Gas Boiler Replacement

How would I qualify for a new Gas Boiler?

Existing Gas Boiler must be older than 8 years old
Customer must be on a Qualifying DWP Benefit (see homepage)
Current mains gas combi boiler must be broken, recurring problems or inefficient
These property types can get the Gas Boiler installed on its own:-

Detached House – 4 Bedroom Detached House – 5 Bedroom Detached House – 6+ Bedroom End-terrace House – 5+ Bedroom Semi-detached House – 5+ Bedroom *Note* Other property types may require a customer contribution, or need to have another ECO Measure (Cavity Walls, Room in Roof or Underfloor Insulation) to go with it – to get the boiler installed.

There are 3 different types of Gas Boilers:-

Condensing Boilers
Combi Boilers
System Boilers

Condensing Boilers

Condensing boilers typically extract over 90% of the heat from the fuel they burn, making them both cost effective and energy efficient. They are so effective because they extract heat from flue gases which would have otherwise been lost by a non-condensing boiler. For this reason any new boiler installed in the UK (from 2005) has to be condensing whether it’s combi, system or regular. Condensing boilers were not overly popular when they first hit the market, with early teething problems and a collection of myths about their reliability putting many homeowners off. Since then condensing boilers have come a long way and many of those old issue have been resolved.

Advantages of a Condensing Boiler

Energy efficient and cost effective Thanks to the fact that they are over 90% efficient, condensing boilers offer great value for money over time and also have less of a negative impact on the environment that older boiler types. Whilst they can be a little more expensive to purchase, the fact that they are more efficient should outweigh this. Compact design If you opt for a condensing combi boiler there is no need for water storage tanks, making it ideal for a smaller property. The size of the boiler itself can also be much more compact and modern in design than many older models.

Disadvantages of a Condensing Boiler

Frozen pipes In extremely cold weather there is a possibility that the condensate pipe, which leads from your boiler to the outside of your property, can freeze. Whilst this is easy to remedy with warm water, it can cause the boiler to stop working and possible cause damage to the system. Costly maintenance Condensing boilers are more complex than some of the older boiler types and therefore maintenance can be a little more costly. The best way to avoid major boiler problems is to have your boiler serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer, to ensure any issues (or potential issues) can be dealt with.

Combi Boilers

A combi boiler, also known as a combination boiler, is a type of condensing boiler. Combi boilers are highly efficient and compact, making them ideal for smaller homes. The name Combi comes from the fact that these boilers are able to act as both a water heater and also a central heating unit. Thanks to their space saving features, combi boilers are one of the most popular choices in the UK – accounting for over half of domestic boiler installations each year. Combi boilers work by heating water directly from the mains, so you don’t need a hot water storage cylinder or cold water tank. This is ideal for smaller properties without airing cupboard or roof space. This heating method also makes them very energy efficient and affordable to run, as water is not heated and stored (and thus wasted if it’s not used). While Combi boilers have some great advantages, there are also considerations you should make before going ahead with an installation.

Advantages of a Combi Boiler

Compact Combi boilers are ideal for small homes as they require no bulky water storage tanks, they also require less pipework. Energy and cost efficient Since you only heat the water you need, when you need it, a combi boiler wastes very little energy (and therefore money). Good water pressure Providing you have an adequate level of mains pressure, you should experience a good level of pressure from your shower and taps with a combi boiler. Quick, easy and generally cheap to install Since a combi boiler requires no tank, it is one of the more straightforward boiler types to install. This also means it tends to be a cheaper option both for installation and repairs. Hot water on demand You don’t need to wait for a water tank to heat up as a combi boiler heats water on demand. This also means you can have an unlimited amount of hot water.

Disadvantages of a combi boiler

Requires a good level of mains pressure It’s important to make sure that your mains supply can deliver an adequate flow rate and pressure before choosing a combi boiler. If not, it may not be the best type of boiler for your household. Not compatible with all types of shower You cannot use a power shower with a combi boiler, as the pressure is dictated by that of the mains supply. Can’t run more than one shower or bath at a time With a combi boiler you cannot run more than one shower or bath at a time (or run a hot tap at the same time). This makes it a less ideal option for larger households with multiple bathrooms. No backup water heater As there is no immersion heater, if your combi boiler breaks down you will not have a backup supply of hot water.

System Boilers

A system boiler directly heats your central heating and also produces hot water for your storage cylinder. It is a heat only boiler and works in a similar way to a regular boiler, however it includes additional units within the boiler itself such as an expansion vessel and a pressure release valve. A hot water storage tank will always be required with a system boiler, as it needs somewhere to store the water it has heated. A system boiler doesn’t however require a cold water tank, saving space and making them more suitable for smaller homes than a regular boiler. A hot water storage tank will always be required with a system boiler, as it needs somewhere to store the water it has heated.

Advantages of a System Boiler

Fairly straightforward to install Many of the components needed for a heating system are already built into a system boiler. This makes it more straightforward to install than some other boiler types. You can use multiple taps at once The storage tank means that you can get hot water from multiple sources like taps and showers at the same time without losing water pressure or seeing a temperature drop. Doesn’t need a cold water feed tank A system boiler doesn’t require a cold water feed tank, which would usually be located in a loft. This makes it ideal for smaller homes or those without attic space. Compatible with solar thermal System boilers can work with a solar thermal system, which uses the sun’s energy to heat water for your home. This can reduce your household’s carbon emissions and energy bills.

Disadvantages of a System Boiler

Not compact Unlike a combi boiler, a system boiler requires a hot water storage tank, making it far less compact. Hot water tank heat loss Any hot water created will be kept in a hot water storage tank until it’s needed. During this time heat will be lost, so it’s important to try and prevent as much of this heat loss as possible by insulating it. You are limited by the size of your hot water tank With a system boiler you can only use as much hot water as your storage tank can hold. If you require more you must then wait for your boiler to heat it again, and this is usually on a set timer.