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You want it to be perfect when you buy a new boiler. Your new boiler should heat your home for many years.
These top boiler guides will help you choose the right one for you.
Why should you buy a new boiler?
Boilers have a life expectancy of between 10 and 15 years, but can lose efficiency after eight years. Your heating bills will increase as efficiency decreases.
A boiler can also become more susceptible to problems as it ages. If you call a heating engineer to repair your boiler on a frequent basis, then the repairs costs will start to add up. Installing a new boiler is the best and most economical decision.
These are signs that your boiler needs to be replaced:
- Your boiler is constantly breaking down
- A repair will cost more than a new boiler.
- Have you noticed an increase in your heating costs?
- You are not getting the heating or hot water you need.
- If you’re looking to rent or sell your property, a modern boiler can help improve the efficiency of your home and make your property more attractive to potential buyers.
This guide to Replacement Boiler Costs & Prices provides more information about when it is time for a new boiler.
Let’s now get to our 7 top tips when buying a new boiler.
1. Choose the right boiler
Which boiler type is best for you depends on the size of your home, how many people live there, and what your needs are for heat and hot water.
Combi
The most popular and modern type of boiler in Britain is the combi boiler . A combi heating system is one cost-effective unit that does not require additional tanks or cylinders. This is a great option if you have limited space.
They provide instant heating and hot water as needed, without the use of tanks or cylinders. They are suitable for homes with between 1 and 2 bathrooms, depending on the output rating.
Combi boilers offer many benefits but there are also some things you need to consider. Combi boilers draw water from the mains. This means that you need high water pressure at home. The hot water coming out of the taps will be insufficient if it is not. They are unable to supply hot water to more than one tap at a given time, which is why they are best suited for smaller properties.
System
For homes with two or more bathrooms and high hot water demand, a system boiler can be a great choice. They heat water on demand but store it in a hot cylinder. It’s worth it if your property is in high demand for hot-water.
Although hot water stored in a cylinder allows a system boiler more hot water to be available, you will still need to wait for the boiler to refill. You may have to wait for your hot water to return, which can sometimes delay your bath. This is not a problem with combi boilers.
Regular
There are many names for the regular boiler. There are three types of conventional boilers: open-vent, heat only and conventional. These boilers are the oldest and most common and can be found in properties built between 1960 and 1970.
Regular boilers heat water to be stored in a container, similar to a system boiler. A hot water cylinder is not enough. You also need a feed tank and an expansion tank. The tank is located in the loft and supplies cold water to the boiler. They don’t receive water from the mains.
Because they are large heating systems that require a vast pipe network, they should only be recommended for properties with this type of boiler.
Are you unsure which type of boiler is right for your home? You should consult a qualified heating engineer to help you choose the right boiler type for your home. Get free quotes today.
2. Find the best boiler brands
After you have chosen the right boiler type for your home, you will need to choose a model from one the many UK boiler manufacturers.
3. Select the right size boiler
It is crucial to get the boiler size right. By boiler size, we refer to its power. This is measured in kilowatts.
The size of your home and the number of residents will determine the output of the boiler. It is crucial to get the output rating right. If it is too low, it will not be able to meet demand. And if it is too high, your heating bills may go up.
4. Set your budget
Many people are limited by their budgets. It is important to have a clear budget and to stick to it.
There are many factors that will affect the cost of a new boiler’s purchase, including:
- Manufacturer, range, and model
- Boiler type (combi-, system or regular).
- Output rating (also known as the power of the boiler and measured in kW)
You’ll also have to consider the cost of installation. Due to factors like:
- Installer charges
- Year of the year
- Installation difficulty
- If the boiler will be moved to a different location
- It doesn’t matter if it’s a replacement boiler (replacing a combi by a combi for example).
5. Examine the warranty
Boiler warranties will provide you with the assurance that your boiler is covered in the event of an unexpected problem. All UK boiler manufacturers offer warranties for their boilers. The warranty terms and duration will vary depending on the model and manufacturer.
Boiler warranties range from 1-10 years, with some going over 10 years. ATAG boilers have a 14-year warranty at the time of writing. This is the longest boiler warranty available in the UK.
6. Compare at least two quotes
We recommend that you get quotes from at least two heating engineers before buying a boiler. Comparing multiple quotes can help you find the best company for the job.
Comparing quotes will not only help you get the best price, but it will also increase your chances of getting the lowest price. You wouldn’t be able to tell if you were being overcharged if you only received one quote.
7. Check your installer’s qualifications & reviews
To install your boiler, the heating engineer that you hire must have a high level of qualification. For gas boiler installation, this means that you should hire a Gas Safe registered engineer. An OFTEC technician must install oil boilers.
You can verify the qualifications of your installer online. You can check the Gas Safe Register and look up the company you are interested in. Also, ask for their ID card when they arrive at your home.
