Trade Radiators featured on TheScottishSun.co.uk
As a proud Glasgow-based company, Trade Radiators takes pride in its regular features in Scottish media, often consulted as experts on heating, radiator, and energy efficiency topics. With a strong focus on providing valuable insights and guidance to the community, Trade Radiators has become a trusted source for information and advice on matters related to home heating systems. Our heating experts, Nicholas Auckland and James Auckland, have expertise and commitment to promoting energy-efficient solutions which has earned them recognition as leaders in the industry, contributing to the improvement of heating practices and environmental sustainability in Scotland and beyond.
Table of Contents
The Scottish Sun articles
BOILING POINT I’m a boiler expert – the easy mistake that could cost you £550 and how to avoid it - Contributer: Nicholas Auckland
In conversation with THe Scottish Sun's Sophie McVinney, Nicholas stressed the importance of annual boiler servicing to prevent issues that could lead to expensive repairs, such as needing a power flush to remove excess air from the system. Nicholas highlighted the potential cost, averaging around £550 for a standard three-bed modern house, but possibly exceeding £1,000 for larger properties with period radiators. He advised that regular servicing and system health checks could mitigate such expenses and ensure efficient boiler operation. Nicholas provided tips for saving on energy bills, including setting combi boilers to eco mode and adjusting hot water tap temperatures. He also cautioned against simple mistakes that could increase energy costs, such as overfilling the kettle.
TAKE A SEAT Your sofa is in the wrong place – and it could be adding £100 to energy bills - Contributer: Nicholas Auckland
This was an article looking at how the placement of furniture, particularly sofas, can impact energy bills. Nicholas made it clear that having a sofa obstructing a radiator could lead to unnecessary heating costs, potentially adding up to £100 annually. Auckland advised homeowners to remove any furnishings blocking radiators to allow for efficient heat distribution. He talked about bleeding radiators annually to maintain optimal functionality, cautioning against doing so without checking boiler pressure to prevent potential system damage.
COOL TIP I’m an appliance pro – your fridge freezer is in the wrong place and it’s adding nearly £100 to your energy bills - Contributer: Nicholas Auckland
Placement of a fridge freezer is an important issue, as discussed in this article. Nicholas stated that improper positioning, such as placing the appliance next to heat sources like ovens or in direct sunlight, can decrease energy efficiency by up to 15%, adding an extra £75 annually to bills. Nicholas emphasised the importance of allowing sufficient ventilation space around the fridge freezer to improve its performance and reduce costs. By ensuring a gap of around 5 cm on all sides and maintaining a distance of 50 cm between the fridge and oven, homeowners can enhance efficiency and lower energy expenses.
OUTSIDE THE BOX Your games console is in the wrong place and it’s adding £50 to energy bills - Contributer: Nicholas Auckland
Speaking to Olivia Marshall, Nicholas said that positioning games consoles in poorly ventilated or warm areas could lead to overheating and increased energy consumption. He estimated that having a console in the wrong place could add an extra £40 to £52 annually to energy bills, depending on usage. He discussed the importance of placing consoles on stable, ventilated surfaces away from heat sources to prevent overheating and overworking. Also, Nicholas recommended using energy-saving modes when available and ensuring consoles are fully turned off when not in use to increase energy efficiency.
SPLASH THE CASH Your inflatable hot tub is in the wrong place and it’s adding £78 to your annual energy bill - Contributer: Nicholas Auckland
Continuing the theme of things in the wrong place, according to Nicholas, positioning a hot tub in a breezy area could lead to significant additional costs, estimating an increase of approximately 70p per hour in energy consumption. He focused on the importance of considering factors such as insulation and covering to mitigate these costs. Additionally, he advised consumers to factor in ongoing expenses associated with keeping the hot tub operational, such as maintaining water clarity. Auckland's expertise underscores the need for careful consideration when choosing a hot tub and optimizing its placement to minimize energy expenses.
Other Scottish media articles
Health: Pollen, dust mites and mould can trigger health problems - Contributer: Nicholas Auckland
This article in The Herald Scotland discussed common indoor pollutants like pollen, dust mites, and mould, which can trigger health issues. An eye health specialist, talked about the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy home to alleviate discomfort caused by these allergens. The eye specialist looked at measures to reduce exposure to pollen, such as keeping windows closed and removing outdoor shoes indoors. Nicholas, in his role as a home heating expert, highlighted the health risks associated with mould and dampness, including respiratory problems and weakened immune systems. He stressed the importance of identifying and addressing mould growth in homes to mitigate health issues and improve overall well-being.
Heated clothes airer mould warning from heating experts - Contributer: James Auckland
James spoke to Josh Searle at the Glasgow Times for this article. He raised concerns about the potential mold issues associated with using heated clothes airers at home. While these airers are effective for drying clothes indoors, they can significantly increase indoor air moisture levels, leading to a higher risk of condensation and mold growth. James emphasised the importance of managing indoor humidity levels to prevent moisture-related damage and health hazards. To address this issue, James recommended strategies such as opening windows and using extractor fans during and after using heated clothes airers, as well as installing dehumidifiers to maintain optimal indoor humidity levels. He also advised homeowners to regularly check for damp spots and mold, especially in areas prone to moisture buildup, to ensure a healthier indoor environment.