Replacing a Boiler at home? Part 1

Yes its another boring plumbing post !!!!!

When replacing a boiler at home you need to ask a few questions like:

How long are we going to live here?

How much hot water do we use?

I know these may seem like simple questions but they do affect the price of replacing your boiler.

If you live in a one bedroom flat, a combination boiler will do.

If you live in a 3-bedroom house, it’s a waste of time.

The made problem with the combinations boilers is that you can only have your heating on or hot water on, not both at the same time. In a small flat that don’t make much different, but in a house you can feel it. The combinations boilers were designed for small units such has 2 bedrooms flats.

There are other problems too, in hard water areas the heat exchangers have a nasty way of failing in years 5-7 and we can only clean them once. After that we have to replace them in years 7-10 and that means replacing the boiler.

They do run out of water and need to be toped up, if not your boiler just turns off.

If you have a comb boiler at home now, make sure you have a water softer install and you use it.

The more traditional boilers are better; they give you hot water and heat at the same time. They’re easy to repair and last 20 years, but there running costs are a bit higher due to the store hot water.

Just how long are you going to live in your home?

If you are the kind of person who moves house about every 3 years, just get cheap one from a “diy” store and find a local plumber to fit it.

If you’re doing to be in your home for the rest of your life, buy a good one.

Don’t think about gas for heating, we all know the supply is running out and gas price will be going up and up for the next 10 years.

I know why people like gas for heating: its flex able.

So how much will it cost me to have my boiler replaced?

This depends on what your plumbing is like and how old it is.

Most homes we can get away with using what is there and just add to it

But they’re a few where we need to start from scratch.

Smaller homes are cheaper than larger ones.

A one bedroom flat would cost about £1000-1500

Most 3-bedroom house cost about £3000-4000 to upgraded.

Its not down to the plumber ripping you off, it’s the new government rules for home heating.

What to buy?

Personally I don’t see the point of replacing a boiler if you have crappie radiators, after all these are your main source of heat.

You need to buy the good ones from myson, there not cheap, but you will find your running costs are lower.

For boilers stick to the Worcesters from Bosh or the Glow-worms.

Remember you a SEDUK “A” rated boiler and they’re not cheap.

Prices start at £700 with the VAT.

Any questions?