AES National Supports Charity Golf Day in Aid of St Elizabeth Hospice

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We were proud to support a recent Charity Golf Event organised by the Suffolk Chamber Supply Chain Engagement team, raising an incredible £19,057.45 for St Elizabeth Hospice.

Held in support of Sizewell C’s charity partner, this fantastic event brought together local businesses and supply chain partners for a memorable day on the course—all in aid of a vital cause. The funds raised will go directly to supporting the hospice’s exceptional care services across our region.

Following the event, members of the organising team, which included representatives from AES National, visited the hospice’s Ipswich facility to present the cheque and see first-hand the impact of their work. From peaceful gardens and therapy rooms to their 24/7 OneCall helpline, the hospice provides a warm, compassionate environment for patients and their families.

We were also introduced to Zest, the hospice’s innovative programme for young adults living with progressive illnesses. Zest bridges the gap between children’s and adult services, ensuring that no young person is left without support at a critical time in their care journey.

St Elizabeth Hospice must raise over £12 million every year, with 70% funded through community support and fundraising. Events like this not only raise essential funds but also bring together the community in support of local people facing incredibly difficult circumstances.

We’re so proud to support this event and see the direct impact of the funds raised.

A huge thank you goes out to everyone who took part – the golfers, sponsors, prize donors, volunteers, and organisers. Your generosity and enthusiasm have made a real difference.

To learn more about the hospice and how your support helps, visit:
St Elizabeth Hospice – Our Visit

Winter Weather and The Effects on Your Boiler

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We all know that the cold weather affects things from our cars, to the clothes that we wear, but did you know that the winter freeze can also be harmful to your boiler?nnFreezing weather can cause boiler condensate pipes to freeze, thereby stopping your boiler operating properly and effectively.nn n

A Simple How To

If you’re experiencing frozen pipes, read below for three simple solutions on how to get your boiler up and running again. Alternatively, in the event that your boiler doesn’t work, we advise that you get in touch with a Gas Safe heating expert.nnGet in touch with our heating and plumbing experts, all of which are Gas Safe registered. Call: 0143 320 350 or click here to make an enquiry.nn• Your first option to defrost the frozen pipe would be a hot water bottle. Put the hot water bottle onto the affected area of pipe and leave it to defrost for some time.nn• A second option could be to put a heat wrap on the affected area.nn• The third effective solution would be pouring warm water along the pipe to defrost it. Please note that this cannot be boiling water – please view the Worcester Bosch Group video for details before you do this.nnOnce your boiler is reset and your central heating is working as it should, we would advise that you get in contact with a Gas Safe engineer. AES National offer a fixed price policy on all callouts and a Manufacturers guarantee up to 7 years dependant on the manufacturer for all boiler installations. If you’re experiencing issues with your boiler, please call our heating team on: 01473 320 350.If you would like more information on how to defrost frozen pipes, please click here to view the Worcester Bosch Group video.

We are also part of the Gas Safe Register’s ‘Don’t Cut Corners’ Campaign.

The Gas Safe Register is the official list of gas engineers who are qualified to work safely and legally on gas appliances. By law, all gas engineers must be on the Gas Safe Register (which replaced CORGI). The Gas Safe Register makes sure the engineers on the Register are safe by inspecting the gas work they have carried out.nnAs Gas Safe registered engineers, you can feel safe in the knowledge that AES National are competent and qualified to work safely and legally with gas. By using a Gas Safe registered engineer, you are protecting yourself and your family from incorrectly fitted, fixed and serviced gas appliances. These are a major cause of lethal carbon monoxide poisoning, and can also lead to gas leaks, fires and explosions. Don’t Cut Corners and put yourself at risk – employ a Gas Safe registered engineer to do any gas work.nnAlways ask for our Gas Safe Register ID card and check the back of the card to make sure we are qualified for the work you need. To check our registration details visit: www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk or call: 0800 408 5500. Don’t Cut Corners, be Gas Safe.nnIf you’re experiencing issues with your central heating or boiler, get in touch with AES National. We have an extensive team of expert plumbers and heating engineers, who are fully approved members of the Gas Safe register and are trained to the highest standards. Call: 013 320 350 or visit our Contact page to make an enquiry.

