Boiler service in Carrickfergus from £79

Carrickfergus, Greenisland and Whitehead are all in the Phoenix Energy gas network area. Many homes along the shore have switched to gas. Oil is still widespread, though: in older houses that kept their systems, and in the farms and villages on the higher ground behind the town, towards Ballycarry and Ballynure.

The town runs along the shore of Belfast Lough, from Greenisland past the castle to Whitehead at the mouth. Homes facing the water get salt spray and strong winds. Flue terminals, guards, external pipework and outdoor oil tank fittings wear faster here, and we look at all of them on every service.

Older terraces near the town centre and harbour. Estates built from the 1960s onward at Sunnylands, Woodburn and Greenisland. Victorian seaside houses in Whitehead. Newer developments on the edges of town, often with boilers still under warranty. One checklist for all: the one written by your boiler’s maker.

With both fuels common in Carrickfergus, some new owners are not sure what they have. A gas meter box on the outside wall means gas. A plastic or steel tank in the garden means oil. If you have both, the oil tank may be left over from before a conversion. Pick the fuel your boiler uses when you book, or choose “not sure” and we will check.

• BT38: Carrickfergus, Greenisland, Eden, Kilroot, Whitehead, Ballycarry
• BT39: Ballynure

Nearby: Newtownabbey and Larne.

To confirm: local review from a Carrickfergus customer

Pick gas or oil, enter your postcode and choose a slot. The price is confirmed before you book, and the service record arrives by email the same day. Read what a service includes. The Blueprint Service Plan books your annual gas service for £72 a year paid up front, compared with £79 one-off. Repairs are charged at member rates. Oil is £82 a year, compared with £89 one-off.