Heating engineers in Hitchin and Letchworth

What are homes like in Hitchin and Letchworth?

Hitchin is an old market town with a conservation area at its centre, where timber-framed and Georgian buildings line streets that have been in use for centuries. Victorian and Edwardian terraces surround the centre, with later suburbs beyond. Letchworth, a few miles away, was the world's first garden city, begun in 1903. Its early streets are known for Arts and Crafts cottages and houses with steep roofs, tall chimneys and roughcast walls.

What should I know about heating an Arts and Crafts house?

Letchworth's early houses were not designed with central heating, so their current systems were added later, sometimes more than once. Pipes may run through floors and walls in unexpected ways, and rooms can be draughty or slow to warm. Before replacing a boiler, ask the engineer to look at the radiators and pipework too, as a new boiler on an old system may not solve cold rooms on its own.

Changes to the outside of many Letchworth homes need consent from the Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation under its scheme of management. That can include a flue or pipe on a visible wall. Check with the Foundation before work is booked, and tell the engineer if your house is covered.

Living in a period home in Hitchin?

Older Hitchin houses often have solid walls, chimney breasts and a mix of original and later rooms. Gas fires in old fireplaces depend on the chimney working properly, so have them checked along with the boiler. In the conservation area or a listed building, a new flue on the street side may need consent, so discuss positions early.

What about the villages?

Some villages in the area are not on mains gas and rely on oil, LPG or electric heating. If your home uses LPG, say so, because engineers need the right qualification for it. Oil systems are a separate trade.

Who will I hear from?

One Gas Safe registered engineer whose area includes your postcode, and only once you have agreed. They get in touch to understand the problem, visit if needed and agree any cost with you. We only pass on enquiries and may receive a fee from the engineer for doing so. There is nothing to pay for asking.