5/14/2020 2:35:00 PM by Duval Heating
There are many answers to this question, let me explain.
First, this will depend on what type of boiler you already have, is it a combination, system or heat only boiler?
A brief description of the type of boilers follows.
Combination boilers are where you don’t need any water storage tanks.
Hot water is heated instantly as and when you require it.
System boilers work along side a hot water storage tank, this can be either a pressurised or an open vented tank. The heating side is pressurised.
Heat only boilers work just like the system boilers do, but are open vented.
These boilers can be pressurised if needed by installing an unvented kit.
Next, we need to know the heat output you require.
It’s no good replacing the boiler with an output lower than what you already have.
You may also want to increase the output size for a later extension project.
The heat output size is calculated by the number of radiators you have, as well as the number of hot water outlets.
The type of flue required, will it be horizontal or vertical, will it need a plume kit to divert the products of combustion away?
Will the system need the pipework upgrading to be compatible with the new boiler?
What brand of boiler do you require?
Many people think a boiler is just a boiler whatever brand it may be. This is not true.
With boilers you only get what you pay for, yes, they all do same the job they were designed for but, you want quality and reliability as well as a good back up service should you need it.
I have never understood why some people ask for the cheapest of cheapest boilers, but then complain like crazy when it breaks down saying you installed a rubbish boiler.
What type of warranty do you want, 2,5,7 even 10 years?
One thing that seems to be misunderstood re the warranties is they are worthless if you don’t have an annual service carried out.
Every make of boiler comes with a benchmark book that, by law has to be filled in on installation, signed and dated by the boiler installer.
Should this not be carried out, you have no warranty at all, no ifs, no buts, no warranty.
The same goes for the installer, if they are not gas safe registered, the boiler warranty is void.
You may also find your home insurance will become void too.
When the annual service is carried out, the boiler service engineer must complete the service section in the benchmark book, sign and date it along with their gas safe number.
As stated, the benchmark book is a legal document and should be kept in a safe place, along with all your other important documents.
Controls, what type of controls do you have?
They may need to be upgraded with new energy efficiency controls to comply with the current boiler plus regulations.
New current British Standards now state, that when installing a new boiler, the system must be cleaned and flushed out.
Inhibitors added, and an in-line filter must be installed.
The filter will help keep the system water clean.
The cost of replacing your boiler will also depend on what part of the country you live in.
London and the south-east have the highest costs, with central London being the most expensive.
The days of just replacing a boiler are long gone, every boiler installed must now comply with current gas and building regulations.
Failure to comply with the current regulations could result in some form of penalty.
Every boiler installed in the united kingdom must be registered with the local authorities.
Most boiler installers do this through the gas safe register.
Once registered, you will receive a compliance certificate that you should keep safe.
You will need this certificate when selling the property on.
One last thing before we end, with the internet nowadays people tend to search for the cost of the boilers.
What they don’t take into account is, it’s not just the boiler you have to purchase, you also need to purchase the flue as well as new fittings required to install the boiler.
You can see from above, it’s not just the cost of the boiler and labour. It’s about what’s involved as well.
Remember, safety is the most important part of having a new boiler installed.
To be safe ensure you contact your local gas safe registered boiler installer.