When it comes to installing a new central heating system or replacing an old boiler, the most critical decision you’ll make is choosing the right expert for the job. Beyond cost and convenience, safety, reliability, and professionalism should be at the heart of your choice. Here’s what you need to consider starting with the most important factor.
Always Choose a Gas Safe Registered Engineer
Your first and most crucial step is ensuring that your chosen installer is fully qualified and registered on the Gas Safe Register. This isn’t just a recommendation it’s a legal requirement for anyone carrying out gas work in the UK. A Gas Safe registered engineer is trained, certified, and regularly assessed to ensure they meet the highest safety standards.
At Hewer Facilities Management, all our engineers are Gas Safe registered, giving you peace of mind that your installation is in expert hands. We proudly serve areas including Gloucester, Stroud, Cheltenham, Cotswold, Tewkesbury and surrounding areas
To verify that your installer is registered, simply visit the Gas Safe Register website:
Research Reputation and Reviews
Before you commit, give the installer a quick reputational MOT. Check independent sites such as Trustpilot and Google Business Profile for recent reviews—focus on trends over the last 12 months, not just the headline star rating. Look for detailed comments on punctuality, cleanliness, and after‑care, and note how the company responds to any negative posts. Case studies (ideally with photos and Gas Safe certificate numbers) are further proof that the firm handles jobs like yours and stands by its work.
We’re proud of the reputation we’ve built at Hewer. We hold a 4.9 / 5 Trustpilot score from 350 + verified reviews, with homeowners praising clear quotations and tidy workmanship. Have a read of the latest feedback and decide whether we meet your standards.
Book a Site Survey
After narrowing your shortlist, invite each installer to carry out a site survey—a non‑negotiable step that separates box‑shifters from true heating professionals. Expect the engineer to:
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take precise room‑by‑room heat‑loss measurements
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examine existing pipework, radiator sizes and water pressure
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discuss occupancy patterns, hot‑water demand and any future plans such as extensions or solar integration
Using these data points, the engineer will calculate your property’s required kilowatt load and advise on the optimal boiler type (combi, system or regular) plus any add‑ons like weather‑compensation controls or magnetic filters. The result is a right‑sized, energy‑efficient installation that meets both current and foreseeable household needs—saving you money on fuel and minimising wear on the appliance.
Get a Clear Written Quote
After the site survey, a detailed written quote should be provided. This will outline the work to be done, the cost, and the timeframe. If you’re happy with the quote, you’ll confirm the installation, and an installation date will be scheduled.
A straightforward boiler replacement typically takes 1 to 2 days. More complex jobs like relocating a boiler or installing a full new system can take longer, depending on the amount of pipework and infrastructure required.
Check Manufacturer Accreditations
It’s also worth checking whether the installer is accredited by major boiler manufacturers. Accredited engineers are trained directly by the manufacturer and can often offer extended warranties typically between 7 and 10 years which is a huge plus for long term peace of mind.
At Hewer Facilities Management, we are proud to be accredited installers for Worcester Bosch, Ideal, and Vaillant, three of the most trusted names in the industry. This means our engineers meet the high standards set by these manufacturers and can offer you exclusive extended warranties and expert level installation.
To verify if your chosen installer is accredited, simply visit the manufacturer’s website and check their approved list of installers. This ensures you’re choosing someone qualified and trusted to fit their products correctly and safely.
Post Installation Responsibilities
An installation isn’t complete when the flame ignites. Your engineer must carry out three admin tasks—usually within 30 days—to make the system legally compliant and warranty‑ready:
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Task |
Why it matters |
Evidence you should receive |
|---|---|---|
|
1. Notify the boiler manufacturer and activate the warranty |
Starts the parts‑and‑labour cover (often 7–10 years) and links the serial number to your address |
E‑mail/PDF warranty confirmation from the manufacturer |
|
2. Submit the job to the Gas Safe Register (Building Regs notification) |
Generates the official Compliance Certificate required if you sell or remortgage the property |
PDF or hard‑copy certificate from Gas Safe, usually emailed direct to you |
|
3. Inform local Building Control (if flue position or system alterations trigger it) |
Ensures the work is logged on the council’s building‑control database, avoiding issues during surveys |
Reference number on your local authority portal or receipt from the installer |
Tip: file these documents alongside your service log; insurers and future buyers will ask for them. Hewer Facilities Management completes all notifications on the day of installation and emails the certificates straight to you for hassle‑free record‑keeping.
Annual Servicing and Maintenance
A new boiler isn’t “fit‑and‑forget”. Most manufacturer warranties—and your home‑insurance small print—state that the appliance must be serviced every 12 months by a Gas Safe‑registered engineer. Skipping a service can void the warranty, reduce efficiency by up to 10 %, and allow minor faults (e.g. pressure drops, seal wear) to snowball into expensive repairs.
A reputable installer will log the service in your benchmark book, issue a digital Gas Safe certificate, and remind you when the next check is due. They should also offer a structured after‑care plan covering:
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annual service and flue‑gas analysis
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priority breakdown call‑outs
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parts‑and‑labour cover on key components
Hewer Facilities Management’s Failsafe Plan delivers exactly that—keeping your warranty intact, your heating bill lean, and your family safe. See what’s included at hewerfm.co.uk/failsafe‑plan.
Need help with your boiler installation or central‑heating upgrade?
Selecting a Gas Safe–registered, manufacturer‑accredited central‑heating installer eliminates guess‑work and protects both your household and your investment. While you can handle basic research—checking reviews, service areas and accreditations—the technical survey, system design and final commissioning must be left to a qualified professional. A trusted engineer will size your boiler correctly, document the work with Gas Safe and the manufacturer, and offer ongoing servicing to keep efficiency high and running costs low.
If you are uncertain about any stage—from installer checks to choosing the right boiler specification—speak to Hewer Facilities Management. Our Gas Safe team serves the South West, including Gloucester, Stroud, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and the wider Cotswolds, providing no‑obligation surveys, clear written quotations and reliable after‑care. Book your survey today and enjoy trouble‑free, efficient heating for years to come.
