At Hewer FM, we know heating and plumbing considerations don’t always get the attention they deserve—until something goes wrong. But with rising energy bills, colder winters, and the particular issues found in Gloucestershire properties, these systems play a much bigger role than most people realise.
With over five decades of experience working in homes across Gloucester, Cheltenham, and surrounding areas, we’ve seen it all. From Cotswold stone cottages to new builds on the outskirts, we’ve helped homeowners solve common problems, boost energy efficiency, and plan smarter upgrades. This guide brings together the most important things we think you should know.
Here are five quick home heating tips:
- Choose the right system for your home (gas, heat pump, hybrid) based on location and build
- Schedule annual servicing to maintain safety and efficiency
- Insulate pipes and assess water pressure—especially in older properties
- Consider eco-upgrades like solar thermal or air-source heat pumps
- Always use accredited, local professionals to ensure compliance and peace of mind
Heating Systems Overview
If you’ve lived in Gloucestershire for a while, you’ll know—no two homes are the same. A converted barn in the Cotswolds doesn’t heat the way a 1930s semi in Gloucester does. That’s the thing about heating systems: what works down one street might not make sense two villages over. That’s partly why choosing the right setup matters so much.
Most households in the area still run on mains gas. It’s been the go-to for decades, and for good reason—efficient enough, relatively cheap, and straightforward to maintain. Nationally, it’s about 74% of homes using it, and that tracks pretty closely here too. But in the South-West, there’s a big chunk—nearly a quarter—that aren’t on the gas grid at all. Those homes often rely on oil tanks, old-school electric heaters, or systems that have seen better days.
So what are your choices? Well, if you’re on the grid and your boiler’s pushing 15 years old, a new condensing gas boiler is still a solid move. These newer models waste a lot less heat and play nicely with smart controls. Off the grid? You’re looking at electric heating, which is simple to run but not exactly gentle on your wallet. Or—if you’re planning long-term—there are heat pumps. Air-source models are popping up more and more around Gloucestershire. They pull warmth from the outside air and are far more efficient than they used to be.
A lot of people are going halfway now. Hybrid systems—where you pair a heat pump with a boiler—give you flexibility. It’s a clever setup, especially if you’ve got an older property that needs a bit more muscle in the winter.
Plumbing Basics
Plumbing’s one of those things you barely notice—until it stops working. A sudden pressure drop, mystery drip, or a frozen pipe in January can quickly turn into a costly repair. In Gloucestershire, especially in older houses, plumbing issues are pretty common. A lot of homes around the Cotswolds still have original copper or even lead pipework. These age poorly over time and can clog or corrode, especially with inconsistent pressure.
Then there’s the water itself. This region’s known for being a hard water area. That means more minerals in the supply—and more limescale in your pipes, taps, and appliances. It builds slowly but can do real damage if left unchecked.
Insulating pipes, especially in lofts or outside walls, is an easy win. It helps prevent freezing in winter and reduces the risk of burst pipes. Also, make sure you know where your stopcock is—and that it turns. When things go wrong, being able to shut off the water quickly can save your home from serious damage.
Efficiency & Cost-Saving Tips
Let’s be honest—most people don’t think much about their heating setup until the bills start climbing or something breaks. But with prices doing what they did in late 2022, suddenly everyone started paying closer attention. If your home hasn’t had a heating upgrade in a while, chances are you’re using more energy—and money—than you need to.
A good place to start? The boiler. If yours is getting on in years, switching to a condensing model could make a real difference. They don’t waste as much heat, so you’re getting more out of every unit of gas. Add a smart thermostat into the mix and you can fine-tune things without even thinking about it. Heat on when you need it, off when you don’t.
Insulation might not be flashy, but it works. Sealing up draughts, topping up loft insulation, even something simple like thick curtains or a door snake—it all adds up. You hold onto more heat, so the boiler doesn’t work as hard.
And then there’s your boiler service. Once a year, get someone in. Clean it, check it, make sure there are no issues developing. It’s quick, not too expensive, and could stop a breakdown just when the frost rolls in. Plumbing safety checks pay for themselves over time.
Safety and Compliance
Heating systems aren’t just about comfort—they’re about safety. A neglected boiler or faulty install can put your household at real risk. That’s why, in the UK, all gas work must be carried out by Gas Safe registered engineers. It’s not optional—it’s the law.
Carbon monoxide leaks, for example, can happen quietly and without warning. A simple CO alarm near your boiler is a smart, inexpensive safeguard. If you have a hot water tank, make sure it’s kept at 60°C or higher—that helps prevent the growth of legionella, a dangerous bacteria that thrives in lukewarm water.
Here’s a quick checklist to stay on top of safety:
- Use Gas Safe engineers only
- Install and test CO alarms
- Book a boiler service annually
- Keep hot water above 60°C
- Know where your boiler and stop tap are
Hewer FM’s team is fully certified and brings decades of hands-on experience across Gloucestershire homes. You can rest assured that any work we carry out will be conducted safely and in line with current regulations.
Eco-Friendly Upgrades
More and more Gloucestershire homeowners are starting to look beyond traditional gas boilers—not just for cost reasons, but because the long-term benefits of greener systems are starting to make real sense. With energy bills still running high and government incentives on the table, switching to a lower-carbon setup isn’t as out of reach as it used to be.
Air source heat pumps are one of the best heating options. They don’t generate heat the way a boiler does—instead, they extract it from the outside air, even in cold weather. It sounds futuristic, but the tech’s been around for years and is now far more reliable and efficient. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme currently offers up to £7,500 toward installing one, which takes a decent chunk off the upfront cost.
Pairing that with solar thermal panels—which heat your water using sunlight—can push the savings even further. One homeowner near Stroud installed both last year. After 12 months, their gas use had dropped by close to 30%.
It’s not the right setup for everyone, but when it fits your home, the difference is noticeable—in bills, comfort, and carbon footprint.
Local Expertise in Gloucestershire
When it comes to heating and plumbing, who you hire matters just as much as what you install. It’s not just about ticking boxes—it’s about trust. That’s one reason homeowners across Gloucestershire keep turning to Hewer FM. With over 50 years of hands-on experience in the region, we’ve worked on everything from listed cottages in the Cotswolds to modern new-builds on the edge of Gloucester.
What sets us apart? Everything stays in-house. From the design stage to installation and long-term maintenance, it’s all handled by our own team. That means better communication, fewer delays, and no disappearing subcontractors. And because we’re local, we know the quirks of Gloucestershire homes—the water pressure issues, the stone walls, the icy lofts in February.
Take a recent job in Cheltenham. The homeowner was dealing with poor hot water pressure and an old, inefficient boiler. We recommended a hybrid setup and upgraded the pipework. The result? Lower bills, better flow, and a system built to last.
As an ISO 9001-accredited company, with engineers certified by Gas Safe, MCS, HETAS, and NICEIC, we’re proud to deliver trusted work that’s safe, compliant, and built for the long term.
Conclusion
Heating and plumbing might not be the flashiest part of homeownership—but they’re some of the most important. From efficiency and safety to comfort and cost, the right decisions now can save you a lot of trouble later. Whether it’s upgrading to an energy efficient boiler, exploring heat pumps, or just keeping things running smoothly, the key is knowing when to act—and who to trust.
With over five decades serving Gloucestershire homes, Hewer FM offers the experience, certifications, and local know-how to help you get it right.
- Troubleshoot common heating issues yourself
- Explore our heating & plumbing services
- Learn about the Failsafe Plan
