Home batteries are getting all the attention. But there's a cheaper, quieter piece of kit already sitting in your home that does a similar job - the electric water heater. 

Why Hot Water Is Really Energy Storage

Heating water and storing electricity solve the same problem: using power when it's cheap and abundant, then using it later when it's not. A battery does this with lithium cells. An unvented cylinder or immersion heater does it with hot water and it's already installed in millions of homes and offices. 

Hot water accounts for roughly a quarter of a typical home's energy use, and most of that use is flexible. Heat the water overnight on a cheap tariff and it stays hot enough to use all day. No new hardware, no lithium, no five-figure installation. The same applies to offices, schools, and gyms. A well sized cylinder can heat overnight and coast through a full working day. 

Why This Matters More Now 

Time-of-use tarriffs like Octopus Go offer a fixed cheap window overnight, with

Your boiler has stopped responding, the displaying is flashing a fault code, and your engineer suspects the printer circuit board (PCB). Before you panic about costs or wait days for the parts to arrive, here is everything you need to know about identifying a PCB fault and sourcing the right genuine replacement quickly and confidently. 

What does a Boiler PCB Actually Do?

The PCB is essentially the brain of your boiler. It controls ignition, regulates the pump, reads sensor data, and manages safety shutdowns. Every function your boiler carries out passes through this single component, which is why a fault here can bring your entire heating system to a complete standstill. Understanding its role is the first step towards a faster, more cost effective repair. 

Common Signs of PCB Failure

PCB faults do not always announce themselves dramatically. The most telling symptoms include persistent fault codes on the display, random lockouts with no obvious cause, and a boiler that fires up briefly

Every month, thousands of pounds quietly vanish from commercial energy budgets. Not through extravagant usage, but through hot water sitting in long pipe runs, slowly cooling before it ever reaches a tap. If you manage a multi floor office or a large commercial property, the choice between point of use and centralised water heating could be on of the most financially significant decisions you make this year. 

The Big Question for Commercial Buildings

Hot water costs have a habit of hiding in plain sight on energy bills. The system you choose (centralised or distributed) affects not just installation costs, but your day-to-day running costs for years to come. With UK utility tariffs rising in 2026, facilities managers are rightly scruitnising every kW. So which approach actually delivers the best efficiency for a commercial building? 

How Centralised Water Heating Works

A centralised system heats water in one location and distributes it throughout the building via a network of pipework.

Picture this: an engineer arrives, tools in hand, only to discover the replacement part is wrong. Another callout fee, more downtime, and a very frustrated facilities manager. It doesn't have to be this way. A few minutes of careful preparation before you order can save hundreds of pounds and keep your heating systems running without interruption. 

Why Getting the Right Part Matters

Ordering the wrong spare part is one of the most avoidable (and costly) mistakes in building maintenance. Whether you're managing a busy commercial site or troubleshooting at home, a mismatched component means repeat callouts, extended downtime, and potentially voided warranties. The golden rule is simple: always match the part number, not just the description. Similar-looking parts from the same manufacturer can have critical differences in pressure ratings, fittings, or capacity that make them entirely unsuitable for your unit. 

Start With Your Model Number and Part Number

Every water heater and boiler carries

Did you know that not all expansion vessels are the same? Some live inside your cylinder and some sit on the outside. Knowing the difference helps you buy the right part, plan your installation, and avoid any nasty surprises down the line. Let's break it down together

What is an Internal Expansion Vessel?

An internal expansion vessel is built straight into the cylinder at the factory. it handles pressure from the inside without you needing to fit anything extra. You will find these in unvented cylinders like the Megaflo.

The big benefit here is a clean and tidy install. There are no extra components on show, which makes it a great option when space is tight or when you want a clean finish. Because everything is self contained, there is less pipework to worry about too. 

The trade off is accessibility. If the internal vessel ever fails, a Gas Safe engineer will need to get inside the cylinder to repair or replace it. This makes the job a little more involved compared to the external fix.

Your boiler works hard to keep your home warm and cosy but quietly behind the scenes, your expansion vessel is doing some serious heavy lifting. When this unit fails, things can go wrong fast. So, how do you spot the signs before you're left in the cold? Let's walk through everything you need to know. 

What is an Expansion Vessel?

An expansion vessel is a small but mighty component inside your boiler. As water heats up, it expands and the expansion vessel absorbs the extra pressure to keep your heating system running safely and smoothly. Think of it as your boiler's pressure relief valve. Without it working correctly, your system quickly runs into trouble. 

