Your boiler is an essential part of your home and ensures you can live in a property comfortably and safely. As a homeowner/renter, however, there will come a time when you need your boiler replaced. Having a boiler that is operating up to standard is essential and can typically only be achieved through appropriate maintenance as well as professional installation services. That’s why when your boiler breaks or is damaged, you will need a replacement.
In this article, we will explore how much it costs to replace a boiler and offer insight into the professional gas boiler installation services provided by West London Gas.
Signs you need a new boiler
There isn’t a set expiration date when it comes to boilers, but there are some signs that may suggest it’s time for a replacement. Some of these are:
- Radiators take longer than usual to heat up – normally, a boiler can reach the maximum temperature quickly. If your radiators are taking much longer this could mean the boiler is wearing out.
- A yellow flame – a yellow flame could be an issue as it could mean the boiler is leaking carbon monoxide.
- An unusual smell – a healthy boiler should be odourless, so if you are noticing a strange smell coming from your boiler, this could be an indication that it’s time for a new one.
- A noticeable rise in your energy bills – if you’re noticing an unusual rise in your energy bills with not much of an explanation, this could be the result of an inefficient boiler that may need replacing. With the current cost of living crisis, higher bills are the last thing you need.
- The boiler keeps shutting off – if it’s in the habit of turning off, it’s trying to tell you there is an issue.
- Reduced pressure – this may mean a leakage in the system.
- Frequent breakdowns – if there’s always something wrong, it may be more cost-effective to pay for a replacement rather than regular repairs.
- Its replacement parts have been discontinued, so there isn’t much option for a repair, and a replacement may be the best way to go.
- Unnecessary and loud noises coming from the boiler – your boiler should not be making unnecessary noise that acts as a disruption.
How replacing a gas boiler works
If you believe it may be time for a replacement, it’s best to enlist a professional to do this for you. A licensed fitter is required for the proper installation; of a gas boiler to ensure it is done correctly and safely. On the day your new boiler is installed, the designated installer will arrive with the new boiler and all parts, as well as any equipment to safely remove and dispose of your old one. First, they will completely remove the old boiler and any components or parts that aren’t needed. They will then flush the entire system to ensure it’s clean and ready for your new boiler.
Next, all components for the new boiler will be set up, which includes connecting it to pumps, pipes, radiators and water outlets, as well as your cold water mains supply. In some scenarios, there may also be connections to hot and cold water storage tanks to sort out. Once all of these parts are fitted, the new boiler is installed; depending on the size of the boiler, this may be in the same position as before or in a new space. The installer will also fit any accessories that are required for the new system, for example, a thermostat.
If needed, it’s important to note that the installer may be required to make some structural changes to accommodate the new system. This can be external changes to the surrounding that are necessary to ensure the practicality of the new boiler. Finally, the qualified technician will check that your new boiler is fully functioning and operating correctly before signing off on it and giving it their approval and authorisation.
The cost of replacing a boiler
There is no one set cost; when it comes to installing a new boiler. What you pay will depend on the brand, the type of boiler you install and the company you choose to fit it. However, typically speaking, a new boiler will cost somewhere between £500-£3,000. Note: this is just for the boiler and doesn’t include labour fees.
Given the health and safety concerns surrounding gas boilers, a cheap installation service should be a red flag. What’s more, a boiler is an investment, so spending a bit more now on a quality system may save you money in the long run on repairs. With the cost of labour and any extras that may be installed as well, you can usually expect a new boiler and installation service to cost anywhere between £2,000 and £4,000.
As the price can vary so much, we recommend doing your research and comparing different brands and installers. West London Gas, we offer a free, no-obligation quote, so you are fully aware of all the fees involved and can budget accordingly. Generally speaking, when you get a replacement boiler, you are paying for the new boiler, all parts, its installation and the removal of your old system, so if the price you are quoted seems low, it’s probably too good to be true.
To learn more about how West London Gas can help replace a gas boiler in your home, contact us at 02084 343 644 or book an appointment online; today.