Your Step-by-Step Guide to Boiler Installation

Boiler installation, whether a simple replacement or an altogether new system, is one of the most important activities in the upgradation process of a UK home. It involves multiple considerations and, in addition, requires significant technical assistance, from selecting a boiler's brand, size, and capacity to its installation. 

Likewise, installing a boiler requires compliance with various regulations. Similarly, when replacing an old boiler, the old unit must be disposed of in compliance with applicable regulations. That makes a boiler installation quite a serious technical issue. Installation of a new boiler is often required.

This blog provides a step-by-step guide to installing a boiler and outlines key considerations when selecting a new one.

Why And When To Install A New Boiler – Common Reasons

Installation of a new boiler is a costly affair. Therefore, making a decision on why to install a new boiler and, more importantly, when to do so, is crucial. Generally, a home would need to replace the old one and install a new boiler, considering the following factors:

·         The existing boiler has outlived its useful life. Generally, a boiler must be replaced when it is older than 10 to 15 years.

·         When you experience frequent boiler breakdowns, it may be the right time to replace it.

·         Consider the repair and maintenance costs to keep the existing boiler working as expected. A higher maintenance and repair cost is yet another good reason to replace it.

·         When the energy bills have shown an upward trend, during recent months. Older boilers often become inefficient, resulting in increased energy bills.

·         If your boiler is showing inconsistency in heating and/or hot water supply.

·         If you have a non-condensing boiler, it might not meet the current standards.

·         If you have renovated or extended your home, adding more living rooms and bathrooms, your current boiler may need to be upgraded to meet your needs.

Key factor – Modern boilers are highly efficient, as compared with the older ones. Modern boilers can achieve more than 90% efficiency, reducing energy bills significantly.

Step-by-Step Guide To Boiler Installation

Once replacement is inevitable, given the factors above, it is important to understand the complete process for installing a new boiler.

Here is a step-by-step guide to new boiler installation:

1.     Assessment of Heating Requirements

The first step in a boiler installation is to conduct an accurate assessment of the property and the boiler size and capacity required to heat it. The correct size of the boiler is highly important. While an undersized boiler will struggle to provide sufficient heat and hot water, an oversized boiler will be a waste of money and energy. Therefore, it is important to calculate the home's actual requirements before deciding on the size of boiler that will meet your needs.

The following factors must be considered before selecting the right boiler for your property:

·         The size of the home is the key factor when calculating the heating requirements. It includes the number of bedrooms and bathrooms.

·         Number of occupants. The more the number of family members, the greater the heating requirement.

·         Assessment of hot water requirement and usage. It may include a number of baths, showers, and hot water taps.

·         Assessment of incoming water pressure from the main water supply inlet.

·         Availability of space for the installation of a new boiler.

·         Assessment of the existing heating system, whether it comprises a combi system or a regular boiler. When replacing the existing boiler, a decision must also be made on whether to replace the entire heating system or only the boiler with a similar model.

Size of the Boiler – Important Considerations

Boiler size does not refer to the physical dimensions of a boiler. The size of a boiler refers to the power it can produce/output. The size is therefore measured in kilowatts and represented as "kW".

As a universal rule, boiler size relates to the number of bedrooms as follows:

·         A home with 1 to 2 bedrooms requires a boiler of 24 to 27 kW.

·         A home with 3 to 4 bedrooms needs a boiler of 28 to 34 kW.

·         A home with more than 4 bedrooms may require a larger boiler, 35 kW or higher, depending on the home's size and number of bedrooms.

However, to make an informed decision, a Gas Safe-registered engineer can precisely determine the appropriate boiler size for your home. The right output improves efficiency and may also extend your boiler's lifespan.

2.     Select The Correct Type of Boiler For Your Home

UK homes typically use one of three main types of boilers:

Combi Boilers – Combi boilers are the most popular type used in the majority of UK homes. The key features of this type of boiler include:

·         They don't require a hot water cylinder or a cold-water tank

·         They are suitable for small to medium homes.

