Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Boiler Installed
No boiler will last forever which then means that at some point or another, every homeowner will have to look to get their boiler replaced for a brand new one. However, boiler replacements can be quite costly, depending on which one you’d like and how straightforward it is to fit.
But overall, it can be quite an overwhelming task so we’re on hand to tell you everything you need to know about boiler installation, especially if you haven’t done it before. In addition to knowing when to replace your boiler, it’s also important that you understand exactly what happens when you have your new boiler installed.
Signs you need to have a new boiler installed
There are many different ways to determine whether or not you need to have your boiler replaced. Where some of the issues are repairable, there are others that require nothing less than an entire boiler replacement. Whether you’re wanting to cut your energy costs down or give yourself peace of mind that your boiler is absolutely safe, then having a new boiler installed will always be the best option.
With that in mind, here are some of the things to look out for that are suggestive of an entire boiler replacement:
Your boiler was installed more than 10 years ago
The older boilers get, the less reliable and efficient they become. This will largely depend on the condition of your boiler together with its age. The general advice is to have the boiler replaced after 10 years; don’t wait for something to go wrong before having a new boiler installed.
Not only will replacing your boiler ensure you save money on your energy bills, but you’ll also save money in the long run as you won’t have to worry about having your old boiler regularly repaired. It’ll also give you peace of mind that your boiler will be safe to use at all times, especially if you have it serviced annually going forward.
Your energy bills have skyrocketed
If you’ve noticed your energy bills rising at a rapid rate, then it’s most likely time to have your boiler replaced. As they get older, the less efficiently they’ll run and you’ll then start paying more for the same amount of energy you use. A new boiler will be far more efficient, especially when paired with smart controls. This will allow you full flexibility when it comes to heating your home, all at a rate you’re comfortable with.
The boiler has actually broken down
This is an exceptionally obvious point, but if your boiler has broken down beyond repair, then it’s absolutely time to have a new boiler installed. If it’s broken down and you have it repaired, it’s extremely likely that it’ll need fixing again, likely in the not too distant future. Save yourself some money when it comes to regular boiler repairs, checks and maintenance and have the boiler replaced instead.
Your boiler is noisy
Any kind of unusual noise coming from your boiler is a sure sign that it needs to be replaced. Boilers will make these noises due to some sort of fault or it could even be down to a severe blockage somewhere in the system, thus preventing the water from circulating around the boiler properly. If the noises are becoming louder or are starting to sound like a kettle on a stove, then you’ll need to have the boiler replaced as soon as possible.
The pilot light is either yellow or has completely gone out
The pilot light in your boiler should glow a healthy blue colour. If it’s burning yellow, or if it’s not on at all, then it could be that carbon monoxide is leaking into your home. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, which is why it’s considered to be one of the most harmful and deadly gasses around.
If this is something you’re worried about, then you should buy a carbon monoxide detector from a reputable manufacturer, simply for peace of mind. If you’re in a rented property, then you should already have one of these in the house, by law. If there’s something not quite right with your pilot light, then be sure to have a professional look at it because it might be that you need to have your boiler replaced as soon as you can.
Something doesn’t smell quite right
Where carbon monoxide doesn’t have an odour, a scent has actually been added to the natural gas to enable the user to detect any leaks coming from your boiler. If you smell gas at any point, anywhere in your home, then you should vacate the property as soon as possible and contact the Gas Emergency Services immediately.
Along with gas, a burning smell or even a metallic scent can be a sign that your boiler is starting to wear and break down. If any of the aforementioned sounds (or smells) familiar to you, then you should be sure to call someone out to inspect your boiler.
Water is leaking from the boiler itself
Even the smallest of water leaks should be a cause for concern when it comes to faulty or broken boilers. Not only this, but water leaks can be particularly damaging to other parts of your property, including floors, ceilings, kitchen worktops and even other appliances and white goods.
If you notice any water dripping from your boiler, no matter how fast or slow, then contact an engineer to inspect the boiler. The likelihood is, however, that you’ll need to have the boiler replaced.
It needs repairing on a regular basis
Constantly having your boiler repaired can be both inconvenient and costly. When this starts happening, many homeowners will opt to simply have the boiler replaced as opposed to having maintenance carried out on it regularly.
