We are looking for qualified Gas Engineers that can undertake: -

Boiler Break Downs

Central Heating Installations

Boiler Servicing

Gas Safety Checks

Domestic and Commercial Gas Works

LPG and Natural Gas

General Plumbing and Tiling and Minor Building Works

Please forward your CV to Essex Heating Services showing your Qualifications and Experience.

From Steve Ashdown: -

Paul,

As promised, some words for your website.

“After firing up the central heating at the end of last month I soon discovered that the lack of heat, which had previously been restricted to our hall radiator, had now spread to all of the downstairs radiators. The result being a very hot upstairs and an extremely cold downstairs. I then set about trying to find someone local who may be able to help.

After looking on the Internet i settled on Essex Heating Services, who are based in Wickham Bishops and therefore not that far from us. Their website was extremely informative and from the details it provided i was actually able to identify our central heating problem. I then spoke to Paul Greenwood (one of their heating engineers) who was able to provide me with further details and also an idea of what would be required to resolve the problem.

I then arranged for Essex Heating Services to visit my property in order to assess the issue in more detail. Their investigation was very thorough and covered all aspects of my central heating system. After agreeing on a fixed price I then arranged for them to carry out the work the following weekend. The heating issue required a substantial amount of work and, to their word, Essex Heating Services arrived promptly on time the following Saturday and immediately began work.

Both Engineers worked solidly for almost 12 hours with a break until the central heating system had been fully repaired and once again functional.

I have been highly impressed with their level of competence, professionalism and friendliness, not to mention value for money and as a result I have arranged for them to provide me with an annual service to my central heating system.

It is most refreshing to find a company with traditional values and which treats their customer and their property with respect. I would be more than happy to highly recommend Essex Heating Services to any of my neighbours, Friends or family”.

Steve Ashdown

Hatfield Peverel

Essex

From Mr and Mrs Rees: -

Essex Heating Services comes across a lot of situations during its day to day activities where FE and Cold Water Storage tanks have become contaminated due to non-compliance with BY-LAW 30.

BYLAW 30

The tank must have a cover and various screen/filters to prevent the ingress of dirt/dust/insects and various small animals and birds. The Water inlet must be at the opposite side of the tank from the Water Outlet to avoid water stagnation. Specifications apply to the diameter of the various pipes and their height in relation to the bottom and top of the tank and in relation to each other. The main thrust of BYLAW 30 is to make sure that any domestic stored water remains free of contaminants but especially potable water that is water that is used for drinking.

The water storage tanks that we have come across can be up to 10cm deep in sludge and sediment, this having accumulated over time. The surface of the water can have a thin film of biomass material that can feed various bacterial organisms such as Legionnaires disease. Most householders don’t even realize that they are serious risk.

The most effective solution is to have your water storage tanks inspected to see if there is any build up of sediment or sludge and that they comply with BYLAW 30 and then to have the tanks cleaned and disinfected with Chlorine. If the Tanks do not comply it really is in your best interest to have them fitted with a BYLAW 30 Kit. Where this is not possible the Tank will need to be replaced with one that does.

It should be noted that Hot and Cold Systems should be cleaned and chlorinated at least annually.

Chlorination Procedure

We have found that one of the most effective products on the market is “STEROX”, by Fernox. There are other products on the market but we have found that this product is cost effective for the customer and easy and straight forward to check after the process that the chlorine has been reduced to a safe level.

1. Advise the householder/occupant that the water should not be used or consumed during the chlorination process. Let them know that you will give them the all clear.
2. Make sure that the pipework has sufficient drain off points to completely drain the system – take note of any low points or dead legs.
3. If necessary fit additional drain off point and Gate/Lever Valves.
4. Depending if you are treating both the Hot Water and Cold Water Systems, you will need to lock off the cold water supply and turn off the boiler.
5. Completely drain the Cold and Hot Water systems – including the Hot Water Cylinder, lavatory cisterns etc.
6. Clean the water storage tanks – removing all sediment, sludge and debris
7. Isolate the feeds to the Cold Water Tank and fill with cold water and add 2 Sterox Tablets for every 225lts (50 gallons) of water. This will give more that the required dosage of 50mg/L. Make sure that the tablets have fully dissolved.
8. Turn off the supply to the Cold Water Tank and open the Gate/Lever Valves to the system. Make sure that you have locked off all the drain off points first. Do not allow the Cold Tank to fully empty. If it gets too low – close the Gate/Lever Valve to the system, top the water up and add some more chlorination tablets as necessary. Let the tablet’s dissolve and re-open the Gate/Lever Valve to the system.
9. The whole system should now be chlorinated to the required dosage – you can check this at a number of outlets with the test kit provided.
10. Make sure that the Cold Water Tank is just above its normal level and add one more tablet. The system must then stand for one hour. You will need to check the level of chlorination during this period to make sure that it stays in excess of 50mg/L. If it drops the system should be re-chlorinated.
11. You can now flush the system. This is best done by completely draining the system and then flushing through a couple of times. Check the level of chlorination with the kit provided. It should be no higher than the incoming water mains.
12. Keep a record of the date of chlorination and initial and final chlorine concentration levels and the time. Advise the householder/occupants that it is safe to use the water.

