Answers by service, then the general questions people still ask.

How much does an air source heat pump cost in Edinburgh?

Most domestic air source heat pump installations in Edinburgh and the Lothians land between £10,000 and £16,000 before any grant or loan funding. The final price depends on the property size, heat loss, how much radiator or pipework upgrade is needed, and the system design. Because installs are completed under our partner JME Green Energy's MCS certification, eligible Scottish homeowners can access Home Energy Scotland funding — a grant toward the install plus an interest-free loan on top. We'll confirm eligibility and current amounts at the survey.

Will a heat pump actually keep my home warm in a Scottish winter?

Yes — when the system is properly sized and designed for the property. A modern air source heat pump works fine at outside temperatures well below freezing, which is more than Edinburgh usually throws at one. The part that matters isn't the heat pump brand, it's whether the system has been designed for your home's actual heat loss, and whether the radiators or underfloor heating can deliver that heat at the lower flow temperatures heat pumps run at. That's why the survey matters.

Do I need to replace my radiators for a heat pump?

Sometimes, but not always. Heat pumps run at lower flow temperatures than gas boilers, so existing radiators need to be large enough to deliver the same heat at a lower temperature. During the survey we measure each room's heat loss and check the existing radiators — often a handful of rooms need larger radiators, while the rest of the system can stay. We'll never quote radiator changes you don't need.

Are air source heat pumps noisy?

Modern air source heat pumps are quieter than most people expect — usually around 40-45 decibels at close range, which is roughly the level of a quiet conversation. Siting matters: we position the outdoor unit so it doesn't sit directly under a bedroom window or bounce sound off a neighbouring wall, and the MCS installation standards include noise assessment as part of sign-off.

Do I need planning permission for an air source heat pump in Scotland?

Often no, but not always. Air source heat pumps commonly fall under permitted development in Scotland, which means a separate planning application is not always needed. There are exceptions though — for example listed buildings, some constrained sites, and certain siting or height issues. We check the property properly at survey rather than giving a blanket yes or no.

How does the Home Energy Scotland grant and loan work for a heat pump?

Scottish homeowners access heat pump funding through Home Energy Scotland, not the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (which is England and Wales only). HES offers a grant toward an MCS-certified heat pump install, plus an interest-free loan on top for remaining costs. Rural and island properties may qualify for an uplift. Because our heat pump installs are completed under the MCS certification of our partner JME Green Energy, eligible homes can use the HES grant and loan through them — we support the paperwork alongside JME as part of the install.

Heat pump or new gas boiler — which is right for my home?

Both are valid, and we install both, so we've no reason to push you toward one over the other. A new gas boiler is usually cheaper upfront and a better fit for homes that aren't ready for radiator upgrades or fabric improvements. A heat pump usually has lower running costs long-term, can qualify for Home Energy Scotland grant and interest-free loan funding, and is the right call for anyone planning to stay in the home for years and move away from fossil fuels. The honest answer depends on your home, your timeline, and your budget — which is what the survey is for.

How long does an air source heat pump installation take?

Most domestic air source heat pump installations take between three and five working days on site, depending on whether radiators need upgrading, whether the hot water cylinder is being replaced, and the complexity of the pipework. The full project — from first survey through commissioning and Home Energy Scotland paperwork — usually runs four to eight weeks once you decide to go ahead.

Who actually designs and installs the heat pump?

Heat pump installs are delivered jointly by Macara Heating and our MCS-certified partner JME Green Energy. Macara Heating is the local, Gas Safe registered heating team you deal with on the ground. JME Green Energy holds the MCS certification required for Home Energy Scotland grant and loan funding and for the formal system design sign-off. That partnership is how Scottish homeowners get Home Energy Scotland eligibility through us — it's completely transparent and it's how the funding paperwork is meant to work.

What kinds of homes are heat pumps suitable for?

Air source heat pumps suit most reasonably insulated homes with space for an outdoor unit and space for a hot water cylinder indoors. They work well in 1960s-onwards semis, detached houses, modern builds, and increasingly in well-insulated older properties. They can be harder to justify in very small flats with no outdoor space, heritage properties with planning restrictions, or very draughty uninsulated homes where the running costs won't work out. Every property is different — the survey is the honest way to find out.

Can you put a heat pump in an older stone house in Scotland?

Often yes, but the answer depends on the condition of the house rather than the age on paper. Older stone-built homes can run a heat pump well if the heat loss is understood properly and the system is designed around it. The survey matters more here than on a newer house, because insulation levels, draughts, radiator sizes, and cylinder space vary a lot from one property to the next.

How much does a new boiler cost in Edinburgh?

For most Edinburgh homes, a new combi boiler installed costs between £2,200 and £3,500, depending on the brand, model, and how much pipework needs changing. System and regular boiler installs typically run £2,800 to £4,200 once the cylinder and controls are factored in. We give a fixed written quote after a free survey so you know exactly what you're paying before any work starts.

How long does a boiler installation take?

