The 7 Stages of Fitting a New or Replacement Boiler

1. The Initial Consultation

When you contact us by telephone or call into the showroom we will have a discussion about what types and brands of boiler are available, rough prices, and what may be suitable for your property and existing heating set up. When we have a good idea of what you need, we can then arrange the next step – the home survey.

2. The Home Survey

After we have spoken to you we will then take the time to conduct a free full home survey so that we can see what your heating and hot water requirements are before giving you a recommendation on the type and size of boiler you need. We will also discuss the various types of boiler controllers.

It is important that you tell us about any future plans for your home, such as fitting a power shower, new bathroom, or an extension, as these will impact on the most suitable size and type of boiler you need.

3. Different Types of Boiler

As much as we will guide you on what we feel is the most appropriate boiler for your home, you may already have an idea of the type you want to replace your current one. Here is a basic overview of the main types that we sell and fit.

a. The Combination Boiler
These boilers heat water directly from the mains when you turn on the tap, so you do not need a hot water storage cylinder or cold water storage tank in the roof space. They are also very cost-effective and energy-efficient as water is heated instantly rather than being heated and then stored in a tank. Water is delivered at mains pressure, which means that you could get a powerful shower without the need for a separate pump.

• Compact size so ideal for smaller homes.
• Great for where there is no or little loft space.
• No hot water cylinder so more storage space.
• No cold water storage tank so frees up a loft for conversion.
• No risk of loft pipework freezing.
• Less pipework in the home makes installation typically cheaper.

b. The System Boiler
System boilers need a cylinder for storing hot water, although there is no need for a tank in the loft, so it can be used for a home with little or no loft space or where the space is going to be used for conversion. These boilers are also compatible with solar water heating systems.

• Great for homes with more than one bathroom.
• There is a constant supply of hot water to any number of taps at the same time.
• No need for a loft tank.
• Economical to run.
• Built-in components make installation quicker and neater.

c. Regular Boiler
Regular boilers (sometimes known as traditional, conventional or heat only boilers) are ideally suitable to homes that already have a traditional heating and hot water system which is linked to a separate hot water cylinder.

These boilers also need a cold water storage tank in the loft to feed the hot water cylinder as well as a tank that maintains the water level of the central heating system. These are the best option for replacing an existing boiler if the property has an older radiator system, as it might not be able to cope with the higher water pressure that is delivered by system or combination boilers.

• Ideal for homes where a lot of hot water is used at the same time.
• Great for where there are two or more bathrooms.
• Good in areas were water pressure is low.
• Compatible with solar water heating systems.

4. The Types of Boiler Controls

As much as there is a choice of boiler type, there is also a choice of the type of control that you can use to control it! Modern boiler controls enable you to precisely manage your system, as opposed to older controls which simply turn your boiler on and off. These up-to-date controllers enable you to fine tune your comfort levels whilst also helping you to reduce how much gas you use, therefore you only pay for what you use.

You may choose a simple mechanical clock timer which will switch your boiler on and off at the times you select. Digital versions of these will enable you to set different times for different days of the week. Or you could be really up-to-date and go for a smart controller that is controlled with an app on your mobile phone or tablet. With this controller you do not even need to be at home to turn the heating on or off!

5. The Quotation

The information gathered from the home survey will be used to provide a quotation for the boiler replacement. Once a price has been agreed we will take a deposit and then the work can start within a week by one of our Gas Safe engineers.

At this stage of the process you may well be wondering ‘how much is it likely to cost to have my boiler replaced?’. As a guideline, here are the average costs for the different types of boiler: –

Replacing a regular boiler with the same – £1,920 including VAT.
Replacing a combination boiler with the same – £2,290 including VAT.
Replacing a hot water cylinder with a combination system – £3,540 including VAT.
N.B. Costs will vary depending on your property size and number of bathrooms etc.

6. Replacing the Boiler

Another question you may be wondering the answer to may be “what are the timescales for completing a boiler replacement?”.

An average boiler replacement can be completed in one day; if we need to upgrade from a water tank to a combination boiler then this will take up to three days; and if you require a full boiler and central heating upgrade (boiler and radiators) this can take up to one week.

Our engineers will remove and take away for disposal the old boiler (and radiators if replaced). Where suitable the materials are recycled. Once your new boiler is installed our engineer will explain and demonstrate how the boiler controls work, including room thermostats and controllers.

7. Boiler Guarantee

Your new boiler will come with a 7/8 year guarantee from the manufacturer. However, it will be necessary to look after your boiler with an annual boiler service and we will write to you each year when this is due.