Do I need a new boiler?

If your boiler is old, noisy, hard to heat or otherwise irritable and prone to breaking down, it’s time for a replacement.

It’s amusing to think how far we’ve come since no one in their right mind wanted a central heating system or even hot water on demand in their house.

When our boilers conk out, it feels like a disaster. However, they do not endure forever, so if your boiler is acting up, ask yourself if you need a new one. Find out more on Bumblebee Heatings.

Signs that your boiler’s on its way out

Odd noises. Boilers have a finite lifespan, and as they get older, their components can wear out. Even though these may be replaced, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a new boiler. If your boiler makes knocking, popping, or hissing sounds when it’s on, you should have it looked at by an expert.

It requires regular maintenance. An authorized plumber or gas safety expert should service your boiler every year. They may offer suggestions if the boiler is nearing the end of its lifespan, but it’s time to think about replacing it if they have to keep replacing parts or the boiler needs constant repair.

That’s an outdated boiler. If you have a boiler that is more than ten years old, it may be time to replace it. Even if everything appears to be in good operating order, the older it gets, the more likely it is to break down. In addition, as opposed to a contemporary boiler, it is most likely far less efficient.

It is leaking. Any leak should be examined as soon as possible, not just because the water might harm your house but also because it might turn into a carbon monoxide leak, which can be deadly.

The water temperature changes. If your hot water takes a long time to warm up or runs cold and hot, you’ll need to replace your boiler if repairs don’t help.

How much does a new boiler cost?

The cost of a new boiler is not fixed, but it is only one element of the total price. The cost of installing a new boiler can exceed the value of the equipment itself.

Unfortunately, boiler installation is not a do-it-yourself project since all boilers must be installed by Gas Safe certified engineers. The expense of installation varies significantly depending on the amount of labour needed, the number of extra components required, and the complexity of the job.

Other components of the heating system, such as radiators, pipes, and valves, are commonly replaced.

What type of boiler do I need?

There are two basic kinds of boilers: those that heat water and produce steam, and those that just heat water. They all fall into one of these two categories, although they may vary in size, shape, and function.

Conventional boiler

A boiler is sometimes referred to as a water heater. It heats hot water that is stored in a tank. The hot water tank is linked to a cold-water tank, which is generally placed in your house’s loft. When the hot water tank runs out of hot water, it takes time for it to be replenished with cold water and heated.

Conventional boilers take up more room, which may be an issue if you don’t have a loft but the installation is generally more challenging and therefore more expensive than a combination boiler.

Combination boiler

A combi boiler does not require the use of a storage tank, instead of using mains water to produce hot water on-demand. They are great for smaller properties since they provide hot water on demand. They are generally installed in kitchens or airing closets, but they can be placed anywhere.

Because combi boilers generally require less piping than conventional boilers, they are often simpler to install and cheaper to run.

Boiler installation

You must locate a Gas Safe registered installer, which you can do at https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/ before the boiler is put in place. The technician will come to your property and evaluate it for you.

If the boiler installation is simple and you’re getting a combination boiler installed, the installation will take around a day; nevertheless, the installer will provide you with an accurate timetable because it might take longer. The engineer will then remove your present boiler and install the new one, as well as replace any other elements of the heating system specified in the quotation.

The engineer will then register the appliance on the Gas Safe Register after testing it. This must be completed within 30 days to be effective, and you should subsequently receive a document from the register as a legal requirement.

Boiler grants

The Low-Income Heating Assistance Program (LHHP) is a Government initiative that provides free or highly subsidised boiler subsidies to low-income residences. To be eligible for one of the boiler grants, you must fulfil certain eligibility criteria based on income assistance and operate a non-condensing boiler that is older than five years.

Non-repayable boiler grants allow you to finance the cost of a new boiler (including installation) or replace your existing one at no cost. If you believe you meet the criteria, go to the Boiler Grants website and fill out a brief form to see if you’re qualified.