A straightforward combi-for-combi swap is usually a one-day job. A full system change — for example moving from a regular boiler with tanks to a combi — typically takes two days. We clean up properly before leaving and walk you through how to use the new controls before we go.

How often should I service my boiler?

Once a year. An annual boiler service keeps your boiler running safely and efficiently, and is usually required to maintain the manufacturer's warranty. A service normally takes about an hour, and it is the best way to catch worn parts or safety issues before they turn into a bigger repair.

Should I get a combi, system, or regular boiler?

Combis suit most small to medium homes with one bathroom — no tanks, hot water on demand, less space taken up. System boilers suit larger homes or households with two or more bathrooms where you need strong hot water flow to more than one outlet. Regular boilers are usually kept for older properties with existing tanks and low mains pressure.

When should I replace my old boiler?

Most domestic boilers last 10-15 years. If yours is over 10 years old, struggling to hold pressure, noisy, needing repeated repairs, or costing more in gas each year, it's usually cheaper in the long run to replace it than keep fixing it. A new A-rated boiler can cut your heating bills by 20-30% compared with an old G-rated one.

Do you offer finance on new boilers?

We don't currently offer a structured finance product, but we keep pricing simple and upfront. On larger installs and heat pump projects we can discuss staged payments tied to the project milestones — just ask at the survey and we'll be straight about what's possible.

Do you cover my area?

We're based in Danderhall and cover Edinburgh, Midlothian, East Lothian, and West Lothian as our core service area — including Dalkeith, Bonnyrigg, Loanhead, Musselburgh, Tranent, Livingston, Penicuik, and everywhere in between. For larger jobs like full boiler installs or heat pumps we'll happily travel further across central Scotland. Just give us a call and we'll confirm.

Are you Gas Safe registered?

Yes. Every engineer who works on gas at Macara Heating is Gas Safe registered — this is a legal requirement for anyone installing, servicing, or repairing gas appliances in the UK. Our Gas Safe Register number is 953527. We're also LPG certified, so we can work on rural properties running on LPG as well as mains gas.

Do you install and repair LPG boilers?

Yes. We're LPG certified and regularly install, service, and repair LPG boilers across rural parts of the Lothians and Scotland's central belt (Fife, Falkirk, Stirling and the wider area). LPG is a common fuel for properties off the mains gas grid, and we have all the qualifications needed to work on them safely.

Is it worth upgrading my central heating, or should I just replace the boiler?

Often the bigger gain comes from the rest of the system, not the boiler itself. Dirty water, undersized radiators, poor circulation, and old controls are usually what make a house feel cold — not a failing boiler. We'll tell you honestly at the survey whether an upgrade, a boiler swap, or both will actually improve how your home feels.

What is power flushing and does my system need it?

Power flushing clears sludge, rust, and debris from your central heating system. If your radiators are cold at the bottom, your boiler is noisy, or the house takes ages to warm up, a flush is often the fix. We only recommend it where the condition of the system actually justifies it.

Do I need a power flush before a new boiler goes in?

Usually yes, if your existing system is more than a few years old and hasn't been flushed before. Black sludge, cold radiators, and noisy pipes are all signs the water needs cleaning properly. A power flush protects the new boiler and keeps the manufacturer warranty valid.

Why are some of my radiators cold at the bottom or not heating up?

Cold at the bottom is almost always sludge in the radiator. Cold at the top is usually trapped air. Radiators that stay cold entirely can be a circulation issue, a stuck valve, or an unbalanced system. All of it is fixable without ripping the heating out.

Is a smart thermostat worth fitting?

For most homes, yes — a properly fitted smart thermostat pays for itself in comfort and wasted heating. The bigger gain is usually the weather compensation and accurate room sensing, not the phone app. We fit controls that actually talk to the boiler properly, not ones that just switch it on and off.

How disruptive is a central heating upgrade?

Most upgrades are less disruptive than people expect. A power flush and radiator changes are typically a day. A controls upgrade is usually a half-day. A full system refresh with new pipework runs two to four days depending on the house — we work to a clear schedule and tidy up properly each evening.

Do you offer a warranty on central heating work?

Yes. New boilers carry the manufacturer's warranty (up to 10 years on some models, provided the system is properly cleaned and annually serviced). New radiators and valves carry their own manufacturer warranties, and the workmanship on our installs is covered for 12 months as standard.

Do you cover emergency plumbing?

We try to prioritise genuine emergencies — no hot water, a leak, a burst pipe — for existing customers and nearby properties across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Call us on 0131 644 0045 and we'll tell you honestly how quickly we can get to you.

I've got no hot water — what should I check before calling a plumber?

First, check the boiler is on and the pressure is between roughly 1 and 1.5 bar. Check the programmer is set to a heating or hot water schedule. If you've got a cylinder, check the thermostat and the immersion. If none of that fixes it, phone us — we'll talk it through on the call before sending anyone out.

Do you do full bathroom installations?

Yes — we handle the plumbing side of bathroom fit-outs (pipework, showers, taps, basins, heated towel rails, waste runs, hot water upgrades where needed). For tiling and full renovation we can point you at trades we work with locally.

How much does it cost to fix a leak?

