New entire heating system - where to start?!

[partyplanningseason]

My heating system is falling apart, and the boiler is old. We put off getting a new heating system when we moved in over a decade ago, but it's definitely time now.

Has anyone got any tips on putting in a new heating system? Have you done it recently? Is there anything you wish you'd have done differently?

I think we'll probably end up going for an ordinary combi boiler but open to suggestions! Should we be thinking about solar? Other methods of heating? (I've ruled out heat pumps as the house is old and also it's too noisy as our neighbours are close by).

All the radiators will need replacing as they're rusty inside. Should I be thinking about fancy-pants new radiators? What even are fancy pants radiators these days?

I don't have a huge budget.

Also what do I look for in a plumber?

I feel totally clueless!! Any help much appreciated!

was that a gas fitter you asked about heat pumps @Angrymum22 because they do work in the cold...ours kept us warm last month when we had days when it didn't get above freezing, and they are fairly commonly used in Scandinavia, so to say they can't work in the cold is nonsense.
as mentioned earlier, they're not noisy either

This is a nice idea. I asked DD what she wants from a new bathroom and she said a heated towel rail. (At the moment it's just an ordinary small radiator).

It does also come on when the heating is on, in case that wasn’t clear! It’s just nice to have the option of either.

Can we talk radiators?

What radiators should I be looking at, assuming I go for a combi boiler?
Do you like your radiators?

FWIW, my house is a 1930s ex-council semi.

I wish we hadn't got rid of the hot water tank and airing cupboard when we had ours done and had a combi boiler put in. I seriously miss the airing cupboard.

Modern radiators are usually made of aluminium so better at heat exchange. It’s all about BTU.
You can pretty much choose whatever shape you want but again a survey will give you an accurate size you need.
Grey and black are popular but very obvious. You may want to choose something in keeping with the age of your house. Remember that although it may look up to date at the moment some styles will age quickly.
You may also want to make a feature of them or maybe paint them to blend in with your decor.

My last house had an airing cupboard but instead of water tank it had a small radiator with shelving and a hanging rail. It was fantastic. So much room for towels and bed linen.
Our current house is twice the size but with no where near the same storage. Every nook and cranny was utilised in the old house. I’m just about to have our loft properly boarded out to address the problem ( we’ve been here 30 yrs😂) so hopefully we can find better places for Christmas decorations and stuff we want to keep but have no room for.