·         They are energy-efficient and space-saving, making them ideal for small flats and homes with limited space, including those with 1 or 2 bathrooms.

System Boiler – System boilers are best suited to medium to large homes with higher hot water demand. Key features of this type of boiler include:

·         No cold-water tank is required for these boilers.

·         A hot water cylinder is used in this type of boiler.

·         A system boiler is capable of supplying hot water to multiple users simultaneously.

Conventional/Regular Boiler – This type of boiler is primarily used in older homes and in homes with low water pressure. Key features include:

·         These boilers require both a cold-water tank and a hot water cylinder.

·         These are compatible with conventional/traditional heating systems.

3.     Select The Right Brand And Model For Your Home

There are several brands and models, popularly used in UK homes. While selecting the right brand and model for your home, consider the following factors:

·         Energy efficiency rating.

·         The available warranty typically ranges from 5 to 10 years.

·         Reliability level and easy availability of spare parts.

·         Should be compatible with smart thermostats.

4.     Get Competitive Quotes From Reputed Companies

Once the size and brand are selected, it's time to obtain quotes from reputable, gas-safe-registered companies, as only a gas-safe-registered engineer is legally authorized to install a gas boiler. The following points must be kept in mind while getting quotes:

·         Quotes must be in writing and should include the cost of the boiler, labor charges, and any additional parts required.

·         Quotes should also include the cost of filters, controls, and power-flushing, if required at your property.

·         Make sure that quotes also include warranty registration.

5.     Prepare Your Home For Installation Day

Once the Gas Safe registered company/engineer is selected, schedule installation and get your home prepared for the installation day, which may include:

·         Clear the space around the site selected for boiler installation.

·         Provide the engineer with easy access to the pipework and radiators.

·         Ensure everything is ready before the start time of boiler installation.

6.     Removal of Old Boiler And Draining The System

The next step in boiler installation is the removal of the old boiler, for which the engineer will visit the property on the scheduled day and perform the following:

·         Disconnect the gas, electricity, and water supply to the entire system.

·         Drain the entire heating system.

·         Remove the old boiler.

·         The engineer is also responsible for disposing of the old boiler in accordance with the established procedure and relevant regulations.

IMPORTANT – Flushing the system, preferably power-flushing, must also be carried out by the engineer to ensure that the entire heating system is cleared from blockage, dirt, and debris.

7.     Installation of New Boiler

Next is the main part of the entire process: the actual installation of the new boiler. Here is a step-by-step process for installing a new boiler, once all the above steps are successfully completed.

·         Mounting the boiler on a wall is preferred.

·         Connecting the gas, water, and pipes.

·         Installing flue.

·         Install thermostats and other control gadgets.

·         Pressurize and test the heating system.

·         Test gas pressure.

·         Check for gas or water leaks.

·         Check radiators.

·         Adjust temperature.

·         Complete the boiler commissioning checklist.

·         Hand over the system to the homeowner, educating them on how to use and maintain the new boiler.

8.     Regulatory Requirements And Certification

Once the boiler is officially commissioned and handed over, the engineer is bound to provide you with the following certifications, as per the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, and Building Control Regulations.

·         Gas Safety Certificate.

·         Boiler Warranty Registration Documents.

·         Building Regulations Compliance Certificate.

·         Boiler Installation Benchmark Certificate.

The engineer is also required to notify the installation to local authorities, as part of the legal requirements.

Conclusion

Installing a new boiler is one of the most important tasks a homeowner can undertake. Correct assessment and selection of the right size, type, and brand is crucial in this process. Removal of the old removal and its disposal in accordance with prevailing rules and regulations are also very important and must be carried out by a registered Gas Safe engineer, as required by the gas safety regulations. The engineer is also required to complete the regulatory documentation and notify the installation to local authorities. Once the new boiler is installed, commissioned, and handed over to the homeowner, its subsequent maintenance and proper use are the homeowner's sole responsibility.