The best way to ensure that your new boiler is installed correctly is to buy it from the right company. Your boiler should heat your home for many decades to come.
Here are our top tips to help you find the right boiler.
Why purchase a boiler replacement?
Boilers usually last for 10-15 years, but after 8 years they may lose efficiency. Heating bills will start to rise as efficiency begins to drop.
Additionally, as your boiler ages, it can become more vulnerable to issues. You’ll be paying more for heating engineers to fix your boiler if they are called out on a regular basis. It is time to get a new boiler installed.
The following signs indicate that it is time to have your boiler replaced:
Your boiler is regularly breaking down
A boiler repair costs more than a brand new one.
You have noticed that heating bills are rising.
Your heating and hot-water needs are no longer being met
Are you planning to rent out or sell your property? A modern boiler will improve your home’s efficiency and make it more appealing for potential buyers.
Let’s look at our top 8 tips for new boiler installation Bromley.
1. Pick the right boiler
The right boiler type for you will depend on your property’s size and how much hot water you use.
Combi
Combi boilers, which are the most popular type of boiler available in the UK, are the most recent and best-selling. A combi is a single, cost-effective heating solution that doesn’t require any additional tanks or boilers. A combi is an excellent choice if you have limited space.
They are able to provide instant heating or hot water upon demand without the need of any tanks or boilers. They can be used in homes with only one or two bathrooms, depending upon the output rating.
There are many advantages to combi boilers, but also some points that you should consider. A combi boiler draws water directly from the mains so you will need to have high water pressure. The hot water from the tap will never be strong enough if it does not. They’re not able to provide a strong supply for hot water to more that one tap, in most cases. This is why they work best with smaller properties.
System
A system boiler is an excellent option for homes with multiple bathrooms and high water consumption. The system boiler heats water on demand and stores it in a hot-water cylinder. If there is a high demand on hot water, then the additional space may be worth it.
A cylinder can store hot water but it does not allow a system boiler the ability to supply hot water faster. There will be times when you have to wait for it fill up again. Combination boilers will not have to deal with this issue.
Regular
Many names can be given to the standard boiler. There are many types of boilers, including open-vent (heat-only), conventional and heat-only (conventional). They’re the oldest available boiler type and are frequently found in properties built in 1960s and 1970s.
Regular boilers heat water and store it in a cylinder like a system-boiler. Not only do you need a hot water tank, but also a feed-and-expansion tank. This tank is placed in the loft. It supplies cold water to your boiler, as they do not take water from the mains.
These large heating systems require extensive pipe networks and are only recommended for properties where the boiler type is installed.
2. Compare the top boiler brands
Once you have selected the right boiler for your home, it is time to find a model made by one of the many UK manufacturers.
These are widely considered the best boiler companies in terms of installer feedback and homeowner reviews.
ATAG
Baxi
Ideal
Vaillant
Viessmann
Worcester Bosch
Each manufacturer offers three boiler types. They are all primarily gas-fueled, but a few offer oil boilers.
4. Choose the right place to install your boiler
Modern boiler installations allow for a lot of flexibility. The flexibility to place your boiler wherever you want it to is a great advantage. The boiler can be installed in any room, including a utility or kitchen.
Today’s boilers are as compact as they can be. Boilers don’t take up much space so many can be stored in a wall mounted cupboard.
Installing oil and gas boilers on an external wall is a requirement. This is so that gases from waste can easily be expelled out of the property by the fluepipe.
You should note that the cost of replacing a boiler can be increased by moving it from one location to the next.
5. Set your budget
Many people feel that their choice is often dictated largely by their budget. Budget is a major determinant of choice for many people. It’s therefore important to set a budget and stick to it.
The cost of buying a boiler replacement depends on several factors.
Manufacturer, model, range
Boiler type (combi or system)
Output rating (which tells how powerful the boiler is and is measured by kW)
In addition to the boiler’s cost, consider how the boiler will be installed. Prices for boiler installation can vary greatly due to factors such:
Installation rates
Time of the Year
Installation difficulty
The boiler can be moved to another location.
No matter if it is a replacement for a combi (replacing one with another combi)
6. Make sure to check the warranty
A boiler warranty gives you peace of mind knowing your boiler will be covered in case of an unfortunate event. All UK boiler manufacturers offer warranties. The terms and lengths of warranties will differ depending on the manufacturer.
Boiler warranties usually range from 1–10 years. However, some boiler warranties can go beyond 10 year. ATAG boilers offer a 14-year warranty as of the date of writing. This warranty is the longest offered in the UK.
7. Compare at least 2 quotes
Before purchasing a new boiler, it is important to compare quotes from at minimum two heating engineers. Comparing multiple quotes is a great way to get the best price and find the right company.
It’s not just about comparing prices, but also because you will have the best chance of getting the most affordable price. If you accepted only one quote, then you won’t know whether you are being overcharged.
8. Check your installer’s qualifications & reviews
A qualified heating engineer must be hired to install your new boiler. Gas Safe registered engineers must be hired for installation of gas boilers. Oil boilers should be installed by an OFTEC technician.
Check online to make sure that the installer is qualified. It’s possible to visit the Gas Safe register and check the company you’re interested in. As soon as they arrive on your property, you should ask for their ID card.
All Boiler Guide Heating Engineers are certified and fully accredited. We check this daily.
Not only are you qualified, but also look at customer reviews.
When is the best moment to replace your boiler
Summer is the best month to have your boiler replaced. The higher temperatures in summer mean that heating will not be necessary as often. You will notice a difference in how long you can go without the heating (depending on the type) than when it is on during winter.
Heating engineers also tend to have more time during this time of the calendar. You may find it easier to find a heating contractor, or even at a cheaper rate.
Don’t wait until the boiler breaks down completely to replace it. If it happens in winter, it can become an emergency situation that will leave you with no time to think about your options.
It is a good idea to plan ahead and purchase a boiler 8 years after your old one has been installed.
