8 Top Tips For Buying a New Boiler: Boiler Advice in 2024
8 Essential Tips for Purchasing a New Boiler in 2024
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- The average lifespan of a boiler is between 10 to 15 years, with many starting to lose efficiency after 8 years.
- Summer is the ideal season for replacing your boiler.
- When you decide to buy a boiler, ensure you get multiple quotes to achieve the best deal.
Choosing the right boiler is crucial for maintaining a comfortable home for years. Given the wide variety of options available, it can be daunting to find the perfect match for your heating requirements and financial constraints.
To assist in your search for the optimal heating solution, we've compiled practical boiler advice to streamline your decision-making. With our straightforward tips, and by consulting a qualified heating engineer, navigating the process of purchasing a boiler can be straightforward.
Finding reliable boiler installers is often a daunting task. Tackling it alone may lead to frustrating hours spent searching online and calling various companies without success. Understandably, a busy homeowner doesn't have the luxury of time during the workweek!
Fortunately, Boiler Guide is here to help alleviate your worries. By simply completing our 30-second form, you can receive up to three no-obligation quotes from local heating engineers. Click below to get started!
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Reasons to Purchase a New Boiler
Most boilers last approximately 10-15 years, but their efficiency may begin to wane after just 8 years, leading to higher heating bills.
An aging boiler can become increasingly unreliable, resulting in frequent breakdowns. Regular service calls can lead to escalating repair costs. In such cases, replacing your boiler can be a more budget-friendly decision.
Indicators that it's time for a boiler upgrade include:
- Your boiler experiences frequent malfunctions.
- The repair costs exceed those of a new boiler.
- Your heating bills keep rising.
- Your heating and hot water needs are not being satisfied.
- You plan to sell or rent out your property; a new, modern boiler can improve its efficiency rating, making it more attractive to potential buyers or tenants.
Observing any of these signs suggests you should consider a boiler replacement sooner rather than later. However, searching for the right installer independently can waste valuable time and increase your stress levels.
Our service can help you find the perfect boiler at a competitive price by connecting you with up to three qualified heating engineers from our network. Just fill out our brief 30-second form to begin your journey. It's free, and there’s no obligation to accept any quotes you receive.
Guidelines for Selecting a Boiler
When contemplating the purchase of a new boiler, factors to evaluate include:
- Property size
- Number of inhabitants
- Hot water requirements
- Boiler efficiency (we recommend A-rated condensing models)
- Type of fuel used and its availability
- Existing heating system and the type of boiler you wish to install
- Your budget
This information will help you select the boiler that best fits your unique needs.
To acquire a new boiler in the UK, conducting detailed research and gathering insights from trusted sources is essential. Seek expert advice to ensure you reach an informed decision. A Gas Safe registered engineer will assess your current heating setup and provide guidance on selecting a boiler tailored to your specifications.
For more information on new boiler prices and associated replacement costs, check out our comprehensive guide.
Now, let’s break down our boiler advice into eight essential tips below.
1. Decide on the Right Type of Boiler
The choice of boiler type is influenced by your property size, the number of occupants, and the demand for heating and hot water.
Combi Boilers
Combi boilers are among the most modern and widely used boiler types in the UK. They function as standalone heating systems, eliminating the need for additional tanks or cylinders. This is particularly advantageous for properties with limited available space.
Combi boilers provide immediate heating and hot water upon demand, without the need for storage. They work efficiently in homes with one or two bathrooms, depending on their output rating.
However, while combi boilers have many advantages, there are also limitations. They require a strong water pressure from the mains supply and may struggle to supply hot water to multiple taps simultaneously, making them more suitable for smaller residences.
System Boilers
System boilers are ideal for homes with two or more bathrooms needing hot water. Instead of producing hot water on demand, they store it in a hot water cylinder, making them better equipped for high-demand scenarios.
Despite their ability to meet greater hot water needs, system boilers may require waiting for water to refill, which could delay your bath time—unlike combi models.
Conventional Boilers
Conventional boilers, also known as open-vent, heat-only, or regular boilers, represent older technology. Common in homes built in the 1960s and 70s, they heat water for storage and require a hot water cylinder and a feed and expansion tank, typically located in the loft.
These larger systems are only recommended for properties already equipped with conventional boilers due to their extensive plumbing requirements.
Feeling uncertain about which boiler type suits your home best? Consulting with a heating engineer is advisable.
Boiler Guide alleviates the stress associated with locating local engineers, offering a straightforward method to save precious time. Fill out our 30-second form, and we’ll connect you with up to three heating engineers nearby. Compare quotes and find the best deal without any obligation to accept.
2. Research Leading Boiler Brands
Once you've identified the ideal boiler type for your needs, your next step is selecting a model from one of the trusted UK boiler manufacturers.
