Boiler Upgrades Explained

Whilst our online price calculator can give a good indication of the costs involved in replacing a like for like boiler in the same position, there can be a variety of reasons why prices from different installers may be different. You may feel that replacing a broken boiler is all you need but a professional heating engineer will look at the safety and performance of the heating system as a whole.

Below are some of the areas where additional work could be essential or desirable to bring the installation up to current standards. Someone who wants to cut corners to make their quote to you as cheap as possible will probably not want to increase their costs by addressing these. By ignoring them you run the risk of increased boiler breakdowns as well as reduced fuel efficiency. So do look at the detail of what a heating engineer is suggesting. The more professional companies will be in business in 5 years time if you have a problem. That’s not so certain of the cowboys who take your money and run.

Replacing gas supply pipe

The gas supply pipe from the meter to the boiler may need replacing as the pipe bore is too small and not supplying sufficient pressure to allow the boiler to work at optimal efficiency levels.

New Condensate pipe

Since 2005 it has been compulsory to fit new condensing boilers in most circumstances. Condensing boilers are considered to be more energy efficient. These boilers require a pipe to drain away condensed water, unlike older boilers. So if you are replacing an older type boiler, the heating engineer will have to work out the best way to get to a drain connection from the boiler. Depending on where the boiler is sited this could be very simple or very difficult! It may even be worth considering moving the boiler position. It’s certainly important to get this done properly as in cold weather a poorly installed condensate pipe can freeze which will stop the boiler working.

Powerflush

Over time, sludge and corroded metal can build up in the radiators, reducing their heating efficiency and putting the boiler under strain. Cleaning out the radiators using a high pressure pump can really help the performance of your central heating system. Once the system is flushed then rust inhibitor is added to the system.

Electrical wiring

A professional heating engineer will want to ensure any wiring is to current electrical standards (Wiring regulations 17th edition). This may require the involvement of a qualified electrician.

Boiler Flue Requirements

Industry safety guidelines do change from time to time and some older types of boiler flue arrangement may no longer be permitted. This may require the boiler flue to be modified or replaced.

Energy efficient controls

Under the 2010 building regulations (part L1), a means of “controlling the temperatures independently in areas that have different heating needs (e.g. separate sleeping and living areas)” is required. In practice this means using TRVs (thermostatic radiator valves) and a thermostat. If your existing system does not use them then it’s a smart thing to install them as they will give far greater control over the temperature in each room, reducing heating bills. We have heard of people without TRVs who open the window when a particular room gets too warm; it’s simply madness to waste expensive energy like this!