Author: EDGEcreative

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Why Installing an EV Charging Station at Home is Vital

Electric vehicle charging infrastructure being used

The future of transportation is electric. With the increasing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable transportation options, electric cars are becoming more popular.

But for electric cars to become a mainstream choice, we need a reliable and convenient charging infrastructure, which is where home charging ports come in.

Buckle up and read on to find why home charging ports are so important and how Butco can help install one for you!

Home Charging Ports are Vital for EV Infrastructure

Electric vehicles are eco-friendly, quiet, and offer a smooth driving experience, but they require a complex and thorough network of charging ports to operate effectively – an infrastructural element that has only recently been taken into consideration.

While electric vehicle charging stations can be found in communal spaces, like large workplaces or supermarket carparks, the crucial element of the infrastructure is home charging. This ensures that EV owners can go about their day-to-day activities without any issues.

Not only this, but home electric vehicle charging ports are key to ensuring that EVs are a cost-effective solution to traditional cars. Generally, EVs are cheaper to charge than a petrol car is to fuel up, and the difference is only likely to increase as petrol becomes scarcer.

You Will Need to Pick the Right Charging Port

There are several different types of charging ports available for electric cars. The most common types for homeowners are Level 1 and Level 2 charging ports.

Level 1 charging ports are the most basic type of EV charger and are typically used for home charging. These charging ports can be plugged into a standard household outlet and can take up to 24 hours to fully charge an electric car.

Level 2 charging ports are more advanced and can have a charging time as little as just a few hours. These charging ports are specially installed at home or in public areas such as car parks and shopping centres.

The most advanced type of electric vehicle charging station is a DC fast charger, which can charge an electric car in as little as 30 minutes. However, these charging ports are typically installed at motorway service stations and cannot be installed at home due to national grid requirements.

Our specialist engineers are experts at sourcing and installing both level 1 and 2 charging ports depending on the needs of our clients and their vehicles.

The Benefits of a Home Charging Station

Charging ports offer several benefits over traditional petrol cars. One of the most significant benefits, as already touched on in this article, is the cost savings. Electric vehicles are significantly cheaper to operate than traditional cars the cost of charging an EV is cheaper than fuelling a car with petrol.

Additionally, electric cars require less maintenance than traditional cars due to the fact that they have fewer moving parts.

Charging ports also offer greater convenience. With home charging stations, electric car owners can charge their vehicles overnight, which means they can wake up to a fully charged car in the morning. This eliminates the need to visit a petrol station, saving a significant amount of time.

This is especially crucial for EV owners in rural areas, who may have to drive up to an hour to find their nearest communal EV charging station.

As this technology becomes more widely adopted, however, the infrastructure to support EVs in rural areas will become more common.

Advancements in Charging Port Technology

Significant investments are being made in charging port technology which ultimately helps to make electric cars more convenient and affordable. One of the most significant advancements currently being trialled in the UK is wireless EV charging.

Wireless charging uses magnetic induction to charge an electric car without the need for cables or plugs. This technology is still in the early stages of development, but it has the potential to revolutionise the way we charge our electric cars and could be introduced in UK homes soon.

Another advancement in charging port technology is the development of bidirectional charging. Bidirectional charging allows electric cars to not only charge from the national grid but to also provide power to your home or straight back to the grid.

This technology has the potential to create a more sustainable energy system by allowing electric cars to act as mobile power sources. While the full extent of this technology is yet to be seen; it certainly has the potential to revolutionise the way we view battery electric vehicles.

Potential Challenges With the Adoption of Charging Ports

Despite the many benefits of charging ports, there a few obstacles to be aware of.

One of the biggest challenges is the cost of installation. Installing charging ports can be expensive, and many electric car owners may not be able to afford the cost of installation on top of the purchase costs of their car.

Another challenge is the lack of standardisation. There are several types of charging ports available, and this can be confusing for electric car owners. Without standardisation, it can be challenging to ensure compatibility between charging ports and electric cars.

