key benefits, perks that may not be available elsewhere.
Compared to other big-name boiler brands like Vaillant or Worcester Bosch, Ideal boiler prices are likely to represent a saving of at least £200-300, if not more. On top of that, you might get slightly better specifications for your money with an Ideal boiler. Their efficient service and extensive range of options can bring significantly cheaper heating bills, too.
We really like the no-fuss guarantees Ideal give their boilers. They regularly offer a warranty of 5+ years, and top-end models like the Vogue Max come with an impressive 12 year warranty.
As with all boilers though, it’s a good idea to check the guarantee conditions. For instance, you might find the boiler needs to have been installed by an accredited technician, or receive a yearly inspection and service, in order not to void the warranty.
First established in 1906, Ideal has been making boilers in the UK for well over 100 years, and that gives them some pedigree. Choosing an Ideal boiler is a low-risk option and they’re tried, tested and trusted in millions of UK homes. Aside from Ideal’s trustworthiness, the availability of parts is among the best in the business and, being a UK-based company, they’re easy to deal with.
Having such well-respected and popular boilers, almost every heat engineer knows and understands Ideal’s systems. That means it’s simple to have an Ideal boiler installed, and if it needs a service or encounters a problem, heating technicians are practically guaranteed to get the boiler fixed – or at least identify the problem – quickly.
Like all home appliances, boilers do occasionally go wrong. If that happens, our trained engineers will be on hand to provide the skill and expertise to get things working again, or install a replacement boiler if necessary.
Here at Bbright, we’re confident in the reliability of Ideal boilers. They make some of the best boilers on the market today, and provide efficient heating and hot water solutions to millions of homes.
There are lots of reasons why you might need to drain the central heating, and the chances are it’s something that you’ll need to do sooner or later. First and foremost, taking good care of your heating system is important to getting and maintaining high performance levels.
It’s a good idea to undertake routine maintenance. This will involve draining and cleaning the central heating system to expel pollutants like rust, limescale and dirt. These are all things which can naturally find their way into your system and inhibit its performance.
If you’re planning some repairs to the central heating system or radiators, it will probably be necessary to drain them before you start work. And if you’re installing new radiators, you’ll want to get all the water out of the system before you disconnect the old units.
Heating professionals strongly recommend adding an inhibitor to the water in your system. This is a special mix of chemicals which prevents corrosion, and also extends a radiator’s lifespan and optimal heating performance. An inhibitor attacks those unwelcome pollutants and defends against them. You can add an inhibitor to the water before you refill the system.
Draining the system and bleeding radiators is a relatively standard procedure, and as such you’ll be able to find most of what you need around your home or garden. Try to locate:
Draining the system can be quick and painless if you follow the steps we’ve laid out for you here. Sometimes though, something a little more serious may be necessary. If you find that your boiler has given up the ghost, or you’re interested in a new boiler, get in touch today. Our friendly team can answer any questions and give you a free, no-strings quote.
The first step in the process is to turn off the heating. This may sound simple but it’s an important safety measure, and you’d be surprised how many people forget to do it. You’ll need to wait for the hot water in the system to cool down, which usually takes 30 – 60 minutes. If your boiler runs from a solid fuel fire, put out the fire and wait for the hot water to cool.
This is an essential step – you definitely don’t want dirty water running through the system when you’re trying to drain it.
There are a couple of different ways you can cut the water. The first is to totally shut off the supply for the entire building. You can do this at the main stopcock – there’ll be a tap or valve, which you can turn on and off with a screwdriver. Be aware, though, that this will cut off the water to the whole property, and there will be no running water until you turn the mains supply back on again.
If your system runs on a conventional or regular boiler, you’ll need to isolate the heating tank. This means that there will be no new water going into the tank, and will allow the water currently in the system to drain. You should be able to find a tap or valve on the side of the tank. Then, switch off the boiler.
If you’re running a combi boiler, simply turn it off and wait for the system to cool. Not sure what boiler you have? Bbright can help you identify your boiler, and work out which model is the best fit for your home.
(If none of your radiators have a drain-off valve, you have a slightly different system. Skip ahead to the next section).
Usually, a central heating system will have a main radiator. This is typically located on the ground floor, in a central position of the floorplan. The main radiator will have a small tap or drain valve attached to it – this is the drain-off valve (or draincock), and all the other radiators will drain through here.
Once you’ve located the drain-off valve, use a jubilee clip to attach the hosepipe to it. Check that it’s attached securely. To be on the safe side, put a few towels on the floor beneath it, as there’s no guarantee you won’t get a couple of drips.
You won’t want the drained water coming out anywhere in your home. Run the hosepipe through the house to a safe area outside. A street or gutter drain would be ideal. The drained water will probably contain some chemicals that you’ll want to keep away from plants and animals, so try not to drain the system straight onto the lawn or flowerbeds.
Now it’s time to open the drain-off valve. Loosen it, and you should start to hear the water flowing through the hosepipe.
Next, go to all the other radiators in the house and open the drain valve, called the regulator (note: this is different from the temperature-controlling valve, and usually on the opposite side).
The next thing to do is release all of the trapped air from the system. To do this, open the bleed valve (using the radiator bleed key) on all radiators. You’ll hear a hissing or sucking noise when the air rushes out. A pro tip is to start with the upstairs radiators, wait 15 minutes, and gradually move to the downstairs radiators. This helps the system drain faster.
