A gas boiler and central heating installer has seen a 30% increase in private boiler sales in what it describes as a return of consumer confidence.

Swale Heating saw sales grow to £7.5 million compared to £5.8 million in the previous year as property owners spent more on home improvements.

Sales director Matthew Edwards said: “It’s always a good barometer of the strength of the economy generally when people start investing in their properties.

“Usually improvements like new boilers are pretty low on people’s wish lists when times are tough so consumer confidence is definitely returning to pre-recession levels.”

The company launched its services across London in the autumn installing £1,070,000 worth of boilers and central heating systems in seven months.

Mr Edwards added: “From what we’re hearing on the doorstep, rising gas and electricity prices are a key factor that’s influencing people’s decisions on where to make home improvements.

“Recent hikes are prompting a growing number to look at ways of cutting bills by becoming more energy efficient.”

The Sittingbourne-based company, which employs more than 450 people, expects private sales to top £11.5 million this financial year.

The company has installed more than a quarter of a million boilers since it launched in 1972.

It provides services to domestic heating customers in more than 125,000 homes, over 36 housing associations and local authorities across London, the South East, East Anglia and the Midlands.