At Butco, our experts will talk you through your available options and figure out which type of charger would best suit your needs. We also ensure that you receive a cost-effective and efficient service, saving you as much money as possible throughout the installation process.

Get in touch

If you’d like to talk through your EV charging station options with a qualified professional, or if you have any other gas and electric needs, reach out to our office today.

We offer our services across the west midlands from our headquarters in Birmingham. To find out what we could do for you, send an email to info@butco.com or call the office on 0333 366 1121.

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Why is my radiator cold at the bottom?

Radiator cold at bottom boiler care

The days are getting longer, but they aren’t yet getting warmer. If you’ve had your central heating on over winter, you may have noticed your radiators aren’t quite operating at peak efficiency.

Even if your boiler appears to be working fine, you may find inconsistent patches on your radiators that differ from room to room. If you’ve realised that your radiators are cold at the bottom, don’t panic – you likely don’t need a full boiler repair!

You probably just need to flush out your system. Read on to find out how.

Cold radiators mean inefficient heating

If parts of your radiators are cold, then that means they are not operating at peak efficiency. Given the current cost of living crisis, this could cost you a significant amount of money, especially if you need to turn your boiler up in response to stay warm.

The most likely situation is that your radiator is hot at the top and cold at the bottom. If that’s the case, then the most probable cause is a build-up of sludge clogging your radiator. That sludge will be restricting or redirecting the flow of hot water around your system, resulting in cold spots where the sludge has settled.

The build-up of sludge is a natural and almost unavoidable part of traditional central heating systems, although there is no set rule as to how long it will take to become a problem. It is caused due to the slow erosion of the metal pipework over long periods of time. 

What that means, however, is that a quick visit from a qualified boiler engineer can clear up your systems and get you back to full efficiency in no time!

Sludge can be removed through powerflushing

The main method of removing sludge from a central heating system is through a process called powerflushing, which uses a cleansing machine and magnetic filter to draw out the metallic compounds of the sludge.

This will help unclog the base of your radiators and allow for a more complete flow of hot water around the system. You can then fit a dirt separator or filter into your radiator system to help reduce the frequency of sludge build up and ensure the long-term operation of peak efficiency.

One of the best ways to tell whether you need to powerflush your heating system is to go to the radiator furthest from your boiler and place your hand at the top for a few seconds.

After that, place your hand at the bottom of the radiator for a few seconds. If it feels significantly colder, then it is likely to be at least partially blocked by sludge.

If this is the case, we can help.

Disclaimer: it’s not uncommon for your central heating to be cold at the bottom. Most radiators will naturally be warmer at the top by design, but the problem with sludge comes when the base of your radiator is significantly colder than the top and hardly producing any heat at all.

Butco can powerflush your radiators with one quick visit

Our powerflushing service can help maintain your central heating efficiency, using top of the range equipment and methods to result in a deep clean of your radiators. It will remove the sludge in your system and ensure that your central heating is operating at peak efficiency for longer.

Powerflushing is a quick, one-day job for one of our qualified engineers who will ensure that the system is operating at peak efficiency after completing the procedure.

This way, you can be sure that your central heating is operating at maximum efficiency, helping you reduce your boiler temperature, wastage, and as a result, expenditure.

Our powerflushing services start at just £540 for up to 10 radiators and will provide you with the peace of mind that your radiators will operate efficiently for years to come.

Reach out for a quote today

Whether you’d like to enquire about our powerflushing services or would like to utilise our emergency boiler repair service, we’re here to help.

Our call centre is on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week, meaning that we can get an expert engineer booked out for a visit in no time. 

Send an email to info@butco.com or call us on 0333 366 1121 to find out more!

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FAQ: Should I buy a gas or electric boiler?

People searching for gas or electric boiler

It can often be difficult to make the decision to change your boiler, especially given the expenses involved, but there are several reasons why you might need to.

Maybe you previously suffered a boiler breakdown and you’re looking for a more stable upgrade to your central heating, or perhaps your current boiler is quite old, and you are looking for a more efficient alternative.

