Homes and Property

Get the most from your boiler

As homeowners switch on the boiler for the first time in months, breakdowns face many. Here are some top tips on why it’s high time to call in a Gas Safe registered expert

Maintenance keeps your costs down


Continuous maintenance work extends the lifespan of boilers meaning homeowners do not have to pay out for expensive replacements so often. Plus minor faults are easier to fix and are less costly than emergency calls.

Guy Andrews of PGS Plumbers, a London plumbing, heating and gas services company registered with RatedPeople.com, says, “an average boiler service across London will be around £70 + VAT. However, if you want to ensure you get a thorough check from a reputable company then you should look to spend around £90 + VAT.”

Stay safe


A defective gas boiler can be dangerous and cause fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning. You should fit a carbon monoxide alarm close to the boiler to detect any gas leaks.

If a boiler is leaking, water will be noticeable around the pipes at the bottom of the boiler. Don’t be tempted to open the boiler to check for leaks, instead call a Gas Safe registered plumber or heating engineer. All registered heating engineers should carry an identity card on them, with a unique ID number.

Top energy saving tip from PGS Plumbing


To save money when using your boiler, purchase a timer. Set this timer to turn on your central heating only when you really need it. Strategically heating your home based around your daily schedule will ensure that you don’t waste fuel heating an empty home.

* Click here to find a heating engineer




  • Chelsea Flower Show 2012 preview

    A spectacular 80ft tower - Chelsea's very own Shard of Grass - plus a glorious new Royal Jubilee rose and 18 show gardens will offer London gardeners inspiring ideas at this year's show.

  • Perfect extensions

    Londoners planning to extend their homes should follow a simple golden rule: go for quality, not grandeur.

  • My home: Mark Christophers

    Mark Christophers, who co-founded the West Cornwall Pasty Company, also had ingenious ideas for a tired terrace house, which he transformed into a jaw-dropping, light-filled home.

  • Innovation: Clerkenwell Design Week

    Fantastic fibre-optic and iridescent acrylic lighting forms one of the many dazzling displays as we preview this year’s design show in EC1.

  • My design London: Elizabeth Hurley

    Elizabeth Hurley reveals her latest design project; discusses friend Damien Hirst's artwork, as well as her favourite restaurants and design shops in London.

  • The Chelsea Fringe flower show

    You many not have a ticket for Chelsea Flower Show but the hottest show in town is on the streets of London, and, for the most part, the Chelsea Fringe is free.

  • Bargain news

    Deals on wall stickers and quirky furniture, a garden hammock, shoe wheel, Chinese stools and timber folding doors.

  • My design London: Elizabeth Hurley

    Elizabeth Hurley reveals her latest design project; discusses friend Damien Hirst's artwork, as well as her favourite restaurants and design shops in London.

  • New: The Goldsmiths' Centre

    Clerkenwell's new school for goldsmiths, silversmiths and jewellers is set to turn out world-beating graduates.

  • Jubilee street parties and picnics

    From vintage bunting to regal table settings and quirky cake toppers - we've found everything you need for a right royal knees up.


Advertisement

Sign up for our e-newsletter

Sign up for weekly property news, design trends, decorating & gardening tips, offers and giveaways...

Terms & conditions (Usual opt-out rules apply)

Thank you for signing up

We hope you enjoy the H&P weekly e-newsletter,
which will be delivered to your inbox every Wednesday,
starting soon.

Terms & conditions (Usual opt-out rules apply)

Please try again

Sorry, your email address was entered incorrectly. Please click here to try again.

Terms & conditions (Usual opt-out rules apply)




*