Four Clues Your Broken Boiler Could Be Dangerous

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A faulty boiler is one thing, but a dangerous boiler is something that should always be treated with care. Dangerous gas appliances can be a health hazard, whereas a faulty one may just need a quick reset.nnIf your boiler isn’t working as it should, you should call a Gas Safe engineer right away. Contact AES National by emailing services@aesnational.co.uk or calling 01473 320 350 and speak with one of our team.nnWhile modern, room-sealed boilers are most commonly fitted with thermostats, pressure relief valves, oxygen depletion sensors and overheat stats, there are still some extra signs that show your boiler may be a hazard:n

  1. If you can smell gas or fumes within your home
  2. Signs of scorching, sooting or black marks
  3. The pilot light keeps going out, or if there’s a yellow flame
  4. If you’re experiencing headaches or nausea while the boiler is operating

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning

If you feel nauseous or have a headache, you must turn off your boiler, get some fresh air and get in contact with a Gas Safe engineer. Carbon Monoxide (CO) is extremely dangerous and can cost lives. Carbon Monoxide is a highly poisonous gas which isn’t visible or detectable through smell.nnCarbon Monoxide can be produced if your appliance is incorrectly fitted or badly maintained. A healthy boiler is a happy boiler, so make sure to get it serviced every year.nnWe have a team of 25 dedicated professionals, including plumbing and renewable heating experts, several of whom are fully-registered, card-carrying members of the Gas Safe Register, ready at a moment’s notice to meet your needs. Call AES on 01473 320 350 today.

FaultsnnFaults such as a loss of pressure, overheating due to blockages, air in the system and sticking pumps and valves are not a health hazard and will not cause any danger. However, if you are experiencing faults such as these, you should get your boiler repaired or replaced by a certified Gas Safe engineer. Never attempt to adjust or repair your own if you are not qualified to do so – if your boiler is set up or serviced incorrectly, this can be hazardous and extremely dangerous.

Get in touch – Call AES National on 01473 320 350 or click here for a FREE boiler installation quotation. In need of a quick fix? No worries! We’re ready at a moment’s notice.

6 Ways to Delay The Central Heating Argument

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Every winter, each and every household experiences what we all know as ‘the central heating argument’. Is it too soon to put on the heating? Or is it too cold to be without?nnBut with each excruciatingly cold day, the central heating bill gets more and more expensive. Below are a few things that can help prolong the inevitable – the inevitable being the central heating of course.

One: Pesky Draughts

Search every nook and cranny for those pesky draughts that haunt every household. You can either buy inexpensive draught-proofing, or you can tape the joins in your windows for a whole lot less. Either way, you can save yourself a little money in the way of your central heating bill.

Two: Curtains!

nDrawing the curtains can act as an insulation layer against the cold which creeps in through windows and helps keep in the warmth. However, if feeling a little isolated isn’t for you, maybe this next one might be a little more your style.

Three: Rugs

nWith hard laminated floors dominating the home décor industry, rugs are quick solution to bring an end to the icy cold layer that awaits every step. It can also help keep the heat in and stop the cold from drifting up and into your home.

Four: Layers

nPutting on a thick jumper can do wonders in the cold, and for your central heating bill. If wearing layers doesn’t take off the everlasting chill, try using a hot water bottle.

Five: Boiler Servicing

nBefore winter hits, it’s best to ensure that your boiler is battle ready and in good shape. Getting your boiler serviced and checked is a grand way to keep your central heating efficient and in good order.nnIf your boiler is not a condensing boiler it may be cheaper to change than you thought – you could improve efficient use of gas from nearer 50% to nearly 90%! So, you may recoup all costs with your savings.

