• Common Issues

    • I recently had oil delivered after running out, but my boiler is still not working. What should I do?

      Running out of oil can cause air to enter the oil line. To fix this problem the boiler will need to be bled.

      Check out our video below for tips on how to bleed your own oil boiler. Warning: Only attempt this if you’re completely confident. If you would prefer someone to do this for you, please contact us on 02890451010 and we can arrange for one of our qualified Oftec Engineers to attend your property.

    • Why is my radiator only warm at the bottom? Is there a solution?

      If you notice that your radiator is only warm at the bottom, it could be due to an excess amount of air trapped inside. To address this issue, you can try bleeding the radiator. We have a concise and informative video below that provides step-by-step instructions on how to bleed a radiator. However, if bleeding the radiator does not resolve the problem, please don’t hesitate to contact us for further assistance.

    • How can I top up my heating system?

      If you need to top up your heating system, we have provided a helpful video guide below. It will walk you through the step-by-step process of how to add more water to your heating system. If topping up the system does not resolve the problem, please don’t hesitate to contact us for further assistance.

    • I have a pay as you go gas meter but I’m unsure how to top it up, can you help?

      If you are unsure about how to top up your pay-as-you-go gas meter, we have created a helpful video below that provides step-by-step instructions. It explains how to add credit to your meter effectively.

    • Why does my water temperature fluctuate from hot to cold?

      Fluctuations in water temperature, ranging from hot to cold, can be attributed to two potential causes: the need for boiler servicing or a possible issue with the flue. To accurately diagnose and resolve the problem, we recommend booking a service with our qualified professionals.

    • Is it possible to save money by adjusting my radiator and room thermostats?

      Yes, you can potentially save money on your heating bills by properly adjusting your radiator and room thermostats. To learn more about the process and optimise your energy usage, we have provided a helpful video guide below. It offers practical tips and techniques for adjusting these controls effectively.

  • Heating System

    • What happens during a boiler service?

      During a boiler service, we conduct a thorough inspection and maintenance procedure to ensure your boiler is in optimal condition. This includes checking for issues, inspecting the appliance and flues, cleaning and inspecting internal components, testing pressures and gas rates, and completing necessary paperwork. Our comprehensive service leaves no corners cut, ensuring your boiler is ready to provide efficient heating. Book with us today for a full and complete service.

    • Why is it necessary to have regular servicing for my gas boiler, how often should it be serviced, and how long does the service typically take?

      Having your boiler serviced annually helps to:

      • Ensure your boiler is operating safely
      • Ensure the appliance is operating efficiently
      • Reduce the risk of an appliance breakdown in future
      • Ensure compliance with any warranty conditions from the manufacturer (if applicable).

      Typically, an annual boiler service is recommended. A standard boiler service usually takes around one hour, but it can vary based on the boiler type and any specific issues that need attention. Our experienced engineers will conduct a thorough inspection, perform necessary maintenance tasks, and provide you with peace of mind regarding your boiler’s performance and safety.

    • When is it time to replace my boiler?

      The decision to replace your boiler depends on several factors, including its age, performance, and repair frequency. As a general guideline, boilers typically have a lifespan of around 10-15 years. If your boiler is approaching or exceeding this age range, experiencing frequent breakdowns, or not providing sufficient heating, it may be time to consider a replacement. Additionally, if your energy bills have significantly increased, a newer, more efficient boiler could help you save on heating costs. We recommend you contact us and we can assess the condition of your boiler and provide professional advice on whether it’s time for a replacement.

    • What are the different types of boilers? / What type of boiler should I choose for my home?

      There are several types of boilers available, each with its own characteristics and suitability for different homes. The main types include combi boilers, system boilers, and regular (conventional) boilers.

      The choice of boiler depends on factors such as the size of your home, hot water requirements, and existing heating system. Our blog post provides detailed information to help you determine which type of boiler is the right fit for your specific needs, or you can contact us to discuss further.

    • How much does it cost to install a boiler heating system?