The only choice left to make is whether you want a gas or electric boiler. Both come with their own benefits and drawbacks, so read on to find out which one would be best for your home!

Gas and electric boilers work in very similar ways

Simply put, the purpose of your boiler is to heat up the water in your home.

Gas boilers do this by burning the natural gas that is supplied to your property, while electric boilers heat up a particular part of the boiler with electricity.

The fact that they are quite similar is good if you’re in need of an emergency boiler repair or are dealing with a boiler emergency as it means that almost all engineers will be trained to deal with a breakage no matter which type of boiler you own.

Gas boilers are currently more popular and powerful

It is estimated that around 80% of homes in the UK are currently fuelled by gas boilers, but this is likely to change as we move towards more sustainable alternatives. This is because the burning of natural gas, a fossil fuel, releases harmful compounds into the atmosphere, contributing towards global warming and climate change.

Until recently, gas boilers were thought to be the better choice in terms of efficiency if you have a larger home. This is because they are typically cheaper to run than electric boilers because they are more powerful and can more easily heat up the water in your home.

However, with recent geopolitical events inflating the price of gas, people are facing significant increases to the costs associated with running a gas boiler on top of having to keep the boiler well maintained and undergoing an annual central heating service on their gas boiler.

Electric boilers are more environmentally friendly.

Electric boilers are a good way to reduce your emissions and, provided the energy comes from renewable sources such as solar panels, then it can allow you to reach a 100% zero-emission performance.

With the Government’s commitment to be Net-Zero by 2050, it is expected that the popularity of electric boilers will rise significantly in the coming years.

Typically, electric boilers have always been more suited to smaller properties or flats due to their inefficiency with high demands for heating and hot water in large homes.

However, as the technology evolves and further developments are made, electric boilers will be more efficient and better suited for larger properties. In a few years’ time, it is likely that an electric boiler will be both cheaper to install and more efficient than a traditional gas boiler!

Aside from the environmental benefits, electric boilers are a lot lower maintenance than their gas counterparts and are easier to install, don’t require an annual service, and there is no risk of a CO2 leak that would require you to call out our specialists for an emergency boiler service.

If you currently have a gas boiler, you may be worried about the complications involved in installing a new electric boiler. Luckily, the installation of and transition to an electric boiler is very easy, as the majority of the plumbing and central heating piping is exactly the same.

In fact, the lack of a flue on electric boilers make them significantly easier to install than gas boilers, and can even be relocated within the property if you need it to be. An old gas pipe can be removed by a qualified, experienced engineer with relative ease.

How Butco can help with your electric or gas boiler plans

As the boiler experts you can trust, our team of specialists can assist with all your heating needs, from the full installation of a new system to 24-hour boiler repair and landlord boiler care.

If you’d like a no obligation chat with one of our qualified engineers to discuss which service could be right for you, get in touch. Send an email to info@butco.com or call us on 0333 366 1121.

From our boiler service and cover plans to the full installation of a new boiler system, we’re here to handle all your heating needs.

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Five ways to help maximise your boiler efficiency this winter

The cost-of-living crisis is affecting everyone in the UK, and one of the main propellants is the rapidly rising cost of energy. Simply put, your household bills are getting more expensive, whether you pay for gas, electricity, or both.

Luckily, having an efficient boiler can help you reduce your energy consumption, directly saving you money on your heating bills. It’s also important if you rent out your property too, as it will help keep costs down and be more appealing for tenants on the market, hence landlord boiler cover is key.  

But how can you help your boiler run at maximum efficiency, and how can our boiler repair and cover services help? Read on to find out.

1. Make sure it is regularly serviced

One of the best ways to maintain peak boiler efficiency is to ensure that it is regularly serviced by a qualified engineer. Our engineers will help to clean your boiler system, check for any leaks, correct the pressure, and more to ensure you nothing is inhibiting your boiler’s ability to function.

All our Boilercare plans come with a free annual boiler service and emergency boiler breakdown cover to give you peace of mind when it comes to your household heating and hot water.

