For many, stoking up the woodburner or switching on the gas fire was an optional extra – a way of adding an ambient focal point when the family came to visit or making the home cosy on those wintry and grey days. Not so now. Today, the function of a fire or stove in a typical British home is one vital to creating warmth and atmosphere; an essential component of a heating system from which we demand not only high performance and efficiency but cost effectiveness and quality design. Today’s home maker wants top results for their money.

Step forward modern wood burning, gas and electric fireplaces, equipped with the latest technology and stunning aesthetics to satisfy a range of tastes from the traditional to the contemporary; country inspired or urban chic.

If you are considering a fireplace or would like to upgrade your current appliance, this article will act as an introduction to the many options available to you.

First Steps… Wood, Gas or Electric?

One of the first things to deduce before you consider design is: ‘what type of fuel can I burn?’

If your property has a chimney breast, you will most likely be able to install a wood burning fire, a stove or a conventional flue gas fire but before you embark on either, ensure that the chimney is checked thoroughly by a qualified professional for safety and suitability. For those modern homes without a chimney – about one third of the UK’s housing stock does not have a built-in chimney, there are other options to suit your needs. Installing a balanced flue system in your property ensures you can burn gas fires efficiently. Otherwise, if you have a plentiful supply of wood, fitting a twin-wall pipe system can enable you to enjoy the flames of a real log fire in your home. Whatever flue outlet you have available, there are numerous models of fires and stoves to choose from.

The Benefits of Wood Burning

An increasing number of people want to make a difference to their carbon footprint and burning wood in a modern stove is a carbon lean way to create heat for the home especially if you have purchased your fuel from a local and well managed supply. With wood fuel competitively priced, or even cost-free to those who have their own coppice, this option is an extremely effective way to save money! But a very big draw to wood burning is the stunning focal point it naturally creates and the, possibly unparalleled homely ambience it produces in abundance. That distinctive, comforting smell is for many the scent that captures the imagination and conjures the very concept of cosiness and being at home.

For optimum results, we recommend logs should be seasoned for two years or more to achieve a moisture content below 20%. This will not only give twice the output of freshly felled timber but help avoid a build-up of tar in your flue. Furthermore, if you can obtain hardwood logs this is better still, as they will have a greatly increased value compared to softwoods for the same volume.

Multi-fuel

Many stoves, fires and fireplaces are designed to burn smokeless fuels, peat/turf briquettes and logs as multi-fuel appliances. Multi-fuel stoves have a riddling grate which allows ash to be riddled into a built-in ashpan to create the optimum conditions for efficient combustion as smokeless fuels burn better on a raised grate that allows air to be drawn in from underneath. Woodburners have a fixed grate and no ashpan, since wood burns best on a bed of ashes. Choosing a multi-fuel stove, fire or fireplace over a woodburning only one provides you with the option to select the cheapest and most local fuel source available as well as continue to take advantage of some very high efficiency rates.

Quick and Convenient Gas

The popularity of gas continues to rise and with the breadth of styles of both stoves and fires available in today’s market, it is easy to see why. While it is still possible to achieve that classic inset gas fire look with a coal fuel effect, a decorative front and a frame, there is now the option to insert a cassette into the wall to create a ‘hole in the wall’ look around which you can add a frame or leave to create a ‘frameless’ aesthetic – particularly effective when accompanied with fireplace surround tiles. Fuel effects have also become more varied and life-like – choose from chunky logs and highly realistic coals to contemporary white stones or even, coloured glass beads for an injection of colour. Gas is also a plentiful resource and reasonably priced with many British homes hooked up to natural gas that is piped directly into the house. Should you find however that you do not have access to natural gas, many appliances are able to work with LPG or bottled gas. Furthermore a very attractive feature of many gas fires and stoves is their ability to be remote controlled, providing the ultimate in convenience and relaxation. From standard controls to operate the basics such as turning the fire on and off and altering the flame height, to thermostatic remote handsets that allow you to set your preferred room temperature, you can even set the time that you wish your fire or stove to come on at, thus bringing your gas appliance into the sort of timetable that would normally be exclusive to your central heating.

