Getting a new boiler installed is a much simpler process than it sounds! Your boiler should typically last around 10 years, but if you’re ready for your new boiler sooner than that, then this guide will help you know what to expect and how to prepare for your new installation.
Keep reading to find our breakdown of a seamless boiler installation!
Who Needs A Boiler Replacement?
There could be a few reasons why you are in need of a boiler replacement.
Outdated
It may be as simple as, your boiler is becoming outdated and in need of a revamp. Boilers will usually last around 10 years, so it is worth looking into replacements around this time frame. If you start to notice problems, with your central heating system or with hot water, that might be a clear indication that your boiler is struggling and in need of a replacement!
Central Heating Services
You might notice that your central heating is not working properly. Check your radiators for any cold patches to make sure that your boiler is functioning. If you notice inconsistencies and cold areas in your radiators, it might be time to look into getting an upgrade.
Energy Efficient
This goes hand in hand with the general upgrade that your boiler might require. If you’re looking to be more energy efficient and cut down your costs on your bills then a boiler upgrade to a newer model could be just what you need. Investing in a more efficient boiler system will also help you reduce the amount of carbon emissions that are produced by your home.
Oil Vs. Electric
Oil boilers have been the typical heating system for many years, and they are the most similar to gas boilers. Electric boilers, however, have been on the rise recently.
Oil boilers are good because they are a cheap option in comparison to electric boilers, and they are extremely reliable and efficient. There are more oil boiler manufactures than electric, giving you more choice if you’re looking for an oil boiler. A downside to oil boilers is that they do contribute to carbon emissions, as they are a fossil fuel.
Electric boilers, on the other hand, release zero emissions and don’t create any waste gases. Making them better for the environment, but unfortunately this leaves them more expensive than oil boilers. They are extremely quiet and can be paired with solar panels if you want to be even more efficient!
If you have an option already in mind, you can discuss this with your engineer. However, if you aren’t sure which kind of boiler is best for your replacement, you can ask your engineer and they will be able to advise you to the best of their knowledge.
Finding A Reliable Installer
A vital first step in getting your boiler replaced is finding a dependable company to complete your fitting. You could use family or friend recommendations to help you find a trustworthy individual or company. Your installer should be able to talk you through the control systems available and give you recommendations for your boiler fitting. They should help you determine whether a simple boiler replacement is appropriate or if you might need an alternative.
A good method of narrowing down your installation companies is to contact a few. If you are able to get a free quote from these companies, this can help you to work out what you will be getting for your money in each case. Costs will differ depending on the type of boiler system, fitting costs and the location of the boiler in your home, so getting quotes from a few different companies will give a good indication of the cost you should expect.
Gas Safe Register
This is a big thing to look out for when you’re trying to find the right engineer to fit your boiler. Whichever companies you are considering, ensure you check that they are on the Gas Safe Register. You can do this with the engineer’s details or with a 7-digit licence number which you can ask them for.
This will tell you whether they are appropriately qualified, and will be able to complete your fitting safely.
Preparation
Before the actual fitting of your new boiler, your engineer will want to check a few things. They will most likely check:
● How many radiators you have
● Water pressure
● Current boiler positioning
● Number of bathrooms in your home
Your boiler engineer will need to know these things in order to fit the new boiler correctly and in the right place. They want to make the process as simple as possible, and they will usually cover any flooring or surfaces that might get messy.
The Installation Process
The installation process is super simple, but it is still worth being aware of how your boiler fitting will go down!
Removing The Old Boiler
● Your old boiler will be removed, but the time it takes to do this step will entirely depend on how complex your current boiler system is. Older systems may cause more complications compared to straightforward swaps that will take less time to complete.
● Your engineer may need to remove old pipework and radiators when your old boiler is being removed and before the new one is put into place. If your pipes are outdated, they may require new fittings so that they function properly and in accordance with your new boiler.
● Your engineer should also do a flush to clean out the water system. This could either be a chemical flush or a power flush, to keep the water as clean as possible. This will help prevent any damage being caused to your new boiler by debris.
Installing The New Boiler
● Your new boiler will be fitted, either in the same location as the previous one, or in its new location. Remember to be mindful that if you have decided to move the boiler, this will take extra time and potentially cost extra.
● After everything is fitted and your engineer is happy with the new boiler installation, you will most likely be given a tour of your new boiler and all the features that you should know about. This could include setting timers, turning it on and off or using the temperature controls.
● While you have an engineer present, it could be a good idea to ask any questions you have, sooner rather than later. This way, you can gain professional expertise that may help you later on down the line or whenever you run into an issue.
Post-Installation:
After the installation, a vital thing you need to do is get the appropriate paperwork from your engineer. They should be able to provide you with a Buildings Regulation Certificate and a Benchmark Certificate as legitimate proof that the work has been done correctly.
If you don't receive the appropriate paperwork, be sure to flag this up with your engineer or with the company.
After everything is up and running with your hot water and central heating, you can enjoy your cosy home! A yearly boiler service is usually required to check the boiler's performance and safety, so we recommend getting in touch with your engineer to arrange the service. We do advise that you do this in the summer, to avoid any weather related issues in the winter months.
Gastech Services
Here at Gastech, we are proud Worcester Bosch Accredited Installers. Offering a great value for money and energy efficient boiler options. We understand that getting a new boiler fitted is an important investment for your home and we want you to get your money’s worth for as long as possible.
With all our access to the latest technology, controlling your heating and hot water comes much easier now. Some of our products will allow you to control your heat simply from a phone or tablet. With our bespoke boilers and smart thermostats, we have a range of services available to make your life easier without draining your funds.
If you are interested in any of our new heating control options, or simply looking for a replacement boiler installation, we have something to suit your needs. For any further enquiries about what we do, feel free to get in touch with us and speak to one of our team members today! We will be happy to answer any questions and give you our best advice.