2. Turn your boiler on when it is warmer

You might not have thought about it, but a boiler that stays unused for six months of the year will be significantly more inefficient once it is turned on again for winter due to the seizing up of key, internal parts.

Regularly turning your boiler on for 15 minutes will help it keep up to speed and drastically reduce efficiency loss throughout the year, as it will help to keep the fan, pumps, and diverter valves moving.

Plus, you’d rather know when it is warm if your boiler is faulty, as it will save you calling for an emergency boiler service when you desperately need the warmth.

3. Carry out the maintenance you can on your end

Not everything requires the specialist help of an engineer! Whenever it’s time to have a “life admin” day or a spring clean, take a few minutes to give your central heating and boiler a service of your own.

Dust off your boiler regularly to prevent build up, blockages, and deterioration over time using a soft cloth on the outside of your boiler. Never remove the boiler cover unless you are a professional Gas Safe registered engineer.

Maintaining your radiators also helps your boiler, if your radiators aren’t running efficiently, this can make your boiler work a lot harder. Bleed your radiators to release trapped air; you won’t need to call a plumber to do it for you. It’s as easy as opening a valve on your radiator and letting out the trapped air which can otherwise prevent them from fully heating up.

If you have the means, consider insulating your pipes too, as this will help reduce heat loss to keep your water hotter for longer, whether it’s in the radiators or on the way. This, of course, saves you money on your energy bill.

4. Consider power flushing your central heating

If you’ve bled your radiators and cleaned your boiler but your home still doesn’t feel warm, you may need a full system power flush cleaning session. This may be because of deposit and “sludge” build up in your boiler, which can result in poor circulation and fuel wastage.

Some of the warning signs include:

  • Cold spots at the bottom of your radiator
  • Banging sounds from the boiler
  • Noisy pipes
  • Dirty water when bleeding radiators

Our engineers can conduct a system power flush to remove any build up and improve central heating system performance, reducing your overall energy consumption.

5. Think about installing a new energy efficient boiler

Deciding to install a whole newhttps://butco.com/boiler-installation/ boiler is no easy decision. The cost of both the boiler and installation could put you off making the change, but the added efficiency is likely to save you money in the long run, depending on the operational limitations of your current boiler.

A new boiler could save you hundreds of pounds worth of energy each year, especially if your current boiler is quite old and outdated. Plus, with prices still on the rise, the number you save is only likely to get higher.

Not sure which type of boiler is best for you? Not to worry, we can talk you through every option in detail to ensure you make the correct choice, and our online boiler quotation tool can help you receive and instant, no-obligation quote to make your decision.

Talk to us about your options

From our boiler service and cover plans to the full installation of a new boiler system, we’re here to handle all your heating needs. Our landlord boiler insurance or boiler cover with a service will give you and your tenants the peace of mind you need should anything ever go wrong. 

If you’d like a no obligation chat with one of our qualified engineers to discuss which service could be right for you, get in touch.

Send an email to info@butco.com or call us on 0333 366 1121 to find out our recommendations today!

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Your complete guide on when and how to repressurise your boiler

The Great British winter is not known for being forgiving. You may find yourself using your boiler significantly more over the winter months, which means you will want it running at peak efficiency. If your boiler is not within the optimal range of pressure (usually between 1 and 1.5 bar), then it may not be working quite as intended.

Many people don’t know this, but you can repressurise your own boiler without the need of an external boiler repair service. Our guide below tells you exactly what you need to know about repressurising your boiler using multiple different methods.

Important: If you follow these steps but your boiler does not repressurise, make sure you utilise our boiler cover with a service or your landlord boiler cover to organise an engineer visit as soon as possible.

When to repressurise your boiler

Your boiler may need repressurising when the internal pressure is not within its optimal range, often considered to be between 1 and 1.5 bar. This may result in your heating or hot water not quite working as intended.

The internal pressure of your boiler is indicated on the front of your boiler by either a digital reading or traditional pressure gauge.

