A heat pump that takes heat from the air outside and uses it to warm your home. Think of it like a fridge in reverse. Great for cutting down those heating bills.

A heat pump that takes heat from the air outside and blows warm air into your home. They're not that common in the UK for heating homes. If you do have this system and you're in an older home you'll often have a white rectangular box on a wall. These systems are also great for cooling in the summer.

A heat pump that takes heat from the air outside and uses it to warm up water for your heating system and hot taps. Perfect for staying cozy and slashing your emissions. It's the most common type of heat pump in British homes.

A special liquid added to your heating system to prevent it from freezing in cold weather. Think of it as a winter coat for your pipes. Glycol is a commonly used anti-freeze in heat pump systems.

A safety feature in your heating system that kicks in when temperatures drop too low. It automatically opens to release water, stopping your pipes from freezing and bursting. Think of it as your system's winter defence.

A valve that helps to maintain a consistent pressure in your heating system. It’s like having a traffic controller for your heating flow.

A boiler that sits behind your fireplace, using the heat from the fire to warm your home and water. Old-school charm but no longer fitted. If you have one when it gives up the ghost you'll need to replace it with a more modern boiler, like a combi, or a heat pump.

Want to know more? We've written an in-depth guide to back boiler replacement costs here.

A list of checks to ensure your heating system is installed and running correctly. Think of it as your heating system’s report card.

A boiler that burns organic materials like wood pellets to produce heat. A renewable and eco-friendly option.

The heart of your central heating system, burning fossil fuel to heat water that warms your radiators and taps. Traditional but trusty. It's also not that great for emissions. Did you know heating of homes is responsible for around 14% of all the UK's CO2 emissions!

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a government initiative in the UK aimed at helping homeowners transition to more energy-efficient heating systems. The scheme offers grants to replace old, inefficient boilers with new, eco-friendly alternatives such as heat pumps or biomass boilers. By doing so, it aims to reduce carbon emissions, lower energy bills, and promote the use of renewable energy sources. This scheme is part of the broader effort to meet the UK's environmental targets and support the shift towards a greener, more sustainable future. For example if you switch to an air source heat pump you could receive a grant of £7,500. As part of your installation we'll check your eligibility and manage the application if you are.

A tank that stores extra heat for later use, helping to balance the load on your heating system. It’s like having a thermal piggy bank.

Rules to make sure buildings are energy efficient. These regulations keep your home warm and your energy bills low.

A greenhouse gas that we all need to cut down on. Keeping CO2 levels low helps the planet and your pocket.

A dangerous gas that can be produced by faulty heating appliances. Carbon monoxide alarms are a must to keep your home safe.

A setup where multiple heat pumps or boilers work together, stepping in when more heat is needed. Teamwork for consistent warmth. You'll sometimes find them in large properties or those with high heat losses.

A system that heats your entire home from one point, like a boiler or a heat pump. It’s what keeps you cozy in every room, not just by the fireplace.

A fancy term for how efficient your heat pump is. The higher the number, the more heat you get for your money.

The main pipe bringing fresh water into your home. It’s where your water supply starts its journey.

A two-in-one boiler that provides both heating and hot water, without the need for a separate water tank. Perfect for smaller homes.

The powerhouse of your heat pump, squeezing the refrigerant to increase its temperature. Think of it as the engine of your heating system.

A pipe that removes the acidic water produced by your condensing boiler. Keeping it clear is key to avoiding blockages and keeping your boiler happy.

A part of your heat pump where the refrigerant releases its heat. It’s what turns all that energy into cozy warmth for your home.

An efficient boiler that recovers extra heat from the exhaust gases. It’s the smart choice for saving energy and money. If you're replacing your boiler today, then any model you choose will be a condensing type.

A tank that stores hot water for your taps and showers. It’s like a big, insulated flask keeping your water warm and ready.

A mode in your heat pump that melts any ice that’s built up, keeping everything running smoothly. No frost, no fuss. It's needed as your heat pump sits outside your home, but don't worry they are designed to work in much colder climates than the UK - like Finland and Norway!

The difference in temperature between two points, like the flow and return in your heating system. It helps you understand how well your system is performing.

