FAQs
1. How Does The Quoting Process Work?
Many of our services now offer an online instant estimate, giving you a realistic guide price in just a few minutes.
If you’re happy with the estimate, the next step is to book a survey. We’ll carry out a survey to confirm the scope of work before providing a clear, fixed quotation.
For services that don’t yet have an instant estimate, simply send us an enquiry and we’ll guide you through the same straightforward process.
2. Which Areas Do You Cover?
We provide plumbing, heating and renewable energy services throughout Banbury, Bicester, Brackley, Chipping Norton, Oxford and all the surrounding towns and villages.
For specialist services such as retrofit underfloor heating floor milling and renewable heating installations, we regularly travel much further afield across the UK.
If you’re unsure whether we cover your area, simply get in touch—we’re always happy to help.
3. Are You A Family-Owned Business?
Yes. McGhie’s Plumbing and Heating is a family-owned business built on honest advice, quality workmanship and excellent customer service.
From your first enquiry through to the completion of your project, you’ll deal directly with our own office team and experienced engineers. We take pride in providing clear communication, reliable workmanship and treating every customer’s home with care and respect.
1. Which Boiler Brands Do You Install?
For new gas boiler installations, we work with Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, ATAG and Glow-worm. These are four of the UK’s most trusted boiler manufacturers, offering reliable solutions to suit a wide range of homes and budgets.
As approved installers, we’ll help you choose the boiler that’s right for your property, whether you’re looking for outstanding value, premium performance or an extended manufacturer’s warranty.
2. How Often Should My Boiler Be Serviced?
Your boiler should be serviced every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer. An annual service helps keep your boiler operating safely and efficiently, identifies potential issues before they become costly repairs and is usually required to maintain your manufacturer’s warranty.
3. How Long Does A New Boiler Installation Take?
Most straightforward boiler replacements can usually be completed in a single day. If your installation involves relocating the boiler, upgrading pipework, converting your heating system or replacing the hot water cylinder, the work may take longer.
Before any work begins, we’ll explain the installation process and expected timescale, so you know exactly what to expect.
4. What is the McGhie’s Comfort Club?
The McGhie’s Comfort Club is our boiler care plan, designed to give you complete peace of mind. It includes an annual boiler service, priority support and ongoing maintenance to help keep your heating system running safely, efficiently and reliably.
Visit our Comfort Club page to learn more about the benefits and choose the plan that’s right for you.
5. Can You Service Oil Boilers?
Yes. We’re OFTEC registered, which means we’re fully qualified to service, repair and install oil-fired boilers.
Whether you need an annual service, a repair or a complete boiler replacement, our experienced engineers can help keep your oil heating system operating safely and efficiently.
1. What Is Underfloor Heating Floor Milling?
Underfloor heating floor milling is a specialist installation method that allows underfloor heating pipework to be installed into existing concrete, screed and many tiled floors by cutting precision channels into the surface. This avoids the need to remove the existing floor or significantly raise the finished floor level, making it an ideal solution for many renovation projects.
For a more detailed explanation of the process, visit our Underfloor Heating Floor Milling page.
2. Why Choose Floor Milling Instead Of Overlay Systems?
Unlike overlay systems, floor milling installs the heating pipework within your existing floor rather than on top of it. This helps maintain your existing floor height, reduces disruption and provides excellent heat transfer, making it one of the most efficient retrofit underfloor heating solutions available.
We’ll always recommend the most suitable underfloor heating system based on your property’s construction and your renovation plans.
3. Is Floor Milling Suitable For Every Home?
Not always. Floor milling is suitable for many properties with existing concrete, screed or tiled floors of sufficient depth. Homes with suspended timber floors or unsuitable floor constructions may require a different underfloor heating solution.
We’ll assess your property and recommend the most appropriate system for your home.
4. Can Floor Milling Be Used With Heat Pumps?
Yes. Underfloor heating installed using floor milling is an excellent partner for both air source and ground source heat pumps. Because underfloor heating operates efficiently at lower water temperatures than traditional radiators, it can help maximise the performance and efficiency of your renewable heating system.
5. Where Can I Find More Information About Floor Milling?
Our dedicated Underfloor Heating Floor Milling page explains the installation process in more detail and answers common questions about suitability, costs, floor finishes, preparation and much more.
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please get in touch—we’ll be happy to help.
1. What Is The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a government grant that helps eligible homeowners in England and Wales reduce the cost of installing an air source or ground source heat pump.
As an MCS certified installer, McGhie’s Plumbing and Heating can help you determine whether your property qualifies and guide you through the application process.
2. Which Heat Pump Brands Do You Install?
We install high-quality air source heat pumps from Panasonic and Grant, along with CTC ground source heat pumps. Each manufacturer offers different features and benefits, and we’ll recommend the most suitable system based on your property, heating requirements and budget.
3. Is My Home Suitable For A Heat Pump?
Most homes can be heated successfully with a heat pump, but every property is different. Factors such as insulation, heat loss, radiator sizing and your existing heating system all influence the final design.
We’ll carry out a detailed survey and heat loss calculation before recommending the most suitable solution for your home.
4. Can I Keep My Existing Radiators?
In many cases, yes. Some existing radiators can be retained, while others may need upgrading to provide sufficient heat at the lower flow temperatures used by a heat pump.
As part of our design process, we’ll assess every radiator and only recommend replacements where they’re genuinely needed.
5. Can A Heat Pump Work With Underfloor Heating?
Yes. Underfloor heating and heat pumps are an excellent combination because both operate efficiently at lower water temperatures. This allows the heat pump to run more efficiently while providing comfortable, even heat throughout your home.
If you’re considering a heat pump, we can also advise whether underfloor heating or radiator upgrades would provide the best overall solution.
1. Do You Carry Out Commercial Gas Work?
Yes. We undertake a range of commercial gas work for businesses, landlords, managing agents and commercial premises. Our services include servicing, maintenance, repairs and selected installation projects, depending on the size and requirements of the job.
2. Are You Commercial Gas Qualified?
Yes. Our engineers hold the relevant Commercial Gas Safe qualifications for the work we undertake. We continue to invest in specialist training to ensure we can safely service, maintain and install a wide range of commercial gas appliances and systems.
3. What Types Of Commercial Properties Do You Work In?
We work in a variety of commercial environments, including apartment developments, offices, retail premises, community buildings and other commercial properties. If you’re unsure whether we can help with your project, simply get in touch and we’ll be happy to discuss your requirements