If your boiler isn’t working as it should be, you could be paying out far more than you need to! You need a reliable Gas Safe heating expert to service or repair your boiler. If your boiler needs servicing or repairing, call AES National on 01473 320 350, or click here to make an enquiry.

Six: Set Timings

Once your boiler is in ship-shape and been serviced, put a timer on. This way, there’s no going back and forth and no forgetting to turn it off. Also, having the central heating on while everyone’s out is pretty pointless, and expensive. Set the timer so that in the mornings just before you get up the house is warm, and just before you get home. That way you can get the most out of your boiler without paying out any unnecessary expenses.nnHowever, if setting the timings manually on the boiler isn’t for you, there are apps which allow you to operate the timings via your mobile phone. There are even apps which learn when you’re away and when you’re home, therefore, heating the house as energy efficient as possible.

Looking to get your boiler winter ready? At AES National, we offer 100% workmanship guarantee. Get in touch with one of our many heating experts, call 01473 320 350 or email services@aesnational.co.uk to request a quote.

Central Heating Breakdowns and Emergency Plumbers

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Your boiler or boiler and cylinder is responsible for both your central heating and hot water throughout your home. If either of these breakdown, this can be a big issue, especially with the colder months creeping in.nnCentral Heating Maintenance and RepairsnnWhen your heating breaks down, this can cause a multitude of issues within your home. However, these problems can easily be averted. Having your boiler serviced annually can increase the lifespan of your boiler and keep your central heating in the game for longer too.nnIf you’re unsure how to tell if your boiler is on the brink, click here for the signs.nnWe stress that you should not go about carrying out the work by yourself, as this can be extremely dangerous and potentially invalidate any insurance that you’ve taken out.nn nnYou should have your boiler repaired and maintained, but not just by anyone – it should always be with a Gas Safe engineer. We have an extensive team of heating experts, several of whom are fully registered, card-carrying members of the Gas Safe Register. If you have a boiler breakdown, call our team on 01473 320 350 or email services@aesnational.co.uk for your FREE quotation.nn nnTips and Tricks to Stay Warm in Winter if Your Boiler Breaks:n

  • Wear more layers. Wearing a coat and hat can certainly look silly while inside, but it doesn’t half help keep the warmth in!
  • Draught-proof your home – temporary fixes such as taping your windows shut can be an effective way to keep the heat within your home.
  • Curtains please! Drawing the curtains can act as an insulation layer.
  • Using a hot water bottle is an effective way of heating bedding and keeping yourself warm.

Things to Consider when Replacing Your Boilern

  • Boiler type – do you want a combi or a heat only boiler?
  • Hot water usage – do you use large or small amounts of hot water? This may affect which type of boiler you get.
  • The amount of space within your home – A combi boiler is better for smaller households, as it does not need hot water cylinders.
  • Compatibility with solar water heating – many combi boilers aren’t compatible with solar water heating, so this is worth taking into account.
  • Fuel type – Do you have Gas, LPG or Oil?

For more information on things that need to be taken into consideration, call us on 01473 320 350 and one of our expert team members will be happy to help you with your enquiry.

If you need an emergency plumber or a Gas Safe engineer for boiler installation, maintenance or repairs, call AES National on 01473 320 350 or email services@aesnational.co.uk. To find out about our rates, contact us for a quote.

Boiler Service and Boiler Replacement: When and Why?

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All too often we come across people who have never had a boiler service or boiler replacement. Although landlords and local authorities are legally required to carry them out, homeowners on the other hand, are not.

You should get a registered Gas Safe engineer to conduct an annual boiler service to avoid risks such as Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

Tell-Tale Signs Your Boiler’s on the Brink:

  • Lack of hot watern
  • Leakages or drips
  • Strange noises, such as banging,
  • whistling or even gurglingn
  • If your boiler’s pilot light goes out
  • Loss of pressure
  • Frozen condensate pipe
  • Thermostat issues
  • Kettling, which is when your central heating boiler makes a sound similar to a kettle coming to the boil. This is caused by a build-up of lime scale within the water container

If you’re experiencing any of the above, call AES National on 01473 320 350 or email services@aesnational.co.uk to arrange a boiler service or a boiler replacement with our Gas Safe Engineers.