Go Electric

It may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you are considering a stove, fire or fireplace but modern electric appliances have come on leaps and bounds recently. Enticing flame effects are becoming more and more lifelike and manufacturers have started to incorporate low energy or LED bulbs to decrease running costs. From stoves to ‘hang on the wall’ fires or fireplaces, electric appliances really are suitable for all so in the absence of a chimney or flue, they are ideal – simply plug in and away you go. Other benefits of electric fires and stoves include the option to use the flame effect independently of the heat output which means no matter the temperature outside, you can enjoy the charming and alluring visuals inside!

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Worcester the cat illustrates the warming benefits of Worcester Bosch boilers

You might have noticed on television recently the latest advertising campaign by the renowned boiler manufacturer Worcester Bosch. It revolves around a particularly sociable cat named “Worcester”. On a cold winters day our hero takes advantage of his owner’s decision to go out shopping by offering a warm paw of friendship to those less fortunate than himself. He subsequently invites his feline buddies to leave the cold outside and be “as warm as Worcester” in his Worcester Bosch centrally heated home. Regardless of whether you have seen the ad’, you have probably heard of Worcester Bosch and there is a very good chance your home is heated by one of their Boilers.

The UK’s leading manufacturer of boilers

Worcester Bosch is the UK’s most popular domestic boiler manufacturer and is viewed across the heating industry as being – for most situations – the most suitable boiler for the home. Worcester Bosch are UK based, but no prizes for guessing where they are located! They joined forces with The Bosch Group in 1992 where their innovative Worcester combi-boilers (which increasingly used gas instead of oil), contributed to the successful merging of the two companies.

Exceptional after-sales service

At Limegreen in Cardiff we have installed thousands of boilers for commercial and domestic clients across South Wales, many of which are Worcester Bosch. We have worked closely with Worcester Bosch for many years and will continue to do so, simply because they build very reliable and increasingly efficient boilers – perfect for our customers. The after sales service provided by Worcester Bosch is where – in my view – they deliver the biggest punch. Should your boiler not work correctly, it is likely to cause a disruption to your routine and you would hope that the problem could be rectified as quickly as possible. Thankfully when it comes to attending to a faulty Worcester Bosch boiler, there are many accredited technicians throughout the UK who would be available to visit with you quickly.

Limegreen are Accredited Worcester Bosch Installers

Limegreen is a Worcester Bosch Accredited installer and as an accredited installer we can offer our customers a ten-year – no quibble – guarantee on selected Worcester Bosch boilers. Non-accredited installers are not able to offer this. Due to the flammable nature of gas, it is imperative that our customers have the upmost confidence in our expertise. We want to provide assurances of our competence to install a boiler safely and are committed to upholding the highest of standards. At Limegreen, our customers have identified the importance of attaining recognition of our skill with the UK’s leading boiler manufacturer and Worcester Bosch want their customers to have peace of mind that the installer abides by industry standards. In fact, to become an accredited installer, we are required to submit to regular checks of all installers, which include providing proof of being Gas Safe and adhering to all other relevant certificates. All installers of Worcester Bosch boilers and heating systems who work for Limegreen are fully qualified gas engineers.

Take advantage of our clever online quote tool!

To help our customers decide which boiler is most suitable for their home, we have created an online boiler quote tool. By providing details about your home the online boiler quote tool will produce results detailing the best boilers for you. It considers amongst other things, the size of your home, the number of bathrooms and your current heating systems.

Limegreen are based in Cardiff – close to the Cardiff City Stadium – where our large showroom is located to help our customers choose the perfect heating products for their home.

Online Quote Tool

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Worcester Bosch Boilers Explained

Worcester Bosch boilers, now for several consecutive year have been awarded by WHICH? as the Best Buy products in United Kingdom. Limegreen as an accredited Worcester Bosch retailer and installer offers the Worcester Boiler boiler range with a 10 year Guarantee to customers in Wales and The South West of England.

Its not enough just to buy a boiler. You need to be able to get the best possible solution for your heating needs, whether this be for your home or your business.

Built on more than 35 years of experience and expertise in heating and plumbing and more than 12 years of experience working with Worcester Bosch boilers we have put together a simple guideline to better understand what you have been offered or what you need for your heating system. Remember to always look for an accredited installer.

