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Helpful answers from Great Gas Ltd

Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing FAQs

Clear, practical answers to the questions homeowners, landlords and property managers most often ask before booking boiler, heating, air conditioning or plumbing work across London.

Heating & Boiler

Heating & Boiler FAQs

Boiler installation, servicing, repairs, central heating and gas safety questions.

Q01How often should my boiler be serviced?

Most domestic boilers should be serviced once a year. An annual boiler service helps check safe operation, efficiency, flue performance, ventilation and key components, and it may also be required to keep a manufacturer warranty valid.

Q02What is included in a boiler service?

A typical boiler service includes visual safety checks, appliance operation checks, flue and ventilation checks, pressure and control checks, and practical advice on any concerns found. The exact checks depend on the appliance type and accessibility.

Q03Do I need a Gas Safe registered engineer for boiler work?

Yes. Gas boiler installation, servicing, repairs and gas safety checks must be carried out by a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. You can ask to see the engineer's Gas Safe ID card before work starts.

Q04How do I know if I need a new boiler?

Common signs include frequent breakdowns, rising repair costs, unreliable hot water, poor heating performance, difficulty sourcing parts, unusual noises or an older boiler that is no longer efficient. We can assess the boiler and explain repair versus replacement options clearly.

Q05How long does a new boiler installation take?

A straightforward like-for-like boiler replacement is often completed within one working day, while conversions, relocations, system upgrades or extra pipework may take longer. We confirm the expected timescale before work begins.

Q06What size boiler does my home need?

Boiler sizing depends on property size, insulation, hot water demand, number of bathrooms, radiator output and the existing heating system. We assess these points before recommending a suitable boiler rather than guessing from property size alone.

Q07Why does my boiler pressure keep dropping?

Falling pressure can be caused by a leak, air in the system, a faulty pressure relief valve, expansion vessel issues or recent bleeding of radiators. If pressure keeps dropping, it should be checked rather than repeatedly topped up.

Q08Why are some radiators cold?

Cold radiators can be caused by trapped air, sludge, stuck valves, poor balancing, circulation issues or control problems. A heating engineer can identify whether bleeding, balancing, repair or further system cleaning is the right next step.

Q09Do landlords need a gas safety certificate?

Landlords are legally responsible for arranging annual gas safety checks on relevant gas appliances and providing the required record to tenants. Great Gas Ltd can support landlords and agents with gas safety certificate appointments.

Q10What should I do if I smell gas?

If you smell gas, do not use electrical switches, naked flames or appliances. Open doors and windows if safe to do so, turn off the gas at the meter if you can, leave the property and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.

Air Conditioning

Air Conditioning FAQs

Installation, maintenance, repair, comfort and running-cost questions for domestic AC.

Q01Do you install domestic air conditioning?

Yes. We install suitable domestic air conditioning systems for bedrooms, living spaces, home offices and appropriate residential properties, with advice on unit position, pipe routes, controls and neat finishing.

Q02Which type of air conditioning is best for my home?

The right system depends on room size, heat gain, use of the space, insulation, window position and where indoor and outdoor units can be fitted. We assess the property before recommending a wall-mounted, multi-split or alternative solution.

Q03Do air conditioning systems need servicing?

Yes. Regular air conditioning maintenance helps protect cooling performance, airflow, hygiene and efficiency. Filters, controls, visible condition and system performance should be checked at sensible intervals based on use.

Q04How often should air conditioning be maintained?

For many homes, an annual maintenance visit is sensible. Systems used heavily, used in home offices, or installed in dusty environments may benefit from more frequent filter cleaning and inspection.

Q05Why is my air conditioning not cooling properly?

Poor cooling can be caused by dirty filters, blocked airflow, incorrect settings, sensor issues, outdoor unit restrictions, refrigerant concerns or component faults. A proper assessment helps identify the real cause.

Q06Can air conditioning also heat a room?

Many modern split air conditioning systems can provide heating as well as cooling through heat pump operation. Suitability depends on the system specification, room requirements and how you plan to use it.

Q07Is air conditioning expensive to run?

Running cost depends on system efficiency, room size, insulation, temperature settings and usage habits. Correct sizing, sensible set points and regular maintenance help keep operation efficient.

Q08Will air conditioning be noisy?

Modern systems are designed to operate quietly when specified and installed correctly. Noise levels depend on the model, fan speed, location and installation quality, so unit selection and positioning matter.

Q09Do I need permission to install air conditioning?

Some properties may require consent, especially flats, listed buildings, conservation areas, leasehold homes or properties with external unit restrictions. We recommend checking any planning, freeholder or management company requirements before installation.

Q10Can you repair an existing air conditioning system?

We can assess common air conditioning faults, controls, airflow and visible operating issues. If specialist refrigerant work or manufacturer-specific parts are required, we explain the compliant next step clearly.

Plumbing

Plumbing FAQs

Leaks, burst pipes, taps, toilets, blockages, installations and practical plumbing help.

Q01What should I do if I have a burst pipe?

Turn off the water at the stopcock if it is safe, switch off affected appliances where appropriate, protect electrics from water, and call for urgent plumbing help. If water is near electrical fittings, keep clear and seek emergency assistance.

Q02Can you help with emergency leaks?

Yes. We support urgent plumbing issues such as leaks, burst pipes, overflowing toilets and water escaping from fittings. We aim to make the situation safe, identify the source and explain repair options.

Q03Why is my tap dripping?

A dripping tap is often caused by worn washers, cartridges, valves or internal parts. Repair or replacement depends on the tap type, age, condition and availability of suitable parts.

Q04Why does my toilet keep running?

A constantly running toilet may be caused by a faulty fill valve, flush valve, seal, overflow setting or internal cistern component. It can waste a lot of water, so it is worth repairing promptly.

Q05Why is my water pressure low?

Low pressure can come from supply issues, partially closed valves, blocked filters, faulty taps, pipe restrictions, leaks or appliance problems. We check likely causes and advise on the practical next step.

Q06Can you install taps, sinks, toilets and showers?

Yes. We install and replace taps, mixers, sinks, basins, toilets, showers, wastes, traps and suitable appliance connections, with leak testing and a tidy handover.

Q07Can you clear blocked sinks or drains?

We can help with suitable domestic blockages affecting sinks, basins, baths, traps and accessible waste pipework. If the issue points to a deeper drainage problem, we explain when specialist drainage equipment may be needed.

Q08Why does my drain or sink smell?

Bad smells can come from dry traps, blocked or dirty waste pipework, poor ventilation, leaks, defective seals or drainage issues. The source should be identified before simply masking the smell.

Q09Do you repair plumbing after bathroom installation problems?

We can assess leaks, poor flow, waste issues, loose fittings, trap problems and other plumbing faults in bathrooms. We explain what can be repaired and whether any access or remedial work is needed.

Q10Can you connect washing machines and dishwashers?

Yes, where the plumbing arrangement is suitable. We can connect appliance feeds and wastes, check for leaks and advise if new valves, pipework or waste alterations are required.

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