Electrical

Ensuring the proper functioning of your burglar alarm is essential for the security of your home. Here are some guidelines to assist you:

Access to manuals and guides

• Product manuals and guides for your burglar alarm are readily available. Please consult these resources for detailed information on your alarm’s operation and troubleshooting system.

Dealing with a red light

• If a red light is displayed and you are unable to clear it, check for a tamper light on one of the zones on the keypad. Enter your password and reset the alarm to clear this indication.

Regular servicing advised

• Story Homes recommends regular servicing of electrical devices, including your burglar alarm. If you encounter any issues, scheduling a service is advised as the initial step.

Default alarm codes

• In case you need to reset or access your alarm, you can try the following default alarm codes: 0000, 1111, 1234, 0123.

Your security is of utmost importance to us. Should you have any questions or encounter difficulties with your burglar alarm, please don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance.

In the event of a power outage at your property, we understand the inconvenience it may cause. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you identify and resolve the issue:

1. Check for widespread outage

• If possible, determine whether the power outage is affecting the entire development or just your home. This information can be crucial for assessing the scope of the issue.

2. Inspect your consumer unit (main fuse box)

• Locate your consumer unit, also known as the main fuse box. Open the cover and identify switches that have tripped to the OFF position. Reset them to the ON position.

3. Troubleshooting tripping circuits

• If the tripping occurs again, it may be due to a faulty appliance. Identify the affected circuit and pinpoint the specific appliance causing the problem.

4. Identifying faulty appliances

• Faulty electrical gadgets are a common cause of tripped consumer units. Unplug all electrical items throughout the house, including larger appliances like fridges or washing machines and smaller devices like kettles, irons, bedside lamps, or hair straighteners. Reset the consumer board each time to find the culprit.

5. Replacing consumable items

• The fuse/fuse spur on the consumer board are consumable items and may need sporadic replacement. If the issue persists, consider replacing these components as needed.

You can also watch the short video below for step by step guidance on how to safely operate your consumer unit.

We hope these steps assist you in quickly resolving any power-related concerns. Should you require further assistance or encounter challenges during this process, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Bathrooms, kitchens, cloakrooms

The extractor fans installed in the wet rooms are intelligently designed to operate continuously, with the capability to boost airflow as necessary. In the event that the fan is not running, we recommend first checking the isolator switch, which may be located outside the room. This switch can sometimes be inadvertently turned off and may need to be reset to ensure proper functionality of the extractor fan.

Cooker Hoods

Please note that the warranty coverage for your kitchen appliances is directly managed between you, the homeowner, and the respective manufacturers. For swift and effective resolution of any issues or concerns with your kitchen appliances, we recommend contacting the customer service department of the specific manufacturer. Below are the contact numbers for your reference:

• Electrolux: 03445 613 613
• AEG: 03445 611 611
• Zanussi: 03445 612 612
• Hoover: 03444 995599

By reaching out to the manufacturer’s customer service team, you can receive timely assistance and guidance tailored to your appliance model, ensuring a seamless resolution to any challenges encountered.

Extractor Hood Carbon Filters

To maintain the optimal performance of your extractor hood, it is essential to adhere to the recommended maintenance intervals for replacing carbon filters. We strongly advise referring to your appliance manual and the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific instructions tailored to your model. Regularly changing the carbon filters as recommended will not only prolong the lifespan of your extractor hood but also ensure efficient removal of odours and impurities from your kitchen environment.

Your commitment to following these maintenance guidelines plays a vital role in preserving the functionality and longevity of your kitchen appliances. Should you have any questions or require further clarification on any aspect, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to assist you every step of the way.

Before reporting any issues with light fittings, it’s advisable to conduct a few initial checks to troubleshoot common issues:

Isolation Switches

Ensure that any isolation switches associated with the light fitting haven’t been accidentally turned off. These switches are often located near the light fixture and may have been inadvertently switched off.

Consumer Unit

Check the consumer unit (fuse box) to see if a fuse has tripped, leading to the loss of power to the light fitting. If a fuse has tripped, resetting it may resolve the issue.

Bulb Status

Verify if the bulb in the light fitting needs to be changed. Bulbs are consumable items and may need replacement over time.

