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FAQs Derbyshire plumbing and heating
Frequently Asked Questions
on Plumbing, Heating & Renewables
Our Top List of Frequently Asked Questions
We regularly get asked lots of different and interesting questions about heat pumps including how they work, what installation costs, how much money they can save. Plumbing questions can be more focussed on how quickly repairs can be made, what servicing and repairs cost and how easy is it to replace radiators or to work on central heating pipes. Some frequently asked questions cover specific topics like these while others are more general and relate to differences between heat pumps and gas boilers for central heating or why water pipes are usually copper.
We’ve brought together a list of the most frequently asked questions we get and our best answers. You can filter our lists by the type of service or products each question related to or simply scroll through our FAQ list. Once you’ve found a question you’re interested in, click the dropdown arrow next to each one to reveal our answer.
If you can’t find the question you’ve got listed in our FAQ page, give us a call on 01332 215133 and we’ll answer it for you. If it’s a great question, don’t be surprised to see it in our list of FAQ in the near future.
Right now, the main support available is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). This provides £7,500 towards the cost of installing a heat pump.
The grant is taken off the price before you pay anything, and we handle the application process on your behalf. It’s designed to make switching to renewable heating much more affordable for homeowners.
There may also be local or additional schemes depending on your area, which we can advise on during a survey.
We are accredited installers for leading boiler brands, ensuring quality, reliability, and efficiency for your home or business. Our team works with:
- Vaillant
- Worcester Bosch
- Ideal
As certified installers, we provide expert advice, professional installation, and ongoing support to help you get the most from your boiler. Whether it’s a new installation, upgrade, or replacement, we ensure your system runs safely and efficiently.
Yes! We offer flexible monthly boiler servicing plans to keep your heating system running safely and efficiently year round. Our plans include regular servicing, priority support, and peace of mind.
You can view our brochure for full details on packages, features, and pricing.
A budget-friendly installation isn’t just about the upfront cost—it’s about balancing price, quality, and long term value. Prices can vary depending on the make and model of the boiler and the specific requirements of your property.
Other factors to consider include:
Warranty coverage: Longer warranties provide extra peace of mind and can save money on future repairs.
Efficiency: Modern, energy efficient boilers may cost a little more initially but reduce running costs over time.
Installation quality: A professional, certified installation ensures your boiler performs safely and efficiently, preventing costly issues later.
We help you find the right boiler and installation plan to suit your budget while ensuring reliability and peace of mind.
Heat pumps are an energy efficient way to heat your home, but whether they’re suitable depends on your property and heating needs. Factors we consider include:
- Property size and insulation – well-insulated homes get the most benefit.
- Existing heating system – heat pumps can replace or work alongside certain systems.
- Hot water and heating demand, some properties need higher output systems.
Outdoor space – ground source heat pumps require space for underground loops, while air source heat pumps need a suitable external unit location.
At The Thermal Heat Company, we assess your property, explain your options, and help you choose the right heat pump system. We also guide you through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant process to help make your project more affordable.
A full heat pump installation including the unit, hot-water cylinder (if needed), system upgrades, and professional installation typically costs around £20,000 for an average home.
However, with the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant, this cost can be significantly reduced.
Most homeowners see their final cost brought down to around £12,500, depending on the property and any additional work required (such as radiator upgrades, electrical work, or changes to pipework).
Every home is different, so we always carry out a full heat loss survey and provide a detailed quote to show exactly what the grant covers and what your final contribution would be.
A heat pump works by taking the natural heat that’s already in the air or ground and turning it into usable heating for your home. Even on colder days, there’s still enough energy outside for the system to extract, upgrade and circulate through your radiators, underfloor heating, and hot-water cylinder.
Because heat pumps move heat rather than burn fuel, they run far more efficiently than traditional boilers, giving you reliable, low carbon heating all year round.