Essex Heating Services can carry out this work for you and supply all the chemicals necessary to do an effective job. In the fist instance give us a call to arrange a time to come round and do an inspection. This can be done at the same time that you have your boiler serviced.

Telephone; – 01376 516513

E-mail: – essexheatingservices@googlemail.com

www.essexheatingservices.co.uk

Boiler not working Essex

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Boiler Replacement Essex

LPG Essex

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Commercial Oven Repair Essex

Give Essex Heating Services a call now on 01376 516513

E-mail: – essexheatingservices@googlemail.com

“The Radiators upstairs are roasting and the ones downstairs are freezing cold, the one in the Hall Way has never worked”!

After visiting the customer we found out that the system had not been serviced in over 8 years. The Water Circulator (commonly called the Pump) was very noisy and working under stress at it’s highest setting. The three port valve – used to switch the hot water in the primary circuit between the Central Heating  or Hot Water circuit or both had also seized.

It was agreed to power flush the system and use a sludge remover. To dose the system with an inhibitor to reduce oxidization, replace the water circulator and three port valve and fit a MagnClean to protect the system and keep it working at optimum efficiency.

What is a MagnaClean?

A MagnaClean is a proven, high efficiency, full flow, magnetic filter designed by a Heating Engineer, that will remove virtually 100% of suspended black iron oxide. This is really important, because the natural process of black iron oxide build up soon impairs performance and eventually clogs the boiler and radiators. These particles bond to all of the system components causing premature failure and contaminate the boiler heat exchanger and pipework. Needless to say the boiler and circulator have to work harder and harder – this means you are paying for heat that is going no where. In other words money is flying out of the window!

At Essex Heating Services we have made it a practice to fit a MagnaClean on all new installations. We recommend that if you haven’t got one fitted to your system, that you consider having one fitted when you have your boiler serviced.

Can be maintained by the Customer

Its very simple for the customer to clean the MagnaClean on a regular basis see below: -

1. Lock off the two valves with the small spanner provided
2. Remove the top of the canister with the spanner provided
3. Remove the Magnet from the plastic collar
4. Wash the iron oxide under the tap
5. Insert the Magnet back into the plastic collar
6. Insert the unit back into the canister
7. Screw the lid back on
8. Open the two valves

Bleed the canister using a radiator key form the top of the canister

Have a look at the pictures to give you an idea.

Even after a 4 hour power flush the MagnaClean will still be able to pull particles out of the system. It really is an amazing piece of kit.

Needless to say the customer now has a Central Heating System that functions as it was designed to, giving heat throughout the house including the the Hall Radiator.

If you would like to have a MagnaClean fitted to your Central Heating System give us a call at : -

Essex Heating Services

01376 516513

essexheatingservices@googlemail.com

www.essexheatingservices.co.uk

MagnaClean before washing with Tap Water

Collar removed from the Magnet as seen on the side

After cleaning simply slide Collar back onto Magnet. It only goes on one way.

NATURAL GAS

Where the gas meter records the gas consumption in cubic metres the following procedure should be used.

Gas Rate Procedure Meter Measuring in m³

The following procedure is just one method of calculating gas rate: -

• Turn all the appliances OFF.

• Record the meter reading. (example shows a reading of 00048.104m³⁾

• Turn the appliance under test to FULL ON.

• At the same time as turning the appliance on start recording the time

• When exactly two minutes have elapsed record the meter reading. (example shows a reading   of 00048.188m³)

• Subtract the first reading from the second reading. This will give you the volume of gas passed in m³.

Gas rate over two minutes: -

Therefore the Gas Rate over 1 minute

So to calculate the hourly consumption, the gas rate for 1 minute is multiplied by the number of minutes in an hour.

Therefore Gas Rate/hour

We can convert this figure to cubic feet by multiplying the figure by 35.37.

Therefore                2.52 x 35.37 = 89.1324ft³/hr

Gross Heat Input = 89.1324 x 1040 = 92697 Btu/hr (27.16 KW)

To assist in the process, the chart below has been configured to provide an easy reference. It is based on a GROSS CV of 38.79MJ/m³ (1040 Btu/ft³). So in our example over a two minute period 0.084m³ is used, look at the table below for 0.080 = 2.40 m³/hr (25.8KW) and 0.004 = 0.12m³/hr (1.3KW). Add the two together 2.40 + 0.12 = 2.52m³/hr and a gross input of

25.8 + 1.3 = 27.1KW

Note: – Essex Heating Services accepts no liability for the accuracy of this table and the figures that it contains. You should check the data before using it to carry out any adjustments. (Please refer to the Gas Regulations before implementation – this is your responsibility).

Essex Heating Services was asked to look at a Water Heater (Main Multi Point BF) for a commercial operation that was not firing up. The Owner of the establishment said that the unit had stopped working the day before and that an engineer had been back today (which would have been Tuesday 27 October 2009). When the engineer left he said that it was working ok.

Needless to say it wasn’t and could not have been!

