FAQs

What is a condensing boiler?

A condensing boiler increases energy efficiency by recovering hot gases that are normally expelled through the flue and using them to heat water. This allows a condensing boiler to convert more than 90% of the fuel it uses into heat, saving you money and reducing your carbon footprint.

What is a combi boiler?

A combination or ʻcombiʼ boiler serves as both a central heating boiler and a hot water heater. They provide hot water on demand, removing the need for a water tank and making them a compact, space-saving option. This can make them a more efficient option but the lack of a stored hot water supply does also mean that a combination boiler can struggle when multiple occupants require hot water simultaneously.

What is a conventional boiler?

A conventional boiler is linked to a series of water tanks that feed the boiler and radiators.  Storing hot water is key to this system so, unlike a combi boiler, a plentiful supply of hot water is always available. The downside is they require space in the loft and airing cupboard for the water tanks.

What is a system boiler?

Like a conventional boiler, a system boiler uses stored hot water. However, because the water is pumped from the boiler straight to the radiators and hot water tank, it’s a faster, more economical system.  System boilers are quicker and easier to install than conventional boilers because many of the components are built-in, yet they are just as capable when it comes to handling high hot water demand.

What is solar thermal heating?

Solar thermal panels absorb heat from the sun and use it to heat hot water for your home. Providing the system has been sized appropriately, solar thermal heating can provide 50-70% of your home’s hot water needs. The panels are also compatible with conventional or system boilers and can be used to minimise the strain on these systems throughout the year, extending their lifespan.

Why do I need to get my boiler serviced?

A boiler should be serviced every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer to make sure that it is operating safely and efficiently.  Faulty boilers can be dangerous and can develop issues such as carbon monoxide leaks that put you and your family at risk. Rather than being an unnecessary expense, regularly servicing your boiler can save you money and provide peace of mind by catching any issues before they develop into serious problems.

How long will it take to service my boiler?

A gas boiler service will normally be carried out within an hour, depending on the age of your boiler and the amount of time that has passed since the last service.

My boiler is very old, can you still service it?

We can service any boiler. However, as boilers become less efficient and more expensive to repair as they age, it can often be a good idea to consider upgrading to a new boiler. If this is an option that you’d like to consider following your boiler service, your engineer will be able to provide you with an estimate of the costs involved.

What are the benefits of changing my boiler?

Over time, older gas boilers become less efficient and can struggle to heat effectively. This means that switching to a new boiler can make a big difference to your property:
The increased energy efficiency of a new boiler means that you can expect to save money on your energy bills.
New boilers often take less time to heat up and are able to reach hotter temperatures.
You’ll be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty that will save you money if any issues arise.
New boilers are more reliable and, in some cases, are actively designed to resist breakdowns by using fewer parts. This means that there is less that can go wrong in the first place.
You can choose options such as smart controls that give you greater control over your central heating.

How long does a boiler installation take?

Installation time varies between different boiler models.  However, it will normally take at least a day.

Which boiler brands do you install?

We can recommend and install boilers from a wide range of manufacturers to suit different needs and budgets, including Worcester Bosch, Navien, Vaillant, Baxi Potterton, Glow-worm, Viessmann, ATAG, and Intergas. We are accredited Worcester Bosch Platinum Installers, Navien Approved Installers and Vaillant Approved Installers.

Should I install a magnetic filter on my system?

At LHPS we fit magnetic filters as part of the process of any new boiler install.  It’s always a good idea to fit these within your central heating system so that any dirt, debris or sludge can be caught before it damages your boiler.

Will my new boiler come with a warranty?

Yes. All new boilers come with warranties, though these will vary in length depending on the model. Top of the range boilers with more features tend to have longer warranties. We will discuss the length and coverage of your warranty with you before installing your new boiler.

How long will it take to install a central heating system?

Installation time will vary depending on the type of central heating system and the size of the property. For a three-bedroom house, the installation process can take between two and five days. Our experienced engineers will schedule work carefully to minimise the time you spend without your heating and hot water.

Will I need to move out of my property to have central heating installed?

There is absolutely no need for you to move out of your home while we install your new central heating system. We always make sure that the installation process inconveniences you as little as possible and we will minimise the time you spend without heating and hot water.

Can you maintain my new central heating system?

Absolutely. We’re able to service and maintain new or existing central heating systems. Following the installation of your central heating system, your engineer will be able to discuss an appropriate maintenance schedule with you, if requested.

