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Sep 26
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Power Flush your heating system

By Heating

SERVICE YOUR HEATING SYSTEM / POWER FLUSHING

Heating on but the house still FREEZING?

A BOILER that takes hours to warm up could mean you need to get it serviced. The problem is often caused by a build up of dirty water and sludge, which causes a blockage in the heating system.
  • An inefficient boiler is a sign you need to get a plumber to do a service, or even replace your model.
  • This is because it points to a blockage in the system, caused by dirty water or sludge.
  • If your boiler makes strange clunking noises, it is another sign your boiler urgently needs repair.

If your boiler takes forever to heat up, or else it never gets properly warm, it could point to a blockage in the system.

Over time, central heating systems may get blockages in the pipes, for instance from dirty water or sludge.

Sometimes, a radiator fails to get warm because of an airlock in the central heating system, or else a fault with the thermostatic radiator valve.

However, another common cause is a partial blockage in the system which affects it.

Signs of a blockage include some radiators failing to heat up at all, or radiators which have a warm top and a cold bottom.

Another sign you need a boiler service or even a new boiler to be installed includes strange sounds.

If your boiler is making a loud banging sound regularly (and not just when you turn up the thermostat) this spells trouble.

It could mean any number of boiler issues, from a broken valve to heat pump problems.

The first step to take is to turn off the boiler if you hear these strange sounds.

Then, call out an engineer to fix your boiler or advise on whether it needs a replacement.

Sep 26
Love0

Is your boiler ready for winter

By Heating

Maintain your boiler with an annual boiler service

A lot of people skip their annual boiler service, but it’s so important! A healthy boiler makes for a healthy home, and servicing it will extend the life of your boiler for perhaps years. You’ll save money in the long run, and avoid the headache of boiler breakdowns and problems.Bleed your radiators

Bleed your radiators

No matter how perfectly sealed your central heating system is, over time air will get inside and start making a nuisance of itself. This might result in cold areas of your radiator (usually the top). If you have, then it is time to bleed your radiator.

Test your central heating before it gets too cold

One of the best tips to make sure your boiler is ready for winter is to test it before the weather gets too cold. So, around October or early November, just as it’s starting to chill, you should test your heating. Better to do that than wait until the weather is too cold to find out your heating’s kaput.

Vaillant Boilers
Jan 23
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Maintaining Your Heating In The Cold Weather

By Heating

Keep your heating on low.

If the temperature drops suddenly there Is a chance this can freeze your boilers external condensate pipe which can cause your boiler to stop working. Insulating the condensate can help avoid this. We also advise to keep the heating on low during the cold spell.

If you do find yourself with a frozen condensate pipe, we recommend pouring tepid water over the pipework. This should unfreeze the pipe. Be careful when doing this as you don’t pour the water onto a path/walk way as this will freeze and become a hazard.

Bleed your radiators.

If you are turning up your heating and thinking your property isn’t heating as well as you think it should, it could be possible you have an air lock in your system. Releasing the air from the system is easy, all you need is a radiator key which will slot into the radiator bleed valve. If you are still facing problems after completing this give a Gas safe registered engineer a call.

Keep your boiler maintained.

Here at A1 we highly advise you have your boiler serviced annually, therefore any possible issues will be picked up and resolved before you are possibly left with no heating in a cold spell. We also recommend checking regularly for any leaks, cracks or noises.

A1 Services do have availability to attend your boiler should you feel you require a Gas Safe Registered engineer to attend your boiler. Please do call us on 01235 812999.

Aug 21
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Heating Jobs in Oxford

By Jobs

A1 Oxford are currently seeking qualified and experienced Plumbing & Heating engineers to join our friendly team based in Didcot to work on a full-time basis.

We offer with this position a Company van, fuel card, company phone & pension. Pay is dependant on experience.

Requirements:

  • You have completed your NVQ2 and NVQ3 in plumbing and heating
  • Although not necessary, those also experienced in working with solar and thermal systems,
  • Be inquisitive, demonstrating innovate problem solving skills.
  • Bathroom installations (not vital but would be good)
  • You have the drive and determination to succeed
  • Tiling
  • Decorating
  • You have a full UK driving license
  • Minimum 5 years’ experience working in the industry
  • Demonstrate confidence in your own ability and be able to remain calm under pressure
  • Be an excellent communicator and be able to build relationships with all customers and members of the team.
  • Currently hold ACS certifications in CCN1, CEN1, WAT1, HTR1, CKR1, CPA1 as a minimum
  • Domestic Gas and LPG experience a plus.
  • Boiler installations and system conversions.
  • Full heating installations.
  • Experience working with Worcester Bosch and Valliant boilers.

About us:

A1 Oxford are a small local business serving the Oxfordshire area for over 45 years. We complete all domestic heating and plumbing services. A1 Oxford are looking for someone who has high standard of workmanship, great teamwork and motivation.

If you feel you are a suitable candidate for this role, please do apply now to find out more. (when applying detail your full experience, capabilities, qualifications and whether you have your own tools)

MUST BE BASED IN OXFORDSHIRE.

Mar 01
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Snow Days

By Heating

Like so much of the country, we’re snowed under right now!

Because of the weather conditions we are receiving a huge volume of calls and our engineers are in high demand. And like so many other people on the road, our engineers are struggling to get to some parts of Oxfordshire.

We are trying to provide you with the same service as usual, but we are prioritising people who have no heating and hot water. We have also implemented additional measures to try and help.

If your boiler has shut down and is showing error code, then your condensate pipe may be frozen.

Please follow these steps to get your boiler up and running again:

  1. Switch your boiler off at the control panel, and turn off the electricity at the wall.
  2. Find where the pipe is frozen, usually the most exposed part of the pipe.
  3. Warm the condensate pipe across its exposed length using either a hot water bottle, a microwaveable heat pack or warm water poured from a watering can. Do not use boiling water straight from the kettle as this could damage the pipe.
  4. Turn the power back on at the wall and restart your boiler. Repeat the process until the boiler works again.
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