Boiler installation and replacement in the UK usually ranges between £1800 and £7000. The amount varies depending on the type of boiler you choose, says a qualified plumber in London. There are high-efficiency boilers that are costly, but they save you money on energy bills in the long run.
Combination boilers
Also known as Combi boilers, it is one of the most popular types of boilers in the UK. Combi boilers are widely seen across small homes and studio apartments. The device does not include a storage tank since it draws water from the mains. You can although include a tiny tank to it provided there’s enough space around. According to experienced mechanics associated with boiler installation in London, combi boilers offer both heat and hot water on demand with zero wait time. Opening many taps at a time may result in a pressure drop and the average price for this range of boilers is £725.
System boilers
System boilers are also known as sealed-system boilers. They maintain considerable water pressure and so you can easily use multiple taps at a time. System boilers come with water storage cylinder. Water is heated in the cylinder before it is dispensed from the tap or is converted to steam to feed the heating system.
On average, a system boiler costs £725.
Standard boilers
These are popularly called conventional boilers, and they heat water very fast. The hot water then runs through the pipes and out of taps. This range of boilers is widely used in large homes and buildings. Standard boilers are very common in-floor heating systems, and you are expected to shell out around £1350 on average to install one at your home.
Boilers versus water heaters
Boilers and water heaters have similar function although they are not the same. A water heater is more of a storage tank. It comes with heated tubes that maintain a certain temperature in water. When there is a need for hot water, the gadget dispenses it from the top portion of the heater. Then it refills the space with cold water, which is then heated and moved to the top of the tank.
A boiler is capable of doing two functions:
- Heating water to dispense hot water and
- Boiling water to give steam
Boilers are more energy-efficient compared to water heaters and thus, save your hard-earned money in the long run.
Fuel type boilers
Boilers are also categorized by the type of fuel they consume. Most modern boilers run on liquid propane or natural gas, says qualified gas engineers associated with boiler installations in London and its neighbouring areas. Some varieties also work on wood, geothermal or fossil fuel and of course electricity. The cost of these ranges of the gadget normally pegs around £2500.
Costs for boiler replacement
While dealing with boiler problems, one often has to weigh between repair and replacement. Boiler repairing cost ranges between £300 and £500. This cost includes replacing crucial components like burners, heat exchangers, liners or chimneys.
Replacing cost of a standard gas boiler is around £4000 although when you pitch for a high-efficiency gadget, the cost increases to £7500.
Replacing an old boiler that runs on oil is even more costly. Replacing the oil tank itself will cost you a lump sum. In addition to that replacement of other worn-out components will cost you more money. Here is a brief breakup of the cost:
- Replacement of the boiler itself will cost around £7000
- The tank has to be leak-tested, and this will cost £500 approximately
- If the tank needs replacement, you add up £1000 to £2000 more to your expenses, provided the tank is above the ground
- The same will cost nearly £3000 when your tank is below the ground level
- The soil has to be tested before tank replacement, and the cost will be around £300 to £500
- When cleanup is necessary, you shell out anywhere between £2500 and £10000
- The cleanup cost may escalate to £3500 to £4600 depending on the situation
- To deal with ground contamination, you have to spend anywhere between £15000 and £100000
The latest variety of tanks is made from corrosion-resistant components and can easily last around 30 years. You need to collect the necessary permit from the local fire department to remove or replace an oil tank.
Factors to consider regarding boiler replacement
When you replace an old heating system with a new boiler, you usually pay a higher installation price. Moreover, you also foot the bill of removing the existing system.
The standard lifeline of a boiler is 15 years although the gas variety is known to last over 40 years while those running on coal are known to remain efficient even after a century and a half. You need to take proper care and maintenance of your boiler to ensure it lasts long. As long as your unit is functioning well at comfortable temperatures, there is no need to consider its replacement.
You do not need to replace your existing boiler when it requires the first repairing. It is important comparing the costs of both repairing and replacement before making up your mind. On average a repair job costs you between £300 and £500 while a replacement charges you anything between £3000 and £5000 for the new installation. While installing the new boiler, you have to manage without heat for at least a couple of days. If complications arise, the inconvenience may extend up to a week.
An old and existing boiler may have to be replaced when additions have been made to your home, resulting in increased floor space. The existing gadget may be working smoothly, but it is no more sufficient to cover the entire space.
An annual inspection by qualified gas engineers is strongly recommended for every boiler. These routine inspections prove more helpful than what laymen and women can imagine. Here’s an example – a negligible crack in the heat exchanger unit of the boiler may leak poisonous gases in your home. You should never keep these yearly inspections pending. If the gas engineer identifies multiple issues with the gadget, you may consider its replacement provided the warranty period is over.
Rating for boilers
Every boiler has an AFUE rating; AFUE is the shortened version of annual fuel utilization efficiency. The efficiency of the boiler is directly proportional to the rating. In other words, it means, the higher this rating is, the more efficient is the boiler. It is important remembering that boilers that are highly energy efficient cost higher. The gadget varieties that have an AFUE rating of 90 or above reduce the cost of heating your home by almost 30 per cent.
Thermal efficiency
It is the rating based on running of the unit under ideal conditions. Thermal efficiency rating is often higher than the AFUF rating because all the relevant variables are minimized. This gives a realistic estimation of the quantity of energy that is spent and generated in running the system.
AFUE
As a consumer, you should know the AFUE rating of your boiler. These days high-efficiency boilers are very common. This range of boilers has an AFUE rating of 90 per cent or above. These efficient boilers are also called condensing boilers, and they trap the heat waste and use it for water preheating. As a result, the system runs efficiently consuming lesser energy.
Factors affecting AFUE
At times the boiler won’t give you sufficient heat. In such cases you should not blame the boiler before checking out the following:
- Home insulation: Damaged or low-quality insulation often makes a home lose much heat through the ceilings and the walls.
- Ductwork: It is very common for ductwork to undergo expansion and contraction. As a result, the joints erode fast, leading to heat loss. This way, your home may waste a huge amount of energy.
- Doors and windows: When doors and windows in a home do not close and open smoothly, their damaged seals are likely to leak out heated air into the atmosphere.
Technically sound and efficient London based boiler installation team at 4D Heating and Plumbing suggest ascertaining the exact cause of heat loss in your home before jumping guns on your boiler.
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