An urgent plumbing problem: what to arrange once you are safe
Put emergency help first, then give the right tradesperson a clear description of the repair you need.
LEICESTER & LEICESTERSHIRE
Blog & guides: plumbing, heating & energy
Read practical guides about local plumbing, boiler choices, home energy and choosing a tradesperson. Sources and update dates are provided.
Do you need a plumber or a gas engineer?
Describe the appliance and the work, because a plumbing or heating business name does not establish gas qualifications.
How to check a gas engineer's ID and work categories
Check the individual who arrives, then make sure their current qualifications cover your appliance and fuel.
How to compare plumbing quotes without missing the extras
Compare the same job description, understand the charging basis and keep the agreement in writing.
A boiler service and a gas safety check: what should you book?
Ask for the maintenance and checks you need explicitly, and confirm which appliances and records are included.
Preparing for a winter heating visit without attempting gas DIY
A short fault history and safe access help an engineer plan a visit when your heating or hot water stops working.
Gas safety for Leicestershire landlords and homeowners
Understand the difference between rental duties and homeowner maintenance advice, and keep useful records.
Saving electricity and gas: start with the bill and the easy changes
Separate energy use from tariff prices, then tackle avoidable waste while keeping your home safely warm.
Heat pumps: how they work and whether they could cut your bills
A heat pump moves environmental heat into your home; its seasonal performance and your electricity tariff determine the running-cost comparison.
Solar electricity, solar hot water and batteries: what each does
Solar PV generates electricity; solar thermal heats stored water. Compare each system against your roof, energy use and tariff terms.
Combi, system or traditional boiler: understanding the hot-water choices
Choose around simultaneous hot-water demand, available space and future heating plans, rather than assuming one boiler type always saves more.
Heating controls: comfort, timing and safer efficiency changes
Learn what each control changes before adjusting it, especially where the boiler also heats a hot-water cylinder.
Make a home energy plan before choosing new equipment
Combine safe everyday savings with a survey-led plan for insulation, heating, solar and tariffs that fits your home and budget.
Air conditioning: cooling, heating and choosing the right system
Understand split systems, running costs and the difference between room air conditioning and a heat pump supplying radiators.
Hot-water cylinders: vented, unvented and heat-pump options
See how stored hot water works, which questions to ask about pressure and capacity, and why heat-pump compatibility matters.
Choosing a tradesperson when you need extra support
Questions about costs, communication and a comfortable visit — for you or someone you support.
Choosing your heating: combi, system, regular or heat pump?
Compare hot-water arrangements, space and the questions a proper home survey should answer.
Boiler brands: compare the exact model, installer and warranty
Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, Viessmann, Ideal and Baxi are useful starting points—not a universal best-brand ranking.
Energy grants & bill support in Leicestershire
Check the current scheme, your council and funding status before including a grant in the budget.
A warmer home: controls, insulation and your EPC
Understand what each improvement does and plan a sensible sequence for your property.
Heating switched off but the boiler is running: what to check
A room thermostat is one control in a larger system. Understand normal requests, note the symptoms and know when to arrange a repair.