Why is one radiator cold when the others are hot?
Usually a balancing problem — water takes the path of least resistance and starves the furthest radiator. It can also be a stuck thermostatic valve or sludge. Balancing adjusts flow to each radiator so heat spreads evenly.
How often should a boiler be serviced?
Once a year is the standard recommendation, and most manufacturers require it to keep the warranty valid. For Erskine landlords the annual gas safety check is a legal requirement regardless. Booking in late summer usually gets you a better choice of slots than waiting for the first cold snap.
What does balancing a heating system involve?
Adjusting the lockshield valve on each radiator so flow is distributed correctly across the whole system, measuring the temperature difference between flow and return at each one. It's methodical rather than quick, but it makes a real difference to comfort and running cost.
What should I do if I smell gas at my Erskine property?
Treat it as an emergency. Leave the property, don't touch light switches or anything that could spark, and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 straight away — before calling us. They attend free, around the clock, and will isolate the supply if needed. Once it's safe, we'll come out to repair the pipework or appliance, and about 25 minutes from our base.
My radiator is cold at the bottom but hot at the top — why?
That's sludge and corrosion debris settling in the bottom of the radiator, not trapped air. Bleeding won't help. It usually calls for a power flush or, if the radiator is badly affected, replacement.
Do I need to be home for the engineer?
Someone over 18 needs to provide access and be there while gas work is carried out at your Erskine property. If you're arranging it for a tenant or an elderly relative, that's fine — just give us their contact details when you book so we can coordinate directly.
Should I bleed my radiators myself?
Bleeding to release trapped air is a reasonable DIY job — turn the heating off, use a bleed key, catch drips with a cloth. Check the boiler pressure afterwards, as bleeding lowers it and you may need to top up.
Why is my boiler losing pressure?
Most often a small leak somewhere in the system, a worn pressure relief valve, or a failing expansion vessel. Topping up occasionally is normal; needing to do it every few days is not. Given the age of the heating in many Erskine properties, a pressure test is usually the quickest way to find the cause.
Can you move a radiator to another wall?
Yes. Relocations are common during kitchen and bathroom renovations. We'll advise whether the new position works for heat distribution — under a window is traditional for good reason, though modern insulation makes it less critical.
Can you fit radiators or move one in Erskine?
Yes — new radiator installs, replacements and relocations, sized properly for the room rather than guessed. We'll balance the system afterwards so every room in your Erskine home heats evenly instead of one being roasting and another cold.
