Archive for 2010
Boiler Broken? – Why buying spare parts is often the cheapest option
Tuesday, November 16th, 2010
With the cold weather well and truly upon us, many people across the UK encounter problems with their heating and boilers after the summer spell of inactivity.
With main problems coming from broken Heat Exchangers, PCBs, Valves and seals, more often that not, these problems can be quickly sorted with the purchase of a spare part from an aftermarket supplier such as Direct Heating Supplies.
Many folk who dont have boiler breakdown cover often face delays from plumbers or heating engineers, and at this time of the year, come at a premium, and often later than you need them.
Boiler repairs is big business, when people are choosing to repair rather than replace, sourcing boiler parts online is a quick and often hassle-free experience. With the cost of a new combi boiler in excess of £800 alone, a few parts and some labour can have your combi boiler back up and running at a fraction of that cost to give many more years of service.
So dont be left in the cold and out of pocket, look at getting your boiler repaired professionally and quickly instead of facing a huge refit bill.
Boiler spares and parts are in a great supply, and often easier to shop for than you think.
Posted in Gas Boilers | No Comments »
Heatrae Megaflo Hot Water Cylinder Review
Tuesday, November 16th, 2010
Heatrae Megaflo Cylinder from Direct Heating Supplies
A Heatrae Megaflo Hot Water Cylinder Review for today. In our current time, we use more hot water than ever before. With our homes having more showers, baths and basins, hot water is both a necessity and a pleasure. But with the demands of rising energy prices and environmental issues, we need to strike a balance – a balance that gives us performance and reliability along with economy and responsibility. Utilising advanced technology Megaflo eco is widely regarded as the leader in unvented domestic water heating. Designed to perform faultlessly whilst minimising heat loss to maximise efficiency, it understands the balance we have to make. So, maybe it’s time to think again, maybe you should consider a brand new high-tech hot water system. One like Megaflo eco.
- Constructed in Duplex stainless steel for maximum strength – pressure tested to 15 bar.
- Patented internal floating baffle system to accommodate water expansion.
- No anode – eliminates costly anode maintenance.
- Insulated casing for the temperature and pressure relief valve to minimise heat loss. Unique ‘L-shaped’ long-life Superloy immersion heater reaches deeper into the tank giving more hot water.
- Titanium immersions as standard on all direct models.
- Patented cold water inlet diffuser minimises mixing of cold and hot water.
- High performance ‘coil-in-coil’ heat exchanger.
- Exceeds CHeSS* Best Practice for recovery times and insulation.
- Improved insulation for maximum heat retention.
- New water inlet controls increase flow rates by up to 20%.
- Improved performance at low pressures down to 1 bar.
- Installer friendly design.
- Complies with future European Energy Using Products Directive.
- New splash-proof IPX4-rated wiring centre gives greater choice of installation location.
Our new Megaflo eco range is the best choice for conserving energy while providing superior performance.
Cylinder construction
Heatrae Megaflo Cylinders are made of Duplex stainless steel, which offers a superior resistance to corrosion especially in aggressive water areas, compared with some grades of stainless steel, glass-lined steel and copper. Because Duplex is a low carbon, high chromium content alloy, it resists all forms of corrosion including pitting, crevice corrosion, uniform corrosion and stress corrosion cracking, without the use of a sacrificial anode. In addition, the tungsten inert gas welding coupled with the special post weld processes ensures the welded area has the same level of corrosion resistance and mechanical strength
as the parent metal.
This ensures the longest possible working life for every cylinder. The combination of its lightweight yet very strong construction makes Megaflo eco easier to handle on site. Every unit is pressure tested in the factory to 15 bar – five times the normal operating pressure – making Megaflo eco suitable for all domestic and commercial applications. No sacrificial anode is required with Megaflo eco. With inferior grades of stainless steel, glass-lined steel and copper, sacrificial anodes are required to achieve a degree of corrosion resistance. However they require regular replacement which, if not carried out can result in premature cylinder failure. Megaflo eco overcomes any need for this by using top quality Duplex stainless steel.
Heatrae Megaflo Cylinders are available from Direct Heating Supplies in the UK.
Tags: cylinder, heating, heatrae, hot water, plumbing
Posted in Cylinders, Gas Boilers, News | No Comments »
Baxi Duo Tec Combi 28 HE
Thursday, October 28th, 2010
The Baxi Duo Tec Combi 28 HE is one of the UKs most popular gas combi boilers.
The Baxi Duotec 28HE Combi Boiler is SEDBUK ‘A’ rated and is stylish and simple to use. The Baxi Duotec Combi Boiler Range at has been developed to offer easier installation, servicing and operation.
All Baxi Duotec Combination Boilers are more than 90% efficient, ensuring the highest energy rating score, saving you money on heating bills and keeping emissions down.
