How often should a boiler be serviced?
Every year. An annual service keeps your boiler running efficiently and safely, helping prevent costly breakdowns and reducing your energy bills.
What type of boiler should I choose?
There are three main types:
- Combi Boiler – Heats your home and provides hot water on demand. No tanks required, saving space and energy.
- Regular Boiler – Works with tanks in the loft and airing cupboard. Ideal for larger homes with high hot water usage.
- System Boiler – Similar to a regular boiler, but faster and more efficient. Fewer external parts make installation easier.
We’re happy to help you choose the right boiler for your home.
How do I bleed a radiator?
Bleeding removes trapped air that prevents radiators from heating fully:
1. Turn on your heating and check for cold spots at the top of radiators.
2. Switch off the system and use a radiator key (or flat screwdriver) to slowly
open the bleed valve.
3. When water starts to escape, close the valve and check the boiler pressure.
4. Top up the pressure if needed, then turn your heating back on to check it’s
working properly.
Not sure? We’re here to help.
What should I do if my boiler has no pressure?
Low pressure is common and often easy to fix. Causes include leaks or bleeding radiators.
1. Check your boiler’s pressure gauge.
2. Follow your boiler’s instructions to top up the pressure using the filling loop.
3. If you’re unsure or need tools to access the panel, contact us instead of attempting it yourself.
If you have more questions or need expert advice, just give Gair Home Services a call—we’re happy to help!
Is an Air Source Heat Pump Suitable for My Home?
Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are a great low-carbon alternative to traditional heating, but they aren’t the right fit for every property. Here are some key things to consider when deciding if one is suitable for your home:
Home Suitability Checklist
- Good Insulation
- ASHPs work best in well-insulated homes. If your home loses heat quickly, the system will struggle to maintain comfort efficiently.
- Consider improving wall, roof, and floor insulation first if needed.
- Space for the Unit
- You’ll need a clear, outside space for the unit—ideally on a wall or ground level with good airflow.
- The unit does make some noise, so placement matters.
- Radiators or Underfloor Heating
- ASHPs work at lower temperatures than gas boilers, so larger radiators or underfloor heating may be required to effectively heat your home.
- Existing Heating System
- If you’re replacing an old system (e.g. night storage heaters or oil boilers), an ASHP may offer better efficiency and lower running costs.
- Electricity Supply
- ASHPs run on electricity. It’s worth considering your current energy tariffs or if you can pair it with solar panels for better savings.
- Local Planning Rules
- Most ASHP installations fall under permitted development in the UK, but it’s still worth checking with your local council—especially in conservation areas.
Can air conditioning be fitted to any house?
In most cases, air conditioning can be fitted to any house, but a few factors need to
be considered:
1. Space for Units: You’ll need room for both the indoor and outdoor units, especially for split systems.
2. Insulation: Homes with good insulation will benefit most from AC, as it helps maintain the desired temperature.
3. Electrical System: Your home must have a sufficient power supply to handle the additional load of an AC unit.
4. Home Layout: Open spaces are ideal for effective cooling, but with the right system, AC can work in most layouts.
At Gair Home Services, we can assess your home to determine the best air conditioning solution for you!
We Can Help Assess Your Home
At Gair Home Services, we can carry out a free survey to check whether your home is suitable for an air source heat pumps, air conditioning and central heating upgrades