Tag: ‘gas
I’m a gas technician – you could save more than 20% on your energy bills, here’s how
A BRITISH Gas engineer has revealed how you could save more than 20 per cent on your energy bills with these handy hacks.
Expert technician Simon, 40, has shared his knowledge with homeowners who want to slash their monthly outgoings.
The British Gas boffin shared his tips on reducing your energy bills[/caption]
As the cost of living crisis rages on, it’s important that Brits are getting a bang for their buck when it comes to energy bills.
Over half of the cost for most households comes from heating and hot water – so an efficient boiler is essential.
Replacing an old, uneconomical boiler with an energy-efficient one could save you more than 20 percent on your gas bills.
The Energy Saving Trust says a well-running heating system is “one of the most important steps you can take to reduce your fuel bills and your carbon dioxide emissions.”
So for those who don’t want to waste their cash on lukewarm radiators, Simon says he has some useful tips.
The British Gas worker, from Cornwall, first encouraged people to splash out on new systems – as it will save them money in the long run.
He told the Mirror: “In a nutshell, boiler efficiency is about making sure all of the fuel being used to power your system actually goes into heating your home, rather than being lost or wasted.
“You pay for 100 per cent of the energy you use, so you want to get the maximum heat possible from that source.”
He explained that modern A-rated condensing boilers easily beat older models – especially if they’re over 15 years old.
Simon said: “Chances are it’s not a condensing boiler, which means it’s running far less efficiently than it should do, and it’s perhaps time for a switch.
“An upgrade doesn’t mean changing your entire system.”
He explained the process can actually be quite “simple” but admitted there is “no one-size-fits-all option” for homes.
Simon then went on to stress the importance of arranging a service for your boiler to check it is all in working order.
The gas expert believes it is the “best way” to confirm that your central heating system is working efficiently.
He added: “There aren’t many tell-tale signs for boilers working inefficiently; you need someone who knows what to look for to give it a proper once-over.”
However, he explained that radiators do provide some hints to homeowners.
Simon continued: “Do your radiators have cold spots or take ages to heat up?
“If so, they could be full of air or dirt that is stopping them from working properly, and that can make a big difference.”
The British Gas boffin advised Brits to bleed their radiators to get rid of the build-up or to ask an engineer to do it while they service their boiler.
Simon finished off his list of recommendations by reminding people to reign in their habits of overusing the heating.
He said: “Many people leave their heating on far longer than necessary.
“Smart thermostats such as Hive, which you can control from wherever you are, can save a surprising amount of money and prevent your heating firing up long before you need it.
“Radiators stay warm for a good 30-45 minutes after you turn off the heating, so also consider shutting it down half an hour before you normally would in the morning and evenings.
“You’ll be surprised how much that saves in the long term.”
Simon believes the country needs to be informed so people can save cash while getting the most out of their appliances.
He added: “I love my job, always have.
“It can be very rewarding fixing someone’s appliance – especially if they’re elderly or vulnerable.
“We’re able to help people in so many ways, and deliver a high level of service.”
A black hole is quickly destroying a cloud of gas. Here’s why.
Right now, in the center of our galaxy, an enormous black hole is stretching an object apart like it were taffy.
And scientists currently have a rare view, and images, of this extreme cosmic event playing out.
A thick cloud of gas and dust dubbed “X7” is rapidly approaching the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A*. Black holes harbor almost unimaginable gravity due to their extremely concentrated mass (if Earth were crushed into a black hole, it would be under an inch across), and astronomers have now watched X7 changing for two decades as it veers closer to its last years. The latest observations, published in The Astrophysical Journal, reveal that X7 has been stretched trillions of miles. It’s now 3,000 astronomical units in length. An astronomical unit is 93 million miles, or the distance between the sun and Earth.
X7 doesn’t have much time left. The black hole’s gravitational power is relentless.
