Having a new boiler can be an overwhelming process. It’s a significant decision – choosing the installers and considering the overall boiler cost. It can impact your home’s heating and hot water, so it’s important to get it right.
A new boiler with the best features should be installed by a reliable company, with excellent customer service and aftercare. Boilers typically cost between £1,740 and £2,400 to replace, depending on the type, brand, and installation specifics. Boiler quotes can help you determine the best deal for your situation.
B T Morgan can provide you with a professional boiler installation along with everything needed at a very competitive price.
To help make this process as smooth as possible, we’ve outlined the key considerations when buying a new boiler, so you can make an informed decision without unnecessary stress.
1. Choose a reliable boiler brand
This may seem like obvious advice, but all too often we make a choice on a new product based on popularity, or what our neighbours say, friends or family recommend. Support can certainly help, but so does doing your own research. Websites such as Trustpilot and Which? offer genuine reviews for various boiler brands, helping you identify high-quality options.
At B T Morgan, we recommend trusted brands like Viessmann and Aristo, both known for their high-quality products, excellent warranties, and exceptional customer service. These brands offer a variety of boilers to suit different budgets and property types, including efficient gas boiler installations.
For more information on the boilers and the key benefits they can offer your home, check out these blogs below:
- Budget Boilers: Ariston vs Viessmann
- Ariston Boilers: A 2020 Comparison & Review
- Viessmann Vitodens 050-W Review
2. Get Expert Advice from Your Installer
Boiler aftercare can save you a lot of money!
An experienced installer can offer invaluable advice tailored to your specific needs. They will take into account your property’s size, current system, and heating and hot water demands. By consulting with your installers, you’ll avoid common pitfalls and ensure that you choose the best boiler for your home.
For example, a combi boiler is ideal for smaller homes or flats because of its compact size and on-demand hot water. However, if you have a larger home with multiple bathrooms, you might need a system boiler or a regular boiler.
For more information, check out the blogs below:
3. Consider Warranty and Aftercare Service
Boilers are long-term investments, and their aftercare is just as important as their installation. A good warranty provides peace of mind, covering potential faults in parts or labour. However, warranties are typically contingent upon annual servicing, so it’s essential to keep up with regular maintenance.
Keep in mind when replacing your old boiler that a premium installer with in-depth product knowledge will always be a better option. Choose an installer with a strong relationship with the boiler manufacturer. This often leads to longer warranties and better aftercare.
In most cases of an issue arising, the first point of contact is with the installer. Your installer can contact the manufacturer on your behalf and arrange a call-out. For example, Viessmann offers warranties that are backed by excellent customer support and fast call-out times in case of issues.
4. Choose the right type of boiler
If you’re not sure about what type of boiler you need, it’s always safer to ask the experts.
The type of boiler you need will vary depending on your home’s size, your water pressure, and your heating requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the most common boiler types:
Combi Boiler
Both Viessmann and Ariston manufacture high standard boilers such as the 050-W and Clas One respectively.
These are the most popular type of boiler. They heat water directly on demand, without needing a storage tank or hot cylinder. These compact boilers were historically ideal for homes with limited space and lower hot water demands. Consequently, however, they are now suitable for most property types with advances in technology. Popular models include the Viessmann Vitodens 050-W and Artiston Clas One.
Storage Combi Boilers
Viessmann V111-w
Storage Combi boilers can accommodate 3 bathrooms at a high flow rate. Choosing the correct size combi can help keep running costs down.
Storage combis can provide up to 20 litres a minute, with an equivalent of 160 litres for the first 10 minutes and then holds steady at 14 litres a minute. Furthermore, the Viessmann V11-w 35kW, for example, can provide a high flow rate between 18-20 litres for a period of 10 minutes.
Regular Boiler
Moving on to regular boilers, these are also known as open vent or conventional boilers, these are best for homes with low water pressure or high hot water demands. They feature a cold water storage tank that is often placed in the attic, along with a hot water cylinder in an airing cupboard.
