What is the Fastest Way to Get a New Boiler?

Replacing your old boiler can be a daunting task, especially when you're in a hurry to secure a new one. 

The fastest way to get a new boiler involves staying well-informed on the available choices, understanding your home's requirements, and connecting with a reliable installer, like iHeat.

In this article, we'll discuss the crucial factors of acquiring a new boiler quickly and efficiently, including identifying if you need a new boiler, exploring various boiler types, and analysing costs.

Firstly, it's important to understand when it's time for a boiler replacement, as well as the factors to consider when choosing the right boiler for your needs. 

Researching different brands and models beforehand can help save precious time later.

Getting the installation process right is equally essential in securing a new boiler promptly. Working with a trusted installer like iHeat ensures a seamless installation process, from removing the old boiler to testing the new one and handling necessary paperwork. It is also crucial to thoroughly understand the costs involved and stay up-to-date on post-installation responsibilities.

Do I Need A New Boiler?

When you encounter boiler problems, it is essential to assess whether a new boiler installation is necessary or a repair will suffice. To make this decision, consider the following factors:

Age of your current boiler is crucial. Older boilers tend to be less efficient and more prone to faults, which can lead to higher energy bills. If your boiler is over 10 years old, it might be time for a replacement.

Next, pay attention to the frequency of breakdowns. If your boiler has experienced multiple breakdowns in a short period of time, it may suggest that a new boiler installation is a more cost-effective solution in the long run.

Evaluate the availability of spare parts for your current boiler model. If parts are scarce or expensive, it could be more practical to invest in a new, easily serviceable model.

Assessing the energy efficiency of your boiler is crucial. By replacing an older, inefficient boiler with a modern, energy-efficient model, you will likely notice significant savings on your monthly bills.

Another essential factor is your water consumption. If your household's water needs have increased or decreased, it may be worth considering a different boiler type, such as switching from a conventional to a combi boiler or vice versa.

Lastly, when planning substantial home renovations, think about how your heating requirements may change. Inefficient or inadequately sized boilers may struggle with the increased heating load.

In summary, identifying boiler problems early and considering factors such as age, frequency of breakdowns, spare part availability, energy efficiency, water consumption, and your home renovations will help you make an informed decision on whether a new boiler installation is required.

Types of Boilers

Combi Boilers

A combi boiler, short for combination boiler, is a popular choice for providing both central heating and hot water in your home. With a sleek and compact design, it combines these two functions in a single unit, ensuring high efficiency and instant hot water whenever needed.

The Pros and Cons of Combi Boilers

Pros:

• Compact size: Combi boilers are small and don't require additional space for a separate hot water cylinder or storage tank. This makes them an ideal choice for smaller homes with limited space.

• Efficiency: As these boilers provide hot water directly from the mains pressure, they tend to be more energy-efficient compared to other boiler types.

• Instant hot water: With a combi boiler, hot water is available on demand, meaning you'll have access to hot water for your shower or taps without having to wait for a storage tank to heat up.

• Cost-effective: Since they have fewer components and do not require a separate hot water storage system, combi boilers are generally cheaper to install and maintain.

Cons:

• Hot water demand: Combi boilers may struggle to provide enough hot water when multiple taps or showers are in use simultaneously. This can be a problem in larger households with multiple bathrooms.

• Limited flexibility: Combi boilers are not compatible with some types of showers, such as power showers, which may limit your options when installing or upgrading your shower.

Overall, combi boilers' suitability largely depends on the size of your household and your hot water needs. They're an excellent choice for smaller homes with a single bathroom, while larger households may require alternative options to meet their hot water demands.

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System Boilers

System boilers are an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a reliable, efficient, and powerful boiler system. This type of boiler consists of a central boiler unit that heats water, which is then stored in a hot water cylinder. It is connected to a separate cold water tank and a pump, ensuring a steady flow rate and a constant supply of hot water.

The Pros and Cons of a System Boiler

There are several advantages to choosing a system boiler for your home. Firstly, these boilers have a separate hot water tank, enabling them to provide a larger volume of hot water simultaneously compared to a combi boiler. This is particularly beneficial for households with multiple bathrooms and higher hot water demands. Additionally, system boilers can work well with renewable energy systems such as solar thermal panels, further reducing energy bills and environmental impact.

A key advantage of a system boiler is its built-in components. Since the pump and expansion vessel are incorporated within the unit, installation is often more straightforward and quicker than a conventional boiler. The compact design also frees up space in your home by eliminating the need for a separate cold water tank in the loft.

However, there are some disadvantages to consider. The most significant downside of a system boiler is that it requires a hot water cylinder, which takes up storage space within the property. This may not be an issue for some homeowners, but it's essential to consider the available space when making your decision.

As with all types of boilers, regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and efficiency of the system. Potential issues may arise if the hot water cylinder or pump fails, while the flow rate could be affected if sludge accumulates in the system. Regular servicing by a professional is essential to prevent these issues and ensure optimal performance.

