FAQ's
At Kingsbury Climate Solutions, we install and maintain a wide range of boiler systems tailored to your home and heating needs. These are the main types of boilers available:
Combi Boilers
A combi boiler is a compact, all-in-one unit that provides both heating and hot water directly from the mains, without the need for a separate cylinder or tank.
Best for: Smaller homes or flats with limited space and lower hot water demand.
Benefits: Space-saving, energy-efficient, and provides hot water on demand.
System Boilers
A system boiler uses a separate hot water cylinder (usually in an airing cupboard) but no cold water tank. It takes water directly from the mains and is ideal for homes with higher hot water demand.
Best for: Medium to large homes with more than one bathroom.
Benefits: Constant water pressure, ideal for multiple taps or showers running at the same time.
Regular Boilers (Conventional or Heat Only)
Also known as conventional boilers, these require both a hot water cylinder and a cold water storage tank (often in the loft). They are typically found in older heating systems.
Best for: Larger homes with traditional heating systems already in place.
Benefits: Compatible with older pipework and systems, and good for homes with high hot water usage.
Which boiler is right for me?
The right choice depends on your home size, number of bathrooms, water pressure, and current heating setup. Please get in touch for a free estimate and expert advice to help you choose the most efficient boiler for your property.
At Kingsbury Climate Solutions, we recommend setting your central heating between 18°C and 21°C for the best mix of comfort and energy efficiency:
- 18°C works well for bedrooms or less-used spaces. It is warm enough to prevent damp and cold, yet keeps energy use low.
- 19°C to 20°C strikes a balance between comfort and efficiency in rooms where you spend more time, such as kitchens or living areas.
- 21°C is generally considered a comfortable temperature for regularly occupied living spaces and is still relatively economical.
Adjusting the temperature based on room usage can help reduce your overall energy consumption without compromising comfort.
Contact the team at Kingsbury Climate Solutions for a free, no obligation estimate to start your journey towards a cosier home.
The cost to run a heating system varies depending on the type of system installed and how efficiently it operates.
Gas Boilers – in a typical UK home heated with gas central heating, the boiler consumes between 24 kW to 30 kW per hour, depending on its size and efficiency. Assuming an average gas boiler output of 27 kW and a gas cost of £0.11 per kWh, it would cost approximately £2.97 per hour to run. Gas remains cheaper per unit than electricity, which helps make it relatively cost-effective for whole-house heating, especially in homes with good insulation and modern controls.
Heat Pumps – heat pumps, such as air to water or air to air systems, are far more energy-efficient than traditional electric or gas heating systems. They typically operate with a Coefficient of Performance (COP) between 3 and 4, meaning they generate 3 to 4 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity used. If a heat pump uses 3 kW of electricity to produce 9 kW of heat, and electricity costs £0.31 per kWh, then the hourly cost would be around £0.93, providing a similar amount of heat output as a boiler, but with lower running costs.
Although electricity is more expensive per unit, the high efficiency of heat pumps often means lower running costs compared to gas boilers, particularly in well-insulated homes or those using low-temperature heating systems like underfloor heating.
It is worth noting that energy prices fluctuate and will likely increase over time, so long-term running costs should always be considered alongside installation costs and available government grants.
Contact the team at Kingsbury Climate Solutions for a free, no obligation estimate to start your journey towards a warmer home.
For most households, gas central heating is more cost-effective than relying on multiple electric heaters. A typical gas boiler fitted by Kingsbury Climate Solutions uses around 27 kW per hour, and with gas priced at around £0.11 per kWh, that is about £2.97 per hour to run.
A single electric heater using 2 kW would cost around £0.62 per hour based on current electricity rates. However, to heat an entire home, you would likely need several electric heaters running simultaneously, making it far more expensive overall than a single high-efficiency gas boiler system.
Contact the team at Kingsbury Climate Solutions for a free, no obligation estimate to start your journey towards a warmer home.
Yes, modern heating systems, including those installed by Kingsbury Climate Solutions, are built to operate safely, even if running for extended periods. That said, leaving the heating on low all day is not always the most energy-efficient option.