If your boiler has a pressure gauge, you will know that it is not operating at maximum efficiency as the needle will be pointed towards a red section of the display. For digital screens, there will usually be a clear warning displayed or the pressure number will be flashing.

If your boiler pressure is too high, then it is likely that you need to bleed your radiators – if you’re not sure how to do that, we have uploaded a guide to help you.

If your boiler pressure is too low (below 1 bar), you will need to repressurise your boiler to ensure your system is operating at maximum efficiency. There are several ways to do this:

1. Using an internal filling key

Before filling up any boiler with water to help repressurise the system, you must first turn off its power.

Next, you want to detach the tray below the boiler system and take out the filling key. There will be a black plastic manifold at the base of the boiler which the key will fit inside – on this manifold, you will see two logos of a padlock, one open and one closed.

You will want to insert the key so that the arrow is pointing towards the open padlock and turn it to the closed padlock position. From there, you will want to twist the white plastic nut beside the black manifold to release some cold water in the boiler. You will be able to hear this happening.

Keep an eye on your boiler’s pressure display. Once it has reached the required 1.5 bar, tighten the white plastic nut to stop water flow, and twist the key to the locked position.

You can now safely remove the key, though be aware that a little bit of water may also leave the system here – this is perfectly normal.

If your system continues to drip after the removal of the key, ensure the nut is tightened as much as possible.

You can find a detailed video on our FAQ page!

2. Using an external filling hose

When using an external filling hose, first ensure that the boiler is switched off, and that both ends of the hose are securely connected to the corresponding valves. If you do not have your hose to hand, check around your boiler and beneath the kitchen sink.

Next, using a screwdriver, you need to open both valves so that the water can start filling into the boiler. Once you can hear the system filling up, keep your eye on the pressure reader, and isolate the valves once your system has reached the desired 1.5 bar.

Release the end of the hose that feeds into your boiler. At this stage, you can expect some water to drip out of the system, but this will stop after a few moments.

For a more detailed how-to on using an external filling hose, check our FAQ page.

3. Using a Worcester keyless filling link

The newest and most simple method of repressurising a boiler is with a keyless filling link. As always, make sure the power to your boiler is switched off before repressurising.

Remove the tray beneath the boiler and look for a blue lever on one of the pipes. Simply pull that lever down gently and keep a close eye on the pressure display. Once it has reached the desired pressure of 1.5 bar, release the lever.

If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, check out our video on using a keyless filling link on our FAQ page.

Contact us if your boiler hasn’t repressurised

If you’ve followed the steps for your type of boiler but it doesn’t appear to have repressurised, you may need the help of a qualified engineer. Our engineers are specialists in gas, electric, and combi boiler repair, and will get your system back up to full functionality in no time.

Whether our engineers are visiting as part of one of our boiler care service plans or to take a look at a faulty smart heating control system, rest assured knowing you’re getting the best service on the market.

Our boiler service cover plans can give you peace of mind knowing that we are just a phone call away to help get you back up and running. We also have landlord boiler cover options available to ensure your tenants have access to a quick fix if things go wrong.

Thinking of replacing your boiler, joining one of our boiler care plans, or repairing your central heating? Contact us today by emailing info@butco.com or call us on 0333 366 1121.   

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3 Reasons to Regularly Service Your Boiler

Routinely servicing your boiler will support sustaining your boiler’s efficiency and how it functions, and it can also save you money. However, these are not the only benefits of frequent boiler checks.

Below, our expert team have highlighted 3 key reasons why you should regularly service your boiler.

1. Helps protect against breakages

When boilers and other gas appliances are not regularly serviced, they are more prone to breaking down. Routine servicing of your home appliances will reduce the possibility of this, meaning you can avoid any unexpected repair bills.

A gas leak or breakage can be costly to repair, especially if you are a landlord and have multiple properties to manage. However, we offer landlord boiler cover to ensure that the heating in all your properties is working as intended. We will also provide a Gas Safety Certificate for every inspection under a landlord boiler insurance plan, so you and your tenants can relax knowing that your property is well cared for. Not only this, but our landlord boiler cover comes with a free annual service to help keep your properties in line with the current safety standards without needing to book multiple services.

