Gas problems this time of year!
In the news at the moment, as you know there are many problems in Scotland in terms of heating & gas - Thousands of people have been left without heating and or hot water. As it begins to get colder, similar issues could affect the rest of the UK! Scottish Gas have already predicted that they will receive 14,000 call-outs in the next 2-weeks alone. Don't get caught out this winter and get your boiler serviced as soon as possible, this will prevent you being left without heating over Christmas. Apart from calling out a Registered Gas Engineer to service your boiler, there are a few other thing that you can do to prepare your home for the coming months...
Bleeding Radiators:
When you haven’t used your heating for a while, air can enter the system and form bubbles at the top of your radiators, which stops them from working efficiently. First step should be to find something to open the radiator's "bleed valve." Look for a small valve at the top of one end of your radiator. On this valve, there will usually be small square bit which can be turned to adjust the valve. Radiator keys, cheap metal implements designed for opening and closing radiator valves, are available at most hardware stores. Ensure you central heating is turned of before you attempt to bleed your radiators, open the valve - Ensure that both the intake and exit valves of the radiator are turned to the "open" position. Make sure that you hold a towel or something absorbent underneath the valve as bleeding the radiator can cause slight leakage.
Keeping everything moving:
It’s a good idea to run your central heating for at least an hour a day during the colder months – even if you’re going away – to make sure it keeps running smoothly! An unused central heating system can cause problems so its always good to keep everything running now and again.
Looking for training?
Gas courses here at Able Skills are very hands-on, practical courses and aim to give you an overall level of skill both in a theoretical sense and in the practical skill itself. Our New Entrant Gas Training Package 2 is the most popular package that we offer as it includes all of the elements in preparation for Gas Safe Registration. 7-weeks of training, portfolio completion and ACS assessments! We currently have 5-spaces left of this course starting 13th April 2020!
How do I become Gas Safe Registered?
You must be Gas Safe Registered by law to carry out gas work in the UK! It is much easier than you think and can be done online for an application fee of £365 which will save you a pretty penny if caught carrying out illegal gas work! To apply you will need to have completed a recognised competency test either an NVQ or an ACS!
An ACS assessment will need to be completed before you are eligible for Gas Safe registration and this is a requirement for all operatives involved in the installation, maintenance and servicing of domestic gas appliances and pipe-work installations. Also, every Gas Safe registered business renews their registration on an annual basis and updates their qualifications every 5 years, meaning you will need to refresh your memory on gas safety every 5-years!
Apply here -www.gassaferegister.co.uk/
Contact us:
Would you like to know some more information about this particular trade? For more insight into our range of Gas courses, give us a call on 01322 280 202. Alternatively, if you would prefer to speak to a member of staff in person then feel free to come into our office between the hours of 8:30 - 16:30. We are open every day of the week including weekends, come in, ask questions, seek guidance and even take a quick tour around our training centre!
Location:
K5, Riverside Industrial Estate, Riverside Way, Dartford DA1 5BS
Able Skills Gas Training Courses are Bpec Accredited