So, if you have made the decision to invest in a new boiler, you are most welcome. Say goodbye to your old inefficient machine and say hello to energy efficient new boilers Lewes. However, there is no doubt that buying a boiler is one of the most costly investments that a homeowner has to invest in, so choosing the most suitable boiler within your budget from the huge variety of boilers in different makes and models is a bit tricky. If your existing boiler is more than 10 years old but still working well, then it could still be the right time to pro-active replacement. Here are some tips to help you choose the right installation.
- Do Some Research – Buying a new boiler is an undoubtedly important yet expensive procedure. Before investing your hard-earned money, do a little research to get a better idea of your requirements. It is always wise to do some research to ensure that your money is spent on the right thing. Having said that, there is a lot of out of date and frankly, inaccurate info on the internet, so keep an open mind when talking to an installer. They might teach you something new that you hadn’t thought of. Your research will put you in good stead to ask the right questions to them, and enable you to better judge their responses.
- Have A Realistic Budget – Budget often dictates people’s choice. So first, establish your budget and look at what you can realistically achieve with this. The cost of the boiler depends on a number of factors like the brand, the model and the size. It would be good to check if any finance deal is available, but never be trapped into paying more than what you can afford. Don’t forget that if you are surfing the web for actual boiler prices, that the price tag attached to the appliance excludes the installation and other materials charges. There is no fixed price for installation. It depends on the type of boiler, type of system, plus individual site requirements like flue and condense routes. It also differs by contractors.
We tend to give people a ballpark figure. For example, when replacing a combi, we estimate a straight swap with a 10 year warranty boiler to be around £2000-£2200. You can get a 5 year warranty boiler from us for £1700-£1900, and finally, a 2-3 year budget combi boiler for £1500-£1700. Sometimes older systems require a power flush, and you may wish to upgrade your radiator valves to thermostatic valves. You’ll need to allow extra for these in your budget.
- Choose A Reputable Installer – It is generally recommended that you collect several quotes from different installers before buying new boilers Lewes. All the quotes should be in writing instead of verbal. Remember that the cheapest quote is not always the best quote. In the long run, it is usually more expensive to hire an amateur than a professional. You generally get what you pay for including warranty and guarantee. However, it’s always a good idea to get a comparison if you don’t know the companies quoting. Generally you should pick a company that has lots of very good online reviews and has a lot of knowledge and experience. Don’t be afraid to ask for photos of their work. It’s also important to gauge how you feel when talking to them. Do they seem honest, and conscientious? Trust your instincts.
- Research Your Preferred Boiler Type – This all starts with your current system, be it an old back boiler, conventional ‘heat only’ boiler, sealed system boiler, combi boiler non-condensing or condensing boiler – the type you will choose depends on several factors including its cost, physical size, kw output and type. Here we are looking at they type of boiler.
Combi boilers are one of the most popular choices. They are perfect for properties with 1 or 2 bathrooms. For 2 or more bathrooms, a hot water cylinder and boiler combination is likely to be the best option. This also depends on if you have the space. Boilers, for combining with a cylinder, come in 2 types – heat only and system boilers. Heat only boilers work with your external heating pump and work with tanks in the roof. System boilers have a heating pump incorporated in the boiler, and the heating system is mains filled / sealed. System boilers benefit from a warranty covering all internal parts (giving you up to 10 years on the pump!) plus the pump is linked to the boiler output, so that it only uses the power it needs thus saving energy. The hot water performance depends largely on your cold water mains pressure and flow rate, so these need checking on a site survey.
- Consider The Location Of Boiler Installation – The place where you are going to install your boiler is another important factor to take care of. Today’s boilers are usually compact in shape and size, and lightweight. Almost all are wall mounted. Some boilers will fit in a standard kitchen cupboard. Others need a slightly larger cupboard. If you want to install a boiler in the loft, then you will need a fitted ladder, lighting and boarding to the loft. It is also required that you install a hand rail. When fitting boilers in lofts, we also ensure that there is a filling location in an accessible location for the occupant, usually in the airing cupboard. Nobody wants to have to climb into the loft to top the system up. Exact site requirements will be cleared up and confirmed on the initial quote visit by an installation company.
These are some of the most important factors that you need to consider at the time of buying a new boiler for your home.
