Landlords that market rental property without a valid EPC or Energy Perfomance Certificate could be fined up to £200 they were warned recently by Harrogate Borough Council.
The EPC is designed to give prospective tenants an idea of the running costs of the property they are considering renting. With worries about global warming and the price of GAS and electricity these days its worth checking out the EPC before taking on a rental property.
To commission your EPC in the Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough and Wetherby areas of Yorkshire, Contact Hometech of Harrogate Ltd.
Hometech of Harrogate are qualified Domestic Energy Assessors or DEA s registered with Elmhurst Energy. Working for Landlords and letting agents in the local area.
Why Powerflush the system before fitting a new boiler ?
“We can’t believe that not every installer offers Powerflushing when fitting new boilers”!
WHY?
1. A quieter boiler results from the removal of lime scale build up in the system, this is commonly called “Kettling”.
2. Hotter Radiators and a quicker warm up from the removal of Black Sludge “Magnetite” cold spots and Hydrogen build up produced by corrosion within the system.
3. A longer lasting system, pumps will last longer and radiators will have an extended life if there is no corrosion present and suitable corrosion inhibitors are used.
4. Lower fuel bills due to a more efficient system, costs more to heat solid magnetite than it does water! It is estimated that up to 25% saving can be made on your fuel bills compared to a heavily clogged system.
5. Helps to comply with The Benchmark Code of Practice, manufacturers warranties and Building regulations Part L, BSI 7953 when installing new boilers on old or new installations.
What do we do when we power flush?
Put simply, we couple up a specially designed powerful pump to the heating system and with the help of specialist chemicals, blast the debris out of the system, radiator by radiator.
The power flushing process will cure most circulation problems, but cannot undo the corrosion and gradual decay of heating system components that has led to the need to power flush the system. Note that we always check for signs of corrosion before and after the process.
Occasionally some systems may have radiators with localised deep corrosion pits, with only a scab of rust preventing the system water from leaking out. The vigorous flow rate required to mobilise sludge and deposits may dislodge such a scab, leading to a leak from the radiator during the flushing process. The advanced stage of corrosion required for such a situation means that the leak would occur imminently even without a powerflush. If it should be brought forward slightly by the flushing process, then it is better that it occurs whilst a heating engineer is present to remedy the problem, rather than for it to arise over a weekend or whilst the house is unoccupied.
Remember to check that your installer has included POWERFLUSHING in their estimate. (or ask us if not!)
As well as power flushing before new installations, Hometech of Harrogate offer powerflushing services on older boilers to potentially cure noise, poor flow, cold radiators etc… in Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon and Wetherby. Contact Us for more details
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From October 2008, all properties that are marketed for rental must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) produced by a Registered Domestic Energy Assessor.
Designed to draw tenants attention to energy consumption and cost, the EPC is valid for 10 years for rental properties.
Hometech of Harrogate Ltd are registered Domestic Energy Assessors and will take care of all the arrangements for you, making tenant appointments and collecting keys locally if applicable. We have a simple fixed fee policy so that you know exactly where you stand on cost.
To arrange your EPC, please contact contact us
In addition to providing EPCs, Hometech of Harrogate are plumbing, heating and electrical engineers serving landlords and homeowners in Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon and Wetherby
What is the boiler scrappage scheme **STOP PRESS** all 125,000 vouchers have been alocated! Scheme closed.
Hometech is please to announce that the government has confirmed a £50m investment in the form of £400 vouchers to encourage homeowners and landlords with the oldest, most inefficient boilers to swap them for new ‘A’ rated ones. Hometech will be taking part in the scheme which is only available to the first 125,000 people who meet the criteria laid down by the Energy Savings Trust. Once issued, the voucher is valid for 12 weeks.
How much might I save on my GAS bills with a new ‘A’ rated boiler ?
Government figures estimate that the average household will save about 25% off their gas bills by upgrading from a ‘G’ to an ‘A’ rated boiler that is around £235 per year. Upgrading will also help to save in the region of 140,000 tons of CO2 per year, that is the equivalent of taking 45,000 cars off the road!
Who, and what boilers will be eligible ?
Only ‘G’ rated boilers will qualify. Typically this means a Gas boiler over 15 years old. As a quick guide, most floor mounted, cast iron boilers with pilot lights will be ‘G’ rated. Call Hometech with the model details of your current boiler now and staff will be happy to confirm the SEDBUK rating of your current boiler. If you, or your tenant are under 60, the boiler has to be in working order to qualify.
How do I apply for the £400 voucher?
Its quite simple. First, call or email Hometech (contact details below) and we will arrange for an Engineer to visit and prepare an estimate for the work to be done and check all the details that you will need to apply for the voucher. We will then guide you through the application process.
Are there any additional benefits available?
Yes! Any Customer who receives the scrappage scheme rebate, will also recieve a £50 CASHBACK voucher from Hometech, when they install a Viessmann boiler. Worth noting that Hometech also offer a FIVE year warranty on Viessmann Vitodens 100 boilers.
