Heating Historic Buildings: Choosing the Right System for Characterful Properties
At HARNCE, we have an enviable reputation for our experience in working with historic buildings. From churches to farmhouses, to museums and county buildings we specialise in heating solutions for homes and community buildings with heritage and heart.
With these properties, many have heating systems which are larger than your regular domestic building, so our team have the expertise to maintain and install commercial-sized systems as well as smaller domestic boilers.
Whether it’s a 19th-century chapel in Rugeley, a Georgian rectory in Lichfield, or a village hall in Tamworth, we know that heating older buildings requires care, knowledge, and respect for tradition.
If you live or work in a listed property around areas like Walsall, Cannock, Lichfield, Burton upon Trent or Sutton Coldfield, this guide is for you.
Understanding the Challenges of Heating Historic Buildings
Unlike modern homes, many period properties were built long before central heating. They often feature:
- Solid stone or brick walls with no cavity insulation
- Original timber windows with limited draught-proofing
- Large open spaces with high ceilings
- Stone or flagstone flooring
- Conservation restrictions on structural changes
Installing an effective heating system in such buildings involves balancing comfort, efficiency, and heritage preservation — and that’s exactly what we do at HARNCE.
Which Heating System is Right for Your Building?
Let’s explore the most suitable options for heating listed and older properties, with insights based on our hands-on work across Staffordshire and the West Midlands.
Traditional Gas Boilers – Still a Solid Choice
Many older buildings still rely on gas-fired systems, and in many cases, replacing a failing boiler with a modern condensing gas boiler is both practical and cost-effective. These newer models offer improved efficiency without radically altering the layout of existing systems.
We recently helped a local church upgrade a 250kWh gas boiler that had been in place for decades. The new system was relocated out of a flood-prone cellar, with pipework rerouted through a historic stone floor — preserving both the integrity and function of the space.
Read more in our St Mary’s Church,
Tutbury case study
In another project, we worked with Erasmus Darwin House — a Grade I listed museum in the heart of Lichfield — where two failing boilers threatened the comfort of staff and visitors. We installed modern, high-efficiency replacements, all while adhering to conservation requirements and operating within the sensitive setting of this Georgian property.
View our Erasmus
Darwin House case study
Oil-Fired Heating – Ideal for Off-Grid Locations
In rural villages such as Yoxall, Abbots Bromley or Fradley, oil is often the main heating fuel. Modern oil boilers can now rival gas systems in terms of efficiency. We frequently install or replace oil tanks (including bunded options), and carefully route pipework to comply with OFTEC regulations and conservation requirements.
Our engineers also handle oil tank removals and replacements with minimal disruption — ideal for country homes or churches surrounded by sensitive landscaping or memorial grounds.
Read more in our
St Mary’s Church, Rolleston case study
LPG – A Flexible Alternative for Hard-to-Access Properties
Where neither gas nor oil is viable — such as in some remote areas around Alrewas or Hammerwich — LPG provides a clean and efficient alternative. It offers the same familiarity as a gas system but can be delivered via above-ground or underground tanks.
We’re often called in to update old LPG setups that are leaking, poorly sited or non-compliant. Our upgrades not only improve efficiency but also enhance safety and ease of use.
Underfloor Heating – Considerations for Heritage Homes
Underfloor heating is growing in popularity, but it must be approached with caution in older properties. Lifting historic flagstones or timber floors requires delicate handling — and specialist knowledge to ensure reinstatement that respects the original layout and materials.
In one of our recent church projects, we carefully lifted and reinstated original stone flags to allow for heating circuit upgrades. This type of work requires detailed planning and often coordination with conservation officers.
See our
Derby New Church project for more
Infrared Heating Panels – Discreet and Effective
For spaces where radiators or wet systems aren't practical, infrared panels can be a simple, low-impact solution. Mounted high on walls or ceilings, they heat people and objects directly rather than the air — ideal for sporadically used community spaces like chapels, meeting rooms, or converted barns.
Heat Pumps – A Sustainable Option (With Caveats)
Air-source or ground-source heat pumps are frequently recommended for low-carbon heating. However, they’re not always suitable for historic buildings due to:
High installation costs
Poor compatibility with draughty, poorly insulated interiors
The need for large radiators or underfloor systems to be effective
Where viable, we’ll assess your property thoroughly and advise if a hybrid solution (such as a heat pump with a backup boiler) might work better.
Our Approach at HARNCE
We work across a 30-mile radius from our base in WS13, covering Lichfield, Burntwood, Brownhills, Aldridge, Tamworth, Burton and surrounding towns and villages. Whether it’s a rural farmhouse, listed chapel, or heritage school, we follow a methodical, respectful approach:
- Full site assessment
- Options tailored to your building's structure and restrictions
- Close coordination with conservation officers (where needed)
- Discreet routing of pipework and minimal visible impact
- Clear communication and tidy, respectful workmanship
Thinking About Upgrading Your Heating?
If you’re unsure whether your old boiler is up to the job or you're considering a more energy-efficient option, speak to the experts. We’ll help you weigh up costs, practicality, and conservation constraints — all while keeping your building warm and protected.
Explore some of our recent projects:
Serving historic homes and public buildings across Lichfield, Cannock, Rugeley, Tamworth, Walsall, Sutton Coldfield, Burton upon Trent and beyond.
Ready for a warmer future without compromising your building’s past?
Get in touch with HARNCE Heating and Plumbing today for a free consultation or site visit.
