Top Tips for Buying a New Boiler

So, you’ve finally decided to bite the bullet and invest in your new boiler. It may be that your old boiler has broken down and is now beyond repair or it may be that you are looking to get a new energy efficient one to reduce your gas bills. Either way, this means it’s time to wave goodbye to your old faulty boiler and replace it with a brand new A-Rated model.

Of course, making the decision to buy a new boiler requires some investigation work beforehand. Getting the right boiler for your budget and your home can quickly turn into a never-ending chore. This is exactly the case with many different makes and models available on the market.

As a general rule, if your boiler is more than ten years old, even if it seems to be working well, it could be the time to invest in a newer, A-grade high-efficiency model. In this article, we’ve provided you with some tips and advice to help you successfully choose your new boiler.

No matter the brand you choose, there are a few things that you should always consider when buying a new boiler. Here is what you need to take into account: 

Budget

For most people, the budget dictates their choices. Therefore, it is important to be clear about what you can afford. The price of the boiler will depend on several different factors: the brand, the type, and also the size of the boiler you want for your property.

• Buying a new gas boiler may cost you anything from £700 to £2000, depending on how powerful it is.
• For a new combi boiler, you should expect a price in the range from £650 to £1500, depending on your requirements.
• If you choose an oil boiler system, you should be ready for a price in the range from £1180 to £2700.
• Electric boilers are a good choice for properties away from the gas network and their price may start from £1100 and go over £4000.
• The price of a new Baxi boiler can start from £700 to £1300, depending on its size and type.

Do your research

There are some key factors you have to take into account while researching the different types and boiler brands.

• ErP rating: This is a standard for energy-related products and it replaced the UK’s SEDBUK (Seasonal Efficiency of Domestic Boilers UK) rating system. The ErP rating classifies the energy efficiency level from the lowest (labelled with the letter G) to A+++, which is the highest level of energy efficiency.
• ErP efficiency: Your boiler efficiency is determined by how much fuel it uses and converts into energy and how much fuel is wasted in this process. The most energy-efficient units came with an A rating. From April 2018, new legislation requires all boilers in the UK to have at least a 92% energy efficiency rating in their fuel use, but you should look for models as close to 100% as possible.
• Decibels: Any decibel level below 80dB is not harmful for humans, but if you want a boiler, as quiet as possible, you should aim for 50dB or less.
• Kilowatts: This measures how much energy your boiler can use to heat your home. Smaller homes will need a boiler up to 24kW, while larger homes may require 35kW or more.
• Nitrogen oxides: Measured in milligrammes per kilowatt-hour, this statistic shows the amount of harmful nitrogen oxides released into the atmosphere by your boiler. Less than 30 is ideal, 35 or over is a problem, and more than 40 is extremely bad.
• Size: Search for a boiler that can fit your space. If you don’t have a loft or basement to install a hot water tank, you may consider choosing a combi boiler or an electric one.

Get a quote

It’s always good to get a quote for your new boiler. Make sure that the plumbing company you use is Gas Safe registered and that the insurance covers any potential damage. Make sure that your company has carried out all the proper checks.

Choose the type of boiler

From old back boilers and a sealed system, to gravity and combination boilers, the type of boiler suitable for your property will depend on a number of things. To boost your system, you can also look at having a Megaflo fitted. A Megaflo system consists of a high-pressure cylinder which is able to store more hot water than a normal cylinder and will increase the pressure to your taps – so you can have a nice, full pressure shower. To make the right decision, here are the main types of boilers with their advantages and disadvantages:

Combi boilers (combination boilers)

They are among the UK’s most preferred type of boilers. They are compact and highly efficient and the installation price is lower than installing a gas boiler. The main reason why combi boilers are so popular is that they don’t store hot water, so they don’t need space for a hot water cylinder or a water tank in the loft. To provide hot water, combi boilers are connected to the mains water supply. When you turn on a tap, the boiler is triggered and it heats the water instantly.

Pros and cons of the combi boiler

If this is the type of boiler you need, here are the main types:

• Gas combi boilers – Ideal for homes connected to the main gas network.
• Oil combi boilers – An alternative solution for properties that do not have access to the gas network but require installation of an outdoor oil tank.
• LPG combi boiler – A good solution for homes without a gas supply as LPG is a clean-burning fossil fuel that produces less harmful emissions. Its efficiency is equal to the gas-powered boilers but you need an oil tank.

Regular boilers (a.k.a. traditional or conventional)

They are ideal for homes with an already working traditional heating system and a hot water cylinder. These boilers also need to be connected to cold water tanks in the loft area to supply the hot water cylinder with water.

A regular boiler is a good choice to replace your old unit with if you already have an older radiator system. The reason for this is that system and combi boilers deliver water in higher pressure and this may cause problems.

Pros and cons of the regular boiler

System boilers

They require a hot water cylinder but the main heating elements are built into the boiler. The system boiler doesn’t require water tanks in the loft which makes it a good idea for properties where free space is an issue. These boilers are compatible with solar heating systems. They take their water supply directly from the mains, like a combi, then heat it up and store it in a hot water cylinder, like a conventional boiler.

Pros and cons of the system boiler

Boiler offers

For most people, the cost is going to be pivotal when it comes to buying a new boiler. Pay a visit to the Energy Saving Trust website to see whether you are eligible for any type of discount or grant.

Read more about our boiler installation service and see what the skilled technicians can do for you!

Choose your installer wisely

Ask friends and family for recommendations where possible or use independent companies such as Trustpilot to research the plumbing company you are considering using. Always use a qualified heating engineer. Make sure they are Gas Safe registered and check their credentials.

Although the initial expense can be a bit high, installing a new energy efficient boiler is definitely a worthwhile investment. It can help lower your central heating bills by up to 40%. Calculated in pounds, this means annual savings of up to £225.

Takeaways

• Replacing your old and inefficient boiler will help you save money and reduce the harmful emissions caused by fuel-burning boilers.
• Don’t attempt to install the new boiler by yourself. The installation can be performed only by Gas Safe registered specialists and accredited professionals, so this way the warranty given by the manufacturer will remain valid.
• If you need a budget-friendly boiler with a low installation cost and no extra space requirements, a combi boiler is the right solution for you.

Are you ready to replace your old boiler with a new one? With good research on the brands and types available on the market, you’ll surely make the right choice for your home. And the Fantastic Services team will be here to aid you in your endeavour. 

* This blog post was originally published on My-Plumber.co.uk website which is now part of Fantastic Services.

Image source: Iakov Filimonov/shutterctock.com

• Last update: June 24, 2020

Posted in Plumbing Tips