4 Things to Consider Before Installing a New Boiler

Posted at:2 years ago

Getting a new boiler installed can take a lot of time, effort, and quite frankly, mess when everything needs to be pulled out to make space for it. It is certainly not the most glamorous of tasks, but it is completely necessary to ensure a warm and comfortable household, especially during the Winter months.

Before jumping the gun and requesting that a new boiler be installed as soon as possible, it’s important to bear a few things in mind first, such as:

When to get it installed

Timing is everything when it comes to boiler installation, especially if it is going to be active immediately if it is installed during the Winter. This, unfortunately, is the worst time of year to get one installed due to rapidly decreasing temperatures, but also happens to be the most common time of year that they break due to everyone relying on them at the same time!

In order to avoid this, it’s crucial to keep an eye on your boiler throughout the year to spot any issues early on, especially as it can help you to avoid the hefty cost of a completely new boiler. Getting an annual boiler service can help with this too, as a qualified engineer can spot issues that you perhaps can’t.

Where it will go

Is the location of your current boiler really the best place for it to be, or could you benefit from relocating it to somewhere else in the house? Usually they are installed near to where hot water is needed, i.e. the kitchen or bathroom, so if they aren’t already close you could benefit from moving them closer. This doesn’t have to become an eyesore - it could be hidden away in a storage cupboard. It is important to note that if you do this, you need to have sufficient ventilation in order to avoid a fire hazard, as well as 60cm space in front of the boiler in order for it to be accessible to an engineer.

Those who have reached a senior age or have developed mobility issues since the initial installation may also benefit from moving the boiler downstairs rather than leaving it upstairs. This means that you can make more frequent checks on the boiler without being put off by the thought of too much strain.

The type of boiler you want

Is it time for an upgrade, or are you interested in a new type of boiler? There is the option of a combination boiler, which only heats water when you need it and gets rid of the need for a storage tank. Then there is the choice of a conventional boiler (also known as a heat only boiler), meaning you will have a tank where water is stored for later use. Or, you could go for a system boiler, which involves a large storage of hot water, ideal for larger families. Carefully considering each of these, and potentially getting an expert’s opinion, can make your boiler better suited to your household’s needs.

Who will install it

Installing a new boiler, especially if you don’t already have central heating, can be a tough job and risky if done wrong. Therefore, it is important to make sure you are putting the job in good hands. Do some research on heating and plumbing experts in your area, taking the time to look at their accreditations and customer reviews.