A bit more detail...
Delta T (ΔT) represents the difference in temperature between two points in a heating system, commonly between the flow and return. It’s crucial for understanding system performance. For example, in a radiator system, a high ΔT indicates that radiators are effectively transferring heat to the room, while a low ΔT might suggest an imbalance or inefficiency in the system.

The people who get electricity from the national grid to your home. They keep the cables and substations in top shape, fix power cuts, and handle new connections. Think of them as the electricity delivery service. There are 7 DNOs in the UK operating across 14 districts.

A mode in your heat pump that melts any ice that’s built up, keeping everything running smoothly. No frost, no fuss. It's needed as your heat pump sits outside your home, but don't worry they are designed to work in much colder climates than the UK - like Finland and Norway!

ECO4 is the latest phase of the UK government's Energy Company Obligation scheme, which mandates energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency improvements in homes. The goal is to reduce carbon emissions, tackle fuel poverty, and improve energy efficiency. ECO4 provides grants for insulation, heating upgrades, and other energy-saving measures, particularly for low-income households and vulnerable individuals. By making homes more energy-efficient, ECO4 helps to lower energy bills and create warmer, more comfortable living environments.

The part of your heating system that releases heat into your home, like radiators or underfloor heating. They’re the final stop for warmth before it reaches you.

EU regulations ensuring heating products are energy efficient. Look for the ErP label to know you’re making a smart choice. When you see it on a boiler or heat pump, it looks very similar to labels you may of seen on your washing machine, fridge or dishwasher.

The part of your heat pump where the refrigerant picks up heat from the outside air. It’s like a sponge soaking up warmth.

A really important part of a heat pump. Expansion Control Devices manage the flow of refrigerant in your heat pump between the condenser and evaporator, making sure it’s just right for optimal heating efficiency.

A small tank that absorbs extra pressure in your heating system. It helps keep everything running smoothly and safely.

A small tank in your loft that tops up your heating system with water and deals with any expansion. It’s like a guardian angel for your boiler. You'll have one of these if you have a Regular (or sometimes called a Heat-Only) Boiler.

The hot water leaving your boiler or heat pump to heat your home is often called the Flow. It’s the start of your heating journey.

The amount of water moving through your system, usually measured in litres per minute. A good flow rate means strong showers and efficient heating.

The pipe that takes waste gases from your boiler to the outside. It’s essential for safe and efficient boiler operation.

A system that captures extra heat from the flue gases and uses it to heat back up water returning to your boiler from the return pipe. It’s an extra boost of efficiency for your boiler.

The Gas Safe Register is the official list of gas engineers who are qualified to work safely and legally on gas appliances in the UK. It’s a legal requirement for anyone working with gas to be on this register. This ensures that all gas work, whether it's installing, maintaining, or repairing appliances like boilers, cookers, or fires, is done safely and to the highest standards. When hiring a gas engineer, always check their Gas Safe ID to confirm they’re registered and qualified for the work.

A heat pump that extracts heat from the ground. Ideal if you’ve got the space, and it’s super efficient too.

Ground Source Heat Pumps use a network of pipes buried in the ground, known as a ground loop. The ground loop is filled with a mixture of water and antifreeze. As the fluid circulates through the loop, it absorbs heat from the ground, which stays at a relatively constant temperature year-round.

The heated fluid then passes through a heat exchanger in the heat pump. This process increases the temperature of the fluid, which is then used to heat your home through radiators, underfloor heating systems, or hot water tanks.

A gadget inside your heat pump that transfers heat from one place to another. It’s what makes the magic happen.

A heat exchanger is a crucial component. It allows heat to be transferred between two or more fluids (liquids or gases) without them mixing. In most heat exchangers, the fluids flow through separate channels or pipes. The heat from the hot fluid is conducted through the walls of these channels and transferred to the cooler fluid.

A device in district heating systems that transfers heat from the central source to your individual home. It’s your personal gateway to shared heating.

Heat loss is the amount of heat that escapes from your home to the outside, usually through walls, windows, roofs, and doors. It makes your home feel chilly, and your heating system work harder. Minimising heat loss keeps your home cosy and your energy bills low.

A Heat Only boiler (or sometimes called a Regular Boiler) provides heating and works with a separate cylinder for hot water. Traditional but effective. You'll be able to tell if you have this type of boiler if you also have a tank of cold water in your loft.

A device that moves heat from one place to another – like from the air or ground into your home. A smart way to stay warm and save money.