      The cost of installing a boiler heating system can vary depending on factors such as the fuel type, size of the house, and potential additional upgrades. Customers can now get a quote on our website for boiler installation/replacement.

    • Can I legally install my own boiler?

      It is important to note that installing a gas boiler without the necessary expertise and certification can have serious legal implications. In the event of a gas leak or even an explosion, you could be held criminally liable for any resulting damages. According to the Gas Safe Register, which is the official gas safety organisation in the UK, only individuals who are Gas Safe registered, such as our solv engineers, are legally qualified to install gas appliances. Therefore, it is not permitted for you to install a gas boiler yourself. Ensuring that the installation is performed by a Gas Safe registered professional is essential for your safety and compliance with the law. Contact us to organise a safe and professional installation by our qualified Gas Safe registered engineers. It is our priority to ensure the proper installation and operation of your boiler while keeping you and your property safe.

    • What does boiler installation include?

      Boiler installations can vary depending on the specific requirements of each property. Some installations may involve upgrading radiators, heating controls, and fuel storage in addition to replacing the boiler and flue. However, in certain cases, only the boiler and flue replacement may be necessary. At solv, we understand that every property is unique, and we are here to guide you throughout the process. Our team will provide expert recommendations on the most suitable boiler type and make that aligns with your budget and requirements. We strive to ensure a tailored solution for each customer. For more information, or to get started: contact us.

    • Which option is better and more cost-effective: oil or gas heating?

      Gas heating is considered a better and more cost-effective option. It is cleaner and more efficient compared to oil heating. Although the cost per unit may be similar, the advantage of gas lies in how it is controlled. Gas boilers can adjust their heating output based on the needed demand, which saves energy. For example, if a gas boiler only needs to produce 10KW of heat, it will reduce its output to match that requirement. In contrast, oil boilers always operate at their maximum capacity, regardless of the needed heat. The long-term savings of gas heating come from its efficient energy usage.

    • Is electric heating cheaper than gas?

      No, electric heating is generally more expensive compared to gas heating. Therefore, in terms of energy costs, gas heating is more economical than electric heating.

  • Other

    • Can I pay the engineer by card?

      We offer several payment options including card, cash, BACS transfer and cheque. While all methods are accepted, we strongly recommend payment by card as it streamlines our transaction process and makes it smoother for both you and our team. Additionally, when you book a service or repair through our website, you will have the option to securely pay at the time of scheduling, ensuring a seamless experience.

    • What is carbon monoxide?

      Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a highly poisonous and sometimes deadly gas produced when fuels such as coal, wood, oil or natural gas are burned without sufficient air. It’s often emitted by appliances which haven’t been properly installed or maintained, so always ask a Gas Safe Registered engineer to install and service your gas appliances. CO is odourless, tasteless and invisible so it’s difficult to detect.

      The symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning can be similar to flu. If you suspect Carbon Monoxide Poisoning you may suffer from:

      • Headaches
      • Nausea
      • General Lethargy
      • Dizziness
      • Flu Like symptoms that appear to get better when you are away from the area

      Should you experience any of these symptoms, call 999 immediately. Should you suspect a Carbon Monoxide leak, contact us and we will investigate.

    • What is Legionella?

      Legionella is a bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease, a severe respiratory infection. It spreads through inhaling contaminated water droplets. Symptoms include fever, cough, and muscle aches. In Northern Ireland, the legal requirements for Legionella control involve conducting a risk assessment, implementing control measures, and keeping records of actions taken to manage the risk. Compliance with local regulations and guidelines is essential to ensure safety and prevent outbreaks. If you wish to organise a Legionella assessment, contact us.

If you have any other questions or there’s something we haven’t covered above, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated support team. We’re here to help!

Contact us

What our customers say...

  • Friendly, thorough and went the extra mile.

    Carolina Charleen Crawford
    Trustpilot
  • Booked online for the following week. Technician arrived on time and boiler serviced for another year within an hour. No complaints.

    Niall
    Trustpilot
  • Very professional service provided, with very competent, thorough gas boiler service, by very knowledgeable engineer

    Gary Lambe
    Google