FAQs

Kingsbury Heating FAQs

Answers from our experienced heating specialists to frequently asked questions

The cost to run a heating system can vary depending on the type of heating system you have installed.

In a home that is heated with gas central heating, the average gas boiler consumes between 24 kW to 30 kW per hour, depending on the size and efficiency of the boiler. With boiler consumption of 27 kW at a cost of £0.11 per kWh., it will cost you £2.97 per hour to run your gas central heating.

In a home warmed with electric heaters, including radiators and underfloor heating, the average use can range from 1 kW to 3 kW per hour or more. Energy prices can vary and will in all probability increase year-on-year. In 2024, the cost of gas is around £0.10 to £0.12 per kWh. And the cost of electricity is around £0.28 to £0.35 per kWh. Considering electric heater consumption of 2 kW and a cost of £0.31 per kWh., it will cost you £0.62 per hour to run your electric heating.

If you need to heat an entire home, you will no doubt need multiple electric heaters running simultaneously, which can quickly become more expensive than using a single gas boiler to heat the whole house. The lower cost of gas per kWh makes it more cost-effective for heating large spaces or complete homes, even when considering the efficiency of electric heaters.

If you are looking for reputable heating engineers who serve Swindon and the surrounding areas, please get in touch today.

The most economical temperature for central heating is typically between 18°C to 21°C. This is how these temperatures work in terms of comfort and energy efficiency throughout your home:

  • 18°C (64°F) is best for bedrooms and unoccupied rooms, as it keeps the space warm enough to prevent dampness and cold, while saving you energy.
  • 19°C – 20°C (66°F – 68°F) is a good compromise between comfort and energy savings. It is warm enough for general living spaces, such as your living room or kitchen, without consuming too much energy.
  • 21°C (70°F) is the typical recommended temperature for occupied living areas. It is comfortable for most people and still reasonably economical.

Our central heating engineers can convert an inefficient system to one that works best for you and your family. Request a quote today.

The average boiler consumption is 27 kW, at an average cost of £0.11 per kWh. Therefore, it will cost you £2.97 per hour to run your gas central heating.

The average electric heater consumption is 2 kW at an average cost of £0.31 per kWh. Therefore, it will cost you £0.62 per hour to run your electric heating.

However, if you need to heat an entire home, you will in all probability need multiple electric heaters running simultaneously, which can quickly become more expensive than using a single gas boiler to heat the whole house. Therefore, a single gas boiler is more cost-effective for heating large spaces or complete homes then multiple heaters.

Our friendly team is always ready to offer advice and support, from the initial consultation to service plans. Request a quote today.

Leaving the heating on low all the time is generally safe, but whether it is the most energy-efficient approach depends on how well your home is insulated and your actual heating system.

Most modern central heating systems, including gas boilers, are designed to be safe for continuous operation. Using a programmable thermostat or smart controls to heat your home only when needed (e.g., during the morning and evening) is usually more efficient. The idea is to reduce heating when you are asleep or away and to have it come on just before you need warmth.

In well-insulated homes, it is more efficient to use heating only when necessary. Poorly insulated homes, however, might benefit from maintaining a low, constant temperature to avoid the house cooling down too much, which would require more energy to heat it back up.

While it is safe to leave the heating on low all the time, it is not always the most energy-efficient or cost-effective strategy. For most households, using a programmable thermostat or smart heating controls to heat the home only when needed is likely to be more efficient.

Whether you need a new boiler installed, regular servicing, or prompt repairs, please get in touch with our experienced team.

The best heating system for a house depends on the size of the property, insulation, budget and environmental concerns. Gas central heating is considered the best for most existing homes, especially those on the gas grid. Heat pumps are ideal for new builds or eco-conscious homeowners willing to invest in long-term savings. Electric heating is suitable for smaller properties and oil fuelled central heating is ideal for homes without gas access. Biomass is a good option for rural homes with space for fuel storage.

At Kingsbury Heating, we are committed to helping our customers reduce their carbon footprint. We provide energy-efficient heating solutions that not only keep your home warm, but also help you save on energy costs. Get in touch to find out more about our range of eco-friendly boilers and smart heating controls.

The cheapest heating system to run depends on the type of fuel, the efficiency of the heating system, the insulation of your home and your usage patterns. However, for most UK homes, gas central heating remains the most cost-effective option in terms of running costs. If you are considering long-term savings and environmental benefits, heat pumps can be worth the investment.

If you are looking for reputable heating engineers who serve Swindon and the surrounding areas, please get in touch today.

The most popular heating system in the UK is gas central heating. This type of system is used in the majority of homes across the country, with around 85% of UK households relying on it for their heating needs. Gas central heating is so widely used because of its cost-effectiveness, efficiency, widespread availability, rapid heating and hot water supply.

However, as we move towards reducing carbon emissions, heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular, especially in new homes and renovations.

Kingsbury Heating are reputable heating engineers who serve Swindon and the surrounding areas, please get in touch today.

