Our Services in Burnley

Boilers and air conditioning across East Lancashire

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What areas do you cover?

We are based in Burnley and cover Padiham, Nelson, Colne, Barrowford, Clitheroe, Whalley, Great Harwood, Accrington, Blackburn, Earby, Barnoldswick and Rawtenstall. If you are not sure whether we cover your area, call us on 07718 218136 and we will let you know.

How long have you been in the trade?

James has worked on boilers and heating systems for over 20 years, including more than 12 years at British Gas, where he was a technical engineer and later managed engineers. Walker James Heating and Cooling Ltd was set up in September 2024.

Are you Gas Safe registered?

Yes. We are on the Gas Safe Register under registration number 952222. You can check this on the Gas Safe Register website, and you are always welcome to ask to see James's Gas Safe ID card.

What are your opening hours?

Our standard hours are 08:00 to 17:00, seven days a week. Outside those hours, we offer 24-hour call-outs for boiler breakdowns and emergencies.

Do you give free quotes?

Yes, for boiler replacements and system upgrades. Quotes for these are free and come with no obligation. For repairs, we start with a call-out to diagnose the fault, then give you a quote based on what we find.

How do I pay?

Payment is taken once the job is complete. For larger jobs such as a boiler replacement, a deposit is taken when the work is booked in. We will confirm the payment terms with your quote.

What warranty do I receive?

New boilers come with a manufacturer warranty of between 5 and 12 years, depending on the make and model you choose. We can register the warranty for you once the boiler is installed, and we will tell you exactly what cover your boiler has before you commit.

How much does a new boiler cost?

New boiler installations start from £1,900 + VAT. The final price depends on the boiler you choose, the type of system you have and any extra work needed, such as moving the boiler or upgrading pipework. We give you a fixed, upfront price after surveying your home, and the quote is free.

How long does a boiler installation take?

A straightforward like-for-like boiler swap is usually done in a day. Conversions, such as changing a system boiler to a combi or moving the boiler, can take longer. We will give you a clear timescale with your quote.

Do you take away the old boiler?

Yes. We take the old boiler away when we fit the new one, so there is nothing for you to arrange.

Which type of boiler do I need?

It depends on your home and how you use hot water. Combi boilers suit most homes, while larger homes with several bathrooms may be better suited to a system or regular boiler and a hot water cylinder. We will recommend the right option during the survey.

Do I need to service my new boiler?

Yes. Most manufacturers ask for a service every year to keep the warranty valid, so it is worth booking your first service in for a year after the boiler is fitted.

Will this stop faults?

A service will not guarantee your boiler never breaks down, but it greatly reduces the chances. It lets us inspect the boiler and catch issues early, before they turn into a fault or a breakdown in the middle of winter.

How much is a boiler service?

A standard service is £80 + VAT. A major service is £120 + VAT plus parts. We will confirm which one your boiler needs before we start.

How often should my boiler be serviced?

Once a year. An annual service keeps the boiler running safely and efficiently, and it is usually a condition of the manufacturer warranty.

How long does a service take?

Most services take around an hour. If we find something that needs attention, we will explain it and give you a price before doing any extra work.

What do you check during a service?

We inspect and clean the main components, check the burner and gas pressure, test the flue gases with an analyser, and check the safety devices and controls are working properly.

Can you service any make of boiler?

We service a wide range of boiler makes. If your boiler is very old, we will let you know how it is performing and whether any parts are hard to get hold of.

Can you fix my boiler?

James has over 20 years' experience in the trade, so we have the tools and knowledge to fix most boilers. If a repair is not worth doing on an older boiler, we will tell you honestly and talk you through the options.

How much does a boiler repair cost?

We start with a call-out to diagnose the fault, then quote for the repair. Most repairs cost between £80 and £500 + VAT, depending on the fault and the parts needed.

Do you offer emergency call-outs?

Yes. We offer 24-hour call-outs for boiler breakdowns and emergencies. Call us on 07718 218136 and we will get to you as quickly as we can.

Which boiler brands can you repair?

James has worked on a wide range of boiler makes over his career, and we can source manufacturer parts when they are needed.

Should I repair or replace my boiler?

If your boiler is old, breaking down often or needs an expensive part, replacing it can work out better value. We will give you an honest opinion and the cost of both options so you can decide.

What should I do if I smell gas?

Open doors and windows, turn off the gas at the meter if you can, avoid using switches or flames, leave the property and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. Once the supply has been made safe, we can carry out the repair.

Can air conditioning heat a room as well as cool it?

Yes. Most modern split systems work as reverse-cycle heat pumps. In summer they move heat out of the room, and in winter they reverse the process to bring heat in, which makes them a practical year-round option for rooms like conservatories, loft conversions and home offices.

How much does air conditioning cost?

It depends on the number of indoor units, the type of system, the layout of the property and how the pipework needs to run. We give a clear quote based on your job after a survey, rather than a ballpark figure. All prices are plus VAT.

How long does an air conditioning installation take?

A single wall-mounted unit usually takes between half a day and a full day. Multi-split systems and commercial jobs take longer, depending on the number of units and the pipework. We will give you a clear timescale with your quote.

How often should air conditioning be serviced?

Once a year suits most homes and offices. Systems that work harder, such as those cooling server rooms or busy shops, may need servicing twice a year. Regular servicing keeps the system efficient and helps it last.

Can you service a system you did not install?

Yes. We service and repair air conditioning systems whoever fitted them. If you have a system that needs attention or has not been serviced for a while, get in touch and we will take a look.

Do I need planning permission for air conditioning?

Most home installations are covered by permitted development rights and do not need planning permission. Listed buildings, conservation areas and some flats can be exceptions, and we will flag anything that needs checking during the survey.

Are you F-Gas certified?

Yes. We are certified with the F-Gas Register under F-Gas ID FGAS3031292, so we can legally install, service and repair air conditioning. You can look us up in the F-Gas Register's company directory.