Buying a new boiler is a big and expensive decision. Here are seven things you should know before you invest in a new boiler.
Buying a new boiler is an expensive and complicated process at the best of times – let alone against the backdrop of your old boiler breaking down suddenly in winter. To help make your boiler buy more straightforward, we’ve rounded up the main things you need to consider when buying a boiler, in this quick guide.
With a typical boiler installation costing anywhere between £1,800 and £3,000, here are seven things you need to know before you take the plunge and sign on the dotted line for your new boiler. Once you know a little more, choose the best boiler for you by booking an appointment with one of our specialist surveyors who can guide you on exactly what you should consider. Our surveyors are at your disposal with no obligation what so ever.
#1 The importance of a reliable new boiler
It’s simple really – the more reliable your new boiler, the less money you will have to shell out on expensive repairs. According to our annual boilers survey, the average cost of a boiler repair is £210 – which is quite an incentive to pick a reliable brand.
Don’t be left with cold showers in a freezing cold home – only pick a new boiler from one of the most reliable and best boiler brands. We are totally independent from all boiler brands however, if you ask us to recommend a boiler, we will always suggest and recommend one with a ‘Which?” Five Star reliability rating.
#2 Get your boiler engineer’s opinion – but consider their answer carefully
Your boiler engineer will be an invaluable source of information during the buying process. He or she will be able to guide you to make the best choice on the type and size of boiler you need. According to a survey of 1,101 Which? members conducted in April 2015, 93% would trust their heating engineer to recommend the right brand of boiler for their home. What is not so well known is many heating engineers are incentivised to install particular boiler brands.
Our Surveyors remain completely impartial, and only consider what your needs are. the advise is specific to your needs now and in the future.
#3 The importance of after care support
Whilst customers believe that it doesn’t matter who installs the boiler as long as it comes with a decent warranty this is certainly not the case. The majority of boiler manufacturers insist the installer returns to assess a broken down boiler before they do.
Often a boiler broken down is more to do with poor installation than an actual breakdown of boiler. If a boiler manufacturer is called to a boiler breakdown that turns out to be due to an installation fault, the homeowner will be charged by the manufacturer for the callout.
This then leaves the homeowner to try and chase the heating engineer for the payment. This is such an issue within the trade that certain manufacturers now take payment up-front for the callout and will reimburse if it is found to be a fault on the boiler, not caused by installation.
We always aim to get it right from the start, by installing to the highest standard. However, should you ever needs us, we offer a 24 Hour emergency call out 365 days per year.
#4 What type of new boiler?
There are three main types of gas condensing boiler to choose from:
A combination boiler, commonly known as a combi boiler, heats water as you need it and eliminates the need for a storage tank.
A heat-only boiler, sometimes known as a conventional boiler, means you will have a hot water tank or cylinder where hot water can be stored for later use.
A system boiler also requires a store of hot water, which can suit a busier household. If you choose a pressurised hot water system, there is no need for tanks in the loft and can lead to increased efficiencies.
Our surveyor will be able to talk you through the different types of boiler and make a recommendation for the best choice in your home.
#5 Choosing an efficient new boiler
If you are replacing an old-style boiler with a modern gas condensing boiler, the good news is you are likely to save a decent£1,705 amount on your energy bill. The latest savings estimates (source: Sedbuk) suggest that if you live in a detached home and are replacing an old-style heavyweight boiler with a modern condensing boiler, you will be swapping average fuel bills of for £1,053 – a £652 saving.
If you already have a modern condensing boiler and are simply looking for a replacement, the good news is that they are all very energy efficient.
#6 Getting the right size boiler
The heating and hot water capabilities of the boiler
The physical size of your boiler and whether it will fit in the space you have it destined for
The correct heating size of your boiler will be something unique to you and your home, as it depends on the things such as how many bathrooms you have and how many people live in the home.
#7 The Lowest price is not always the best
The cost of installation of a new boiler can fluctuate greatly. Often people think that just because the boiler being installed is the same that the work involved is also the same. The work involved can differ greatly. To take one boiler off the wall and replace with another ‘a straight swap’ as it’s known in the trade, can be done within a couple of hours.
For the job to be done properly, it will take much longer.
Important items to look out for on a quotation when trying to compare “like for like quotes:
Length of guarantee
How is the system to be cleaned?
What controls are to be used? Is all rubbish removed?
How long has the installer been in business?
Is the workmanship guaranteed?
What happens should the system fail? What after care service is offered?
Many people will simply buy on price but remember this is what supplies you with heating and hot water for the next 10 to 15 years.
As with everything in life, you get what you pay for!