Boiler Service Checklist

  • When an engineer has arrived for a boiler service, you should expect:
  • An emissions check to discover if the boiler is leaking any hazardous gasses, (such as Carbon Monoxide).
  • A flue check to ensure that the boiler is properly ventilated.
  • The engineer should check the boiler’s pipework to determine if Safety Standards are met.
  • Control checks (these make sure the boiler functions correctly).
  • Visual inspections for rust, leaks or corrosion.
  • The engineer should also conduct a pressure check to ensure that water and gas is at the correct pressure.

When Will You Need a Boiler Replacement?

When your central heating boiler is in need of replacement, it can be a pretty scary and stressful time, especially in the middle of winter with a house full of kids.

If your boiler is an open flue appliance, you should ideally request a boiler replacement. Boilers with a flue appliance remove oxygen from the air in the room, so you should have an air vent on your floor or windows to aid the supply. This type of boiler is not as effective as an up-to-date gas boiler. Likewise, if your Carbon Monoxide detector keeps going off, you could be facing serious problems. You should call an engineer right away, as this could potentially be very dangerous.

If your central heating boiler requires.

Gas Safety Week: Tips for Staying Gas Safe

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Being gas safe should be considered an importance all year round, but it’s not always at the forefront of people’s minds.nnWhat is ‘Gas Safety Week’?

Gas Safety Week grants a way for the gas industry and consumer organisations to focus on gas safety, generating interest on social networking platforms to then create a larger impact on the public. The campaign provides a chance for thousands to help spread the Gas Safe message to others.

Why Should a Business Take Part?

Taking part in Gas Safety week helps spread awareness to your customers and thereby saves lives. Between 1st Sept 1995 to 1st August 2016, a total of 715 UK deaths were caused by Carbon Monoxide poisoning [1]. So, it’s important that customers have the correct knowledge when it comes to their boiler.nnFor example, Jade a mother of two, states that she had only noticed something was wrong when she began to “suffer from extreme dizziness, tiredness and sickness” as reported by The Gas Safety Register.

If you think you can smell gas in your home, it’s crucial that you call your gas emergency service provider, the National Grid on 0800 111 999.

Tips and Tricks to Stay Gas Safe

  • When getting your boiler fixed, only use a Gas Safe engineer – gas leaks can be caused by faulty appliances or incorrectly installed appliances, so it’s vital that these are checked regularly.
  • Make sure the engineer you’ve hired is qualified – check their Gas Safe Register ID card.
  • Be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning signs.
  • If your appliances aren’t working as they should, check the warning signs.
  • Get an audible carbon monoxide (CO) alarm fitted – Carbon Monoxide is colourless and odourless, so can be difficult to detect.
  • Make sure your boiler is serviced on an annual basis.

Six Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

  1. Headache
  2. Dizziness
  3. Nausea (feeling sick and vomiting)
  4. Tiredness / confusion
  5. Difficulty breathing
  6. Loss of consciousness

AES offer free quotations and extended guarantees, with one free annual servicing for all boilers installed before September. If you need emergency plumbing or a skilled Gas Safe engineer for installation, repair or servicing, get in touch by calling 01473 320 350 or email services@aesnational.co.uk.

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The Signs Of A Broken Boiler

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Tips and Tricks That Will Help You Diagnose A Broken Boiler

nYour hot water and central heating rely entirely on your boiler, which makes this system a crucial component in running your home and keeping your family warm, happy and healthy. If left to worsen a faulty boiler can cause irreparable damage. We have outlined a few common causes for boiler malfunction and how to deal with these situations safely while you wait for your plumber to arrive.nnIndicators that your boiler may be experiencing some underlying problems:n

  1. The top of your radiator remaining cold while the bottom is hot – this is usually caused by a trapped air pocket within the central heating system.
  2. If your boiler pressure is regularly dropping or rising, which could lead to hazardous and catastrophic failures.
  3. Strange noises coming from your boiler indicate structural problems such as pump failure, or a faulty thermostat or central heating pump.
  4. If your boiler is over 10 years old it is at greater risk of deterioration and failure.