Signs Your Expansion Vessel Has Failed

Watch out for these tell-tale signs: 

• Loss of pre-charge pressure - The vessel contains nitrogen or pre-air charge. Over time, this charge slowly leaks out, meaning the diaphragm can't push back against expanding water properly. The result is the pressure relief valve frequently lifting or pressure

Your Zip HydroTap ZT400 keeps the office sparkling with chilled, carbonated water all day long. But when those CO2 canisters run empty, do you know exactly where they should go? Getting disposal right is not just good practice. It is a legal sand safety responsibility that every facilities or office manager needs to understand. 

Why Proper CO2 Canister Disposal Matters

If you manage a workplace fitted with a Zip HydroTap ZT400 sparkling water system, you will already appreciate just how popular chilled sparkling water is with staff. But once those CO2 canisters are empty, it is essential to disposal of them correctly rather than simply placing them in the general waste bin. Pressurised vessels require specialist handling, and the consequences of getting it wrong can be serious. 

Can CO2 Canisters Go in the Recycling Bin?

The short answer is no, not via yor standard kerbsite or office recycling collection. CO2 canisters are pressurised vessels that require specialist handling before they

The humble office kettle has had its day. Boiling water taps are transforming UK workplaces - but before you invest, there are a handful of critical factors every facilities manager needs to consider. Get it right, and you will wonder how you ever managed without one.

Why Offices Are Switching to Boiling Water Taps

Boiling water taps are fast becoming a staple in UK offices, eliminating the inefficiency of shared kettles and cutting down the time staff spend waiting around. Instant access to boiling, chilled, and filtered water from a single tap can make a genuine difference to workplace productivity and morale - and with energy costs under the spotlight, the running savings are hard to ignore.

If you are considering making the switch, here is everything you need to know before you commit to a purchase. 

Step 1: Assess Your Office's Daily Demand 

Capacity is the single most important factor to get right. A small office of up to 20 people will typically manage well with a 3-litre unit,

When it comes to buying a new Zip limescale filter, it's easy to feel uncertain, especially if you've been using the older FL range, such as the FL170 or FL250. With Zip's latest edition of the limescale filters, the product codes have changed, and so have the requirements for installation. 

The key thing to know is this: the new Zip filters (codes 95601, 95602 etc) are not a direct swap for the old FL series. They require updated elbow connections and pipework to fit correcty. This means that even if your current Zip system has been running smoothly with an FL filter, you'll need to adapt your setup to accommodate the new models. 

To make the transition easier, we've create a simple flow chart that takes the guesswork out of the process. By following it, you can identify exactly which replacement filter you need and which additional fittings are reuired, based on the system you currently have in place. 

With the right Zip limescale filter installed, you can continue protecting your

In the UK, drinking water is carefully treated to make sure it is safe to drink. Water companies add chemicals to kill harmful bacteria, remove impurities, and improve taste and odour. While these treatments are effective, some people prefer to reduce their intake of these additives by using a water filter.  

Chlorine 

Chlorine is widely used to kill bacteria and viruses. It plays a vital role in preventing diseases, but it can react with organic matter to create byproducts such as trihalomethanes. These compounds have raised health concerns, which is why some households choose to filter their water. 

Fluoride

Fluoride is added to help prevent tooth decay, particularly in children. Although effective, excessive fluoride can cause dental flurosis, a cosmetic condition that affects tooth enamel. For those wishing to avoid it, water filtration provides a straight forward solution. 

Aluminium Sulphate 

Aluminium sulphate helps remove sediment, algae, and bacteria. UK water authorities

Replacing a Zip Water FIlter is simple and requires no professional help. In fact, it's about as easy as changing a lightbulb. I you own a G4 range tap, you can follow a straightforward process demonstrated in the official video which you can find here. 

Understanding the Types of Zip Water Filters 

The key filter most people need to change is a taste and odour filter, located inside the unit behind the front door. This  is different from the scale filter, which only applies if you live in a hard water area. If your home has soft water, you likely won't need a scale filter at all. 

Internal vs External Filters

It's essential to understand the difference between the two filters: 

• Taste and Odour Filter (internal): Found inside the unit, behind the door
• Scale Filter (external): Located outside the unit, connected to the water inlet and outlet out the back 

Mixing them up could cause confusion when ordering replacements. 

Why Choosing the Right Zip Water Filter Can Be Tricky

Another

This article, the second part of the great ‘Hand Dryer Vs Paper towels’ debate, looks at the cost element. If you haven't read the introduction, click here. For many people, this is the overriding reason for choosing one over the other, and is certainly the criterion that hand dryer manufacturers love to talk about. But is it as strong an argument as they make out?

Firstly, let me say that several hand dryer manufacturers have created their own calculators or cost illustrations, and some of them are extremely detailed. I have drawn on several of them, but I am trying not to be too anal about these calculations – the objective is to come up with a general opinion rather than any exact figures.