System Boiler
Ariston and Viessmann offer great System boilers as well in the form of the Clas System One and the Vitodens 100-W
System boilers are often thought of as the middle-ground option. These are suitable for larger homes or properties with multiple bathrooms. They take their supply directly from the mains and work with a hot water cylinder. They are ideal for homes with good water pressure. Sealed system boilers are more efficient than open vent boilers.
Discuss Your Needs with an Installer
It’s important to discuss your needs with an installer to determine which boiler is the best fit for your home. At B T Morgan, we offer an online quote service that will list the most suitable boilers for your circumstances.
To help you understand what type of boiler may be right for you, check out these blogs below:
- What type of boiler do I need?
- Replacing your old boiler with a combi boiler
- Best Boiler Fitters in South Wales
5. Understand boiler efficiency
Efficiency should never be overlooked – it’s key to helping you save money.
Efficiency is a key factor when buying a new boiler. Modern boilers, especially condensing boilers, are designed to maximise energy usage, reducing your energy bills. Typically, modern boilers operate at around 90% efficiency or higher, which means they use less energy to heat your home.
Look for boilers with additional features such as weather compensation and smart thermostats to boost efficiency. These technologies adapt your heating system to changing temperatures, reducing heat loss and saving you money. Be upfront about your requirements with your installer, as they can advise how best to save money in the long run.
6. Choose the Correct Boiler Size
Boiler size refers to power output, measured in kilowatts (kW) rather than the physical size of the boiler. Choosing the right size is crucial to avoid overpaying for heating. A boiler that’s too small won’t heat your home effectively, while one that’s too large will waste energy and increase your bills.
An installer can calculate the ideal kW for your home based on factors such as the number of radiators, bathroom, and occupants.
7. Be Cautious of Initial Costs
Opting for a cheaper boiler to save money upfront is tempting. However, investing in a quality boiler with a good warranty and aftercare can save you more in the long run. Cheaper models often come with higher maintenance costs and less reliability, which could lead to more repairs down the line.
Essentially, you can either:
1. Make a larger initial payment for top-quality product with excellent warranty packages.
Or
2. Get a cheap, unreliable boiler that incurs frequent repairs costs along with further stress.
Choose a reputable installer who has a strong relationship with the manufacturer. This can often lead to lower boiler installation costs and better ongoing support. Boiler cover is another option to consider for added peace of mind.
Getting your old, inefficient boiler with a newer, efficient boiler can be a substantial cost. This is why financial options are so important. Decide on an option from a reputable installer, where you can evaluate various APR rates, subject to your financial circumstances and credit score.
8. Consider Additional Features
To enhance your boiler’s efficiency and comfort, consider additional features such as weather compensation technology and smart thermostats. These features optimise your home’s heating system, ensuring it runs efficiently while reducing your energy bills.
Weather Compensation
This system adjusts your boiler’s output based on the outdoor temperature, helping you save and reduce heath loss. This system uses the outdoor sensor installed on a property’s north-facing wall. It works by detecting any changes in the temperature outside that can affect how much heat gets lost through the fabric of the building. When your boiler is informed of these changes, it can alter the temperature of the radiators to ensure there is no unnecessary heat loss.
Outdoor weather sensors are great for avoiding unnecessary heat loss.
Smart Thermostats
Devices like Nest, Hive, and Tado allow you to control your heating remotely, track energy usage, and even optimise your heating schedule. This allows for some fantastic savings. It is best to make a choice regarding these devices at the same as choosing the boiler.
Some of the key benefits of these devices, such as the Nest Generation 3, are features such as:
- Smartphone or tablet control
- Recognition when someone is present at home
- Producing monthly efficiency reports
- Able to invite multiple users
- Fully compatible with Nest smoke alarms
- With remote access capability, there is the potential of checking, altering and adjusting the heating temperatures from anywhere in the world (ideal for carers or family members monitoring a vulnerable person to ensure warmth in the home)
These smart features not only make your heating system more efficient but also offer added convenience.
Ready to Get Your New Boiler Installed?
At B T Morgan, we’ve been helping homeowners choose the right energy-efficient boiler for over 35 years. Our team offers expert advice, reliable installations, and exceptional aftercare services. If you’re ready to take the next step, get a free, no obligation quote today.