For spotlights specifically, it’s important to note the following:

Fully Sealed Units

Some spotlights feature fully sealed units where the bulb cannot be removed independently. In such cases, if the bulb is faulty or has reached the end of its lifespan, the entire unit will need to be replaced.

Removable Bulb Units

Other spotlights may have removable bulb units, allowing for individual bulb replacement. To remove the bulb, a sucker may be required to securely grip and turn the bulb. These suction tools are typically available at electrical merchants or hardware stores.

By conducting these preliminary checks, homeowners can potentially identify and resolve minor issues with light fittings without the need for professional assistance. However, if the problem persists or requires technical expertise, please contact the aftercare team.

PIV, or Positive Input Ventilation, is a mechanical ventilation system utilised to enhance indoor air quality within buildings. In certain house types and locations, the installation of PIV systems becomes imperative. This is particularly relevant in modern new build properties where stringent sealing may impede natural air circulation, necessitating additional ventilation methods.

Benefits of PIV Systems

PIV systems offer an energy-efficient solution for extracting stale and unhealthy indoor air while simultaneously introducing fresh air into the living environment. By effectively replacing stagnant air with fresh outdoor air, these systems contribute to a healthier and more comfortable indoor atmosphere.

Trickle Vents as Alternative Ventilation

In homes where PIV units are not installed, windows and doors are equipped with trickle vents. These small openings, located at the top of window or door frames, can be manually operated to regulate the flow of air into the room. Story Homes recommends keeping these vents open to ensure adequate ventilation levels within the property.

Further Assistance

For additional guidance on ventilation systems and usage, homeowners are encouraged to refer to the manual provided with their property. The manual contains comprehensive instructions and information tailored to specific ventilation systems installed within the building.

In the event of a power outage at your property, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you identify and resolve the issue:

1. Check for Widespread Outage

• Determine whether the power outage is affecting the entire site or just your local area, if possible. This information can be crucial for assessing the scope of the issue.

2. Inspect Your Consumer Unit (Main Fuse Box)

• Locate your consumer unit, also known as the main fuse box. Open the cover and identify switches that have tripped to the OFF position. Reset them to the ON position.

3. Troubleshooting Tripping Circuits

• If the tripping occurs again, it may be due to a faulty appliance. Identify the affected circuit and pinpoint the specific appliance causing the problem.

4. Identifying Faulty Appliances

• Faulty electrical gadgets are a common cause of tripped consumer units. Unplug all electrical items throughout the house, including larger appliances like fridges or washing machines and smaller devices like kettles, irons, bedside lamps, or hair straighteners. Reset the consumer board each time to find the culprit.

5. Replacing Consumable Items

• The fuse/fuse spur on the consumer board are consumable items and may need sporadic replacement. If the issue persists, consider replacing these components as needed.

Additionally, it’s sensible to have a torch set aside for such emergencies. You can call the National Grid to report a power cut on 105. They should be able to give you advice on what to do and provide you with a rough idea of when the power will be turned on again. Ensure that all electrical appliances are turned off, especially items like hair dryers or irons that might still be on when the electricity returns.

We hope these steps assist you in quickly resolving any power-related concerns. Should you require further assistance or encounter challenges during this process, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Please be aware that it can take some time, even several months, for British Gas to set up your account and contact you after they have been provided with the relevant information by our sales team. Unfortunately, we do not have any influence on the time this takes. If you are concerned about the length of time it is taking to hear from British Gas, we suggest that you contact them to register that you are still waiting for your account to be set up until the issue is resolved for you.

Regarding alterations to meter boxes, please note that your current gas or electricity supplier is the owner of the respective meter. The meters are originally installed by British Gas, but it is your current supplier who you need to contact for advice if you are requesting any changes to be made to the meter box, as any sealing work by yourself or others you may instruct could invalidate your warranty.

Smoke detectors are fitted on each floor of a Story home. The smoke detectors are mains installed with a battery backup. All smoke detectors are linked to each other, meaning when one is activated, they will all go off. To test the smoke detector, press and hold the button, and all the alarms will go off.

Where there is a gas appliance, there will be a carbon monoxide detector installed. These are not linked so to test these, press and hold the button on each individual unit.

If you hear an intermittent beep from any of the units, this indicates that the battery requires replacing. To do this, twist the unit anti-clockwise a quarter of a turn to open and access the battery location.

View the short video below for guidance on how to test and maintain your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.