Heat pumps do work in winter. They can extract heat from outdoor air or the ground even when it feels cold outside, then raise that heat to a useful temperature for the home. The important caveat is that winter performance depends on correct design, suitable radiators or underfloor heating, good controls and a home that Read more »
An air source heat pump heats a home by taking heat from outdoor air and moving it indoors. That sounds unlikely on a cold day, but outdoor air still contains heat energy even when it feels chilly. The heat pump’s job is to collect that low-temperature heat, upgrade it, and deliver it through the heating Read more »
Saving money on energy bills is easiest when you stop treating every tip as equal. Turning down a thermostat, fixing heating controls and blocking draughts can help quickly, while insulation, glazing, solar panels or heat pumps need more planning and budget. The aim is to reduce wasted energy without making the home cold, damp or Read more »
If you’re considering a heat pump, there are now two different grant tiers available depending on how your home is currently heated. Most homeowners in England and Wales can access £7,500 through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. If you’re off the gas grid and currently using heating oil or LPG, the grant was increased to £9,000 Read more »
Replacing a gas boiler is not as simple as choosing the greenest-sounding appliance. A heat pump, electric boiler, biomass boiler, infrared panel or hybrid system can all make sense in the right setting, but each one has limits. The right answer depends on the building, the heat loss, the hot-water demand, the radiators, the available Read more »
A noisy radiator is usually trying to tell you something specific. Gurgling, banging, clicking, hissing and rushing sounds point to different causes, from trapped air and pipe expansion to sludge, pump speed or valve problems. Most radiator noises are not emergencies, but they should not be ignored if they are new, loud, recurring or linked Read more »
Have difficulties with the central heating and can’t figure out what’s wrong? Sludge in the radiator might be the explanation. It can create a slew of problems that considerably impair the functioning of radiators. The worst part? It isn’t always evident that sludge is the culprit. A boiler build-up can arise for various reasons; it’s Read more »
Removing a radiator can be a manageable DIY job if you are dealing with a straightforward radiator on a conventional wet central heating system. It can also go wrong quickly if valves seize, water is dirty, pipework moves or the system is pressurised in a way you do not understand. This guide explains how to Read more »
Radiator valves look small, but they have a big effect on comfort, control and heating efficiency. The valve on one side controls how much hot water enters the radiator, while the lockshield on the other side helps balance flow through the system. Choosing the right valve means understanding TRVs, manual valves, lockshields, smart valves, angled Read more »
