Heating guides
Straight answers, written by Jago Pascoe.
How long boilers last, combi or system, oil or heat pump, and what to do if you smell gas. Checked by our engineers, written for homeowners.
Combi vs system vs regular boiler: which one suits your home?
The right boiler type comes down to how much hot water you use at once and what your home already has. Here is how to work it out.
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Do you need planning permission for a heat pump?
Usually not, but the conditions matter, and listed buildings and conservation areas change the picture. Here are the current rules for England, checked against the Planning Portal.
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Heating a listed or period home: Bath stone, cob and granite
Old buildings can be warm and comfortable, but the heating has to work with the walls, not against them, and the paperwork has to be right. Here is what owners in the South West need to know.
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How long does a boiler last?
Most boilers give 10 to 15 years of service. Here is what decides where yours lands in that range, and how to tell when it is time to stop paying for repairs.
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How often should a boiler be serviced?
Once a year. Here is why that interval matters, where the law comes in for landlords, and what you should expect the engineer to actually do.
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LPG vs oil boiler: which is better for an off-grid home?
Oil is usually the cheaper fuel to buy and lets you shop around, while LPG wins on flexibility, cleanliness and where the tank can go. Here is how to weigh them up.
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Oil boiler vs heat pump: which is right for an off-grid South West home?
If your oil boiler is near the end, you have a real choice for the first time. Here is an honest comparison for rural homes, from granite cottages to farmhouses.
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What size boiler do I need?
Boiler size is measured in kilowatts (kW), and bigger is not better. Here is how to get a ballpark figure, and why a proper heat loss check beats any rule of thumb.
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What to do if you smell gas
If you smell gas, act straight away: call 0800 111 999, get air in, turn the gas off at the meter if it is safe, and avoid anything that could make a spark. The full steps are below.
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Worcester Bosch vs Vaillant: how to choose between them
Both are reliable, well-supported brands, and either can be the right choice. Here is how their combi ranges compare, and the questions that matter more than the logo.
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Tell us about your home and we will give you honest advice and a fixed quote.