Can Central Heating Damage Your Home?

With the chilly winter temperatures and howling winds at this time of year, many of us will be putting the central heating on earlier and earlier, especially if youre working from home. However, experts have wanted homeowners to be wary, as their central heating could be causing damage to their homes.

While the end of 2021 was unseasonably mild, meteorologists are predicting a cold snap in the new year. But as well as wanting to reduce bills during an energy crisis in the UK, we have a look at another reason to use your central heating cautiously.

In winter, people use their central heating not only for warmth but also for such things as drying laundry. But to keep utility bills low, people tend to use their central heating only when necessary.

As the heating goes off, the house cools, and any water that has evaporated while it was warm will turn into condensation, which is a real problem and the most common form of dampness in a property.

With the British climate as it is, it means it can be very difficult to keep the home warm and dry.

If youre having issues with dampness in the home caused by central heating, then the best tip is to increase ventilation. Open a window at the front of the house and another at the back for ten minutes a day when the heating is on. This might sound contrary but will allow the moisture-rich air to escape and help reduce mould.

A final tip is to ensure the house is not too warm or too cold, as that can exacerbate damp issues. Having your heating on low and slow for longer rather than hot-cold-hot-cold will be better for your health and your home.

Make sure you dry clothes in a well-ventilated area, keep radiators free of obstructions and remember to open windows and air your home for ten minutes daily.

 

If youre looking for central heating repairs in North London, get in touch today.

What Could Affect The Cost Of My Replacement Boiler?

Replacing a boiler can be an expensive job, and the work required can push the cost higher. Boilers can break down suddenly, and potentially when youre not financially ready for such an expense.

However, there are options, such as getting your new boiler on finance, or you may be eligible for a new boiler grant. Lets have look at the factors to consider around replacement boiler cost:

 

1. Your pipework needs replacing

Depending on the position and location of the boiler, you may need new pipework. This means you not only need to account for the cost of new piping but also the costs of removing and disposing of the old pipes. This could add between £300 and £1,000 to the cost.

 

2. You need to reposition your boiler

If you need or want to move your boiler to a new location, this could mean construction work, dealing with walls and floors. Including getting rid of the old boiler and pipework, repositioning your boiler can start at around £500 and go way over £1,000 for more complicated jobs.

 

3. The flue position

A new flue, especially if you are relocating the boiler, may be required, and this can cost between £300 and £600. The flue is a large pipe that leads outside your home and ensures that condensation and gases are safely piped away from your home. A new flue can cost between £300 and £600.

 

4. You buy an additional warranty

Getting an extended warranty is a good idea when it comes to boilers, especially if you can get a 10-year one. Since that is the life a boiler is expected to last, less if not looked after and more if well cared for, its a useful support to have in place. The estimated cost added is around £150 to £250.

 

If youre looking for new boiler finance in London, get in touch today.

Why Underfloor Heating Is Not Just For The Rich

Mention underfloor heating to some people and they imagine it is a luxury for the wealthiest of homeowners, but it is in fact something that the average householder could have installed in their home as a highly valuable and successful investment.

Of course, there are plenty of luxury homes that come with this feature and get plenty of publicity about it. This week, for instance, The Only Way Is Essex star Jess Wright showed her Instagram followers around her new mansion.

Naturally enough, the tabloids lapped up the neon lighting, chandeliers and plush furnishings, but Sun readers also got to read how she has “state of the art” underfloor heating. The Daily Mirror missed this detail out, preferring to reflect on what her fans said about the air conditioning.

Either way, the fact is that there’s every bit as much reason to install underfloor heating in north London homes as there is in posh mansions located in the Essex countryside.

This was highlighted in a collaboration between Sofa and carpet specialist firm ScS and property marketing expert Bruna Pani at We Buy Any House.

Their list of recommendations for home improvements to add value to a property included underfloor heating in the bathroom, which can add £10,000 to the value of a home. Among the great benefits of it is the fact that radiators won’t be needed any more, so it creates more space.

Ms Pani explained: “Underfloor heating ranges from £1,000 to £1,500 depending on size, the company installing and cost of materials.”

She added that this cost is well worth it, as underfloor heating makes the bathroom “far more cost-efficient, in comparison to running regular heating, and adds a feeling of quality”.

All this goes to show that when it comes to getting underfloor heating installed, Essex is definitely not the only way.