Don’t forget about any heated towel racks or spare room radiators on your way, and you’ll want to put some towels down, as opening the bleed valve can sometimes release one or two drops of water.
Check on the hosepipe. Once there is no (or very little) water coming through, the system is drained.
Finally, you’ll need to put new water into the central heating system. If you’re adding an inhibitor, now is the time to do so. Close the drain-off valve and all the radiator bleed valves around the house.
Now you can safely turn the water supply back on. You’ll need to bleed the air from radiators again. This time, start with the downstairs radiators, and work your way up. Make sure that all the air is expelled from the radiators – again, you might see a couple of droplets coming from the bleed valve, so keep those towels underneath for now.
Tighten up the bleed valves, and check that each one is closed. Turn on the heating system and let it run. Check that all radiators are heating up, and that there are no cold spots – an indicator of trapped air. While you wait, have a look around the different rooms, and check all the radiator valves to make sure there are no leaks.
If none of the radiators in your home have a drain-off valve, the process of draining your system will be slightly different.
Steps 1 and 2 are exactly the same procedure.
Next, you’ll need to isolate the radiator from the heating system. To do this, close both valves on the radiator – the regulator, which lets water in, and the lockshield, which controls the temperature. Then you can bleed the radiator.
Without a drain-off radiator valve, you’ll need another way to let the water out of the radiator. There will be a coupling nut, often located close to the regulator valve. Remember to put a bucket (or large bowls) and some towels underneath, and, using a spanner, twist the nut until the water comes out. Continue until all the water has drained.
Hopefully, you should now feel ready to take on the draining of your own central heating system and be equipped with the knowledge to do so. But if you still have questions or concerns about draining central heating, or encounter a problem along the way, don’t hesitate to contact our professional team.
Many people are concerned about the cost of keeping their home nice and warm, and with the price of energy on the rise, it’s something we could all do with keeping an eye on. Here at Bbright, we’re experts in heating systems, and our top tips will help you squeeze maximum value for money out of your central heating system.
If you’re looking to save money on your central heating, the best place to start is with your boiler. Boilers provide the hot water that gives a central heating system its heat, and a good one runs smoothly and efficiently. If your boiler isn’t working well, it acts like a dripping tap on your energy bills.
It’s well-known among heating technicians that boilers of a certain age are simply not as efficient as newer, more advanced models. Generally, a boiler which is over 10 years old is highly likely to be costing you money as compared to a newer, more efficient replacement. If you suspect your boiler has seen better days, it might be time to think about a boiler replacement.
It’s also worth having a look at your boiler efficiency rating. These days, condensing boilers regularly score 90%+ efficiency, which is optimal. On the other hand, standard efficiency boilers often struggle to break the 80% threshold. This may sound marginal, but could represent a surprising cost difference in the long run.
When was the last time your boiler had a good service? Like most home appliances, our boilers need a regular tune-up to make sure they’re working properly and running to their best potential – and at optimal cost-efficiency. Our friendly and professional team of engineers are available to facilitate boiler repairs and servicing as and when you need them.
A lot of people think that running the central heating on a low temperature all day is more efficient than turning it on and off. This is actually an urban myth. In fact, it’s far more effective to run the heating only when it’s needed, and to have it turned off at all other times.
Think of it in terms of energy loss. It’s an inevitable fact that, whenever we run our central heating, there will be some heat lost through the floors, walls, windows and ceilings. If the heating is on all day, even at a low temperature, there is a longer timeframe for heat – and money – to escape. On the other hand, a shorter period of heating time means less opportunity for wastage.
On a similar note, think about when you actually need your home to be warm. Is it really essential for the radiators to be pumping out heat when the family is sleeping, or when everyone is at school or work? If the answer is no, you probably stand to make savings by using the timer on your boiler. Doing so ensures that you’re only heating your home when there are people around to feel the benefit – again, meaning less money spent on wasted heat. Boilers typically come fitted with either a digital or an analogue (‘mechanical’) timer. Read our handy guide on how to set your boiler timer here.
Many people assume that, when the central heating is on, the whole house gets heated. While this can be true, if you want it to be, there is another way.
Ask yourself: does your home need the spare bedroom and both bathrooms heated, if no one is occupying those rooms? Be selective about where the heat goes, and try to provide heat to only those rooms where people spend a lot of time, like the kitchen or living room. This can have a massive impact on the amount you spend.
The chances are that, if you turned down your thermostat by 1°C, no one would notice the difference. But, shockingly, even that tiny adjustment can lead to a saving of £75 per year.
It’s good heating practice to be measured when selecting your thermostat’s temperature. After all, the best way to save money is to avoid spending it in the first place.
In a similar way to boilers, older thermostats are just not as efficient as modern units. We’ve seen old thermostats with a 5°C margin of error in their temperature detection. That means that the central heating system will actually heat the room to 5°C over the desired temperature, before powering down. This kind of inaccuracy means extra money on your bottom-line energy bill that you didn’t need to spend. If your thermostat is older than around 10 years, it might be worth considering replacing it with a newer, more accurate alternative.
Hopefully now you have a few ideas about the different ways you can save some cash on your central heating. Don’t forget, there’s also the potential to get cosy with a chunky, faithful old sweater, a blanket, or a hot water bottle – and a nice hot cup of tea never goes amiss!
But if your boiler has given up the ghost, you won’t get any warmth from your central heating system at all, which can leave you with an uncomfortable and potentially dangerous situation. In this case, it’s time to seek a boiler replacement.