2. Increase appliance efficiency

With the energy price cap rising this month, the BBC predicts that the average electricity and gas bill for a typical household on a standard tariff will rise by almost £700 a year. Combining this with the ongoing supply chain problems in Europe and escalating geopolitical issues, it is likely that these costs will continue to rise.

Sky News also reports that the energy price cap increased last October and again this month by an unprecedented 54%, so a further increase in energy costs is expected due to growing inflation. It is therefore important to ensure that your appliances are as efficient as possible to minimise the cost of running your boiler.

Consider installing a smart heating control system, which will help you monitor and adjust the heating of your home from compatible devices, and help you measure your energy use. In addition to this, having a service carried out by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer will also help to ensure your appliances are running as efficiently as possible. They will carry out all the necessary checks to ensure that the appliances are running as instructed by the manufacturers’ recommendations. This is essential as this service will identify any problems with gas pressures, helping to reduce your bills.

3. Reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning

A poorly maintained boiler or heater might leak carbon monoxide, which can be extremely harmful and even deadly when inhaled. As carbon monoxide is invisible and odourless, it is difficult to detect in your home. If you aren’t sure whether your boiler has been serviced recently, it’s imperative to have your boiler checked to be on the safe side.

Failing to service your boiler could prove fatal, so it is crucial to make sure you book an annual check-up.

Contact us

Whether you want to discuss a boiler care plan or if you’re looking to install a new boiler, why not contact our expert team?

Call us on 0333 366 1121 or send an email to info@butco.com.

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5 Ways Homeowners Can Reduce Energy Costs

In April, energy companies increased the cost of gas and electricity, and with growing inflation, your central heating bill can be one of your most expensive monthly bills. It’s therefore important to ensure you’re doing everything you can to minimise these costs.

To help you achieve this, our expert team has compiled a list of top tips you can do:

Update your boiler

New boilers are significantly more efficient to run and maintain in comparison to older boilers. In fact, some new boilers now come with smart controls, which allow you to have full control of your heating system.

Your heating system could be 90% efficient with a modern condensing boiler, whereas conventional boilers usually have an efficiency level as low as 60%. In addition to this, new boilers with smart controls come with:

  • A timer – set a specific time to turn your boiler on or off, and this can be used to programme the temperature for different days of the week.
  • Smart thermostat heating system – control your boiler via an app so you can adjust your boiler settings and turn it on or off whilst you’re away from home.

Keep your radiators clean

You should frequently check that the water within your pipes and radiators is clean so that your heating system is more efficient. This also helps with the lifespan of your boiler, as a build-up of sludge in the system water could cause damage to the delicate components in the heating system. Regularly checking the water in the pipes will minimise the risk of this.

If your system has too much sludge, there will be cold spots at the bottom of your radiators, or they may take longer to get warmer. To check that your radiator water system is clean, you will need to powerflush your radiator.

Powerflushing your radiators can help to increase efficiency, as a radiator with copious amounts of sludge can increase bills by 25%.

Set your heaters on a timer

With the timer embedded into the smart control settings, you are in full control of your radiators.

To save money, it’s recommended that you turn your heating system off when you’re away from home, so you can save on energy. However, with modern smart control boilers, you can easily set your heating to turn back on at a specific time, instead of leaving them on all day whilst you’re away.

Set the thermostatic valve on your radiators to low

Many people believe that the higher the radiator thermostatic valves are set to, the faster the radiators heat up, but this depends on the size and settings of your boiler.

To be more efficient, you should keep the valves on a low setting and gradually turn them up until the room is at a comfortable temperature.

Check your heaters are balanced

Imbalanced heating systems can lead to you spending more money than necessary, as the radiators in your home won’t heat up at the same speed. Because of this, you may have to increase individual radiators’ thermostats’ set temperature, so that all the radiators in your home are warm.