To start, let’s split this into the 2 most obvious areas: purchase price and running cost.

Purchase Price - Hand Dryers and Paper Towels

In today’s highly competitive market, you can get hold of a high-quality, efficient hand dryer which does a good job of drying hands quickly, for around the £200

The latest Warner Howard hand dryer range delivers powerful performance, energy efficiency, and modern design for every washroom environment. From ultra quiet units to compact high speed dryers, this collection offers a smart solution for commercial spaces that value hygiene, sustainability, and style. 

EL Eco 

El Eco focuses on efficiency without compromise. It uses low energy consumption while still delivering fast drying times, making it ideal for high traffic washrooms looking to reduce running costs and environmental impact.

EL Eco was formly the EL600

EL Warm

EL Warm combines energy saving technology with a comfortable warm air output. It creates a more pleasant user experience, particularly in colder environments, while maintaining the reliability you expect from Warner Howard.

EL Warm was formly the EL1100 

MR Eco

MR Eco is built for performance and durability. It balances powerful airflow with reduced energy usage, making it a strong choice for busy public facilities that

The hand dryer market in 2025 is more impressive than ever, with brands focusing on efficiency, hygiene, and stylish design. Modern commercial washrooms are moving towards smarter, greener solutions, and the latest hand dryer models deliver exactly that. Whether you manage a busy venue or prefer a calm, quiet environment, there is a model that suits your needs and improves users experience. 

Jetbox Blade 

• Rapid airflow that delivers a quick, comfortable dry
• Anti-microbial coating that helps maintain hygienic washrooms 
• Energy conscious operation with an intruitive standby mode. 

The Jetbox Blade remains a popular choice for busy facilities thanks to its blend of speed and cleanliness. Its streamlined shape and powerful airflow make it ideal for high football areas.

Handy Dryers Kangarillo

• Compact design perfect for smaller washrooms
• Quiet performance that suits offices and hospitality venues 
• Robust casing designed to handle heavy daily use

The Kangarillo balances performances and

Back in the Autumn of 2021, Dyson discontinued their ubiquitous Hands-In Hand Dryer, the AB14, much to the chagrin of anyone in the Hand Dryer industry.

Now back by popular demand, Dyson has reintroduced this classic Hand Dryer, now available once more with Electrical Deals Direct. Unchanged from its previous rendition, Dyson has decided to enter production once more. You can be assured that the AB14s we offer on the website are freshly manufactured and at the best possible prices. Specification remains unchanged, you can rest assured that this popular product is being produced and manufactured to the exact same high specification that has made it so popular:

• Hygienic, fast-drying design – 10–12 seconds dry time.
• HEPA filtration as standard - filters available here
• Incredible efficiency compared to most other hand dryers, let alone paper towels.
• Durability and trusted performance across high-traffic commercial settings.

The AB14 has long been the go-to in high-demand professional environments.

We are excited to introduce our completely redesigned Hand Dryer Buying Guide, crafted to offer a seamless and efficient experience for anyone looking to invest in the best hand dryer for their needs. Packed with expert insights and practical recommendations, this guide empowers you to make confident, informed decisions, ensuring you choose the perfect hand dryer every time.

Why Choose Our Hand Dryer Buying Guide?
Our updated guide is tailored to speed up your buying journey, making it perfect for both business owners seeking to upgrade their washrooms and facility managers aiming to enhance efficiency. Here’s why our guide stands out:

• Time-Saving Simplicity: Short on time? Our Quick Recommendations section is designed for you. It matches popular use cases with tailored product suggestions, eliminating the need for extensive research. You’ll quickly find the right fit without the hassle.
• In-Depth Insights: If you prefer to dive deeper, our comprehensive Factors to Consider section covers

If you're looking for a reliable, high-performance hand dryer, the Dryflow Infinity Hand Dryer is a great choice. It combines, efficiency, quiet operation, and eco-friendliness, making it perfect for busy environments like public restrooms, shopping malls, or schools. Here's why the Dryflow Infinity Hand Dryer stands out among other hand dryers. 

1. Incredible Drying Performance

The Dryflow Infinity Hand Dryer dries hands in just 10-12 seconds using a powerful airflow. This fast drying speed reduces wait times and keeps high-traffic areas moving smoothly. In spaces like shopping malls or schools, users don't have to wait long, which helps to keep lines short and the restroom experience efficient. 

2. Low Noise Levels 

The Dryflow Infinity Hand Dryer operates quietly, even with its powerful airflow. This makes it ideal for noise-sensitive places like offices, hotels, or libraries. The design maintains low sound levels while drying hands quickly, allowing users to enjoy a quieter,