Technology working within the environment:
The Baxi Duo-tec Combi 28 HE boiler combines passion for technology with a commitment to the environment. A century and a half of experience brings from Baxi gives you a system that will give you all the warmth you’ll need at the maximum level of efficiency.
Higher efficiency, lower costs, lower emissions
When we say it’s efficient, we mean efficient. To meet Government legislation every new boiler must be high efficiency (HE) which means at least 86% of the fuel it 
burns is converted to heat.
Because the Baxi Duo-tec Combi 28 HE turns more than 90% of the fuel to heat, it has the highest SEDBUK Band ‘A’ rating for efficiency, saving you money on your heating bills. It also helps the environment by using less fuel and therefore producing fewer emissions.
Key features and benefits
- Stainless Steel Heat Exchanger
- CORGI Boiler of the Year 2008
- Baxi Duo-tec Combi 28kW HE A awarded ‘Best Buy’ in a recent boiler report conducted by Which?
- SEDBUK Band ‘A’ rated – lower gas bills than traditional boilers
- Two year parts and labour warranty*
- User friendly and contemporary
- Easy to operate.
The Baxi Duo-tec Combi 28 HE achieved 5-star ratings for efficiency, low NOx emissions (Nitrogen Oxide), features and installing. Which? described it as a great choice for flats and smaller houses.
The Which? review of the Baxi Duo-tec Combi 28 HE states: “It’s one of the few boilers we’ve tested which reaches the very highest efficiency standards, matching its claims to meet the A SEDBUK standard. As well as offering excellent efficiency, this boiler is reassuringly easy to use.”
Why choose a Baxi Duo-tec Combi 28 HE Combi boiler?
With a combination boiler (or combi as they’re commonly called) you gain the convenience of instant hot water – at anytime. There are no hot water tanks. It simply heats the water as you use it. So it’s a very efficient way to gain a sure supply of hot water while reducing bills. What’s more, you won’t run out – there’s always hot water on tap. Many options from Baxi With the 24kW, 28kW, 33kW and 40kW models, there’s a Baxi Duo-tec Combi to match every home and family. All have been subjected to extensive life cycle testing and come with two-year parts and labour warranties. Baxi also has a wide selection of alternatives – including heat only, system or back boilers (and many ways to embrace renewable
energy).
Baxi Duo Tec Combi Boilers are available from Direct Heating Supplies.
Posted in Boilers, Combi Boilers, Gas Boilers | No Comments »
Vaillant VRT392F Wireless Programmable Room Control
Thursday, October 21st, 2010
Vaillants excellent range of digital controls continues with the VRT392F Wireless Programm Room Control for all Vaillant EcoTEC Boilers.
Vaillant VRT392F Wireless Controller
Its blue backlit screen and the plain text display with numbered screens allows an easy and clear understanding of information. Only two ‘click and turn’ knobs are needed to select and change data. The Vaillant VRT 392f has 3 independent time periods per day to adapt the heating and hot water supply to your daily schedule. However if you want to adjust your time programmes temporarily an advanced heating function to override the current time programme will be available.
Even more, going on holiday the VRT 392f provides you with a holiday set-back function for Vaillant Boilers, which reduces the temperature in your property and heats is up before you come back home. There is also a calendar function for automatic summer/winter changeover.
For additional installation comfort and flexibility the VRT 392f communicates wireless through radio frequency technology with the receiver in the boiler fascia. The receiver simply needs to be plugged into the boiler fascia which dramatically reduces the installation effort and time.
The Vaillant VRT 392f can be used with all ecoTEC boilers.
Posted in Boiler Spares & Parts, Combi Boilers, Condensing Boilers, Gas Boilers | No Comments »
New Range Tribune Hot Water Cylinders
Saturday, October 16th, 2010
Direct Heating Supplies have now introduced our new selection of Range Tribune Hot Water Cylinders.
Range Tribune Hot Water Cylinders and Tanks
stainless steel unvented cylinders in over 400 different sizes, types and patterns.
- Reheat time (measured from 15°C to 65°C after drawing off 70% of the capacity): From 45min to 132 min. (direct models) and from 11.26min. to 33.25min. (indirect models).
- Insulation: 50mm-thick environmentally friendly CFC and HCFC-free polyurethane foam lagging.
- Range of capacities: From 90 to 300 litres.
- Guarantee: 25-year fully transferable guarantee against faulty materials and manufacture on the stainless steel inner container. The expansion vessel and cold water controls supplied with the cylinder from January 2010 carry a 5-year guarantee. All other components fitted to/or supplied with the unit carry a 2-year guarantee.