Using programmable thermostats or smart controls to heat your home only when needed, such as early morning and evening, is often more efficient, especially in well-insulated homes. In homes with poor insulation, maintaining a low background temperature may help avoid the extra energy required to reheat a cold house.
Please get in touch with our team, who can advise on the best approach for your property.
- Gas central heating remains a reliable, cost-effective choice for homes connected to the gas grid.
- Heat pumps are perfect for homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint and benefit from long-term energy savings. They provide both heating and cooling, making them a year-round solution.
- Electric systems may suit smaller homes or flats where installation space is limited.
- Air to air or air to water heat pumps, for off-grid homes, these are an excellent alternative to oil boilers
The majority of homes in the UK still rely on gas central heating, and it remains one of the most accessible and affordable options. Kingsbury Climate Solutions continues to install, maintain and upgrade gas heating systems throughout the South West of England.
However, as the UK transitions towards lower-carbon heating, heat pumps are growing in popularity, especially in new builds and renovation projects. Our qualified team installs both air to water and air to air heat pumps, offering eco-friendly alternatives that meet modern efficiency standards while keeping your home comfortable all year round.
For most homes on the gas network, gas central heating continues to be the cheapest to run day to day. The cost of gas is still significantly lower per kWh than electricity, which makes gas boilers a cost-effective solution, especially when properly sized and maintained.
However, heat pumps are extremely efficient and can reduce long-term energy use by delivering up to four times more heat per unit of electricity used. Over time, a well-installed heat pump system from Kingsbury Climate Solutions can offer excellent savings, particularly in homes with good insulation and smart controls.
- Air source heat pumps – extract heat from the outside air.
- Air to air or air to water heat pumps – how the heat pump distributes heat inside the building.
- Ground source heat pumps – extract heat from the ground using buried pipes.
- Water source heat pumps – extract heat from a water source, such as a lake or river.
Heat pumps work by transferring heat from one location to another using a refrigeration cycle. Unlike traditional heating systems that generate heat, heat pumps move existing heat from the air, ground, or water to where it is needed, making them highly energy-efficient.
In heating mode, the process begins with the refrigerant in the evaporator absorbing heat from the outside environment, even in cold temperatures. The refrigerant is then compressed to increase its temperature, the heated refrigerant transfers heat to the indoor space via the condenser, and the refrigerant cools and returns to the evaporator to absorb more heat, repeating the cycle.
In cooling mode, heat pumps operate by absorbing heat from the indoor space through the refrigerant in the evaporator. This compresses the refrigerant to increase its temperature, releasing the absorbed heat outdoors via the condenser, and then cooling the refrigerant to restart the process.
Heat pumps are so efficient because they use electricity primarily to move heat, not to generate it. For every unit of electricity used, a heat pump can deliver 3 to 5 units of heating or cooling, depending on its efficiency and operating conditions.
By efficiently utilising renewable heat sources, heat pumps are an essential part of modern energy solutions, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions. Contact the team at Kingsbury Climate Solutions for a free, no obligation estimate and start your journey towards a more eco-friendly home.
- Air source heat pumps – extract heat from the outside air and distribute it via air (air-to-air) or water-based systems (air-to-water).
- Ground source heat pumps – use buried pipes to draw heat from the ground, offering stable efficiency all year round.
- Water source heat pumps – extract heat from nearby water sources, such as lakes or rivers.
- Hybrid heat pumps – combine a heat pump with a boiler for optimal efficiency in varying conditions.
- Solar-assisted heat pumps – use solar energy to boost heating efficiency.
- Exhaust air heat pumps – recycle heat from a building’s exhaust air for heating or hot water.
Modern heat pumps are designed to operate quietly. Outdoor units typically emit sound levels similar to a refrigerator or a standard air conditioning unit, ranging between 40–60 decibels. Noise levels depend on the model, installation location and operating conditions.