EOG Resources says weak natural gas prices not affecting drilling plan
Porsche’s Upcoming EV Drives Like a Gas Car
The Porsche Taycan is a bit of an oddball in the EV world. Instead of bolstering its regenerative braking system with one-pedal driving, it simply operates like a gas car—the brakes engage when you press the brake pedal. Now, Porsche explains why its upcoming Macan EV also lacks one-pedal driving.
Read This Article on Review Geek ›
Personal Finance Daily: This couple got married at a gas station for $986 and loved every minute and NBA All-Star Chris Paul on the most important thing to look for when investing
My daughter was killed in a gas blast at home… six months later we are still sleeping on the floor – council don’t care
THE MUM of a four-year-old girl killed when her house exploded says the family are still homeless and sleeping on a floor.
Sahara Salman died when a blast sparked by a gas leak flattened the family home in Thornton Heath, South London, last year.
Sahara Salman died when a blast sparked by a gas leak flattened the family home in Thornton Heath, South London[/caption]
The August 8 horror forced 500 residents to evacuate but six-months on, the council still hasn’t found a “suitable property” for the victims of the Galpin’s Road horror.
In a statement, the mum of “shining star” Sahara, Sana Ahmad, said her daughter’s death was “a nightmare come true”.
She added: “My daughter lost her life in the very bed where she should have felt safe and secure.”
The single mum slammed Merton Council, saying that despite all they have been through, “we are still homeless and sleeping on the floor”.
The 28-year-old added: “It feels like we’ve been left to fend for ourselves.
“It’s unfair that we are being treated this way and left without proper support.”
In the week leading up to the explosion, residents had complained of smelling gas.
Southern Gas Networks – who later paid £500,000 to rehome displaced residents – were dispatched to deal with the leak on their pipes but never resolved the problem.
A week later, the house exploded, killing tiny Sahara who was only a month away from her fifth birthday.
She was discovered found amongst the rubble of the home.
Her mum said Sahara was in the box room when the blast happened, two other children were with Ms Ahmad in her bedroom and the eldest child was in a room near the garden.
But ever since the fateful day, Sana said the waiting process “feels like torture” and her family have been “left to suffer” as a result.
She told how her three kids and her had “lost everything” and they are still scared to go back to school, MyLondon reported.
But above all, they “miss their sister”.
Council leader, Councillor Ross Garrod, told MyLondon: “Since that tragic day, six months ago, the council has been doing everything it can to support those affected.
“Including Ms Ahmad and her family.”
Sahara was discovered found amongst the rubble of her home on Galpin’s Road[/caption]
California’s Newsom wants FERC probe into state’s high natural gas prices
Jeremy Hunt could have billions extra to play with in his Budget thanks to gas price falls
JEREMY Hunt could have billions extra to play with in his Budget thanks to gas price falls — heaping pressure on him to cut tax this year.
Tory MPs will urge the Chancellor to slash the burden because the scaled-back energy support package will cost 90 per cent less next year.
A Resolution Foundation think-tank report said the Treasury would be in line for a “big windfall” with the outlook “a little less bleak”.
Senior Tory MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith said “We need to start planning for easing the tax burden.
“Forecasts of doom and gloom are wrong.
“The UK economy is in a robust position.
“As we run up to the Budget we should not make the squeeze any worse.
“The rise in corporation tax in April will just squeeze the economy even more.
“But we do need to start planning for easing the tax burden as it hurts individuals and businesses – and get growth going.”
Falling energy prices mean the estimated cost for the energy support package has fallen by around £11 billion for the next 12 months.
But the drop will mean reduced tax receipts from energy producers and generators which could cost around £7 billion.
But a Resolution Foundation report says other taxes will be boosted as lower energy costs raise domestic consumption and firms’ profits.
Households are expected to pay 20 per cent more for energy due to the reduction of government support but overall falling prices will have a deflationary effect.
The energy price guarantee will see the typical household bill at around £3,000 until April next year – up £500 on the previous 12 months.
But Mr Hunt signalled last month that any tax cuts would only come “when the time is right” as he tried to dampen speculation.