If your boiler shuts down:

Firstly, check your boiler and controls for any lights or displays that may be flashing red or not switched on at all. If your boiler is unresponsive go ahead and check all other power supplies within your home to make sure the issue isn’t with your power supply. Look out for fuses or trip switches that might have failed, if they have reset as instructed.  If you cannot see where the fault might have externally originated from be sure to call your qualified gas safe registered engineer before doing anything else.

If you experience these problems, there’s no need to worry because all you need to do is call us on 01473 320 350 and the problem will be fixed long before the first cold front moves in.

Checking gas or oil supply:

If you think you can smell gas in your home it’s crucial that you call your gas emergency service provider, National Grid on 0800 111 999.

If the gas emergency control valve (located adjacent to your gas meter) is on but no gas is present, you’ll need to contact your Gas Emergency Service Provider right away! If you live in a Flat/Apartment you may have an additional emergency control valve, this will be found where the gas supply enters the property – check if it’s in the on position.

If the supply has been disconnected for a safety reason, follow the guidance issued on the warning notice left by the Gas Safe Register engineer.

If you have an oil boiler, read the sight level gauge or heating oil tank gauge located adjacent to the oil tank, or check the remote oil level sensor plugged into the property’s electric supply and linked wirelessly (sonically) to the tank, and check that there’s enough oil in the tank.

Has your pilot light gone out?

Your pilot light can be extinguished by a single draft. This is nothing to worry about; all you have to do is locate the pilot light assembly, which typically has an on/off setting and pilot settings. Once you have successfully located this panel, switch the valve off and wait for about three seconds before switching to the pilot setting. However, a faulty pilot light might indicate that there are more comprehensive problems with your boiler and that it’s time for a replacement.

Central heating pressure:

When your heating system is cool, the pressure should be between 1 and 1.5 bar on the pressure gauge. If you notice repeated or prolonged drops in your boiler pressure it is an indication there is a problem.

Thermostat:

If your thermostat is old it may have lost accuracy over time. This can result in misread temperature settings and heat turning itself on and off. If this occurs your thermostat will either need to be recalibrated or replaced with a new one.

By arranging a gas boiler service and boiler safety check during the summer months, you can ensure the perfect indoor temperature throughout your home all year round. Our qualified gas safe engineers are able to quickly diagnose and fix the potential faults in your boiler before the situation worsens or becomes dangerous for you and your family. Trust us when we say it is never too early to ensure you have a functioning and safe boiler heating your home come winter.

We offer FREE quotations and extended guarantees with one FREE annual servicing for all boilers installed before September. Now that’s an offer you can’t resist! Each boiler installation comes with an extended guarantee absolutely free of charge, as we are Approved Gold installers for Worcester Bosch. However, gas engineers become extremely busy over the winter months, and you may therefore struggle to get a booking in good time. We encourage all our customers to arrange a boiler service or boiler installation before the busy winter period by contacting our office on 01473 320 350.n

Beat The Winter Rush By Installing or Repairing Your Boiler This Summer

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When you think of summer the last thing that springs to mind is booking your annual boiler service. We understand when the sun comes out and the days get longer, servicing your boiler slips further and further down your ‘to-do’ list. But did you know that servicing or installing your boiler in the warmer months is actually the best time of year to do it and here’s why:n

  • A broken boiler in the summer can be a real inconvenience but it’ better to be able to diagnose theses issues before a cold front moves in. Often people aren’t aware of any fault in their boiler system until it’s switched on in October when the colder weather starts approaching. But, by then it’s too late for a prompt boiler repair which can leave your home bitterly cold and your bank account drained because you had to call an emergency plumber during their busiest season.
  • Avoid any unnecessary stress by turning your boiler on during the summer months (just long enough for your radiators to heat up) to see whether it’s working properly. If it isn’t, there’s no need to worry because all you need to do is call us on 01473 320 305 and the problem will be fixed long before the first cold front moves in.

