No one really realises the importance of a new boiler until it packs up and you are left with no hot water, no heating and a gigantic repair bill. However, you will also be left with the knowledge that taking your boiler for granted can have serious and inconvenient consequences. But instead of waiting for your boiler to break, rather invest your money in a brand new boiler and eliminate the element of surprise.
Purchasing a new boiler is initially expensive, but if your current gas boiler is older than 10 years, it should be replaced. And while the initial cost could gauge a hole in your pocket, the long term benefits and saving on an energy efficient boiler will more than make up for it. Not only that, you will be helping the environment as well.
There are a few things to consider before purchasing a new boiler:
Buy a boiler from a reputable, trusted company – Go all the way and purchase an A-grade, high efficiency boiler. These boilers convert at least 90% of its fuel into heat, compared to the 55% of regular boilers.
Shop around – Get in contact with a few engineers and get various quotes from them. Keep in mind that installation of the boiler will also cost money, so factor that into your budget as well.
Get a Gas Safe register engineer to install your gas boiler – There are approximately 20 000 illegal engineers working in the UK alone, so make sure to ask to see your engineer’s badge before work commences.
Types of boilers
According to a new law in the UK, all new boilers now have to be energy efficient condensing boilers. This could mean paying more for the boiler initially, but also saving more money in the future. The type of boiler suitable for your family’s needs depends on numerous things, including the type of fuel you are using, the size of your house and expected usage.
What to expect from your new boiler
Besides been friendly to the environment, your new energy efficient gas boiler will save you money. According to the Energy Saving Trust, a new boiler could save you as much as £200 a year.
The costs involved
Boilers and installation prices can vary greatly, but generally a good gas boiler should cost your around £700. This is, however, just for the boiler itself, and installation will cost more money. Installation by a professional Gas Safe Register engineer is important, so you should not opt for cheaper services elsewhere.
Boiler grants and schemes
There is also the possibility of not being able to afford a new boiler; however, there are various grants and special offers available to residents in the UK.
These grants are usually government-funded initiatives and are available to low income families who own homes and are renting from a private landlord. If you cannot get a grant, most installers will try to work out a payment plan convenient for you. However, it is probably a better idea to approach the bank for a loan as you may get a better rate.
Taking care of your new boiler
Most installers offer a guarantee on work done. Check with the company beforehand and find out what their policy is regarding replacing or fixing boilers.
Author
This article was written for Baxi and highlights the importance of replacing a gas boiler