Professional central heating installation in Hampstead & NW3. New boiler, radiators, pipework. Gas Safe engineers. Complete systems from £3,500.
Central Heating Installation Hampstead: Complete New Systems
Installing central heating adds value, comfort and lower energy bills. Our Gas Safe engineers design and install complete heating systems across Hampstead and NW3, from compact flat systems to large period property installations.
Central Heating Installation Costs
Complete System Packages
| Property Size | System Cost | Installation | Total |
|---------------|-------------|--------------|-------|
| 1-bed flat | £2,000-£2,800 | £1,500-£2,200 | £3,500-£5,000 |
| 2-bed flat | £2,500-£3,500 | £2,000-£2,800 | £4,500-£6,300 |
| 3-bed house | £3,200-£4,500 | £2,500-£3,500 | £5,700-£8,000 |
| 4-bed house | £4,000-£5,500 | £3,000-£4,500 | £7,000-£10,000 |
| 5-bed house | £5,000-£7,000 | £4,000-£6,000 | £9,000-£13,000 |
What's Included
- System design and specification
- New combi/system boiler
- Radiators throughout
- Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs)
- Wireless programmable thermostat
- All pipework and fittings
- Gas pipe installation
- Powerflush of system
- Building Control notification
- 5-year warranty
Types of Heating Systems
Combi Boiler System
Best for: Flats, small-medium houses
Advantages:
- No hot water cylinder needed
- Instant hot water
- Compact, space-saving
- Lower installation cost
- Good mains pressure needed
Disadvantages:
- Limited hot water flow
- Can't run multiple taps well
- Not ideal for large homes
- Poor if low mains pressure
Cost: £3,500-£6,500 installed
System Boiler
Best for: Medium-large houses
Advantages:
- Hot water cylinder provides storage
- Multiple taps simultaneously
- Works with solar thermal
- Better for large families
- Shower pressure excellent
Disadvantages:
- Needs cylinder space
- More expensive
- Hot water can run out
- Slower to heat
Cost: £5,000-£9,000 installed
Regular (Conventional) Boiler
Best for: Large period properties
Advantages:
- Compatible with old systems
- Works with low pressure
- Excellent for multiple bathrooms
- Traditional reliability
Disadvantages:
- Needs cylinder and tank
- Takes up most space
- Slowest hot water recovery
- Highest installation cost
Cost: £6,000-£11,000 installed
Radiator Selection
Radiator Types
- Panel radiators: Standard, efficient
- Column radiators: Traditional look
- Designer radiators: Aesthetic choice
- Towel radiators: Bathroom heating
- Vertical radiators: Space-saving
Sizing Radiators
- Heat loss calculation: Room by room
- BTU requirements: Proper heating
- Undersizing: Common mistake
- Oversizing: Wastes money
Radiator Costs
- Budget panel (500x600mm): £40-£80
- Standard panel (1200x600mm): £80-£150
- Premium panel: £150-£300
- Designer radiator: £200-£600
- Column radiator: £150-£400
Smart Heating Controls
Wireless Thermostats
- Hive Active Heating: £180-£250
- Nest Learning: £200-£280
- Honeywell Evohome: £250-£400
- Tado: £180-£250
Features
- Control from smartphone
- Learning algorithms
- Zone control available
- Energy monitoring
- Voice control (Alexa, Google)
- Geofencing (auto on/off)
Savings Potential
- 30% energy savings possible
- Heating only when needed
- Room-by-room control
- Avoid overheating
- Track energy use
Installation Process
Week 1: Planning & Preparation
1. Site survey: Measure rooms, assess property
2. Heat loss calculation: Determine radiator sizes
3. System design: Choose boiler, layout
4. Quote approval: Detailed specification
5. Materials order: 1-2 week delivery
Week 2-3: Installation (5-10 Days)
Day 1-2: First Fix
- Install boiler position
- Run pipework under floors
- Gas pipe installation
- Radiator positions marked
Day 3-5: Radiator Installation
- Fit radiators
- Connect pipework
- Install valves and TRVs
- Pressure test system
Day 6-7: Boiler & Controls
- Mount boiler
- Connect gas, water, electrics
- Fit thermostat and controls
- Fill and pressurise system
Day 8: Commissioning
- Powerflush system
- Balance radiators
- Test all functions
- Set controls
- Demonstrate operation
Day 9-10: Final Checks
- Gas safety checks
- Issue certificates
- Building Control notification
- Cleanup and finish
Pipework Options
Copper Pipe (Traditional)
- Advantages: Durable, reliable, recyclable
- Disadvantages: Expensive, labor-intensive
- Cost: £15-£25 per meter installed
