A new boiler installation is quite the process. It consists of your old boiler being removed and a new one installed in its place, which can be quite challenging if they are two different types of boiler. The engineer may need to make some adjustments in order to ensure it fits and works as it should. However, before you even think about the logistics of installation, you need to decide which boiler to get and consider how you can make your property more energy-efficient.
This blog from West London Gas outlines some of the main questions you should ask before your new boiler installation – your boiler engineer will most likely be more than happy to discuss your options with you.
What type of boiler do you recommend?
There are three main types of boilers: combination, heat-only, and system boilers. Combination – or combi – boilers are by far the most popular, but each one has its own advantages. Here’s a brief outline of each of the boiler types, so you can decide which one is best suited to you and your property.
Combination boiler
Combi boilers are directly connected to the water mains. They create hot water and provide plenty of it on demand. However, combi boilers are not well suited to larger homes and tend to be the best option for smaller homes. They don’t have enough hot water or heat to manage larger properties but work quite well in a home with just one bathroom.
Since combi boilers are directly connected to the water mains, they don’t have a water tank and take up much less space. They’re also easily serviced and everything is tucked inside the boiler case, which makes it more aesthetically pleasing. However, they have poor water pressure and cannot provide hot water to more than one location at a time.
Heat-only boiler
A regular or conventional boiler is meant to heat water in a water tank and pump it through your radiators. The hot water can be turned on and off as needed, depending on whether you will need the hot water or not.
This type of boiler is best for homes with several bathrooms, as it produces plenty of hot water for everyone to use. However, you need to wait until the tank is heated up first. The heat-only boiler is not as energy-efficient, thanks to the hot water that goes to waste in the tank. It also has multiple pieces that are outside of the casing, so it can take up more space and look a little messier.
System boilers
Sometimes called sealed system boilers, these require a hot water cylinder, though not a cold-water tank. The entire thing is all built into one system that all fits in a single casing. This makes it a little nicer to look at.
Again, these boilers work well with multiple bathrooms. The system boiler takes up considerably less space than regular boilers, thanks to the lack of a cold water tank. It’s still less efficient than the combi boiler, as it stores hot water in the tank until needed.
Not sure which boiler is best for you? That’s why you’re asking the question. It may be helpful to talk to the boiler installation company as they can give you a more informed opinion based on your household’s needs. They’ll consider your energy costs and the cost of installation in order to help you determine which choice will give you the best value for the money.
Is now the right time to replace my current boiler?
The chances are if you’re asking about replacing your boiler, then it’s probably time. You should consider replacing your boiler with a new one if:
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Your energy bill is rising with no apparent reason
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You need boiler maintenance and repairs often
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Your current boiler is 10+ years old
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The technician has declared your boiler a hazard
Older boilers may run perfectly well but, if they are a decade old, there’s no real reason to keep them. Newer boilers are far more efficient, and you’ll benefit from installing one – it’ll save you money, heat your home more effectively, and you’ll find that it’s likely smaller than your previous boiler.
In short, now is most likely the perfect time to replace your current boiler.
What guarantees come with new boilers?
A new boiler installation will come with a guarantee that allows you to call a technician to fix anything that goes wrong early on. However, there’s no standard, so it’s important to ask the boiler installation company. They should give you the guarantee in writing and if anything goes poorly, the manufacturer will send someone to repair it. If things go terribly wrong, they may even replace it – it depends on the original guarantee.
Ask how long the guarantee is good for and exactly what it covers. You should get it all in writing so you can contest it if the company doesn’t follow through.
How can I make my new boiler installation as energy efficient as possible?
You’ll automatically boost your property’s overall cost-effectiveness when replacing your old boiler with a new one. It will use less energy than the old one, so you can enjoy the improvement in energy efficiency.
However, there are other ways to make your boiler more efficient in the long run. Your boiler technician can help you with this, but here are a few to get you started.
Reduce the thermostat temperature
Your boiler doesn’t need to be as hot as it’s originally set to. It’s much better to have your heating on consistently at a lower temperature than it is to have it on full blast. Therefore, you can lower the temperature in order to save on energy. This will drop the operating temperature or pressure, depending on the type of boiler you’re using, and therefore boost your energy efficiency.
Install an economiser
This handy tool will help you save fuel by using leftover flue gas to heat the water coming in from the cold water mains. This way, the excess heat is used on the water and the actual machine will receive warm water to finish heating. The end result is using much less energy and fuel to bring it up to temperature.
Carry out regular checks and maintenance
When the boiler has too little air, it produces carbon monoxide, which can be quite dangerous. Soot and smoke are also sometimes generated in these scenarios. This causes dirt and dangerous fumes to fill the air – which, of course, is something you want to avoid. You should always have a carbon monoxide detector by the boiler, just in case, and regular inspections or maintenance can help you ensure your property remains safe.
Boilers that aren’t functioning properly or as efficiently as possible also waste heat and energy, therefore reducing your energy efficiency and costing you more – especially if it doesn’t get fixed early on. Regular checks will allow you or your boiler engineer to identify and fix any potential problems with the boiler or anything that might reduce its efficiency before they become a real issue.
Insulate your valves
Boilers actually come with insulated valves, but these are sometimes removed by the maintenance team. Without the insulation on the valves, there will be more heat lost than if the insulation was left untouched. If you notice the boiler room is hotter than usual, this is usually due to the heat loss that is coming from uninsulated valves.
These are some of the steps you can take to make your new boiler more energy efficient. New boilers will already be better than your previous model, but these steps can take it to the next level.
How long will installation take?
This is a good question to ask your technician – it could take up to four days to finish the job, so it’s best you know in advance and have time to prepare. That being said, most boilers are installed within two days. There are quite a few factors to consider, hence the variation in estimates.
The type of fuel being used will affect your installation time, as will changing the type of boiler you plan to use. If you’re changing the boiler’s location, the installation time will almost certainly be longer, since new connections have to be made (rather than just using the existing ones).
In general, you should plan for at least two or three days unless you are simply swapping out the same type of boiler, which could be done in one day.
West London Gas – The Boiler Installation Company For You
If you notice that your boiler is starting to fail or if it’s on the older side, you can drastically improve your property’s comfort level and energy efficiency by replacing it. Whether you’re in need of a new boiler, some maintenance on your existing one, or a reliable central heating service, West London Gas has got you covered.
We provide only the best quality installations and repairs, which is precisely why Vaillant, Potterton, Baxi, and Ideal have made us recommended installers of their products. Get in touch today to discuss your needs with our team – we’ll be happy to help you find the perfect boiler for your home.