In summary, a system boiler is a great choice for those with larger homes or higher hot water demands. The separate hot water tank and built-in components make for easier installation and efficient operation. However, the space required for a hot water cylinder may be a drawback for smaller properties. When choosing the right boiler, considering how well it suits your needs and available space is essential.

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Heat only Boilers

Heat only boilers, also known as conventional or regular boilers, are a type of boiler that works with a hot water cylinder in the airing cupboard, on either an open-vented or closed-vent system. These boilers are connected to both a hot water storage cylinder and a cold water tank, commonly found in the loft. They require expansion tanks to manage excess pressure, and the closed vent system is designed to maintain a steady water pressure in your home.

The pros and cons of Heat Only boilers

Pros:

• Hot water on demand: With a heat only boiler, hot water is generated and stored in the storage cylinder, ensuring a constant supply of hot water is readily available when needed.

• Multiple taps and showers: These boilers can handle running hot water through multiple taps and showers simultaneously, making them suitable for larger households.

• Compatible with older installations: Conventional boilers are a good option for properties with older radiators and pipework, since they operate at higher pressures.

Cons:

• Space requirements: Heat only boilers require a hot water storage cylinder, a cold water tank, and potentially expansion tanks, which can take up significant space in your home.

• Manual control: Unlike combi boilers, heat only boilers may require manual intervention to set the desired hot water temperature.

• Slower heat-up time: Due to the need for storing hot water in the cylinder, it might take longer to heat up the water when compared to combi boilers.

When considering a heat only boiler, it's essential to weigh up the pros and cons to determine whether it’s the right choice for your needs. These boilers can offer excellent performance and reliability, particularly in larger homes with multiple hot water outlets and older installations, but they do require more space for installation and may have slower heat-up times than other boiler types.

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Choosing the Right Boiler

When buying a new boiler, it's essential to make an informed decision. Choosing the right boiler for your home is crucial for maximum efficiency and long-term savings. In this section, we'll discuss the factors to consider, such as boiler size, brand, and energy efficiency.

Size of Boiler

The size of your boiler plays a significant role in providing the appropriate heating and hot water requirements for your home. One way to determine the suitable boiler size is by assessing your property's demand – consider the number of rooms and bathrooms. For example, a semi-detached home with multiple bathrooms may require a larger boiler, whereas a smaller house or flat might need a more compact unit.

Boiler Brand

Selecting a reliable boiler brand is essential to ensure the long-lasting performance of your new boiler. Among the best boiler brands in the UK market are:

• Worcester Bosch: Known for their high-quality and efficient boilers, Worcester Bosch offers a broad range of products to cater to various home sizes and preferences.

• Vaillant: A popular premium brand with a reputation for reliability and efficiency. They provide a wide selection of combi, system, and heat-only boilers.

• Baxi: A well-established manufacturer in the UK, Baxi boilers are known for their durability and affordability, offering options to suit different budgets and needs.

• Ideal: Producing all types of boilers, Ideal is celebrated for its reliability, range, and cost-effectiveness.

• Alpha: A trusted name in the industry, Alpha offers a balance of performance and value with a diverse boiler range.

• Viessmann: Globally acclaimed, Viessmann combines advanced engineering with efficient heating solutions suitable for varied needs.

Researching customer reviews, warranties, and after-sales support can help ensure you choose a dependable boiler brand.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a vital factor when picking a new boiler, as it significantly impacts the environment and your energy bills. The most efficient type of boiler to consider is an A-rated condensing boiler. 

These boilers use technology to recapture heat that would typically exit through the flue, adding it back into the heating system. This process contributes to lower energy consumption and, in turn, lower energy bills.

In summary, consider the size of your home, research reliable boiler brands, and focus on energy efficiency when choosing the right boiler. It's important to take your time, explore your options, and compare quotes before making a decision.

Installations Made Simple with iHeat

iHeat is revolutionising the process of boiler installations, making it easier for customers to both understand their options and quickly arrange installations. As a digital platform, iHeat streamlines the process of obtaining an online quote and scheduling a new boiler’s installation.

iHeat Online Quote

For those who seek prompt and efficient service, iHeat's Online Quote system guides customers through a few simple steps to find the most suitable boiler for their home. 

Answering basic questions about the property and current boiler helps iHeat offer a tailored recommendation. 

Customers can effortlessly acquire their quote within 60 seconds! Moreover, iHeat provides transparency with its fixed pricing, ensuring there are no concealed charges to worry about.

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iHeat Boiler Installation

One of the core benefits of iHeat is its network of skilled and accredited heating engineers. They prioritise customer convenience and satisfaction above all else, offering installation as quickly as the next day. 

iHeat’s Gas Safe registered engineers maintain the highest standards of safety and expertise when it comes to boiler installations.

Through iHeat, customers can stay warm knowing their new boiler installation is being taken care of by capable professionals. 

New Boiler Costs

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).