Let’s be honest—most of us don’t think about heating engineers until something goes wrong. A noisy boiler, patchy radiators, or a system that just won’t kick in can cause real headaches. But when that happens, who should you call: a plumber or a heating engineer?
Across Gloucestershire, from Gloucester to Tewkesbury, Hewer FM has helped thousands of homeowners get their heating back on track. And time after time, we find that people aren’t quite sure what heating engineers actually do or how they differ from plumbers.
This guide will set the record straight. Whether you’re booking a boiler service or planning a full system upgrade, we’ll explain exactly what heating engineers do, why their qualifications matter, and when to call one instead of a plumber. If you’ve ever Googled ‘What does a heating engineer do?’, you’re in the right place.
Definition of a Heating Engineer
A heating engineer is a qualified professional who focuses exclusively on heating systems. That includes boilers, radiators, hot water cylinders, underfloor heating, and even the latest in smart home heating controls and heat pumps.
To legally work on gas appliances in the UK, heating engineers must be on the Gas Safe Register. All of Hewer FM’s heating engineers meet this requirement. Many are also MCS-certified for renewable technologies and NICEIC-approved to work with electrical heating controls.
Unlike general plumbers, heating engineers are specialists. They don’t just install and fix heating systems—they make sure those systems run efficiently and safely.
Key Responsibilities
Heating engineers do more than just fix boilers. Here’s a look at the day-to-day services they provide at Hewer FM:
- Boiler Installation – Replacing old boilers with energy-efficient models tailored to your home.
- Boiler Servicing – Annual checks and cleaning to maintain safety and performance.
- Heating Repairs – Diagnosing and fixing faults in boilers, pumps, radiators, and thermostats.
- Powerflushing – Removing sludge and debris from pipework to improve system efficiency.
- Smart Control Fitting – Installing intelligent heating controls for zoned or remote heating management.
- System Design – Planning heating layouts for new builds or retrofits, balancing heat loads and flow.
- Safety Inspections – Checking for gas leaks, carbon monoxide risks, and compliance with UK safety standards.
Gas Safe heating engineer duties in the UK also include staying compliant with regulations, advising homeowners on best practices, and integrating new technologies when appropriate. These aren’t just repairs—they’re smart investments that can reduce heating costs and carbon output long-term.
At Hewer FM, our engineers are trained to assess the full picture and recommend solutions that match both your home and your budget.
Heating Engineers vs Plumbers
It’s easy to mix up plumbers and heating engineers. While both deal with pipes and water, their areas of focus are different.
Plumbers handle water supply, pipework, drainage, sinks, and taps. They install bathrooms and fix leaks but don’t typically work on heating appliances.
Heating engineers, on the other hand, specialise in hot water and heating systems—especially those involving gas or central heating.
Here’s a quick heating engineer vs plumber comparison:
| Task | Plumber | Heating Engineer |
| Replace boiler | No | Yes (Gas Safe required) |
| Fix leaking tap | Yes | No |
| Install smart thermostat | No | Yes |
| Clear blocked drain | Yes | No |
If it’s gas-related or heating-specific, you need a certified heating engineer. Hewer FM’s engineers are qualified across all the key areas—meaning you’ll never be left wondering if you called the right person.
Why Certification Matters
Working on heating systems—especially those that involve gas—requires the right training and certifications. In the UK, only engineers listed on the Gas Safe Register are legally allowed to work on gas appliances.
Hiring a non-registered worker isn’t just illegal—it can also void your boiler warranty and put your household at risk.
That’s why every heating engineer at Hewer FM carries full Gas Safe credentials. We also go further, with:
- MCS certification for renewable technologies like heat pumps and solar thermal.
- NICEIC approval for heating systems that include electrical components.
Because heating tech evolves fast, we make sure our engineers stay up to date with regular in-house training. So whether you’re fitting a smart thermostat or upgrading your whole system, you can trust it’s being done right. For a qualified heating engineer Gloucestershire, make Hewer FM your go-to choice.
Local Insight: Heating Challenges in Gloucestershire
Living in Gloucestershire comes with its own set of heating challenges. Our winters are damp and cold, and many homes in areas like Stroud, Gloucester, and Cheltenham have older heating systems that struggle to keep up.
Hard water is also a factor. It leads to limescale buildup, which reduces boiler efficiency and shortens system lifespan. That’s why so many local customers call us for descaling, powerflushing, and efficiency upgrades.
One Cheltenham family came to us with high gas bills and inconsistent heating. After a thorough inspection, we replaced their ageing boiler with a condensing model, rebalanced the radiators, and installed smart controls to improve zoning. The results? Lower bills, better comfort, and peace of mind.
Local authorities and housing associations in the South-West often require Gas Safe certification for contractors. Hewer FM meets and exceeds these standards, making us a trusted name across the region.
From Tewkesbury to Cirencester, we know what Gloucestershire homes need to stay warm and energy-efficient.
How Hewer FM Can Help
When you choose Hewer FM, you’re tapping into over 50 years of local expertise and a fully qualified in-house team. Our Gas Safe-registered engineers don’t just attend breakdowns—they design bespoke heating systems, manage eco-upgrade installations such as air-source heat pumps and solar thermal panels, and deliver ongoing support through our Failsafe Maintenance Plan.
Whether it’s a routine gas boiler service to boost efficiency or a complete heating & plumbing installation, you’ll benefit from a single point of contact, transparent pricing and workmanship backed by our ISO 9001 accreditation. We pride ourselves on professionalism—every engineer arrives uniformed and ID-badged—and you can read genuine feedback from Gloucestershire homeowners on our Checkatrade page and Trustpilot profile.
Conclusion
Heating and plumbing are at the heart of your home’s comfort, safety and running costs. By choosing Hewer FM—Gloucestershire’s trusted specialist—you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing your system is designed, installed and maintained by experts who understand the quirks of Cotswold stone cottages and modern new-builds alike.
From condensing boiler upgrades to hybrid systems and other eco-friendly solutions, our tailored approach ensures you make the most efficient choice for your property. When it comes to long-lasting performance and compliance, don’t settle for less than a qualified heating engineer. Contact Hewer FM today and experience heating solutions that stand the test of time.