A graph that shows how your heating system’s output adjusts with the outside temperature. It helps you keep your home just the right temperature.

The HIES Consumer Code is a comprehensive set of guidelines and standards designed to protect consumers who purchase renewable energy and energy efficiency products. The code is established by the Home Insulation & Energy Systems Quality Assured Contractors Scheme (HIES) and covers various aspects of the customer journey, ensuring transparency, fairness, and high-quality service.

A hybrid system combines a traditional boiler and a heat pump, giving you the best of both worlds. It switches between the two to keep you warm efficiently. However, it is important to note that, at the moment, a Hybrid System is not eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

A method to ensure that different parts of your heating system operate independently. It’s all about keeping things balanced and efficient.

A feature in some heat pumps that allows them to adjust their output based on demand. It’s like having cruise control for your heating system.

The joule (symbol: J) is a unit of energy in the International System of Units (SI). It is named after the English physicist James Prescott Joule. The joule is a measure of the amount of work done or energy transferred.

The joule is commonly used to measure the energy output of heating systems, such as boilers and heat pumps. For instance, the amount of energy required to heat water in a domestic hot water system is often measured in joules.

Converting to kWhOne kilowatt-hour is equal to 3.6 million joules (3.6 MJ). This is a standard unit for measuring electrical energy consumption.

Practical example: A typical UK household might use about 3,600 kWh of electrical energy per year, which is equivalent to approximately 13 billion joules (13 GJ).

A measure of power. Your heat pump’s size is usually measured in kW – think of it as the heating power it can deliver.

A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a unit of energy used to measure electricity consumption. It’s the amount of energy you use if a 1,000-watt appliance runs for one hour.

Electricity Billing: Energy companies bill you based on how many kWh you use.
Household Appliances: For example, a 100-watt light bulb left on for 10 hours uses 1 kWh.
Conversions: 1 kWh equals 3.6 million joules.
Energy Efficiency: Using kWh helps you track and reduce your energy use, saving money and cutting your carbon footprint.

A type of gas that can be used for heating, often in homes that aren’t connected to the mains gas. It’s a flexible alternative.

A measure of water flow, crucial for knowing how powerful your showers and taps will be. More LPM means better performance.

A system that operates at lower temperatures, often used with underfloor heating or larger radiators. It’s efficient and comfortable. Most heat pump systems are designed to operate at lower temperatures to get the best efficiency. Saving you money and emissions.

A magnetic filter (or sometimes called a System Filter) is a device that catches debris in your heating system, keeping it clean and efficient. It’s like a filter for your boiler’s blood.

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is a quality assurance programme that certifies microgeneration technologies used to produce electricity and heat from renewable sources. It ensures products and installers meet high standards.

‍Certification: MCS certifies products like solar panels, wind turbines, and heat pumps, ensuring they meet rigorous standards.
‍Installer Accreditation: Installers must be MCS certified to ensure they are competent and comply with industry best practices.
‍Consumer Confidence: MCS certification gives you confidence that the products and installers are reliable and effective.
‍Eligibility for Incentives: Only MCS-certified products and installations qualify for government incentives like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

MCS helps ensure you’re getting quality products and services for your renewable energy needs.

The average temperature in a space over a period of time. It’s a good indicator of overall comfort.

Small-diameter pipes used in heating systems, typically 8mm or 10mm wide. They’re great for getting hot water to radiators in tight spaces, but can be more prone to blockages and not always that compatible with heat pumps. Think of them as the capillaries of your heating system.

A boiler that can adjust its output to match the heating demand. It’s smarter and more efficient than a standard on/off boiler.

A type of heat pump where most of the components are housed in a single outdoor unit. It’s compact and easy to install, with just water pipes connecting it to your heating system inside. Think of it as an all-in-one heating powerhouse for your home.

Ofgem (Office of Gas and Electricity Markets) is the UK government regulator for the electricity and gas markets. It ensures that energy companies treat customers fairly and promote competition, while also overseeing the transition to greener energy sources.

‍Regulation: Ofgem regulates the energy companies to ensure they operate fairly and transparently, protecting consumers’ interests.
‍Consumer Protection: They handle complaints and enforce regulations to make sure energy companies provide reliable and affordable services.
‍Market Competition: Ofgem promotes competition among energy suppliers to keep prices fair and improve service quality.
‍Sustainability: They work to ensure the UK’s energy system is sustainable, supporting initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and integrate renewable energy sources.
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Ofgem is your watchdog, ensuring a fair, competitive, and green energy market.

