Central heating engineers have a super important role to play in our homes. Not only are they responsible for keeping us warm and toasty throughout the year, but they also ensure that our central heating systems are safe.
Keep reading to find out everything to do with hiring a central heating engineer near you – from what they do to how much they charge.
Want to get started on finding the best central heating engineers near you?
We have two quick and easy ways to find the best central heating engineers near you on Checkatrade:
- Request a quote. Just tell us what you need doing and we’ll reach out to central heating engineers near you who are recommended by your neighbours. Our members will contact you directly.
- Search your postcode. Simply enter your postcode below to look through a list of the top Checkatrade central heating engineers in your area.
Your questions answered about domestic heating engineers near you
What does a central heating engineer do?
Central heating engineers specialise in everything to do with heating buildings. This can include:
- Installing boilers
- Repairing boilers
- Servicing boilers
- Fixing gas leaks
- Changing radiators
- Installing heating controls
- Running new gas pipes
- Installing ground source heat pumps
- Installing water heaters
- Fitting underfloor heating
Do plumbers deal with central heating?
As a general rule, plumbers can deal with parts of your heating system, such as the radiators and pipework. However, they can’t deal with the boiler or gas pipe. This is because plumbers don’t routinely have any Gas Safe qualifications.
That said, some plumbers are trained in boiler installation and are signed up to the Gas Safe register, in which case they will be able to deal with your central heating more thoroughly.
What is the difference between a plumber and a heating engineer?
A plumber’s job is mostly to deal with the water systems in buildings. On the other hand, a heating engineer deals specifically with a building’s heating concerns.
As such, the two have overlapping skill sets – for instance, they’ll both be able to help you change your radiators or install a towel rail. However, a plumber won’t routinely be qualified to carry out work on your boiler or gas pipe.
Some plumbers undertake training in gas safety so that they can carry out this kind of work. However, a heating engineer is a specialist in heating. So, they’ll still usually be better placed to deal with more complex issues with your heating system.
When should I call a heating engineer?
If you notice these issues with your heating system, it’s probably time to call a heating engineer:
- Radiators aren’t heating up
- Your heating isn’t reaching the right temperature
- You notice strange noises coming from your boiler
- Your heating isn’t working at all
- You think there might be a problem with your thermostat, hot water cylinders or vents
You should also call a heating engineer if you want to service your boiler. Although it’s not a legal requirement, it’s recommended that you get your boiler serviced at least once a year. This way, you can make sure it’s safe, it’s functioning properly and any warranty you have on it remains valid.
Do I need to hire electric central heating engineers near me?
Electric central heating often consists of an electric boiler that works with a ‘wet’ heating system. In other words, your boiler will function just like a gas boiler and will heat up the water in your radiators or underfloor heating – just using electricity to power it instead of gas!
If you want to install one of these systems, it can be difficult to know who can carry out the work for you – do you need a heating engineer or an electrician? The answer is often both.
A heating engineer or plumber will need to deal with plumbing connections to the boiler, the installation of your heating itself (for example, your radiators) and the hot water plumbing system. If you have an existing gas boiler that you’re looking to replace, you’ll also need a Gas Safe registered heating engineer to remove it for you and cap the gas line.
Meanwhile, you’ll need a skilled electrician to install the electrical supply circuit, wire your new electric boiler in and get it up and running.
That said, if you hire a specialist heating engineer for the work, they’ll usually be able to sort out both the electrical and plumbing aspects of the job themselves – especially if they’re a larger company that employs both heating engineers and electricians. If not, they’ll usually be able to recommend an electrician for you, although don’t forget you can always rely on Checkatrade to find a skilled tradesperson for the job!
Why hire local gas central heating engineers?
Hiring a local gas central heating engineer is absolutely crucial if you have issues with your boiler or you want to install a new one. This is because only Gas Safe registered professionals are legally able to work with gas fittings and appliances.
So, this is one aspect of your home that you certainly can’t try your hand at with a spot of DIY!
Aside from that, here are some more ways that hiring a local gas central heating engineer will benefit you:
Save time and money. Your central heating engineer will be able to carry out any installations or fixes quickly and effectively, preventing you from having to fork out on pricey repair costs any time soon.
Expertise. A central heating engineer near you will be able to advise you on everything to do with heating your home – whether that’s ways to lower your energy bills or recommendations for what kind of heating system would best suit your home.
Safety. A Gas Safe registered heating engineer will be able to ensure that your central heating system is safe and in good working order – giving you peace of mind that money simply can’t buy!
Why hire central heating service engineers near me?
Umming and ahhing about getting your boiler serviced? While skipping a boiler service might be tempting initially, it could end up costing you significantly in the long run. Here are some of the main benefits of getting your boiler serviced annually:
Lower your energy bills. A boiler service will check that your boiler is working as efficiently as possible, helping you to lower your energy usage.
Avoid costly repairs. During a boiler service, a heating engineer will be able to spot and repair any small issues with your boiler before they become more costly issues in the future.
Validate your warranty. Many boiler warranties are only valid if you service your boiler annually. Having a valid warranty could save you a lot of money if your boiler breaks down in the future!
Stay safe. Most importantly, a service is an opportunity for your boiler engineer to make sure there are no leaks and that you’re safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. This can prevent accidents from occurring.
How much do gas central heating engineers near me cost?
The cost of hiring gas central heating engineers near you will vary depending on a number of factors. However, a gas engineer will typically charge an average hourly rate of £55 + repairs & parts.
In terms of how much you can expect to pay for your project, here are some ballpark average prices to keep in mind.
- Gas central heating installation: £5,250
- New boiler installation: £1,250 - £4,000 + VAT
- Boiler repair: £300
- Gas boiler service: £100
How much do emergency central heating engineers near me cost?
Many central heating engineers offer emergency repair services. This enables you to call them out at short notice if you’re unexpectedly left without heating.
Unfortunately, you’ll usually end up paying more for an emergency repair than you would otherwise for the same job. The average emergency boiler repair cost is £410, plus the cost of parts.
How do I find reputable central heating engineers in my area?
Ready to find a reputable central heating engineer in your area? Here are our top tips:
Ensure they’re Gas Registered. Central heating engineers must be Gas Safe registered. Only consider engineers for your job who can prove that they are on the Gas Safe register.
Check reviews. Read what other homeowners have to say about a central heating engineer before you hire them for the job. Take note of comments about their professionalism as well as the standard of their work.
Compare quotes. We’d always recommend getting 3 quotes from different Gas Safe registered central heating engineers near you. That way, you can make sure you’re getting the best person and the best price to complete your job.
Check public liability insurance. Any reputable central heating engineers should have public liability insurance to protect themselves from any claims against them.
Verify when they take payment. Your central heating engineer shouldn’t ask for full payment upfront. Instead, at least part of the payment should be reserved for after the job is complete.
Use Checkatrade! Approved Checkatrade members have to pass up to 12 checks and are regularly reviewed by homeowners on things like punctuality, cleanliness, professionalism and more. So, you know you’re hiring someone you can trust.