Central Heating in Thatcham (35)

A new central heating system typically costs £4,000 - £6,000 for a 3-bed house in Thatcham, including boiler, pipework, radiators and labour.

For a smaller 2-bed house, expect £3,000 - £4,500.

• Mains gas costs ~7p per kWh (£945 per year on average).

• Electric heating costs ~27p per kWh (£3,645 per year on average).

Actual costs vary depending on your tariff and insulation.

Between £300 and £700, depending on system size and location. Flushing removes sludge build-up and can improve system efficiency.

It involves switching off your boiler, isolating the water supply, releasing pressure and emptying the system via a drain valve. It’s often best done by a heating engineer.

Yes, for any gas work. Always check their ID or search the Gas Safe Register. Read our guide to finding a gas safe engineer here.

Installation costs may be lower, but electric systems cost more to run. It’s worth comparing long-term efficiency and your energy tariff.

Yes. Our engineers can provide guidance on radiator types and placements. Top-rated efficient radiators include models from Stelrad, Myson and Quinn.

It usually takes 2 to 5 days to install a full central heating system, depending on the size of your property and the complexity of the job. A 2 bed flat might take 2 days, while a 4 bed house could take up to a week.

No, in most cases you won’t need planning permission. But if you live in a listed building or conservation area, it’s best to check with your local council first.

A power flush uses high pressure water and chemicals to clear sludge and rust from your heating system. A chemical flush is gentler, using cleaning chemicals only. Power flushes are more effective for heavily blocked systems.

Yes, central heating can be installed in older or period properties. An engineer will assess your home’s layout, insulation and pipework to design a system that works efficiently and safely.

Yes. Modern systems are far more efficient, which can reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint. Plus, newer boilers and controls are easier to maintain and often come with better warranties.

It’s a good idea to service your central heating once a year. An annual service keeps your system safe, efficient, and helps spot small issues before they turn into bigger, pricier problems.

Yes. A heating engineer can reposition radiators to improve heat distribution or free up wall space. It’s usually done during an upgrade or installation to minimise disruption.

For flats or smaller houses, an electric or combi boiler system is often the most efficient choice. They take up less space and can provide heating and hot water on demand without the need for a large tank.

There are a few tell-tale signs:

• Cold spots on your radiators (especially at the bottom)
• Radiators taking longer than usual to heat up
• Noisy boiler or gurgling pipes
• Discoloured water when you bleed a radiator
• Heating system breaking down more often than usual

If you notice these issues, it’s worth getting a heating engineer to check whether a chemical flush or power flush is needed.