Boiler Fitter in London (90)

Gas central heating is the most common way of keeping UK homes warm and providing a constant supply of warm water. So, how does gas central heating work?

Well, your central heating system creates a loop starting at your gas boiler. Here water is heated using gas which is then pumped throughout your radiators. Cooler water then returns to your boiler where it’s once again heated.

Many systems also use tanks to store hot water ready for you to use in your kitchen and bathroom. You’ll also have a thermostat that allows you to control how much hot water is produced and the temperature of your radiators.

Is it worth having gas central heating?

If you’re unsure whether having gas central heating is the best option for your home, we can help you decide. Below we’ve summarised the pros and cons of gas central heating:

Pros

• You won’t need to store gas on your property as it comes from the mains gas grid

• Gas boilers can be 90% efficient, preventing wasted energy and saving you money

• Gas boilers are generally reliable

• Gas is often cheaper than alternative fuel sources

Cons

• Gas prices can vary as demand increases or decreases throughout the world

• Gas central heating systems can be expensive to install

• When gas is burned it gives out carbon dioxide meaning gas isn’t a clean energy source

• Your gas boiler will need regular servicing

To stay safe and comply with building regulations, you must hire a Gas Safe registered installer to fit your new boiler.

Finding the right tradesperson for the job is easy when you follow these simple steps:

• *Ask friends and family for recommendations* - If you know someone who has hired a local boiler installer, ask for the tradesperson’s details. Make sure your recommendations work to a high standard by searching for them on Checkatrade

• Read customer reviews

  • Do your research before hiring a gas boiler installer in London. Spend time reading customer reviews and checking online ratings

• Request multiple quotes

  • We always recommend contacting at least 3 local tradespeople in order to find the best match for your budget

• Ask questions

  • Make sure your boiler installer is Gas Safe registered and also ask for insurance and warranty details

• Search Checkatrade

  • We thoroughly check all tradespeople before they become approved members of our directory. For your added peace of mind, the work of all gas boiler installers hired through Checkatrade is guaranteed up to £1,000 for 12 months (T&Cs apply)

  Find a reputable tradesperson for your gas boiler installation in London today by using our search tool. Alternatively, Request a Quote online and Checkatrade approved boiler installers near you will be in touch.

There are many modern alternatives to gas boilers, and with the UK government looking to phase out gas boiler usage, it makes sense to look to more sustainable options. Here are some replacements to consider:

1. Electric boilers. These can run much more efficiently than gas boilers, but they can be expensive depending on electricity prices. To make your electric boiler even more eco-friendly, choose an energy supplier that uses renewable electricity

2. Air source heat pumps. These energy devices take heat from the air outside and transfer it into your home, and they do the same in reverse during hotter months. They’re almost entirely renewable and have an extremely high energy efficiency rate

3. Ground source heat pumps. Like air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps take heat from beneath the earth and transfer it into your home, and they can do the same in reverse. While more expensive than air source heat pumps, they’re even more efficient

4. Biomass boilers. Biomass boilers burn wood pellets and other forms of biomass to produce energy. While considered carbon neutral, they do emit some carbon dioxide

5. Solar thermal panels. Unlike regular solar panels, these turn solar energy directly into heat instead of electricity, which is stored in a water tank. They’re a supplementary device at the moment, as they can’t produce all your hot water with the inconsistent amounts of sunlight we get in the UK

When choosing a boiler, consider the size of your home, where you live, your heating needs, and your budget, as these factors can determine which replacement option makes sense in your situation.

A qualified gas boiler installer. They need to be a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Fitting boilers is a regulated activity in the UK. It is far too dangerous and illegal to be a DIY job and must always be completed safely by qualified engineer.

Heating engineers and plumbers who are on the Gas Safe register are also legally allowed to fit new gas boilers. You can refer to the Gas Safe Register website to make sure the professional you hire is able and allowed to do the work.

In terms of installation and purchase costs, electric boilers are often a cheaper alternative to gas boilers, though the ongoing costs may end up being more.

In contrast, an air source heat pump may be more expensive to purchase and install than both electric and gas boilers, but the operational costs are often lower, meaning you save over the long term.

You can also supplement your existing system with solar thermal panels, as this can produce a lot of your hot water, which would take some pressure off your boiler, leading to cost savings and a reduced carbon footprint.

Every home is different, but typically the best places to put a gas boiler are:

• Kitchen
• Utility room
• Garage
• Cellar
• Airing cupboard
• Loft
• Bathroom

It’s often easiest to put the new boiler where your old one used to be, but this isn’t always possible. Consult a gas boiler installer to find the best place to fit one in your home.

Gas combi boilers are usually cheaper to run than electric combi boilers because gas is currently cheaper than electricity.

This may change in the future, as the UK government plans to phase out gas boilers, so there may be more incentives to use electric combi boilers at some point.

There are a few ways to recognise whether your boiler is due to be serviced, including:

• You haven’t had it serviced in over a year

• Your energy bills have increased

• Your house isn’t heating up as well

• You hear unusual noises coming from the boiler

• You spot leaks

• The boiler shuts down by itself

• The boiler is old

If in doubt, contact a gas boiler servicing company to see if your boiler is overdue for some maintenance.

The main difference between oil and gas boilers is that oil boilers run off fuel that’s stored on your property in a tank.

You’ll need to set up a contract for regular oil deliveries to top up your tank depending on how much oil you use.

Our oil tank installation cost guide has lots more information on what's involved.