Boiler installation - All your questions answered
Your boiler is one of the most heavily used appliances in your home, so it’s important that it’s installed correctly by a reputable company, and that it’s serviced regularly. When it does reach the end of its lifespan, you’ll need to have a new boiler installed, and this process can come with lots of questions. That’s why we’ve created this handy guide that answers some of the most common queries from homeowners around boiler installation.
How long does it take to install a boiler?
The time it takes to install a new boiler could depend on whether you’re swapping the appliance like-for-like or replacing it with a different type of boiler. You can see a list below with some estimated boiler installation times:
1 day | Like-for-like boiler swap |
|---|---|
2 days | Like-for-like swap, different location |
2 days | Changing the type of boiler |
2 to 3 days | Changing the energy type |
3 to 5 days | Changing to an alternative system |
A straight swap (such as a combi boiler for combi boiler) should take around a day (seven to eight hours). However, this may increase to around two days if the location of the boiler is changing and new pipes need to be run.
It may also take a little more time to change the type of boiler you have. When you change from a conventional heating system to a combi one, for example, extra jobs need to be undertaken to complete the installation. This could include removing a water tank or adding additional pipework. To change the type of boiler, you can expect the job to take about two days.
While gas boilers are still the most popular, you may consider switching to electric, biomass or oil instead. Again, there is more work involved with this type of installation, so it will likely take around two to three days.
Installing a different kind of heating system altogether, such as a heat pump, could take longer again. There is a whole different set of pipes and fittings that need to be installed, and you may even be converting to underfloor heating from radiators. In this instance, installation could take three to five days, or potentially longer.
Plan ahead
When choosing a new boiler or heating system, there are a few things to take into account. As well as energy savings and efficiency, you should set a budget and consider what your future needs may be (and if the heating system can meet these needs).
Boiler technology has developed massively over the last few years, with more efficient systems available than ever before. This means investing in more modern technology could result in substantial savings and may reduce your energy usage, particularly if your current boiler is older than 10 years.
How much does it cost to install a boiler?
It’s difficult to estimate the cost of installing a new boiler without understanding more about the size of your home and the heating system you currently have installed. However, when it comes to pricing up a new boiler, there are two main factors to consider: the price of the boiler and the cost of installation.
A like-for-like boiler swap could cost anywhere between £600 and £1,000, however this figure will increase if you’re changing the location of the boiler, changing the type of heating system or changing to an alternative heating system, like a heat pump.
You cannot try to save money and install a boiler yourself – they need to be installed by a Gas-Safe registered heating engineer.
Do I need a boiler installation certificate?
Your local authority needs to be informed when a gas boiler is newly installed in a property, however this doesn’t need to be done by you. The Gas-Safe registered engineer that installs your boiler will arrange for the certificate to be sent in the post within a few working days. If you don’t receive it, be sure to chase it up with the engineer as you’ll need the certificate should you ever want to sell your house.
Which boiler installation company should I choose?
You want your new boiler to be installed correctly and safely, so how do you choose an installer?
You can browse our list of approved Viessmann installers. Simply put in your address and you’ll be presented with a list of installers and their contact details.
Alternatively, you can do some research yourself into local companies and installers. Be sure to take a look at reviews or go off a recommendation, and ensure they have the right insurance in place. You can check they’re on the Gas Safe register via the Gas Safe website.
How do I know if my boiler needs replacing?
There are a few key signs that could suggest your boiler is on the way out, and many of these can be identified long before the appliance stops working completely. These signs might include:
You find it difficult to keep your home at a comfortable temperature
You often run out of hot water (when this has never been a problem previously)
Your energy bills have suddenly increased, but not because of a change in gas or electricity prices
You have to regularly restart the boiler
You need to frequently have the boiler repaired
