Boilers In Cold Weather

UPDATE - Frozen condensate pipes - March 2018 is seeing some very cold weather here in the UK. Call us if you experience any problems with your boiler

UPDATE - December 2017 has brought about bitterly cold weather and snow. As much as some people welcome snow and a possible 'White Christmas' - the cold weather can wreak havoc with some boilers. Do boilers in cold weather suffer major problems? Back in the day where condensing boilers' were said to herald a new era in home central heating technology, it did hit a few snags. Saving on energy bills is a big factor for households and new style boilers were brought in to do just that. Also, it was a way for the government to help reduce the carbon footprint of everybody in the UK. However, one thing that probably wasn't factored into new age of home heating was - the cold weather. Many boilers were suddenly suffering a breakdown without warning. So much for an advancement in technology ( over 10 years ago) it did encounter some initial difficulties. It was reported that in one year that Yorkshire recorded around 60,000 call outs regarding this.

Condensing boilers were putting homeowners, tenants and landlords through stressful times. On a cold winter's morning, the last thing you want is a an issue with your central heating. Just imagine parents trying to get kids ready for school and themselves ready for work, with no hot water. Many people saw trying to meet targets for CO2 emission backfiring because the new condensing boilers broke down more frequently - due to cold weather. It has been said that incorrect installations played a huge part in the boiler breakdowns. Condensing boilers convert hot gases into into water via a component called a 'heat exchanger'. 20% of heat energy is reclaimed. Water is transported from the home/property/building by a condensation pipe (plastic) and that is what is prone to becoming frozen.

So the real debate is still simmering under the surface. Should households with old style boilers that are fully functioning need to upgrade their boiler to the newest ones on the market? Is this based on safety. Is this based on energy efficiency. Trustworth Plumbing believe that safety must always come first. Being responsible to the environment is a very important matter; one that should never be overlooked or downplayed. Some feel that they were sold new boilers on the premise that it would cut their energy bills and save them lots of money. However, when you look at the mathematics regarding savings; the question is - how much money are you really saving? Also over what time period does that new boiler save you money? Is it more money, more problems? Is it less savings, more problems?

Trustworth Plumbing provides boiler repairs in the following London areas:

South-East London: West Norwood - Dulwich - Sydenham - Herne Hill - Crystal Palace - Denmark Hill - Crofton Park - Surrey Quays - Camberwell - Greenwich - Grove Park - Catford - Brockley - Blackheath - Forest Hill - Gipsy Hill - Tulse Hill - Thamesmead - Peckham - Abbey Wood - Eltham - Charlton - Bermondsey - Rotherhithe - Hither Green - Walworth - Maze Hill - Nunhead - Penge - Bexley - Anerley - Plumstead - Deptford - Woolwich - New Cross - Docklands
South-West London - Battersea - Pimlico - Streatham - Norbury - Tooting - New Malden - Brixton - Richmond - Southfields - Kennington - Thornton Heath - Balham - Putney - Roehampton
Central London - Mayfair

We can fix the following types of boilers: Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, Potteron, Baxi and Ideal.

Boiler Safety - It is important to stay safe - gas safe. There are many things that you can do to make sure your boiler is safe. If you find a fault with your gas boiler do not attempt to fix it yourself. 2017 should be a time for safety awareness.