A smart communication system between your boiler and thermostat. It ensures your heating is just right, saving energy and money.

A deep clean for your heating system, removing sludge and debris. It keeps everything running smoothly and efficiently.

The brain of your boiler, controlling all its functions. It’s what keeps your heating system thinking straight.

Quiet Mark is an international certification programme that identifies the quietest products and technologies on the market. It helps consumers make informed choices by highlighting items that produce minimal noise.

‍Certification: Products awarded the Quiet Mark have been tested and proven to operate quietly, meeting high standards for low noise levels.
‍Consumer Assurance: The Quiet Mark logo on a product gives you confidence that it is one of the quietest in its category.
‍Range of Products: Quiet Mark covers a wide range of products, including household appliances, heating and cooling systems, and building materials.
‍Improved Comfort: Choosing Quiet Mark products can enhance your home environment by reducing noise pollution, creating a more peaceful and comfortable living space.

A natural refrigerant, also known as propane, used in heat pumps and air conditioning systems. It's eco-friendly with low global warming potential (GWP) and high efficiency. Think of it as a green alternative for keeping your home cool or warm.

A heating system that warms up surfaces (like floors or walls) rather than the air. It’s a cozy and efficient way to heat your home.

The metal panels on your walls that heat up and warm your room. Part of your central heating system, they come in all shapes and sizes. It's also the most common type of heat exchanger in most homes. Hot water flows into it and heat is exchanged (or transferred) to the air in the room through the metal panels.

The special fluid in your heat pump that moves heat from one place to another. It’s the secret sauce that makes it all work.

The process that your heat pump uses to move heat around. It’s a continuous loop of heating and cooling magic.

Energy that comes from natural sources that don’t run out – like the sun, wind, and heat from the ground or air. Good for your wallet and the planet.

The cooler water returning to your boiler or heat pump after circulating through your system. It’s ready to be reheated and start the cycle again.

This measures your heat pump's efficiency over a whole season. The higher the number, the more bang you get for your buck throughout the year. It's also sometimes called the Seasonal Performance Factor (SPF).

The temperature you want your heating system to maintain. It’s your target for cozy comfort.

A lower temperature setting used when you don’t need full heating, like at night. It saves energy while keeping your home comfortable.

When your boiler or heat pump turns on and off too frequently, wasting energy and causing wear. A sign that your system needs some TLC.

A digital meter that shows your energy usage in real-time. It helps you keep track and save on your bills. It also means you (and your utility company) don't need to read it very often as your usage is automatically submitted for you.

A thermostat you can control with your phone, making it easy to manage your heating from anywhere. Convenience and control at your fingertips.

Solar photovoltaic (or Solar PV) are panels that convert sunlight into electricity, which can be used to power your home and heating system. A bright idea for saving energy.

A boiler that works with a hot water cylinder but doesn’t need a separate cold water tank in your loft. It’s efficient and perfect for larger homes.

Materials in your home that store and release heat slowly, helping to keep temperatures stable. It’s like having a natural heat battery.

A tank that stores heat for use when it’s needed, often combining different heat sources. It’s like a heat bank for your home.

The control centre for your heating. Set the temperature you want, and it tells your boiler or heat pump when to kick in.

Valves that let you control the temperature of each radiator individually. More control, more comfort, and more savings.

Underfloor heating normally comes in two shapes - water pipes (a wet system) or wires (a dry system). They are placed under your floor to warm up, turning it into a giant radiator. This gives toasty toes all year round. It works brilliantly with heat pumps that like to run at lower temperatures for maximum efficiency.

A tank that stores heat for use when it’s needed, often combining different heat sources. It’s like a heat bank for your home.

Ventilation with a heat recovery system recovers heat from outgoing stale air and uses it to warm incoming fresh air. It keeps your home fresh and energy-efficient.

A smart system that adjusts your heating based on the outside temperature. It keeps your home comfortable and energy-efficient.

A heating system that uses water to distribute heat, like radiators or underfloor heating. It’s the most common type of central heating.

A system that lets you heat different parts of your home separately. Only heat the rooms you’re using – smart and money-saving.