Further information and purchasing options can be found at Direct Heating Supplies:
Posted in Cylinders | No Comments »
Boiler Spares and Parts Sales Heating Up
Tuesday, September 21st, 2010
A Vaillant Fan Assembly : One of the many Thousand boiler spare parts from Direct Heating Supplies
With the colder evenings now setting in and the summer of 2010 now a distant memory, many people are starting to turn their heating appliances back on and get set for Winter.
For many, this isnt a problem but for people with older or more problematic boilers, parts tend to fail at this crucial time of the year.
The cheapest and most direct way of fixing any problematic boiler is with brand new parts and spares – as this is often cheaper than replacing an entire boiler system.
With a vast amount of Boiler Spares in stock, Direct Heating Supplies have become the main choice in the UK for Boiler Parts and Spares nationwide.
With many boiler parts in stock available next day from manufacturers such as Baxi, Vaillant, Worcester Bosch, Glowworm, Vokera, Honeywell and many more, finding the right part is never to far away, and often the cheapest way to repair a boiler.
With thousands of parts in stock with often next day delivery available, its no wonder that Direct Heating Supplies are an ideal choice for sourcing boiler spares online.
http://www.directheatingsupplies.co.uk/boilers/boilerspareparts/
Tags: Boiler Maintenance, Boilers, Combi Boilers, Direct Heating Supplies, energy saving, Gas Boilers
Posted in Boiler Spares & Parts | 1 Comment »
Worcester Greenstar 30CDI Combi Boiler
Saturday, July 24th, 2010
The Worcester Greenstar 30CDi Boiler : Worcester 30CDI gas combi boilers are one of the UKs most popular boiler appliances.
You can control both the hot water and central heating temperatures on a Worcester Greenstar 30 CDi combi. They also offer the widest choice of operating features within our gas boiler range, providing the ultimate in user convenience, performance and economy.The higher outputs of Greenstar CDi boilers can be suitable for larger properties with more than one bathroom.
Greenstar CDi combi boilers are unique in that they condense in both heating and hot water modes, resulting in greater efficiency and fuel savings.
Central heating output: 30kW
Domestic hot water flow rate: 12.3 litres per minute at 35 degree temperature rise (provided adequate mains pressure is available)Efficiency
- The Greenstar 30CDi is 90.2% efficient and is in the highest possible official efficiency category, SEDBUK band ‘A‘
- This boiler is registered with the Energy Saving Trust.
Features and benefits
- Best boiler efficiency rating (SEDBUK band A)
- Fully condensing in both central heating and domestic hot water modes
- Keep hot facility – instantly available hot water
- Wall mounting frame allows pipework to be hidden from view
- Low NOx and CO2 emissions – environmentally friendly
- 2 year guarantee, 10 year guarantee on primary heat exchanger and 5 year anti-scale guarantee on domestic hot water heat exchanger (subject to terms and conditions)
- Hot water and central heating temperatures can be controlled
- Multi-directional fluing means boiler can be sited in a wider variety of places
- Mechanical, digital and new generation intelligent controls all compatible
- Heat load and flow generated precisely to meet the heating system’s requirements using a modulating pump
Worcester 100mm Telescopic Horizontal Flue Kit
Alternative sites listing the Worcester Greenstar 30CDI Combi Boiler include:
Tags: 30CDI, Boilers, Condensing Boilers, Direct Heating Supplies, Gas Boilers, worcester
Posted in Boilers, Combi Boilers | No Comments »
Boiler safety and maintenance
Monday, July 5th, 2010
As time has passed and the technology of boilers has leaped forward, there has been a less and less need for any real safety precautions and standard safety procedures to be aware of. With the incorporation of digital technology you are unlikely to notice when something is wrong with the boiler from directly looking at it, only from finding that the water is not getting hotter and the cosy home really isn’t that cosy.
There is however a number of simple checks and precautionary measures which can not only ensure that your boiler is working efficiently, but you remain in good health as well.
1. Boiler Insurance and Upkeep
If your boiler were to suddenly breakdown and you needed some repairs which could amount to a small fortune, setting up boiler insurance will help you to recover those costs.
2. Yearly Checks
Keeping an eye on your boiler with yearly checks from a Corgi (The Council for Registered Gas Installers) technician will help to ensure its smooth running.
3. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Often known as the silent killer, deaths from carbon monoxide leaks in the home have increased year on year. The odourless and colourless gas can be emitted from a range of appliances within the home which have not completed the burning of gas.
This could be due to the improper installation of the appliance, lack of ventilation surrounding the product or the appliance is faulty. This can usually be found through shared boiler flues or chimneys as well as a number of other household appliances.
It is a scary thought not knowing whether you have any potential leaks within the home, and as they can occur suddenly it is vital to keep tabs on. There are a number of carbon monoxide detection alarms that could be purchased off the market (usually £20 plus), which will alert you to any potential threats.
