Updated: 9th March, 2024
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Lets explore the process of assessing and replacing an older, antiquated broken down appliance with a brand new top of the line boiler.
When a boiler stops working it can be a shock to the system, causing panic and stress for homeowners as an integral part of their property, that they rely upon for warmth, ceases to function.
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Any boiler issue is obviously important to get remedied as soon as possible, but in a triage system of urgency, some issues take precedence.
You can consider any of the following an emergency boiler matter:
Suspected gas leak (natural gas or carbon monoxide)
No heating or hot water during winter (especially important if you have children in the home)
Water is streaming out of a boiler or pipe at a very quick rate
Headaches
Dizziness
Nausea and vomiting
Tiredness and confusion
Stomach pain
Shortness of breath
Confusion
Irregular heartbeat
Seizures
Unfortunately, small gas leaks often do not have a smell or other physical signs, which means they can go undetected for a long time.
However, after a while you may notice signs such as a sulphur or rotten egg smell, hissing from a gas line, a damaged gas pipe or dead houseplants.
Or if you notice the small flame as seen through the viewing window on older boilers is yellow instead of blue, this could be a gas leak indicator.
Undetected gas leaks also pose the potentially lethal risk of gas ignition explosions, this is when a leaking gas source combines with the air and an ignition source (e.g lighter flame) to cause an explosive and violent combustion.
If you suspect your property has a gas leak it is crucial to carry out these steps:
Ensure all people and pets are evacuated from the house.
Leave doors and windows open.
Turn off the gas at the mains tap- this can usually be found near the gas meter.
Immediately call the National Gas Emergency Service number on 0800 111 999 as soon as you have evacuated the house.
Do not turn any power or light switches on or off.
Do not light any sort of flame within the property.
Do not use any appliances that could cause a spark.
Even in the event of a boiler issue not deemed an ‘emergency’, you can still contact an engineer for a call out if you believe it’s required, however the 24 hour rate will be down to that engineer or firm’s labour and expertise pricing but you can expect this will be around 30% above normal day rates.
Regular boiler companies will first have to send an engineer for an on site assessment, potentially allowing the situation to further deteriorate as time elapses, also it may prove prudent to contact and compare price quotes for any emergency boiler replacements.
Remember to fully document and authenticate prices before committing to any work being carried out to avoid disputes about the service costs down the line.
Sound like a lot to bear in mind while your boiler crumbles?
As a modern, online boiler installation company, iHeat will take away the burden of all of the above to make replacing your old broken boiler as easy as possible.
First of all, Instead of carrying out potentially disruptive and delaying location assessments, at iHeat we aim to make the quotation process as quick and efficient as possible.
After answering some simple multiple choice questions regarding your current home heating system, our iHeat quote software algorithm rapidly and accurately determines which boilers would be ideal for your property.
With our fixed price guarantee on quotes for any boiler installed, there's no need to worry about confusing cost changes or miscommunication, the iHeat process couldn't be any clearer.
All of our iHeat engineers are fully qualified and Gas Safe registered to boot, meaning only experienced professionals will be carrying out the work in your home.
Combi (combination) boilers link a home’s central heating system and water heating into a single unit, with all components integrated within the boiler.
The combi signals a sensor upon hot water demand, then takes water directly from the mains and the heat exchanger heats it for distribution to water outlets. This means there's no accompanying cylinder or hot water tank.
This allows a compact boiler which could fit into a standard kitchen cupboard or be wall mounted, to thoroughly heat a home without stealing lots of space. Combi systems are also easier to service or for boiler replacement due to their popularity, meaning greater availability.
Another great benefit of a combi boiler is its efficiency. By heating water on demand as opposed to constantly heating stored water, you can save energy and cut costs on your fuel bills. A new combi boiler should be around 90% efficient, so replacing your old boiler could save you up to £445 according to The Energy Saving Trust.
Age of Boiler | Efficiency Percentage | Efficiency Rating (ErP) |
0+ Years | 90% + | A |
10+ Years | 85% + | B/C |
15+ Years | 80% + | C/D |
20+ Years | 70% + | E/F |
25+ Years | 60% + | G |
The direct correlation between a boiler's age and its efficiency is clear to see in the newer systems’ ErP.
Selecting the right boiler brand is pivotal for ensuring efficiency, reliability, and longevity in home heating. Among the myriad of options, brands like Vaillant, Viessmann, Alpha, Ideal, and Worcester Bosch distinguish themselves with innovative technology and customer satisfaction. Below is an in-depth comparison of these brands, focusing on their standout models and unique industry positions.