The cost of installing a central heating system can vary depending on the size of your property, the type of boiler, the number of radiators required and the complexity of the installation. Here is a breakdown of approximate costs (2024):

Boiler – the cost of a new boiler can range from £600 to £2,500. Combi boilers are usually cheaper, while system or regular boilers are on the higher end of the spectrum. For example, a combi boiler can cost between £600 and £1,500 and a system or regular boiler  can cost from £800 to £2,500.

Radiators – each radiator typically costs between £100 and £300, depending on the style and size. An average home will need 5 to 10 radiators, so this could cost anywhere from £500 to £3,000.

Labour costs – the labour involved in installing a central heating system can range from £2,000 to £4,000. This will depend on how much work is required, including whether old systems need to be removed, pipes need to be installed, or the system is being upgraded.

Other costs – the cost of pipework, valves and other materials can add another £500 to £1,500 to the total.

Total estimated costs depending on the size of your house:

  • Small home (1-2 bedrooms): £3,000 – £5,000
  • Medium home (3-4 bedrooms): £4,000 – £6,500
  • Larger home (5+ bedrooms): £6,000 – £10,000+ 

If you are converting from electric heating or upgrading an outdated system, there may be additional costs involved. The prices can vary slightly depending on the region, as well as any additional services such as smart controls or underfloor heating options.

For a free, no obligation quote, please click here to Request a Quote.

No, it is not normal to smell gas when your heating is on. If you smell gas at any time, it could indicate a gas leak, which can be dangerous. The potential causes could be a gas leak, pilot light or burner issues, a faulty connection or poor ventilation.

If you smell gas in your home, please take these immediate steps:

  • Turn off the gas at the meter to stop the flow of gas.
  • Open windows and doors to allow gas to disperse.
  • Do not light matches or turn on electrical appliances, as this could ignite the gas.
  • Contact our Gas Safe registered engineers on 01793 939179 and an engineer will come out to check the boiler and repair any leaks.
  • If the smell is strong or persistent, leave the house and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.

It is always safer to act with caution with any gas smells. A properly functioning boiler should never emit a gas odour.

Smart thermostats offer several advanced features compared to traditional thermostats, allowing for greater control, convenience and energy efficiency in managing your heating system. Smart thermostat key features include:

  • Remote Control smart thermostats can be controlled from anywhere using a smartphone, tablet or computer. This allows users to adjust temperature settings while away from home, offering convenience and potential energy savings.
  • Learning and Automation – some models learn your daily routine and preferences. Temperature is then automatically adjusted based on your behaviour, reducing the need for manual adjustments.
  • Energy Usage Reports – smart thermostats provide insights into your energy usage, helping you understand when and how much energy is being used. This can help you optimise your heating and cooling to save on energy bills.
  • Geofencing – some models use geofencing technology, which tracks your smartphone’s location to determine whether you are at home or away. The temperature can then be automatically adjusted based on your proximity to your house.
  • Voice Control – many smart thermostats integrate with virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit, allowing you to adjust the temperature using voice commands.
  • Multi-Zone Control – you can control multiple heating zones in your home if you have a multi-zone system, allowing for more precise temperature management in different rooms or areas.
  • Weather-Responsive – you can adjust heating based on real-time weather data. For example, the thermostat can automatically lower the heating if it is warmer outside than expected.
  • Smart Scheduling –offers advanced scheduling options, such as creating custom heating schedules that can vary daily or weekly, optimising the heating according to your lifestyle.
  • Integration – you can integrate your smart thermostat with other smart devices in your home, such as smart lighting, security systems and even window sensors. This can create a more cohesive and automated home environment.
  • Energy Efficiency – the system often comes with eco-friendly modes, which automatically adjust the heating system to save energy when not needed, reducing overall energy consumption.
  • Alerts and Reminders – smart thermostats can send you alerts if there are any issues with your heating system or if the temperature in your home drops unexpectedly. Some thermostats can remind you when it is time to change your air filters or schedule maintenance.

The team at Kingsbury Heating can install smart thermostats that will enhance convenience, improve energy savings and offer you complete heating automation. Please contact us  for more information and a free, no obligation quote.

The cost of a smart thermostat for your heating system will typically range from between £120 and £300, depending on the brand, model and features. For example in 2024 they cost:

  • Entry-level models: £120 – £150, including Hive Active Heating, tado° Smart Thermostat (basic versions).
  • Mid-range models: £150 – £200, including Honeywell Home T6, tado° Smart Thermostat (with more features such as geofencing).
  • Premium models: £200 – £300, including Nest Learning Thermostat, Ecobee SmartThermostat (advanced features such as learning capabilities, integration with other smart home devices).

Installation costs are usually separate and can range from £50 to £150 depending on the complexity of the installation. Kingsbury Heating offer heating and gas boiler installations, including smart thermostats. Please contact us today for a free, no obligation quote.