Many homeowners face the task of replacing their boiler at some point. Whether your current back boiler is nearing the end of its lifespan or you’re looking for an upgrade in efficiency or features, choosing the right replacement can feel overwhelming. With so many options available, it’s important to understand the key features that will influence your decision.
This article will delve into the essential factors to consider when selecting a new boiler, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your home’s needs. It’s also worth noting that the UK government’s back boiler replacement program under ECO4 scheme may offer financial assistance. However, eligibility and specific details will vary. We’ll focus on the key features of boilers themselves, but remember to explore any potential grant opportunities to see if they can help with your back boiler replacement.
Are you getting a new boiler soon?
If your boiler acts up a lot, it’s time to think about getting a new one. Without a doubt, every boiler reaches a point where fixing it costs more than it’s worth. But before you rush to buy the first one you find, it’s smart to know what to look for. After all, you’ll be stuck with it for a while.
Firstly, make sure the price includes installation. So try to get prices that cover installation by an engineer. Some deals might seem great until you realize you have to arrange installation separately. Moreover, many engineers only work this way. So if a price seems too good, it’s probably hiding something.
Choose a reputable boiler brand
Picking a reliable brand is key when choosing your new boiler. Look for brands with awards, like Worcester Bosch, Ideal, Vaillant, Viessmann, Alpha, Baxi, etc. All these brands are reliable ones. They make dependable boilers that last. But be cautious of newer brands that might disappear later. Check the guarantee length—if a brand offers a ten-year guarantee, it suggests they trust their product to last. This means peace of mind for you.
The average boiler repair costs £210. So investing in a reliable boiler now can save you money in the long run. Moreover, saving a bit on the purchase price upfront isn’t worth it if you end up paying for repairs later.
Gas boiler ban
This is an important news to know about. All are talking about gas boiler ban in the UK so it could affect your decision to buy a new boiler. Firstly, the gas boiler ban in 2025 only impacts new homes. So, if you’re replacing your old boiler, you’re good to stick with gas. Right now, gas boilers remain the top choice for heating in the UK because alternatives like heat pumps are expensive for most people.
There’s exciting testing happening with hydrogen as a possible replacement. If successful, it could mean using your current gas network with similar boilers. Plus, hydrogen is eco-friendly, which is a big plus.
Choosing the correct KW output
Choosing the right kW output for your boiler means picking the power it needs to heat your home and water. So the bigger your home, the more kW you’ll need. But if you’re planning any home extensions or conversions, keep in mind that these can increase your heating needs. Moreover, you might need a bigger boiler to handle the extra demand.
Need more help? Talk to an engineer. They’ll give you expert advice on finding the right size boiler for your home. Get in touch with us today!
Understand your current heating system
To understand what type of boiler you have, there are four main types to know about:
Combination boilers (Combi boilers)
These are the most common in the UK. They heat water instantly from the mains, so no need for tanks. Furthermore, they’re easy to install and energy-efficient.
System boilers
System boilers are good for homes needing lots of hot water. They have a separate hot water tank. So this allows them to supply hot water to multiple bathrooms simultaneously. However, they do lose some heat due to the tank.
Heat-only boilers
Also called regular or conventional boilers, these have separate hot and cold water tanks. They’re trickier to replace, and many people switch to combi boilers for more space.
Back boiler units
These last around 25 years but are inefficient and costly to run. They’re located behind gas fires and are a bit tricky to remove, but replacing them with a modern combi boiler saves money and is better for the environment.
Bottom line
In conclusion, you need to look at several factors before buying a new boiler. Always look at your heating needs, home size, and number of radiators and of course budget before making a choice. These factors play a key role in decision making process. Moreover, a little bit research can save your time and money before going to the market.
