News Archives - BSE FM

August 5, 2022 By Karen Womack

Zero % Tax on Renewables

VAT ON AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS FOR DOMESTIC CUSTOMERS ONLY

The Chancellor’s spring statement for energy-saving materials and heating equipment is now zero-rated for VAT.

Most of us are complaining our homes are either too warm in the summer or too cold in the winter. If you’re looking to make your home a more friendly space to inhabit, then investing in split air conditioning systems could be the answer. These provide energy-efficient cooling and heating and have now been included within the Government change on energy-saving equipment and changed the VAT to zero!

Other incentives have also been included such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) encouraging homeowners to switch from fossil-fuelled heating systems such as; gas and oil to low carbon solutions such as Air Source Heat Pumps which under the MCS scheme we are credited to install allowing you to benefit from the additional £5000 reduction in the costs of the installation. The zero VAT rate is scheduled to remain in place for five years.

Further details regarding the changes can be found on the government website, in particular, the clauses relating to the changes are 2.0, 2.1, 2.10 and 2.18.

If you would like to know more about how BSE|FM can assist you with Split Air Conditioning Systems or Air Source Heat Pumps, please contact us at 01444 390593

December 17, 2021 By Karen Womack

New London Address

We are delighted to announce that our Facilities Management team on 29th November 2021 moved to our new offices near London Blackfriars:

Magnesia House, 6 Playhouse Yard, London, EC4V 5EX

We are in walking distance of London Blackfriars Station and London underground tube services.

Providing BSE|FM with increased links to service our clients within the capital and beyond.

Please call on 0207 953 4047 if you would like to arrange a visit or have a requirement you’d like to discuss with one our directors. Need more information, review our services here.

December 21, 2020 By Karen Womack

MCS Accreditation

BSE|FM have successfully met the criteria to have received MCS certification to install Air Source Heat Pumps.

The process includes being able to offer domestic consumers (including landlords) the governments Green Home Scheme, which provides a voucher towards the costs of making homes more energy efficient.

We will be updating our website shortly with detailed specifics and information on how we can assist with making your home more energy efficient.

If you have questions one of the team will be happy to discuss them with you. Please contact us or call on 01444 390593.

October 27, 2020 By Karen Womack

Electrical Inspection Condition Report (EICR)

Whatever your electrical needs are, BSE|FM are here to help!

Our electrician was onsite to complete the Electrical Inspection Condition Report (EICR). This important document ensures electrical systems comply with BS7671 18th edition 2018 (including amendments). It will highlight if the electrical circuits are in a good condition and safe to use; whether or not there is a risk of electric shock; if any installed electrical work is defective; recommendations for the earthing within the building; the consumer unit will be inspected for its condition and is valid for 5 years.

The frequency of commercial electrical systems and installations is at least once every five years, some higher-risk environments will require more frequent testing including:

Spa hotels & leisure centres – 3 years
Hospitals or clinics – 1 year

Domestic systems are slightly different. Changes to the Law for occupied rental properties were introduced by the government this year. All new tenancy agreements from July 2020 are required to have an EICR carried out prior to any occupancy.

Where an existing certificate is already in place for long-term tenancies the law comes into force in April 2021. The EICR document will only require renewal either after the property is vacated or if the same tenant still occupies the property another inspection will need to be completed prior to the expiration date.

Where an existing certificate isn’t in place this will need to be rectified prior to April 2021.

It is recommended that for a domestic homeowner/occupier property the electrical systems are tested and inspected every 10 years. As a vendor you may be required at the point of sale to demonstrate the safety of your electrical installation, therefore it will be our recommendation to have the property inspected in line with the guidance BS7671 guidance 3.

Check your systems now rather than suffer faults later.

Call us on 01444 390593 for a free quotation – All electrical work shall be carried out by a certified electrician – BSE|FM are National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) domestic and commercial approved contractors.

September 17, 2020 By Karen Womack

Legionella prevention

Buildings are now being occupied again following the easing of lockdown restrictions. Business owners, the self-employed and landlords have a duty of care to protect individuals by identifying and controlling risks associated with legionella.

As a result of a building closure or during the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak the property had reduced occupancy, and the lack of water system use could create the occurrence of water stagnation increasing the risks of Legionnaires’ disease.

Managing the risks

To manage the risks a review of your risk assessment should be taken when a water system is being reinstated or started including some types of air conditioning units. (Note: A regularly used water system still requires the appropriate measure of maintenance to prevent legionella growth.)

The managing of specific products includes:

Cooling tower and evaporative condensers – operational reviews and plans to ensure systems work should already have been reviewed and put in place
Hot and cool water systems – used infrequently can cause a build-up of stagnated water and should be flushed weekly
Air conditioning units – units which generate an aerosol from the source of water and are not used for an extended period will need to be assessed, larger units where water can stagnate in trays are a reservoir for bacteria to grow. Some units with closed cooling systems such as small wall or ceiling mounted should not present a risk
Pools and hot tubs – existing control regimes should be maintained when in use. If not in use they should be drained, cleaned and disinfected

At BSE|FM we have competent specialists who can work with you to identify any possible issues and rectify or implement suitable controls that will need to be put in place to reduce legionella outbreaks.

If you would like advice and would like to talk to one of our team, contact us at 01444 390 593.