The paper briefly sketches the background to domestic heating in Britain from Roman times to contemporary awareness of the desirability of better heating. The extent of the domestic market now awaiting satisfaction, and the influences of fuel policy are discussed. The effect of contemporary building methods on the choice of heating systems is considered, and the available systems discussed. Present practices in both public and private sectors of housing are noted, together with comments on the reasons for past and prevailing techniques. Topics leading to considerations of the fuel suppliers' interest in the capital goods market in central heating systems are given, and, finally, some remarks on the potential role of district heating in the domestic central heating field are presented.