Where a new boiler installation could set you back financially by a couple of thousand pounds, it’ll save you money in the long run, simply because you won’t have to worry about regularly paying engineers to come and replace parts, for example.
Engineers have a hard time finding replacement parts for your boiler
In order to fully repair your broken down boiler, replacement parts will be needed to get the job done. But this can become increasingly more difficult if your engineer is finding it difficult to source the right parts and components in a timely manner.
This often becomes harder as your boiler ages, so if your engineer can’t find the parts they need to fix the problem, then the only logical step left to take is to go for a full boiler replacement.
How much does boiler installation cost?
There’s no one, quick answer to this question, but it often depends on the size of your house, the type of boiler you go for, its manufacturer and even the location of the boiler. A like-for-like swap, which is also one of the most popular solutions, is the cheapest, most straightforward way to go when it comes to new boiler installation.
The cost can also be determined by the boiler manufacturer as some are more budget-friendly than others, so be sure to do your research if you’re looking for an affordable initial cost. Also, installing the boiler in the same place as the hold one is a simple solution, whether it’s like-for-like or not.
If you want your replacement boiler to sit in an entirely different place, then you’ll most likely incur extra costs and charges as it’ll involve relocating pipes. Moving the boiler to another part of the house may also mean that walls will have to be plastered as the engineer will have to get rid of the old one and plumb in the new one – something else to factor into your boiler installation expenses.
If you have a 1-2 bedroom house, then here’s what you can expect to pay for a replacement boiler:
- Combi boiler – £1,000-£1,500
- System boiler – £1,500-£2,000
- Conventional boiler – £1,500-£2,000
If you have a 3-4 bedroom house, then you can expect to pay:
- Combi boiler – £1,500-£2,000
- System boiler – £2,000-£2,500
- Conventional boiler – £2,000-£2,500
If you have a 4+ bedroom house, then you can expect your boiler installation to cost:
- Combi boiler – £2,000-£2,500+
- System boiler – £2,500-£3,000+
- Conventional boiler – £2,5000-£3,000+
How to get quotes for our boiler replacement
Our expert team here at 0800 Repair Gas will be able to provide you with a quick, free quote for boiler replacement services. No matter which boiler you’d like, where you’d like it or how big you need it to be, our specialist engineers will be able to help, guide and advise you through the entire process, so get in touch with us for a boiler installation quote today.
How to choose the right boiler for your home
Choosing the right boiler for your home is absolutely essential, especially as it’s a large, initial outlay and a worthwhile investment. In order to find the right boiler for you and your needs, you’ll have to consider a number of things, including:
- The type of boiler you need
- The size of the boiler you require
- The boiler brand and model
- The range or line the boiler has come from
In order to answer all of the considerations mentioned above, you’ll need to know a number of different things about your overall energy usage, including the following:
- The amount of water you use
- How much space you have to house the new boiler
- The location you need, or would like, your boiler to be in
- The cost associated with relocating the boiler
You’ll be able to choose between three different types of boilers. Where immersion heaters are now a thing of the past, your main options include:
- Combination (combi) boilers – heats water directly from the mains supply and delivers instant hot water and heating
- System boilers – no need for tanks in the loft, but the hot water you need on demand will be housed in a cylinder until you require it
- Conventional boilers – a traditional heating system that’ll need to be installed alongside a cold water cylinder, a hot water cylinder and an expansion vessel. The boiler will heat the home whereas any hot water needed will be stored in cylinders until needed
What can you expect on the day of your boiler installation?
There are a number of things you can do take make the boiler installation run as smoothly as possible from the offset, including:
- Clearing the space around our boiler
- Ensuring the boiler is easily accessible via a ladder, stairway or walkway
Replacing an existing boiler with an entirely new boiler can take up to three days, so bear this in mind if timing is an issue for you. If this is something that concerns you, be sure to speak to your boiler installation company because they might well be able to offer a more suitable solution that’ll suit your timeframe.
Depending on which Dollar Tree Compass type of boiler you’ll be replacing and what you’ll be replacing it with will determine the timescale and the cost associated with the replacement of your boiler. Generally, replacing any boiler for an entirely different one will be much more expensive than switching it out for a like-for-like system. If you’re on a budget, then be sure to discuss this, also, with your boiler installation company.
