Home Improvement Guides for Your Northampton Home

Got a leaky boiler, a noisy extractor fan, or a water heater that won’t heat? You’re not alone. Below you’ll find straight‑forward advice that gets the job done without the jargon.

Keeping Your Heating Efficient

Boilers are the heart of a warm house. If they’re whining, leaking or throwing odd error codes, start by checking the pressure gauge – it should sit between 1 and 1.5 bar when the system is cold. Low pressure? Top it up using the filling loop and bleed any radiators that feel cold at the top. If the pressure stays low, a tiny leak could be the culprit and you’ll need a professional to fix it.

When a boiler gets older than 10 years, think about the running costs. Modern condensing boilers use up to 30 % less fuel, so a replacement can pay for itself in a few years. Before you decide, compare the price of a new unit with the estimated repair bills for the old one. If you’ve already spent more than half the cost of a new boiler on fixes, replacement is usually the smarter move.

Hot water heaters are another common headache. If you get a sudden cold shower, first feel the thermostat knob – it might have been turned down by accident. Next, check the reset button on the top of the tank; a quick push often resolves a tripped safety switch. Persistent problems like no hot water or repeated trips indicate a bad heating element or a failing thermostat, both of which need a qualified technician.

Boosting Home Ventilation

Extractor fans do more than chase away steam; they stop mold before it starts. A fan that hums but doesn’t move air usually has a clogged grille. Unscrew the cover, clean the mesh with a soft brush, and wipe any dust from the motor housing. If the fan still sounds weak, the motor may be worn out – swapping the motor is a quick DIY fix if you’re comfortable with basic tools.

When installing a new fan, size matters. Measure the room’s square footage and choose a fan with a CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating that matches – about 1 CFM per square foot is a good rule of thumb. Bigger isn’t always better; an over‑powered fan can be noisy and waste electricity. Follow the manufacturer’s wiring diagram, and always turn off the circuit at the breaker before you start.

If you’re unsure whether an electrician or a plumber should handle the job, remember that most fan wiring is electrical, so a qualified electrician is the right call. Plumbers typically step in only when the fan is part of a larger wet‑area renovation that involves pipework.

Heat pumps can be a game‑changer for energy bills, but they need regular care. Clean the outdoor coil at least twice a year – a gentle rinse with a hose removes dirt that blocks airflow. Inside, replace the air filter every 3‑4 months; a clogged filter makes the pump work harder and spikes your electricity use.

If the pump isn’t blowing warm air, start with the thermostat. Make sure it’s set to “heat” and not “cool”. Then check the breaker – a tripped fuse can look like a system failure. When those basics are good, the issue is often a low refrigerant level or a failing fan motor, both of which require a pro.

All these tips are designed to save you time and money. If a problem feels beyond your comfort zone, give Northampton Appliance Repairs a call. Our technicians know the local climate and can get your boiler, fan, water heater or heat pump back to peak performance fast.

Keeping your home in top shape doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With a little know‑how and the right help, you can enjoy a warm, dry, and efficient house all year round.