When we took the casing off we could not believe the state of the unit. Have a look for yourself at the pictures we took. The front of the unit had been packed with chunks of Fire Proofing that was loose all around the inside of the case.

You have to ask yourself, “Why would an engineer leave a unit in this condition knowing it was unsafe and a potential death trap?” It left us speechless. Someone could have been killed due to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning or the place could have burnt down.

We issued a warning notice to the owner and isolated the Gas and Water supply to the appliance. After discussion with the owner it was decided to replace the water heater with a new one.

We keep pointing out time and time again to make sure that the Gas Engineer who is carrying out work for you is Gas Safe Registered. Ask to see his card and take a note of his Gas Safe Number. This is for your protection.

Contact Essex Heating Services to have your Commercial or Domestic Appliances: -

Serviced

Repaired

Maintained

Replaced

01376 516513

07717 748507

essexheatingservices@googlemail.com

www.essexheatingservices.co.uk

Recent case

We had a call from a very distressed mother of four young children this week who was trying desperately to find a Gas Safe Registered Engineer to sort the Central Heating and Hot Water for her. She had been without Central Heating and Hot Water over the weekend. At Essex Heating Services we always try to respond to an emergency situation like this. We arranged to visit her that evening and upon investigation found that the “Burner Unit” was completely burned through. The seals had gone brittle and thus were not performing the job they were designed for and the PC Board had been cooked. We issued a Warning Notice to the customer because the unit was unsafe to use. It was not cost effective to replace all the components so it was agreed that a new boiler was required.

When we asked the householder “When was the last time you had your boiler serviced?” – She replyed,” I have never had it serviced.”

Fortunately this customer has an Immersion Heater so we showed her how to use it. We also had a number of small fan heaters on the van that we were able to leave with her so that she could keep the house warm we waited for the installation of a new boiler to be completed.

Moral of the Story

Far too many people wait for an appliance as important as their boiler to breakdown before they think about regular service or maintenance. Boiler repairs can be very expensive and lack of regular service or maintenance can lead to the boiler having to be replaced, as in the case above.

Don’t leave it too late – when your boiler fails you may find it difficult to find a Gas Safe Engineer to respond due to the volume of call outs.

Service Cost

For a standard service to a boiler Essex Heating Services charge £65 + Parts.

If you would like to arrange a service please contact us on:-

01376 516513

Or through our website at:-

www.essexheatingservices.co.uk

Combination boilers are a very energy efficient method of delivering hot water on demand to hot water outlets and Central Heating Systems and have a number of significant benefits over the conventional System boiler.

The combi-boiler as it is known is a compact unit that heats the water directly from the mains and is perfect in situations where space is at a premium. In fact it is now so popular that 50% of households are fitted with one. Due to its popularity it is manufactured by a lot of boiler makers in a range of cabinet sizes and KW outputs that determine the Flow rate which is measured in Litres per minute.  In fact there is one for just about any application.

The benefits of the Combi-boilers

• No need for a Hot Water Cylinder – usually in the Airing Cupboard

• No need for a F&E Tank in the loft

• No need for a separate Pump for the shower as the Hot water is mains pressure

• Less Pipework

• Less disruptive when fitting.

• Cheaper to run – this is good for your pocket and the environment

• Less expensive to install

Common boiler makes that are fitted in the UK

• ALPHA
• ARISTON
• ATAG
• BAXI
• BIASI
• BUNDERUS
• FERROLI
• GLOW WORM
• HALSTEAD
• HEATLINE
• IDEAL
• KESTON
• POTTERTON
• RAVENHEAT
• REMEHA
• SAUNIER DUVAL
• VAILLANT
• VIESSMANN
• VOKERA
• WORCESTER BOSCH

It’s very important to have a site survey done by a qualified Gas Safe Engineer so that the correct advice can be sort. Each installation is unique and requires careful consideration to ensure that the boiler selected can be fitted within the guidelines set down by the Gas Regulations and the Manufacturer.

Specifications such “Flue Position” are crucial for the safety of the house holder. Lack of care can lead to sickness and even death due to Carbon Monoxide fumes entering the house via a Flue to close to a window.

When a boiler is replaced to an existing central heating system or fitted to a new central heating system it is important to have the system either chemically cleaned or power flushed to remove any sludge or build up of flux during installation. A chemical inhibitor is then added to protect the entire system. Other devices that can be added to the system depending on water hardness are a Descaler (this is a small unit added to the cold water supply) or a MagnaClean (this is a unit added to the central heating system to remove the build up of iron oxide).

Essex Heating Services are a professional company that can assist you with the choice of boiler and system design to provide you with a quality product that will give you years of reliable service.

Give us a call now to discuss your requirements on        01376 516513

Or contact through our web-site: -     www.essexheatingservices.co.uk

It is really important to have appliances such as domestic boilers, gas fires, water heaters and flues tested and serviced on a regular basis.

Essex Heating Services offer a 25% discount on the labour cost for OAP’s, who are a vunerable group.

Please make sure that  the engineer carrying out the checks and service is Gas Safe Registered – ask to see his identification.