Most domestic leaks are a fixed call-out plus parts — usually an hour or two on site once we've traced the source. We'll give you a clear price before doing anything beyond making the leak safe.

Are you Gas Safe registered?

Yes. Every engineer on the van is Gas Safe registered (register number 953527) and LPG qualified. That matters if your plumbing job touches a boiler, an unvented cylinder, or a gas appliance — we won't hand it off to someone else.

Do you cover my area?

Based in Danderhall, Dalkeith. Day-to-day heating and plumbing work covers Edinburgh and the Lothians. For larger heat pump and boiler installations, we travel across Scotland's central belt — Fife, Falkirk, Stirling and the wider area. Not sure? Just call and ask. Takes ten seconds.

Are you Gas Safe registered?

Yes. All our engineers are Gas Safe registered, which means they are legally qualified to work on gas boilers, cookers, fires, and other gas appliances. Our Gas Safe Register number is 953527. We are also LPG certified for properties not connected to the mains gas network.

What heating and plumbing services do you offer?

We cover boiler installations, boiler repairs and servicing, central heating installation and upgrades, power flushing, general plumbing repairs, bathroom and kitchen plumbing, gas appliance installation, and LPG boiler work. If you are not sure whether we can help, just call and ask.

Who is Macara Heating?

Macara Heating is a domestic plumbing and heating business based in Danderhall, Dalkeith. Day-to-day heating and plumbing work covers Edinburgh and the Lothians; larger boiler and heat pump installations reach across Scotland's central belt. Our engineers are Gas Safe registered and LPG certified, with over 20 years of experience in the trade.

From the blog · Home Energy Scotland Grants for Heat Pumps in Edinburgh

How much is the Home Energy Scotland grant?

It moves about with the property and the work involved, so I won't pin a figure to it. The islands and far rural spots get a bit more than the rest of us, but most of Edinburgh is on the standard rate. Don't pencil in a number somebody up north quoted you — get your own eligibility checked.

From the blog · Home Energy Scotland Grants for Heat Pumps in Edinburgh

Will I need new radiators?

Probably some, often most of them. Your radiators went in to suit a hot boiler, and because a heat pump runs cooler you usually need bigger ones to push the same heat into the room at a lower temperature. It's money people never see coming, so it's worth knowing up front.

From the blog · Home Energy Scotland Grants for Heat Pumps in Edinburgh

Can the work start before the grant is approved?

No, and this one catches people out. The money has to be signed off before any work starts. Let a keen installer make an early start and the grant for that house is gone — folk genuinely lose thousands to save themselves a fortnight. Survey and rough price first, then heat loss and design, then Home Energy Scotland, then the offer comes back, and only after that does a radiator get touched.

From the blog · Home Energy Scotland Grants for Heat Pumps in Edinburgh

Will a heat pump work in a flat or tenement?

Often these are the awkward ones. Where does the unit go — a back wall four neighbours share, a shared drying green, the front of sandstone the council won't let you bolt anything to? And a combi makes hot water on demand, but a heat pump needs a cylinder, so you've to find somewhere for a tank. Nowhere to put either is a flat no, and the centre of town is full of that.

From the blog · Heat Pump or New Boiler? 7 Checks Before You Decide in Edinburgh

Are gas boilers banned in Scotland?

No. Existing Scottish homes are not currently being forced to remove working gas boilers. Scotland's long-term direction is toward clean heating, but for existing homes, homeowners can still replace a gas boiler where that is the most practical option.

From the blog · Heat Pump or New Boiler? 7 Checks Before You Decide in Edinburgh

Is a heat pump cheaper to run than a gas boiler?

Not always. A heat pump is much more efficient than a boiler, but electricity is more expensive per unit than gas. The running cost depends on the property, system design, tariff, heating habits, and what type of heating system is being replaced.

From the blog · Heat Pump or New Boiler? 7 Checks Before You Decide in Edinburgh

Do I need bigger radiators for a heat pump?

Possibly, but not always. Some homes only need a few radiator upgrades. Some need more work. The proper way to check is through a room-by-room heat loss calculation and radiator assessment.

From the blog · Heat Pump or New Boiler? 7 Checks Before You Decide in Edinburgh

Can I get a heat pump grant in Scotland?

Eligible homeowners in Scotland may be able to access Home Energy Scotland grant and loan funding for clean heating systems such as heat pumps. The system and installer must meet the scheme requirements, and work should not start before the written funding offer is in place.

From the blog · Heat Pump or New Boiler? 7 Checks Before You Decide in Edinburgh

Is a heat pump suitable for older Edinburgh homes?

Sometimes. Older homes can work well with heat pumps if the system is designed properly, but insulation, radiator sizing, cylinder space, and outdoor unit placement all need checked first.

From the blog · Heat Pump or New Boiler? 7 Checks Before You Decide in Edinburgh

Is a new boiler still worth fitting?

For some homes, yes. If the boiler has failed, the budget is tight, the property is not suitable for a heat pump yet, or there is no practical space for the extra equipment, a new boiler can still be the sensible option.