Reactive Blog #15 - Cold Weather Boiler Fixes

Cold Weather Boiler Fixes

So it's probably been a while since you’ve used your boiler now. We had a great summer but it's now time for the cold winter. You may experience boiler issues if you haven’t used it in a while, so here are some tips that may help you fix it before you call someone out to help.

Double check the basics

First things first: check the basics. If you have a prepayment meter system or a top-up key, check that you’ve got enough credit on it for it to work.

If this is not the case, then you should next test whether your other gas appliances, such as the cooking hob, are working properly. The switches in your fuse box may have tripped and may need resetting.

Think back to if you’ve had a power cut recently

Have you had a power cut recently? Your boiler’s timer might have reset itself. Fixing it and getting it working back to normal again should be as simple as putting in the correct time settings again. If you do not know how to do this, take a look at the instruction manual and there should be an easy-to-follow guide.

Check your boiler’s pressure gauge

If the boiler is showing a reading of one bar or less, then it is probably to do with the pressure being too low, as this can prevent the boiler from working. Topping up the pressure yourself is usually straightforward - follow the steps in your boiler’s manual.

Turn your room thermostat to 21 degrees or higher

Reset your boiler, or check that it's pilot light is on

Having the thermostat set lower than 19-21 degrees can stop your heating from coming on, so turn it higher to see if your boiler starts working again.

               

Still having troubles?

If you are still experiencing issues you can contact us at: http://www.reactiveinsurance.co.uk/about/#contactus

Reactive Blog #14 - Cold Weather Life Hacks

Cold Weather Life Hacks

As the weather keeps getting colder and colder, we need to do even more to try and stay warm, keep away from colds and stop things from freezing. This can come at a cost, with heated blankets and similar products being rather expensive. Here are some quick and easy life hacks on how to survive the cold!

Clearing a Driveway Full of Ice/Snow

Clearing a path or driveway full of snow or ice can be a long process, especially if it's only a thin layer, as it makes it a lot harder to shovel away properly. To fix this, you should use a large brush instead of a shovel and simply just brush it all away.

Non-Stick Spray on a Shovel

For thicker snow that can’t be brushed away, a great tip for clearing snow is adding non-stick spray onto the end of the shovel to stop the snow from sliding off and breaking apart when moving it. This will save you a lot of time and frustration when moving snow away on the cold mornings.

Utilising Excess Heat from the Oven After Cooking/Baking

Cold evenings are the worst. It can be hard to stay warm and relax without having half a dozen blankets on top of you. To save money on your heating bill, you can leave your oven slightly open after cooking/baking food to make use of the access heat. However, this is only suitable for electric ovens, as it may not be safe with gas.

Foam Pipe Insulator on the Bottom of the Door

Another way to keep warm on cold and windy nights is to prevent door draughts, trapping the heat inside your room. Instead of buying an expensive draught stopper, you can just slide a foam pipe insulator on the bottom of your doors. That will keep you warm for sure!

Winter colds – Vicks Vaporub in the Shower

The most annoying thing that comes along with cold weather is catching colds. It seems like they are neverending. You can prevent this by bringing some Vicks Vaporub in the shower with you, as it mixes with the hot air and clears your throat and nose. It is one of the most effective ways to use the product and it will keep them colds away for sure!

Reactive Blog #13 - Winter Do’s and Don’ts

Winter Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

Wrap up warm 

Ensure you wear several layers of clothes as opposed to one chunky layer – clothes made from materials such as cotton, wool or fleecy fibres help to maintain body heat. When indoors, wear warm socks and slippers; if you’re really cold, tuck your shirt in and tuck your trousers into your socks to ensure that your skin doesn’t become exposed to the cold. When in bed, wear thermal underwear and bed socks to keep you cosy. When venturing outdoors, wear a hat as well as shoes with a good grip, along with a scarf wrapped loosely around your mouth. If you suffer from a heart or respiratory problem, stay indoors during very cold weather.

Heating your home

If you’re a healthy and active person under 65, it is safe to have your home below 18C, however if you’re 65+ and aren’t very mobile, or you suffer from a health condition, ensure your home is heated to at least 18C. If you have a baby in the house, ensure that they sleep in a room heated to between 16C and 20C to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). To block out draughts, draw curtains at dusk and keep doors closed. Get your heating system serviced regularly by a qualified professional to prevent a difficult winter.

Have warm food and drink

Eating regularly helps keep you warm; eat a balanced diet with lots of fruit and veg to get nutrients and stay healthy during the winter period. It’s recommended that you have at least one hot meal (e.g. porridge, soups, stews) a day along with hot drinks throughout the day.

Stay active 

Moderate exercise is a good way to stay warm; not only does staying active boost your circulation, it also prevents muscle loss – this is significant because muscles play a part in creating body heat. When seated, put your feet up, as the ground will be the coldest given that heat travels upwards.

Use hot water bottles and electric blankets

An obvious way to keep warm is to use hot water bottles and electric blankets. The two should not be used simultaneously though and electric blankets may not be suitable for those that suffer from incontinence problems, so it’s advised that you consult a doctor before use.

Be prepared if you’re heading out 

Before heading out, check weather updates provided by the Met Office on radio, TV and Twitter. When its below 8C, you’re at an increased risk of a heart attack, stroke, flu, pneumonia, hypothermia and falls/injuries. Those most vulnerable include people aged 65+, people with a long-term health condition, pregnant women and those who suffer from mental health conditions like depression and dementia.

Have medication on hand

It’s important to keep cold, flu and sore throat remedies in the house, as the immune system becomes weaker when it’s cold. It’s also recommended that you enquire about getting a free flu jab on the NHS.

Don’t

Don't Let the cold in 

Ensure you close all doors in the house and use a keyhole cover to block draughts. You can also buy thermal linings for the curtains to keep the heat in your home.

Don't use alcohol to stay warm

Avoid the consumption of alcohol before going outdoors or whilst outdoors during the winter. It may make you feel warm, due to the blood vessels in the skin expanding, but it actually draws the heat away from your vital organs.

 Don’t let your financial situation prevent you from staying warm 

Don’t suffer in the cold because you don’t think you can afford to stay warm – check what support is available to you. You may be eligible for grants regarding the heating in your home, such as the Winter Fuel Payment, the Cold Weather Payment and the Affordable Warmth Grant. The Energy Saving Trust also has advice on how to reduce bills, as well as suggesting ways to make your home more energy efficient.

Still Having Troubles?

If you are still experiencing issues you can contact us at: http://www.reactiveinsurance.co.uk/about/#contactus