Combi Boilers

A combination or ‘combi’ boiler is both a high efficiency water heater and a central heating boiler in a single compact unit. Combi boilers heat water directly from the mains when you turn on a tap, so you won’t need a hot water storage cylinder or a cold water storage tank in the roof space.

They are also very cost-effective and energy-efficient as water is heated instantly rather than being heated and then stored in a cylinder. An added benefit is that hot water is delivered at mains pressure, which means that you could get a powerful shower without the need for a separate pump.

• Compact sizes make combi boilers perfect for smaller properties
• Ideal where there is little or no loft space
• No need for a hot water cylinder allows increased living space
• No cold water storage tank frees up a loft for conversion
• No risk of loft pipework freezing
• Less pipework in the home makes installation typically cheaper

System Boilers

System boilers require a cylinder for storing hot water, however the major heating and hot water system components are built into the boiler itself, making it quicker and easier to install. In addition, there is no need for a tank in the loft, so it can be an option in a home with little or no loft space or where the space is earmarked for a conversion.

These boilers are also compatible with solar water heating systems, which deliver environmental benefits as well as lower energy bills.

• Ideal for homes with more than one bathroom
• Constant supply of hot water to any number of taps at the same time
• No need for a loft tank, freeing up space and eliminating worries about leaks or frost damage
• Economical to run
• Built-in components makes installation quicker and neater

Regular Boilers

Regular boilers (sometimes known as traditional, conventional or heat only boilers) are ideally suited to homes that already have a traditional heating and hot water system which is linked to a separate hot water cylinder. These boilers also need a cold water storage tank in the loft to feed the hot water cylinder as well as a tank that maintains the water level of the central heating system.

A regular boiler may be the best option for replacing an existing boiler if the property has an older radiator system, as it might not be able to cope with the higher water pressure that is delivered by system or combi boilers.

• Perfect for homes where a lot of hot water is used at the same time
• Ideal where there are two or more bathrooms
• A good option in areas where water pressure is low
• Compatible with solar water heating systems for a lower carbon footprint and lower energy costs

Give us a CALL today for your free no obligation Worcester Bosch Boiler quotation on 029 2066 6622.

WIN £400 worth of Bosch Appliances 

Contact us and be in with a chance to win £400 worth of Bosch appliances. Terms.

Boiler funding

From time to time, there are various schemes available to help towards funding a new boiler. These are run by external bodies so we have included the link to them in order for you to take a look for yourself.

Affordable Warmth Obligation: www.gov.uk/energy-company-obligation

Customer support

Would you have further questions we are happy to assist you 24/7. Follow up on our Blogs and News section or call our support team on +44(0) 29 2066 6622.

CALL US TODAY FOR FREE QUOTE!

We are one of the largest Worcester Bosch Boiler Distributors in Wales and The South West England not only because we have a big organization, but because we have a constantly growing satisfied customer base in and around the UK. Be a part of our journey together with us to become a Green cost Efficient world.

Important terms and definitions

Condensing Technology

Changes to government legislation and technology advances in boiler design has driven boiler designs to condense to ensure as much heat as possible is converted into useful heat for your home. By condensing, your boiler will ensure at least 90p in every £1 you spend on gas or oil will be converted into heat for your home comfort. Worchester Bosch Boilers Explained by LimeGreen Cardiff

Condensate

Along with heat, when gas or oil is burned within your boiler condensation is also created. This can be seen in the gases which plume out from the boiler, something that is especially noticeable in cold weather. However in addition to this condensate being discharged in the air, condensate also collects inside the boiler and is drained away either inside or outside your home. This is safe and nothing to worry about.