For best practice, you must regularly check the temperature of the radiators in your home to ensure they are balanced. With balanced radiators, you’ll be able to keep your thermostat set at a lower temperate and still maintain a comfortable climate in your home.

How we can help

We have a selection of new boilers, including conventional, combi and system boilers. With our online quotation tool, we can provide you with a recommendation and quote to help you find the best boiler suitable for your home.

Contact us today to see how we can help you on 0333 366 1121 or by emailing info@butco.com.

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We’ve Acquired Evco Domestic Heating!

We are happy to announce that we have recently completed our acquisition of Evco Domestic Heating.

By combining forces with Evco, which is an established business that has built up an exceptional reputation for the quality of their work, we are able to expand our offering, whilst continuing to provide the excellent service both Butco and Evco are renowned for.

Established in 1976, Evco Domestic Heating is a fully insured, Worcester and Glowworm accredited and gas safe registered company that provides heating and plumbing services such as boiler installations and repairs, boiler servicing and central heating installations.  

Over the years, the team from Evco have developed their reputation through their reliable services and hard work, and their values align strongly with Butco’s approach to customer service.

Why is this happening?

Bill Dale has recently made the difficult decision to retire, providing an opportunity for us to acquire Evco from the Dale family.

What does this mean for me?

It’s business as usual!

To Evco’s customers, you will still receive the same fantastic service and support from the same engineers you’re used to – they will just be wearing Butco uniforms and driving our Butco vans.

For our usual customers, we will continue to ensure our relationship is tailored to your needs, as it is crucial for us to continue being your number one choice for boiler service and emergency boiler repairs.

By joining forces with Evco, we can serve more people in the Midlands without dropping the quality of service and customer support. This acquisition has increased our highly skilled resources and our team of engineers, without taking away any of the benefits our existing customers were experiencing.

What’s Next?

You can now pay by card on-site, alongside cash, cheque, or bacs and for Evco clients, your invoices and paperwork will now show Butco Heating.

We are looking forward to this new chapter in our story of over 60 years. We cannot wait to build new relationships with new customers across the West Midlands.

As usual, we are just a phone call away whenever you require help from us. If you have any questions about the acquisition or want to know more about our services, call us on 0330 366 1121 to find out more.

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FAQ: Everything You Need To Know About Boilers This Winter

boiler repair person on an emergency boiler service call

Boilers are a staple of every home, and yet many people know very little about these devices. Below, our team of experts have put together a helpful FAQ, with everything you need to know about boilers, so you can make informed decisions when it comes to understanding, purchasing, replacing, or upgrading your boiler.

Which boiler is best for me?

There are three main types of boilers: Combination (combi), Condensing, and System.

Combination or combi boilers are the most popular model of domestic boiler in the UK. They provide instant heat and hot water without needing the space for a large hot water cylinder or supply tank in the airing cupboard. However, the water pressure may be reduced if more than one water outlet is used at any one time.

Condensing boilers are far more efficient than older models. They convert the water vapour condensation into heat. As highly efficient devices, not only are they cheaper to run, but they also reduce carbon emissions. However, hot water is not available as instantly as with a combination boiler, as the water needs to heat up first.

System boilers, also known as ‘sealed systems’ are like conventional boilers, as they have a hot water tank, but they do not have a supply tank. They are filled directly from the cold feed. These boilers are great if you need hot water available from multiple taps at the same time. However, instant hot water is not available, and the hot water cylinder takes up space, so they may not be best for smaller houses.

What boiler size do I need?

Choosing the correct boiler for your home depends on many factors, including how much space you have. For those who are short on space, a combination (combi) boiler is better as it doesn’t require a hot water cylinder. For those in larger spaces, a conventional boiler may be better for efficiency.

How often do boilers need servicing?

To ensure that your boiler is running safely and efficiently, it should be serviced once a year. Not having your boiler serviced could lead to faults, higher energy bills and potential breakdowns. Our BoilerCare cover includes a FREE annual boiler service and safety check as well as 24/7 call outs in case of breakdowns.

Why check your boiler?