For added peace of mind, many heat pumps include “quiet modes” or noise-reducing features, and proper installation can minimise sound. At Kingsbury Climate Solutions, we can prioritise low-noise solutions to ensure your comfort. Contact the team today for a free, no obligation estimate.
- Air to air heat pumps – these systems extract heat from the outside air and transfer it directly to the indoor air via an air handling unit. They are typically used for heating and cooling spaces, making them ideal for homes where air circulation is key. These pumps are efficient, cost-effective and easy to install for all year round climate control.
- Air to water heat pumps – these systems extract heat from the outside air and transfer it to water, which is then used to heat radiators, underfloor heating, or hot water systems. They are ideal for homes with a wet heating system (such as underfloor heating) or for domestic hot water needs.
- Air to air heat pumps provide heating or cooling through air, while air-to-water heat pumps use water for heating.
- Air to air heat pumps are suited for air-based systems, and air-to-water heat pumps are ideal for hydronic (water-based) systems.
- Air to air systems are generally for space heating and cooling, while air-to-water systems provide both space heating and hot water.
- Air to air heat pumps – these systems provide both heating and cooling by transferring heat between indoors and outdoors. They are energy-efficient and can be used all year round to maintain comfortable temperatures, making them an excellent alternative to traditional air conditioners for both heating and cooling.
- Split systems – these are common residential systems, with an indoor unit (evaporator) and an outdoor unit (condenser) connected by refrigerant pipes. They are efficient and easy to install.
- Multi-split systems – similar to split systems, but with one outdoor unit connected to multiple indoor units, allowing for zoned cooling in different rooms.
- Window units – compact and installed in a window, these are ideal for cooling small spaces. They are self-contained, with both the evaporator and condenser in one unit.
- Portable air conditioners – freestanding units that can be moved between rooms, ideal for temporary cooling in smaller spaces. They require venting through a window.
- Ducted systems – used for larger properties, these systems circulate cool air through ducts to multiple rooms. They offer central control and can be used for both cooling and heating.
- Inverter Systems – these systems use variable speed compressors to adjust cooling output based on demand, offering energy-efficiency and more consistent temperature control.
Choosing the right size of air conditioning system is crucial for efficient cooling and comfort. If the unit is too small, it will struggle to cool the space, while a unit that is too large can waste energy and cause temperature fluctuations. To determine the correct size, consider the following:
- Room size – the larger the room, the more cooling power is required. Measure the room’s square footage (length x width) to estimate the cooling capacity needed.
- Insulation – well-insulated rooms retain cool air more effectively, meaning a smaller unit may be sufficient. Poorly insulated spaces may require a more powerful unit.
- Sunlight exposure – rooms that receive direct sunlight may need a higher capacity unit to compensate for additional heat.
- Occupancy and equipment – more people and electronic devices (such as computers or TVs) in the room will generate extra heat, requiring a larger unit.
- Home layout – open plan spaces may need additional cooling power to ensure even distribution of cool air.
Our heat pump solutions provide both cooling and heating. We can assess your home and recommend the ideal air-to-air heat pump unit to ensure optimal performance and energy- efficiency. Contact our team at Kingsbury Climate Solutions for a free, no obligation estimate to start your journey towards an eco-friendly solution.
- Air to air heat pumps – these systems extract heat from the outside air and transfer it directly to the indoor air via an air handling unit. They are typically used for heating and cooling spaces, making them ideal for homes where air circulation is key. These pumps are efficient, cost-effective and easy to install for all year round climate control.
- Air to water heat pumps – these systems extract heat from the outside air and transfer it to water, which is then used to heat radiators, underfloor heating, or hot water systems. They are ideal for homes with a wet heating system (such as underfloor heating) or for domestic hot water needs.
- Air to air heat pumps provide heating or cooling through air, while air-to-water heat pumps use water for heating.
- Air to air heat pumps are suited for air-based systems, and air-to-water heat pumps are ideal for hydronic (water-based) systems.
- Air to air systems are generally for space heating and cooling, while air-to-water systems provide both space heating and hot water.
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