Service
Boiler Replacement
Replacing an old or failed boiler with a modern condensing boiler, or choosing a different system altogether.
Choosing the right type
A combi boiler heats water on demand and needs no hot water cylinder, which suits most smaller homes with one bathroom. A system boiler works with a cylinder and suits homes with more than one bathroom in use at once. A regular or "heat only" boiler, with tanks in the loft, is common in older homes and is sometimes kept for that reason.
Swapping like for like in the same position is the simplest and cheapest job. Converting from a regular system to a combi, moving the boiler, or replacing a back boiler involves new pipework and flue work and costs more.
Off the gas grid, the choice is a new oil boiler, an LPG boiler, or a different system such as an air source heat pump. In England a Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant has been available towards heat pumps; check gov.uk for the current position.
What a proper installation involves
A new gas boiler must be installed by a Gas Safe registered engineer and registered with the local authority through the Gas Safe scheme, which you will receive a certificate for. An oil installation is normally certified through OFTEC. Keep the certificate: you will need it when you sell the house.
The system should be cleaned or flushed before the new boiler goes on, a magnetic filter fitted, and the water treated with inhibitor. In a hard water area like West Norfolk, a scale reducer is required on the mains feed to a new combi. Skipping any of these shortens the life of the new boiler, and they are the corners a cheap quote cuts.
Where we cover
Common questions
How long does it take to replace a boiler?
A like-for-like swap is usually one day. A conversion from a regular system to a combi, or a move to a new position, is typically two to three days. Expect to be without heating and hot water for at least part of that time.
How much does a new boiler cost?
It depends on the boiler type, whether it stays in the same place, and the condition of the system it is joining. The cost table on this site gives general market ranges for a straight swap and for a conversion. Get at least two written quotes and check they include the system flush, filter, inhibitor and scale reducer, not just the boiler.
How long should a new boiler last?
A good condensing boiler, installed properly and serviced every year, typically lasts in the region of ten to fifteen years. Manufacturer warranties vary a great deal and almost always depend on annual servicing.
Enquire about new boilers
Tell us what the boiler is doing, whether it runs on gas, oil or LPG, and where you are, and we will put you in touch with a registered heating engineer where one covers your area. No charge for the introduction, and no obligation.