How to become a heating engineer

With government plans to reach net zero on the horizon, and eco-friendly heating systems, such as solar panel installations and heat pump installations, in ever-increasing demand, it’s safe to say that the desire for skilled heating engineers has never been higher.

Of course, there’s more to becoming a heating engineer than just having an interest in the installation and maintenance of new and modern heating systems. In order to qualify as an expert in this field, you’ll need the right training.

From the basics of how to become a heating engineer to what sort of salary you can expect to earn once qualified, keep reading to learn more about starting a career in the roles.

Why should you consider becoming a heating engineer?

When it comes to a career in the trades, heating engineers of all kinds have always been in demand. However, with the current drive towards more sustainable heating systems leading to many homeowners seeking alternative forms of heating in order to make their homes more energy efficient, such engineering skills are more sought-after than ever.

As a result, a career as a heating engineer has become a much more profitable one in recent years in the form of new installations and maintenance work, not to mention the increasing need for engineers capable of working with more modern and future heating systems.

Simply put, there’s never been a better time than now for those interested in a heat engineering career to begin their trades journey.

What does a heating engineer do?

Previously, the term heating engineer was typically used as an alternative name for a gas engineer, with gas being the most common form of heating fuel in most homes for the past few decades.

Nowadays, however, a heating engineer refers to anyone operating in the heating trade, which still includes working with gas systems, but also extends out to other forms of heating systems, such as those that run purely on electricity.

As a result, most heating engineers will likely find that their day-to-day work includes a combination of some or all of the following:

• Installing a variety of heating systems in domestic and commercial properties.
• Carrying out routine tests and maintenance of heating systems they’re qualified to work with.
• Diagnosing heating system problems presented by customers and coming up with suitable solutions.
• Conducting repairs on various different heating systems that fall under their purview.
• Advising customers on heating safety and how to make their homes more energy efficient.

What qualifications do I need to become a heating engineer?

When it comes to qualifying as a heating engineer in the UK, you can typically opt for one of two routes – becoming an apprentice or earning various qualifications through college and training programs.

For many heating engineers just starting out, an apprenticeship can provide the best experience, as it allows you to earn money as you learn your new trade, while also giving you direct experience working in the field.

Alternatively, if you want to earn your heat engineer qualifications through college and training, then you should look to apply to your nearest centre that provides the following accreditation:

• Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing and Heating
• Level 3 Diploma in Plumbing and Heating
• Level 3 Diploma in Gas Utilisation Installation and Maintenance
• T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction

How long does it take to become a heating engineer?

As with most trades, how long it will take you to become a heating engineer will depend on various factors. For example, if you’re coming into this career from a similar trade, then you may only need to take a few courses over several months to become qualified.

However, for those without any experience in the trades, learning to become a heating engineer and gaining all the vital certifications needed to operate safely could take several years.

Do I need to be Gas Safe Registered to operate as a heating engineer?

While a heating engineer is not required to be Gas Safe Registered to operate, if you plan on working with any systems that use gas, you will need to apply for and complete this qualification.

Furthermore, in order to qualify for Gas Safety Registration, you will need to have earned an ACS in Gas and the CCN1 – the domestic gas safety certificate – both of which are required for entering the Gas Safety Register scheme.

What other skills are useful to have as a heating engineer?

Besides knowledge of your particular engineering field, there are several other skills that a heating engineer can develop which will be beneficial to their role. These can include some or all of the following:

• Good industry knowledge – being a constantly changing industry, having a good knowledge of the heating sector will help you stay on top of regulation changes and take advantage of new heating technology as and when it becomes available.
• Technical aptitude – heating systems can be rather complex in their construction and design, but having a good technical aptitude will help you get the most out of the physical and computer systems you’ll be using in your role.
• Mathematical skills – measurements and calculations go hand in hand with heat engineering, so a solid grounding in mathematical knowledge is always useful.
• Creative problem-solving – not every installation and repair job will be a simple process, but having good problem-solving skills can certainly help you come up with appropriate solutions for these trickier tasks.
• Organisational skills – even if you don’t plan on running your own heating business in the future, it never hurts to develop your organisational skills to keep all your documents, blueprints, and tools nicely stashed away for easy access.

How much do heating engineers earn?

As with any career, how much you can earn as a heating engineer will depend on your experience level. For example, a fully qualified heat engineer can expect to earn an average of £37,000 a year, with this being higher if they run their own business.

On the other hand, if you’re only just starting out as a heating engineer, you’re more likely to be earning £21,000+, depending on what stage of your career you’re at and your employer’s salary rates.

Enhance your business reputation as a Trusted Trader

Hopefully you should now have a much better idea of the steps you’ll need to take to become a heating engineer, and what you can expect to earn once you start such a role.

Of course, once you’re qualified as a heating engineer, you can start operating your own heat engineering business. And if that’s something you plan on doing, then you should also consider becoming a Which? Trusted Trader.

As a Trusted Trader, you can display the Which? logo as part of your branding, which shows customers that you’re a tradesperson who’s a qualified expert in their field, and a trusty-worthy business in the home improvement sector.

Become a Trusted Trader

When customers see you displaying our logo, they'll know when you're a trader they can trust

Find out more