4. Free Boiler Checks
Keeping up with the on-going maintenance of your boiler can certainly hit you in the pocket, but if you contact the EST (Energy Saving Trust) you may qualify for free checks via the priority services register.
Tags: Boiler Maintenance, Boiler Safety, Boilers
Posted in Gas Boilers | No Comments »
Vaillant Ecotec Plus Combi Boilers : Setting The Standard
Thursday, June 24th, 2010
Vaillant EcoTEC Plus Combination Boiler Range
One of the most popular models of boiler in the UK today are the Vaillant Ecotec Plus Combi boilers. Its no surprise either, with their superb A rated energy consumption, excellent logenvity and availability of parts and ease of installation.
By providing your hot water and central heating from one central unit, the Vaillant EcoTEC Plus is a hassle free purchase with almost “fit and forget” usability.
Vaillant EcoTEC Plus from Direct Heating Supplies
ecoTEC plus combination boilers have the following central heating heat output ranges:
- ecoTEC plus 824 – 6.7 – 19.0kW
- ecoTEC plus 831 – 8.7 – 24.0kW
- ecoTEC plus 837 – 12.0 – 28.0kW
Features and benefits |
|
| High condensing efficiency | SEDBUK Band ‘A’ |
| Compact dimensions | Offers excellent siting versatility and easy installation |
| Stainless steel heat exchanger | Allows more heat to be extracted by recapturing otherwise lost heat |
| ‘AquaComfort’ system | Providing instantaneous hot water at a constant temperature |
| Built-in status / diagnostic display | Comprehensive status and diagnostic information and push button programming |
| Single electronic circuit board | Simplifies commissioning and servicing |
Vaillant EcoTEC Boilers can be purchased from Direct Heating Supplies
Tags: Boilers, Combi Boilers, Condensing Boilers, condensing combi boilers, Gas Boilers
Posted in Gas Boilers | No Comments »
Do It Yourself Gas Boiler Installation – Don’t Pay With Your Life
Wednesday, June 16th, 2010
Trying to save money by attempting to work on a gas boiler yourself can endagers lives.
With the recession still very much in everyones minds, and saving money high on many peoples lists, surveys have found 1 in 3 people would attempt to fit or service a gas appliance in the hope of saving as little as £60
The Gas Safe Register, the official list and authority of gas engineers claim Three out of four people (75%) admit they would rather attempt fitting a gas boiler than leave it to the professionals, but worryingly only 23% said they were any good at it.
By UK Law, Only Gas Safe registered engineers can work on gas in your home – it’s the law and will keep you and your family safe.
Other factors around general DIY also come into play when working around gas appliances such as boilers or fires.
- Always use a Gas Safe Registered Engineer
Doing DIY? Follow these top tips to stay gas safe:
- Never DIY with gas appliances. Fitting a gas fire or cooker may look like a simple job but it’s not.
- Always use a Gas Safe registered engineer and check their Gas Safe ID card to make sure they are qualified to do the work you want them to do.
- Never block or cover air vents and flues. This could cause a build up of deadly gas fumes.
- Never attempt to remove back boilers and fires* yourself. This could leave pipes and gas flues exposed.
- Don’t cover up gas pipes without treating them with wrapping tape or paint first as this could cause them to rot and leak gas.
- Know where your gas pipes are located so you don’t accidentally hammer or drill into them. Pipe detectors are available from most DIY shops.
- If you’re doing general building or having a shed, extension or conservatory built make sure your boiler’s flue isn’t blocked.
Jamie Cooper from Gas Safe Register, warns people about dangerous DIY gas work:
“While the most capable of do-it-yourselfers might like to tackle things such as plumbing and tiling, when it comes to gas it’s not worth taking the risk. I’ve seen the aftermath of gas jobs that have gone wrong and it’s frightening what can happen. And it’s not just DIY gas work that is dangerous. Accidentally covering or blocking up air vents, or drilling into gas pipes by mistake can have serious consequences for you and your family.”
“For most gas jobs, the costs to call in a legal gas engineer are very modest. On average Gas Safe registered engineers charge £113 for fitting a new gas fire and £61 for a gas cooker. So why take the risk? It will cost you more money to put a DIY job right. But more frightening is the fact that badly fitted gas appliances can lead to fires, explosions, gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning. These incidents killed 18 people in the UK last year and hospitalised a further 310. I would urge anyone considering gas DIY to leave it to the professionals.”
There are around 123,000 engineers on the Gas Safe Register to assist in fitting a gas boiler or fire. To find one in your area and check their identity and qualifications, visit the Gas Safe website or call their free helpline.
Tags: Boilers, Combi Boilers, Condensing Boilers, condensing combi boilers, Gas Boilers, heating
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