If you have been considering having a new boiler installed because the existing one is on its last legs, then there are a few things you should consider. I have listed a few tips below to steer you on the right path.
The first thing you must do is contact a local gas safe registered person or company to carry out the work for you, when the boiler engineer arrives at your property ask him to show you his gas safe card, check the card is in date and has a picture of the engineer on the front, then turn the card over to see if he is registered to install boilers. If he cannot show you his card then you should ask him to leave your property.
The law states only gas safe registered people can work on gas appliances and must at all times carry their gas safe card with them.
Next the boiler, do you need the same heat output? Do you need a bigger one?
Try to find out what your existing boilers heat output is, normally it is printed on the case, it could be on the front panel or even located underneath, this will help you in deciding what boiler size you need.
Do you intend in the future to extend your property? If so, then you will properly need a bigger boiler to cope with the extra demand. The average combination boiler comes in many sizes, the most popular one being a 24KW. This one is ideal if you live in a flat or small house. It will give you continuous hot water and will heat around 10 radiators comfortably. The hot water will produce around 10 litres per minute, should you wish a higher output then its worth considering going for a bigger size. Do some research on the new boiler that interests you, find out as much as you can on the boiler, then compare it with some other makes. Try not to buy the cheapest one, ask your engineer for advise on what new boiler is best for you.
The new boiler location may need to be changed from the existing one due to gas regulation changes over time. To keep the installation costs down it is better if possible to install in the same location as the old one.
Your new boiler will need a condense drain pipe fitted and this has to exit into a drain, internal is preferred but if not possible then it can exit to an outside drain, but it must be protected from the cold weather and not be allowed to freeze, should this happen the boiler will stop working.
If your boiler is over 10 years old then the chances are the gas supply will be too small for the new boiler, this will need to be upgraded, normally to a 22m size. This will add an extra cost to the installation.
When you have a new boiler installed you should consider upgrading your existing controls, there are many to choose from and they are all designed to save on your energy bills.
All boiler makers now recommend that you’re heating system is flushed out and cleaned to remove any sludge and debris, should this not be carried out the new boiler warranty could become void, so make sure the system get flushed out.
The best tip I can give you is talk to your local gas safe boiler engineer, he will be able to advise you on what’s the best boiler for your property.
I do hope these tips help you find the right new boiler for your property.