Some of the most highly regarded boiler brands based on user feedback and installer reviews include:
- ATAG
- Baxi
- Ideal
- Vaillant
- Viessmann
- Worcester Bosch
3. Select the Correct Boiler Size
Choosing the right boiler size is crucial and refers to the boiler's output, measured in kilowatts (kW).
The boiler size needed will primarily depend on your property's dimensions and the number of occupants. If the output rating is too low, the heating demands won't be met, while a rating that's too high could cause unnecessary expenses.
Below are guidelines to help determine the appropriate output rating for your house:
| Type of House | Bedrooms | Bathrooms | Radiators | Recommended Central Heating Output Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small house, flat, or bungalow | 1-2 | 1 | Up to 10 | 24-27 kW |
| Medium bungalow or semi-detached house | 3-4 | 2-3 | 10-15 | 28-34 kW |
| Large semi-detached or detached house | 4+ | 2 | 15-20 | 35-42 kW |
This is a rough estimate; it's advisable to have a gas engineer assess your home's hot water demands before proceeding with a boiler replacement.
4. Decide on Boiler Location
Modern boiler installations offer flexibility, allowing you to choose your boiler's location. There’s no need for it to be confined to a kitchen or utility room.
Many modern boilers are designed compactly, making it possible to fit them into wall-mounted cupboards.
Note that both gas and oil boilers must be placed against an external wall to allow waste gases to exit through the flue pipe.
Keep in mind, however, that relocating a boiler can increase installation costs.
5. Establish Your Budget
Your budget will undoubtedly influence your choice, so clearly define it before shopping for a boiler.
There are numerous factors that can affect the total cost of a new boiler, making it imperative to compare quotes. Below is an overview of potential costs:
| Type of Boiler | Estimated Boiler Cost (Excluding Installation) | Average Installation Cost | Total Cost Estimate for Full Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combi | £500 - £2,000 | £500 - £1,000 | £1,000 - £3,000 |
| System | £500 - £2,500 | £500 - £1,000 | £1,000 - £3,500 |
| Conventional | £500 - £2,750 | £500 - £1,000 | £1,000 - £3,750 |
The figures provided above are general estimates. To get a more accurate price for your boiler, you'll need to compare quotes from numerous heating engineers. Searching for these quotes can be time-consuming and tedious.
Luckily, we can assist you in securing quotes in under a minute! Just click the button below for free quotes from up to three heating engineers. Our service is non-rbinding, so you’re not obligated to accept any offers you receive.
6. Review the Warranty
A thorough warranty provides reassurance in case of any issues that may arise. Most boiler manufacturers in the UK offer warranties, varying in length and terms depending on the model.
Typically, warranties range from 1 to 10 years, with some extending beyond 10 years. As of now, ATAG offers the longest warranty in the UK at 14 years.
| Boiler Manufacturer | Longest Available Warranty |
|---|---|
| ATAG | 14 Years |
| Baxi | 10 Years |
| Ideal | 10 Years |
| Vaillant | 10 Years |
| Viessmann | 12 Years |
| Worcester Bosch | 12 Years |
Some warranties can be extended if installed by a manufacturer-certified heating engineer. So be sure to inquire about the warranty options with any heating engineers you consider.
7. Compare Multiple Quotes
We highly recommend obtaining and comparing at least two quotes from different heating engineers before deciding to purchase a new boiler. This ensures you secure a competitive price and helps you find the most suitable company for the job.
Without comparing quotes, there’s a risk of being overcharged if you accept a single quote.
At Boiler Guide, we can provide up to three no-cost quotes from qualified heating engineers in your locality. Hit the button below to receive your free quotes and start comparing!
8. Verify Your Installer's Qualifications and Reviews
The heating engineer you select must be fully qualified. This means hiring someone who is Gas Safe registered for gas boiler installations, or an OFTEC technician for oil boilers.
To confirm the installer's qualifications, check their credentials online, visit the Gas Safe register, and always request to see their ID card upon arrival at your property.
All heating engineers in our Boiler Guide network are verified and accredited, with daily checks to ensure compliance.
In addition to confirming qualifications, be sure to read reviews from previous clients as well.
When Is the Right Time to Replace Your Boiler?
Summer is the best time for a boiler replacement, as milder temperatures mean you're less likely to need heating in the short term. Investing in a replacement then minimizes the discomfort associated with lasting without heat, which is particularly crucial during winter months.
Moreover, heating engineers generally have more availability during summer, potentially leading to easier scheduling and better pricing.
Do not wait until your current boiler completely fails before considering a replacement. If it happens in colder weather, you're left in a situation where options are limited.
Ideally, aim to replace your boiler around eight years after installation to avoid taking unnecessary risks during winter.
We’re here to help you start off on the right foot in choosing your new boiler. Our network of installers spans across the UK, enabling you to connect with local professionals promptly.
Simply complete our online form—it takes only a minute— and you'll receive complimentary, no-obligation quotes from up to three installers in your vicinity.
Wall Mounted Condensing Gas Boiler
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