ErP Rating

The ErP Rating is a new requirement set by the European Union which is designed to drive improvements in the efficiency and performance of heating and hot water products. The ErP rating introduces new efficiency classes from A++ to G which are displayed on a labels which come with the boiler. ErP labels are already a common sight on washing machines, televisions and other appliances within electrical retailers. Worchester Bosch Boilers Explained by LimeGreen Cardiff

Flue

The flue is the part of the boiler which allows exhaust gases to exit the boiler. The flue is typically situated directly behind the boiler enabling waste gases to exit safely straight out of the external wall of your home. Worchester Bosch Boilers Explained by LimeGreen Cardiff

Flow Rate

Quoted for Combi boilers, a flow rate represents how many litres of hot water comes out of the tap in a minute. Your flow rate is determined by the amount (and pressure) of water that is entering your property from the water main and the ability of the boiler to heat that water to the temperature you have set. The more powerful a boiler is (represented in kW), the faster the boiler will be able to heat the water coming into your home. However it is important to recognise a high kW output will not always increase your flow rate. If you have 10 litres per minute coming into your property, you will only be able to receive 10 litres per min of hot water. For example having a boiler that has a maximum flow rate of 14 litres per min will not increase the amount of hot water you receive, if you only have 10 litres per min coming into your boiler.

Gas Safe Accreditation

Gas Safe Accreditation is the hallmark for gas safety in the UK. An installer must be on the Gas Safe Register to be legally allowed to work on your boiler or any other gas appliances in your home.www.gassaferegister.co.uk Worchester Bosch Boilers Explained by LimeGreen Cardiff

Greenstar

Greenstar is the name given to all of the Worcester Gas fired boiler range, and signifies high energy efficiency, reliability and comfort. There are more than 2 million Greenstar Combi boilers fitted in UK homes. Worchester Bosch Boilers Explained by LimeGreen Cardiff

OFTEC Accreditation

OFTEC is a trade association that takes a lead role in setting industry standards of oil-fired boilers. OFTEC manages a competent person registration scheme, enabling you to find installers who install, commission and service oil-fired products. We always recommend that you choose a qualified OFTEC installer for your installation. www.oftec.org

Open Vent

This is a term which is also used to describe a Regular boiler type. A Open vent system will have a “Open Vent” and tanks within the loft space. This type of heating system is typically common in older property’s. Worchester Bosch Boilers Explained by LimeGreen Cardiff

SEDBUK Rating

SEDBUK stands for Seasonal Efficiency of Domestic Boilers UK. It provides a rating structure which provides both a percentage efficiency score as well as A to G rating enabling an easy comparison of boilers. SEDBUK has been integrated to the recent ErP labelling directive.

Standard Efficiency (G Rated)

Old “Standard Efficiency” boilers waste large amounts of heat as they don’t Condense and recycle the heat before it leaves your boiler via the flue. In the current SEDBUK rating structure a Standard Efficiency boiler would be deemed G-rated and is likely to be 30% less efficient* than a new Worcester A-rated boiler. Worchester Bosch Boilers Explained by LimeGreen Cardiff

System Filter

A system filter is a specifically designed unit which aims to remove and filter magnetic and non-magnetic contaminants from your central heating system before they reach your boiler. Building Regulations always recommends a system filter be fitted to your heating system pipes prior your boiler to prevent any damage to key components.

System Flushing

Over time oxygen in the heating system can react with the metals and components of a heating system such as radiators to produce magnetite (rust) particles, which becomes suspended in your system water. This process and the build-up of other chemicals (such as lime scale) can quickly cause blockages and damage key components within the boiler and system. To prevent this a process of thorough system flushing should take place when fitting a new boiler onto an old heating system. This process involves forcing old system water out of the heating system, whilst simultaneously filtering the system until all of the old water and contaminants are removed. Finally inhibitor and a system filter is added to prevent any future sludge and contaminants from building up. ZEROhomebills.com, 0Bills.com, solaranna.co.uk

TRV

Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRV’s) enable you to control the individual temperature of each room in your home, and can be adjusted to the comfort levels you want. The higher the number selected on the TRV, the hotter the radiator and warmer the room. Please note a TRV should not be fitted on a radiator in the same room as a room thermostat. ZEROhomebills.com, 0Bills.com, solaranna.co.uk

Weather Compensation

Weather Compensation is a feature which is programmed into selected boiler controls and Greenstar I Combi boilers. Designed to improve comfort, the feature automatically adjusts the temperature of your system to compensate for the weather outside. E.g. if the temperature outside drops, your radiators will run hotter, whilst if the temperature increases the boiler produce less heat, reducing your running costs.

Worchester Bosch Boilers Explained by LimeGreen Cardiff

 ZEROhomebills.com, 0Bills.com, solaranna.co.uk

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