Plastic Pipe (Modern)
- Advantages: Faster install, flexible, cheaper
- Disadvantages: Not all Gas Safe engineers prefer
- Cost: £8-£15 per meter installed
Our Recommendation
- Copper for gas pipes (safer)
- Plastic acceptable for water
- Depends on property layout
- We discuss options
Energy Efficiency Considerations
Boiler Efficiency
- A-rated condensing: 90%+ efficiency
- Old non-condensing: 60-70% efficiency
- Savings: £300-£500 annually
- Payback: 5-8 years typically
System Efficiency Features
- Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs)
- Programmable thermostat
- Zone control (multi-room)
- Weather compensation
- Magnetic filter (prevent sludge)
Insulation Essential
- Loft insulation: 300mm minimum
- Cavity wall insulation
- Double glazing
- Draught proofing
- Heating alone won't fix cold house
Hampstead Property Considerations
Period Properties
- Solid walls: Higher heat loss
- High ceilings: Larger radiators needed
- Floor access: May be difficult
- Character: Sympathetic radiator choice
- Listed: May need consent
Flats
- Limited space: Combi boiler ideal
- Shared walls: Less heat loss
- Pipe routes: Planning crucial
- Noise: Careful pump selection
Conservation Areas
- External flue positioning
- Visible pipework considerations
- We advise on requirements
Running Costs
Annual Heating Bills (Average)
- 1-bed flat: £400-£600
- 2-bed flat: £600-£850
- 3-bed house: £850-£1,200
- 4-bed house: £1,200-£1,600
- 5-bed house: £1,600-£2,200
*Based on average gas prices, good insulation, efficient use*
Factors Affecting Costs
- Boiler efficiency
- Insulation quality
- Thermostat use
- Occupancy patterns
- Gas price variations
Maintenance & Warranties
Annual Service Required
- Boiler service: £85-£120 annually
- Validates warranty: Essential
- Prevents breakdowns: 60% reduction
- Maintains efficiency: Saves fuel
Warranties Provided
- Boiler: 5-10 years (manufacturer)
- Installation: 5 years (our work)
- Radiators: 10 years typical
- Controls: 2-5 years
Grants & Finance
Available Grants
- ECO4 scheme: For low income
- Boiler upgrade scheme: £5,000-£6,000 (heat pumps)
- Local authority: Check Camden eligibility
- Energy company: Occasional offers
Finance Options
- 0% finance: Through some suppliers
- Payment plans: Spread cost
- Green mortgages: Better rates with efficiency
- We can advise on current schemes
Old System Removal
What We Remove
- Old boiler (environmentally disposed)
- Old radiators (recycled where possible)
- Redundant pipework
- Old tanks and cylinders
- Hot water cylinder (if switching to combi)
Disposal Costs
- Usually included in quote
- Large items £50-£150 disposal
- Asbestos extra if found
Upgrading Existing Heating
When to Upgrade vs Replace
Upgrade if:
- Boiler less than 10 years old
- Radiators in good condition
- Pipework sound
- Just adding rooms
Replace if:
- Boiler over 15 years old
- Frequent breakdowns
- Poor efficiency
- Undersized system
Why Choose Hampstead Maintenance?
Our Expertise
✅ Gas Safe registered team
✅ 20+ years local experience
✅ Design service: Heat loss calculations
✅ Quality brands: Worcester, Vaillant, Ideal
✅ Project management: Coordinated installation
Customer Testimonials
*"Complete heating system installed in our 4-bed. Professional from design to completion."* - Andrew & Claire, Hampstead Garden Suburb
*"Transformed our cold flat. Now warm and bills lower. Highly recommend."* - Sophie, Belsize Park
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does installation take?
A: 5-10 days typically, depending on property size and complexity.
Q: Can we live here during installation?
A: Yes, but heating and hot water will be off during key stages.
Q: What's the best boiler brand?
A: Worcester Bosch for reliability, Vaillant for efficiency. We recommend based on your needs.
Q: Do I need Building Control approval?
A: Yes, but we handle notification and provide compliance certificate.
Q: How long until the system pays for itself?
A: 8-12 years typically through energy savings vs old inefficient system.
Q: Can you install while we're on holiday?
A: Yes, with key access arranged. Often easier without occupants.
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*Last updated: January 2025. Central heating prices include VAT, boiler, radiators, installation and certification. Finance options available. Free heat loss surveys.*