It’s no secret that your boiler is one of the most well-used appliances in your home. These days, most homes have a modern combi boiler that supplies hot water on demand for your taps and central heating system 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you’re thinking of getting a new boiler for your home, you will undoubtedly have some questions on your mind. The following explores some of the most frequently asked questions by homeowners looking to upgrade their boiler to a new model:

Does My Boiler Need a Gas Safe Certificate?

In a word, yes. At the time of writing, building regulations state that local councils need to get told whenever a new boiler gets installed at a property. The only people that can inspect boiler installations and issue certificates are Gas Safe engineers.

The certificate is proof that the boiler installation is safe and complies with all relevant building regulations.

How Long Will a Gas Boiler Last?

As you can appreciate, some boilers get used more and maintained better than others. With that in mind, it’s hard to give an approximate time before you need to replace your gas boiler with a new one.

Some sources suggest that gas boilers can last 10 to 15 years before they need replacing. Other factors that can affect a boiler’s longevity can include the make and model used and the water quality in the area.

How Can I Tell If My Boiler Needs Replacing?

One point to remember is that boilers don’t just randomly stop working. They will usually give telltale signs that a replacement can be more economically viable than a repair. For instance, constant breakdowns, limited parts availability, and high heating costs are some examples.

How Much Does a Boiler Cost?

The price you pay for a new boiler will depend on several factors. Some of those influential factors include your home’s size and its heating and hot water needs, the boiler specification you need, and the installation location.

Some homes might have an original boiler in their kitchens, and the homeowners may want them relocated to airing cupboards upstairs. You may need larger diameter gas pipes, resulting in new pipework running through your home.

How Long Does a Boiler Installation Take?

The time it takes for a boiler installation will depend on the installation’s complexity. If you’re replacing a relatively modern combi boiler with another, and you don’t need replacement gas and water pipes, it could only take a day.

Otherwise, you can expect new gas boiler installations to take up to five days, especially when alternative heating systems get used.

Is a Combi Boiler Right for Me?

Most residential properties in the UK use a combi boiler because it offers on-demand hot water from a relatively compact unit. However, some homes with multiple bathrooms might benefit from a system boiler that comprises a separate hot water tank.

If you would like any more information about boilers contact us