Believe it or not it is getting too that time of the year where we need to start changing our summer shorts for winter coats, I think we can all agree that the weather for summer of 2018 has been much better then most and we have seen many more people enjoying the weather in Wolverhampton City Centre, Tettenhall Park, Food Festival and many summer fates across the area.
But unfortunately, it seems the weather has already started to drop and it certainly seems to be getting colder in the mornings, this is the time of the year when we get an increase in boiler repairs where the heating or hot water may not be working when you need it most.
Boiler Breakdowns in October, November & December
We see a massive increase in boiler breakdowns throughout the months of October and November and many are caused because the heating has not been used for many months and then they are turned up to high temperatures which causes them to overwork and break, this then leaves you without heating and hot water when it is cold outside, we have a number of engineers and we will always look to get any issues rectified as quickly as possible however sometimes this can be avoided.
How can I help potentially stop my boiler breaking down?
We obviously cannot guarantee anything however if you put your boiler on a low temperature on timed so that it comes on sporadically throughout the day (when you want it too), this should hopefully start the boiler working and then when the weather gets colder you can turn the thermostat up to a higher temperature as required this should then hopefully stop the boiler from overworking and breaking when it does drop cold.
The second option if you have thermostatic valves in each room you can turn your boiler on and set the temperature in each room too the desired heat you like.
Further too this is your boiler is broken or not working it is much better to find out now rather then when the weather really drops.
Is it cheaper to leave my heating always on low or to turn it on and off throughout the day?
According to British Gas a room thermostat is always the cheapest way to control your heating (please note if you do not have one the landlord is not obliged to have these installed). However, if you do not have one, use a timer to switch the heating on and off whenever you need it. It is cheaper and more efficient to use a timer then keeping your heating on low all of the time.
https://www.britishgas.co.uk/energy-saving/energy-saving-tips.html
What are room thermostats and how do I use them?
Not all rental properties have room thermostats in fact most of the older properties won’t have, however if your home does have them the best way to save energy and money is to set the temperature of the thermostat in each room to how you like it and the thermostat will take care of the rest, no matter how hot or cold it is outside. It is best to keep the temperature somewhere between 18oC and 21C. If 18C is comfortable for you then do no set it any higher. Each extra degree will use between 5% and 10% more energy. In rooms you are not using set your radiators to lower temperatures. Use your thermostatic radiator valves (if you have them) for extra control.
https://www.britishgas.co.uk/energy-saving/energy-saving-tips.html
If I do not have thermostats or thermostatic radiator valves does my landlord have too supply them?
Please note that is no obligation or a landlord too supply thermostatic radiator valves or individual thermostats to your property.
Our of Hours Emergency
Please note this number is only for anything that may cause a danger to you or your property, if your heating or hot water is not working this would be picked up or need too be reported during office hours or via email to Wolverhampton.pm@belvoir.co.uk, the only time boiler repairs should be reported to our out of hours maintenance firm is while we are closed for Christmas between 22nd December 2018 to the 3rd January 2019.
Further information
We do hope that this information is of use and kindly ask that you put your heating on low or on timed if you do not have individual thermostats, of course if you do experience any issues with your heating or hot water do not hesitate to contact our dedicated Property Management team on 01902 904357.
Kind Regards
Michael Warke
Belvoir Property Management