A poorly maintained appliance runs the risk of leaking carbon monoxide – known as the silent killer. All boilers should be checked by a gas safe registered engineer. If you take out one of our BoilerCare plans, your boiler will be serviced annually by one of our heating engineers.

Why is my boiler leaking water?

A boiler that’s leaking water needs the urgent attention of a qualified heating technician.

High pressure, loose joints, corroded pipes, or simple old age are all possible causes of a leaking boiler. If your boiler was only recently installed, it could be down to faulty installation.

With our 24 hour BoilerCare Cover, if your boiler is leaking water, one of our certified engineers will be on hand to help. Our plans offer 24/7 emergency callouts, with 98% of calls being responded to on the same day.

Are boilers covered on home insurance?

In most cases, standard home insurance will not cover the cost of fixing or replacing a boiler. Don’t get caught out with unexpected repair bills. Be prepared with our boiler cover, starting at just £10 a month, with the price fixed for the first 2 years.

Where can I buy a boiler?

You can use our online boiler quotation tool to provide a free quotation for boiler replacement and installation. Once you’ve answered some simple questions, we’ll offer you a no-obligation recommendation & quote.

You can purchase through our site or speak to us for advice – taking the hassle out of the process.

Once you’ve decided on the type of boiler that’s best for you, one of our Gas Safe registered engineers will come out and fit it for you.

How we can help

At every service we ensure that your boiler is operating safely and efficiently, and our heating and boiler service plans include a free annual service and safety check.

We’re a dedicated team of engineers that prioritise the safety and comfort of our customers.

Contact us today to see how we can help you. Learn more about our BoilerCare plans by talking to our friendly, local team on 0333 366 1121 or by emailing info@butco.com.

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Save Money on Your Energy Bills with A New Boiler Installation!

Are you thinking it’s time to replace your tired old boiler, but aren’t sure of the benefits of investing in a brand-new one?

Installing a new and more efficient boiler in your home can have many advantages, from saving money on your energy bills and lowering your carbon footprint to keeping your home nice and warm during the long winter months.

What are the benefits of investing in a new boiler?

  • More cost-effective

A less energy efficient boiler can take longer to heat your home, which can result in higher energy bills. Therefore, upgrading your old gas boiler to an A-rated boiler could save you up to £300 on heating your home.

  • A warmer home

An ageing boiler will have to work harder to heat your home and with the coldest months of the year now upon us, replacing your boiler is the perfect way to ensure that your home is kept warm and cosy this winter.

  • Lower carbon footprint

Replacing your boiler with a new high-efficiency model could also reduce your carbon footprint. Our new boilers are 90% efficient, in comparison to a conventional boiler which can be as low as 60%, which could help reduce the environmental impact of heating your home by 1,220kg of CO2 per year.

Reaching net-zero is becoming increasingly important, especially following the goals outlined during the COP26 climate change summit in Glasgow. Find out how these net-zero goals also affect homeowners.

  • More reliable

New boilers also tend to be more durable and reliable – saving you even more money in the long run, as it is less likely to need repairing!

  • Smart temperature controls

Many new boilers work with smart temperature controls, such as Worcester’s Wave Smart Thermostat and Heating Control, and allow you to power your heating from a mobile device. This can also help monitor and reduce the amount of money you spend on keeping your home warm.

Want to get a new boiler quote? Use our quick online boiler quotation tool!

If I have a new boiler, do I still need boiler and heating cover?

Boiler cover is a great way to protect your boiler and heating system. Even if your boiler is brand new, you will still need to ensure that the boiler is serviced annually, with regular checks to help prevent breakdowns occurring and help maintain the boilers efficiency.

We also provide 24-hour boiler care packages, each of which comes with a FREE annual boiler service!

How can we help?

At Butco, we have been providing high-quality heating and electrical services for over 60 years, and are experts in new boiler installations and central heating maintenance. We offer specialist 24 hour boiler cover including a full annual service on your boiler, helping to give your heating system and boiler maximum protection.

Want to know more about our services? Give our team a call on 0333 366 1121!