Can you just supply a radiator or a new boiler?

Absolutely – no job is too big or small for us.

Will I need to redecorate after you have finished?

No, we will always make good on any areas that have been impacted by our work. If we expect that this will be the case for your project, we’ll discuss the work with you during the quotation process and then we’ll take care of everything before we finish your job.

How many of your engineers will it take to complete my project?

This will depend on the size of the job. However, we will usually send two of our engineers to your home.

Why are some of my radiators hotter than others?

If there are noticeable temperature differences between the radiators in your home, it could mean that your heating system is unbalanced.  To fix this, you will need to restrict the flow of hot water to the warmer radiators by turning the valve at the bottom.  This will allow a greater flow of hot water to the other, colder radiators.  You may need to adjust this several times to fix the problem.  If this doesn’t work and you find that you still have a problem, there could be a fault with one of the valves or the pump.

Why is one of my radiators not heating the room properly?

It could be that it is not working properly. However, it might also be that the radiator is too small for the space it needs to heat.

Can I turn the radiators off in rooms that we don’t use?

We wouldn’t recommend turning radiators off completely as it can cause condensation. However, to save energy and money, you can turn the temperature down to a lower setting.

What is a powerflush and why should I get one?

A powerflush removes the build-up of debris and sludge from your central heating system by pumping a chemical solution through your radiators and pipework.  This will make the system run more efficiently and can result in lower energy bills, hotter water and radiators, and less noise.  It can also help to extend the life of your central heating system.

Do you offer a warranty on the work carried out?

Yes. We offer a 12-month guarantee on the quality of our work and, for projects where we supply the parts, we also honour any manufacturer’s guarantees. During the quotation process we will outline the details of any warranties that your project qualifies for.

Do you charge an initial call out fee?

Our call out fee includes the first hour’s labour for any work that we carry out.
To avoid charging customers unnecessarily, we will only send someone out to you once we’re sure that they’ll be able to start working on the problem. If we know that we’ll need to order parts in, we will always make this clear over the phone; we’ll never visit your home just to tell you that work can’t begin. We are also happy to offer free quotations.

Are you fully insured?

Yes, we are fully covered by public and employer’s liability insurance policies.

How do I turn the water off in my home?

In most properties the stopcock that turns off the water supply can be found under the kitchen sink.  However, in some properties it might be found in the hall or in a cupboard instead.  If you live in a block of flats, you may find that the stopcock is located in a communal area like the basement rather than in your property.
You should make sure you know where your stopcock is located so that you don’t need to search for it in an emergency. Shutting off the water supply quickly will minimise any damage to your home.  Once you’ve located the stopcock, twist the tap or lever clockwise to shut off the water supply.

What should I do if I have a burst pipe?

A burst pipe is classed as a water emergency – it can cause serious damage to your home’s structure and electrical wiring.  The following steps describe what you can do to help as soon as you discover you have a burst pipe:
Turn off your water supply using your stopcock – these are usually found under the kitchen sink or at the point where the service pipe enters your home.
Drain the cold water from your system by turning on all your cold taps.
Turn off your central heating system and any other water heating systems such as immersion heaters. Then turn on all the hot taps to drain any hot water from your system.
If water leaks near any of your electrical appliances, switch off your electricity supply at the mains immediately.
Then, call us on 020 8664 9099 and we’ll come out to repair any damage.

How can I prevent frozen pipes?

Frozen pipes can be a huge headache – there’s nothing worse than returning home to find you have no water or heating or, even worse, that your pipes have burst.  Luckily, there are a couple of preventative steps you can take to stop these issues from occurring.
Firstly, it’s important to make sure that your pipes and any water tanks are insulated, particularly those that are in colder areas like the loft or basement. This will make them less prone to freezing and it can also save you money by preventing them from losing heat to their surroundings. It’s also important to make sure that you leave your heating on low when you go away. This makes sure that there is always hot water circulating through your pipework.

What should I do if I have frozen pipes?

If your pipes are frozen and you can access the affected area, there are several things you can do.  First, turn off the water supply to your property.  Then, wrap the pipes in towels that have been soaked in hot water or apply a hot water bottle, starting at the end nearest the tap.  You can also use a hairdryer at its lowest setting.  Don’t use a blowtorch as this can damage the pipes.