Ignoring issues with your boiler can have fatal consequences and there are often underlying issues that only an expert would know to look out for. Some of these faults include:

  • No hot or cold water is circulating around your home – the most common causes of this are broken diaphragms and airlocks, issues with the thermostat itself or low water levels all of which can be fixed by one of our experts.
  • Your radiators remaining cold while the bottom is hot. This often happens because there is trapped air within your central heating system. Pipe erosion can often cause build-up in your system preventing the free flow of hot and cold water. If left to deteriorate this issue can cause fires and even explosions.
  • If your system often switches itself off or the pressure often fluctuates you could be experiencing low water pressure, or a complete lack of water flow which can be caused by a closed valve, trapped air or the pump not circulating the water in the system properly. All of these signs could indicate a serious fault in your system which if left to worsen could result in catastrophic failures.
  • A fault that many people face with ageing boilers that haven’t been regularly serviced is that they can start using more gas than necessary. Which could mean your boiler needs cleaning.

Arranging a gas boiler service and boiler safety check during the summer months, you can ensure the perfect indoor temperature throughout your home all year round. Our qualified gas safe engineers are able to quickly diagnose and fix the potential faults in your boiler before the situation worsens or becomes dangerous for you and your family. Trust us when we say it is never too early to ensure you have a functioning and safe boiler heating your home come winter.

We offer FREE quotations and extended guarantees with one FREE annual servicing for all boilers installed before September. Now that’s an offer you can’t resist! Each new boiler we install comes with an extended guarantee absolutely free of charge, as we are Approved Gold installers for Worcester Bosch. However, gas engineers become extremely busy over the winter months, and you may, therefore, struggle to get a booking in good time. We encourage all our customers to have their boiler serviced or installed before the busy winter period by contacting our office on 01473 320 350.

Increase Productivity In The Workplace By Updating Your Facilities

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We all know just how important heath and safety is in the workplace, but have you ever thought about what your facilities say about your business and the way you treat your staff? Researchers have found that by creating a working environment that is visually pleasing and comfortable for staff you can drastically increase productivity. This is great news for both staff and employers.

Office buildings with poor air quality dim lighting and terrible facilities experience more staff sick days and general absences from work each year. To prevent this from happening to you and your staff consider making a few of these changes to your workspace:n

  • Install more windows and increase natural lighting – Many people with 9-5 office gigs often leave for work in the dark and return home in the dark. Adding a little natural lighting improves mental health and the general well-being of your staff – and a happy healthy staff force is going to improve productivity in the workplace.
  • Inject more fun into your space  – This is easily done through incorporating brighter wall colours, wall murals, bean bags, and sofas.
  • Plants and greenery – Bringing the outside in is a great way to improve air quality and add some depth to an otherwise generic office building.
  • A place to drink, eat and be merry – Your employees need a place that they can spend their downtime, network and spend time with colleagues. You can do this by installing a kitchen, providing seating areas and making sure your facilities can accommodate your employee’s needs.
  • Temperature – if your office building is stiflingly hot or painfully cold your staff are going to find it very difficult to produce high-quality work while enduring these kinds of condition. Consider installing underfloor heating, this system doesn’t take up any of your valuable office space, works as a method of heating large areas in the colder months but then can be reversed and used as a cooling system in summer!
  • Consider installing or updating your bathroom facilities – It is essential to ensure your bathroom facilities are clean at all times, accessible and disability friendly.
  • Better ventilation – Poor ventilation is dangerous and means your staff could be risking their health – follow the appropriate ventilation guidelines to avoid this issue and safeguard your workers.

If your office building needs a spring sprucing contact our team today by calling us on 01473 320350 or emailing services@aesnational.co.uk to book your FREE quotation today!