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A new boiler is a worthwhile investment, but that thought isn’t always very comforting when you’re parting with a chunk of cash to replace your boiler. If you need to replace your boiler, there are some ways that you can save money on the purchase. Replace your boiler for less with these handy tips.
Should you replace your boiler?
Boilers last on average around fifteen years. As your boiler gets older, the harder it has to work to properly heat up your home, making it become more and more inefficient. When this happens, you end up spending more money to get the same results from your boiler.
However, just because your boiler is old that doesn’t always mean it will need replacing. If you get the boiler serviced on a regular basis, you can really prolong its life and put off the cost of buying a new boiler. However, if you’re calling in the repairman a lot, it could be time for a brand new boiler quote.
Know your boiler
Boilers can be confusing, but understanding what kind of boiler you have can help you diagnose any issues with it as well as helping you choose the right boiler to replace it when the time comes.
Combi boiler: Combi boilers are popular as they run the central heating and the hot water in your home. Combi boilers can also be gas or electric and don’t come with a cumbersome hot water cylinder. However, this kind of boilers can be quite difficult to install, and you can lose water pressure if you’re running water in more than one place at the same time.
System boiler: A system boiler is also known as s sealed system. These boilers come with a water cylinder and no water tank. You can get hot water from multiple sources at the same time, which is an advantage, but the hot water won’t run instantly and can run out.
Conventional boiler: A conventional, or open vent boiler has both a cylinder and a tank. You can get hot water from different taps at the same time, but the hot water can run out and will need time to reheat.
What to consider before you buy a new boiler
Check the energy rating of any boiler that you are considering and your current boiler. A boiler with a poor rating will need to replaced as it won’t be very efficient, costing you more to run. A boiler with a good rating and a full set of heating controls could save you a lot of money, as well as being more efficient and safer to run.
Work out how much a new boiler could save you and then compare it against the price of the new boiler, like the price of a Viessmann boiler. For example, if a £1,500 boiler would save you £340 a year, it would take you around four and a half years for the savings to pay off.
You should also consider how much space you have available before deciding on a new model. For small spaces, a combi model is a good option, as you can save space by not needing a separate hot water cylinder.
Energy Compliance Obligation
In the UK, those who privately rent their homes or are on certain kinds of benefits may be eligible to have their boiler replaced or repaired under the ECO or Energy Compliance Obligation.
There are a few conditions to qualify, so contact the Energy Saving Advice Service to find out if you qualify. In Scotland, you should contact Home Energy Scotland.
For those in Northern Ireland, you could be eligible for Boiler Replacement Allowance. This scheme is for households with a lower yearly income and can be used to help with the cost of replacing a boiler that is more than 15 years old.
Choose The Right Engineer
To find the right engineer, it’s always a good idea to gather quotes from a range of installers before deciding on a new boiler.
In the UK, there are a few different schemes that you can use to find a certified and approved installer, including the Competent Person Register, SNIPED, Worcester Bosch, or the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council. Anyone you choose from these lists will be safe. Remember too that anyone working on your boiler should be Gas Safe Registered.
Check the warranty on your boiler before taking out any insurance. Some will have a set warranty, so paying out extra will be a waste.
