A heating engineer from Coventry has been recognised as the UK’s leading HVAC specialist after winning the Best HVAC Installer title at the national Heating Installer Awards 2026.
James Lacey, owner of JLN Plumbing and Heating, took home the prestigious national award after impressing judges with his expertise in designing and installing innovative heating, cooling and ventilation systems for homeowners. Having already secured a place on the national shortlist earlier this year, James went on to compete against the UK’s top HVAC installers. Following a rigorous judging process, technical challenge and public vote, he was crowned Best HVAC Installer 2026.
James’ award-winning entry showcased a project at a detached bungalow in Lutterworth, where a young family had been relying on costly and inefficient electric panel heaters to heat their home. To transform the property’s comfort and energy efficiency, James designed and installed an air source heat pump alongside a whole-home heating, cooling and ventilation system. The innovative solution allows fresh, filtered air to be delivered throughout the home year-round, providing cooling during warmer months and efficient heating during the winter.
Judges praised James’ technical expertise and his ability to deliver a future-ready solution that combined heating, cooling and ventilation in a single, highly efficient system. They highlighted the project as an excellent example of how modern HVAC technology can improve comfort, energy efficiency and air quality for homeowners.
Speaking about his win, James said: “What a brilliant week! I’m really, really happy that this project has won. It was a fairly unique job, using a system called Unico which is really taking off here in the UK. The homeowner is seeing real benefits from the work we did and it’s now award winning work too!”
Laura Mashiter, founder of the Heating Installer Awards said: “James’ project demonstrated exactly why HVAC systems are becoming an increasingly important part of modern home comfort. His entry showcased exceptional technical expertise and a clear understanding of how heating, cooling and ventilation can work together to deliver the best possible outcome for homeowners. To be crowned the UK’s Best HVAC Installer is a fantastic achievement and thoroughly deserved.”
The Heating Installer Awards was created to shine a spotlight on the exceptional skill, dedication and professionalism of heating installers across the UK. Now in its 12th year, the awards have become one of the industry’s most respected accolades, recognising installers who consistently deliver outstanding workmanship and customer service.
James received his award at InstallerSHOW 2026 at the NEC Birmingham in June, where leading manufacturers, installers and industry professionals gathered to celebrate innovation and excellence across the building services sector. Alongside the prestigious trophy, he also received prizes from the awards’ sponsors including Danfoss, Powered Now, Samsung Climate Solutions, Stelrad, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, InstallerSHOW and Refresh.
If you would like to enter the awards for 2027, pre-registration is now open – just visit Heating Installer Awards or The Plumber Awards to add your details in.