Brand | Standout Model | Energy Efficiency | Unique Features | Environmental Impact |
Vaillant | ecoTEC Plus | A-rated | Eco-friendly, quiet operation | Reduced carbon emissions |
Viessmann | Vitodens 100-W | A-rated | Compact design, smart compatibility | Low emissions technology |
Alpha | E-Tec Plus | High efficiency | Compact, cost-effective | Energy-saving operation |
Ideal | Logic Plus | A-rated | User-friendly, easy installation | Efficient energy use |
Worcester Bosch | Greenstar i | A-rated | Robust build, smart controls | Eco-conscious design |
Vaillant's eco-friendly ethos shines in their ecoTEC range, particularly the ecoTEC Plus and ecoTEC Exclusive models. These boast top-tier energy efficiency and reduced carbon footprints. They're known for quiet operation and user-friendly controls, making them a harmonious blend of performance and environmental responsibility.
Viessmann's Vitodens series, especially the 100-W and 200-W, are hallmarks of high-efficiency and technology. These models feature compact designs and stainless steel Inox-Radial heat exchangers for durability. Advanced features like smart thermostat compatibility offer enhanced control and user convenience.
Alpha Heating Innovation's E-Tec range, particularly the E-Tec Plus, offers a fine balance between affordability and quality. Notable for their impressive energy efficiency and compact size, these boilers are suitable for various home types, making them an ideal choice for straightforward, efficient heating solutions.
Ideal Boilers, especially the Logic Plus range, are lauded for their reliability and value. These boilers stand out with their efficiency, user-friendly interface, and compactness, favoured for their ease of installation and maintenance. They come with comprehensive warranties, offering peace of mind and reliability.
A leader in the market, Worcester Bosch is synonymous with quality and reliability. The Greenstar range, including models like Greenstar i, Si, and CDi, is known for its efficiency and robust build quality. These boilers blend innovative features such as smart thermostat compatibility with user-friendly controls, making them a top choice in many homes.
Boilers can be a daunting purchase for many people as they’re an appliance with a lot of responsibility, providing heat for you and your family is something you want to get right. Boilers aren’t exactly a quickly disposable item either, potentially lasting you a decade.
Effectively, new boiler cost can be split into two segments: the first is the actual boiler itself (unit price), and the second is the cost of the boiler being installed (set up) in your property by an expert engineer.
Here at iHeat, we want to remove all of this undue stress and make the decision making process of upgrading to a new central heating system, as easy as possible.
Boiler costs can vary depending on a number of factors including their brand, model, fuel, output, warranty, labour and installation type. Typically a new boiler will cost between £1,845 and £3,500, below is a list of average boiler installations offered by iHeat (guide only).
Installation Type | Price (inc VAT) | |
Combi to combi swap | £1,845 | |
System to combi conversion | £2,499 | |
New boiler install | £2,899 | |
Back boiler to a combi | £3,299 | |
System to system | £1,945 |
One of our primary concerns as an online boiler installation company is the experience and satisfaction of our customers, that’s why we’re happy to boast about our 4.9/5 Trustpilot rating, deemed ‘Excellent’ overall from a total of nearly 7,500 reviews!
As you can see we’re not all talk here at iHeat, we use our wealth of knowledge and skill to make sure you're happy with all aspects of your boiler replacement or install.
The best way of ensuring your boiler is operating as it should, is by proactively replacing ageing or faulty boilers at the earliest signs of degradation, this preventative step is far more prudent than reactive maintenance.
It’s a mechanical and engineering fact that due to some of the technological advancements in recent times, modern boilers are more robust and efficient than anything made previously.
Get a free online fixed price quote on any of our sleek boiler ranges, with 0.% APR available on selected models, and a price match guarantee, Why wait? Contact us Today.
A boiler can typically be replaced within one day, assuming the new boiler is a similar type and the installation is straightforward. More complex installations might take longer.
Yes, a broken boiler can be considered an emergency, especially during cold weather or if it poses a risk to the household's health and safety, such as through a gas leak or lack of hot water and heating.
Yes, in many cases, a boiler can be replaced in a day if the new boiler is of a similar type and size as the old one, and no significant alterations are needed.
Emergency boiler repair time can vary depending on the issue's complexity. Simple repairs might take a few hours, while more complex problems could require parts that need to be ordered, extending the repair time.
A boiler emergency is typically classified as a situation where there's a significant loss of heating and hot water, a gas leak, or any risk that compromises the occupants' safety.
The legal timeframe for being left without heating and hot water can vary by location and circumstances. In the UK, landlords are expected to arrange for repairs to be carried out within a reasonable time, usually 24-48 hours, especially in severe weather conditions or where vulnerable people are living.
This can depend on the terms of your lease and local laws. In many jurisdictions, tenants are entitled to a reduction in rent if essential services like heating and hot water are not provided. However, tenants should communicate with their landlord or property manager to resolve the issue before withholding rent.
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