When homeowners think about upgrading their heating system, it’s often assumed that action only happens in “distressed” situations, such as a boiler breakdown or major home renovation. And while this is certainly common, research suggests the reality is more nuanced.

 

A government-funded study found that more than 70% of heating work is linked to boiler failures or wider home improvements. However, around a quarter of homeowners cited entirely different reasons for wanting changes to their heating system. High energy bills, uneven temperatures between rooms, and slow heating or hot water performance were all common frustrations. 

What’s particularly interesting is that many of these issues can often be solved without replacing the entire heating system. In many cases, improvements to heating controls can make a significant difference: improving comfort, reducing energy waste, and lowering bills.

The Installer's Opportunity

This is where installers play a vital role. 

Installers are often the only heating professionals homeowners regularly interact with, whether during a boiler service, repair visit, or routine maintenance. These touchpoints create valuable opportunities to ask simple questions about how satisfied customers are with their heating and hot water systems. 

• Are some rooms too hot while others stay cold?
• Do they struggle to manage heating schedules? 
• Are energy bills becoming a concern? 

Many homeowners recognise these frustrations themselves but often don’t know what solutions are available. The expertise of the installer can help bridge that gap; recommending practical, affordable improvements that genuinely enhance comfort and efficiency.

Start with the Basics

One of the simplest checks is whether a home has the essential heating controls in place. 

Around 5.5 million UK homes still do not have a room thermostat installed. Without one, heating systems cannot operate as efficiently as they should. Installing a wireless room thermostat is a relatively simple upgrade that avoids disruption to décor while potentially saving homeowners around £120 per year on heating bills. 

Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) are another important consideration. More than 8 million UK homes are estimated to be without them. While retrofitting TRVs can require draining the heating system, opportunities often arise naturally during maintenance work or radiator replacement projects. 

Adding TRVs allows homeowners to better control temperatures room by room, improving comfort while potentially saving up to £280 per year on heating costs.

Modern Controls for Modern Lifestyles

Even when heating controls are already installed, older systems may no longer meet the needs of modern households. 

Simple upgrades can make a noticeable difference. For example: 

• Programmers with boost functions can help avoid wasted energy from manually leaving hot water on. 
• Modern electronic room thermostats offer far more accurate temperature control than older mechanical models. 
• Smarter, more intuitive controls can help homeowners better match heating use to their daily routines and preferences. 

Sometimes, improving usability is just as important as improving efficiency.

Helping Customers Get the Most from their Heating

Technology alone is not enough. How homeowners use their heating controls has a major impact on comfort and energy bills. 

Taking a few minutes to explain how controls work, whether newly installed or existing, can help customers feel more confident managing their system effectively. It also creates stronger long-term customer relationships built on trust and genuine value. 

Recommending heating control improvements is not about upselling unnecessary products. It’s about helping homeowners create warmer, more comfortable, and more energy-efficient homes. 

For installers, these conversations can lead to additional work and stronger customer loyalty. For homeowners, the benefits are lower fuel bills, improved comfort, and greater control over how their home uses energy. 

Sometimes, the smartest heating upgrade isn’t a whole new system, it’s making the most of the one already in place.