Here at Tailored Heat, our friendly Gas Safe registered engineers install new gas, LPG and oil-fired boilers for homeowners and landowners in Plymouth and the surrounding towns and villages of west Devon and south Cornwall.
A replacement boiler is a big outlay at the best of times, but especially in the current financial climate. We know there are probably questions you’d like to ask before making your purchase, so we’ve answered some of them in this blog.
Do I really need a new boiler?
This is a common question! If your boiler’s starting to age (10 to 15 years old or more), or you’re having problems with it, it’s probably time to invest in a new one. Spare parts can be hard or impossible to find for older models and, once you’re out of warranty, repair bills and labour costs can be considerable.
Our engineers will be happy to look at your boiler and give you expert advice, but 9 times out of 10 in these situations, we’ll recommend replacement. And if we do, now’s the time to bite the bullet as the last thing you want is a breakdown in autumn or winter when the weather’s turned cold and our engineers will be at their busiest.
How much will a new boiler cost?
This depends on factors like the type, make and model of the boiler, whether you want gas, LPG or oil, and the output capacity that’s needed to heat your home and hot water. At Tailored Heat, we install a range of regular, system and combi gas, LPG and oil boilers from leading manufacturers including Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, ideal and Zanussi.
You can get a quote online at our website in less than 30 seconds. All you need to do is answer some simple questions about your home and current central heating system. We’ll then give you prices for buying and installing the boiler upfront or spreading the cost with a finance deal with monthly payments over a period of 1 to 10 years (9.9% representative APR)). If you decide to proceed, our next step would be to arrange a home survey.
How do I choose the right make and model of boiler?
You’ll be presented with a choice of makes and models when you use our online quoting system (options tend to be more limited for oil boilers). You can also add accessories such as a new programmer and controls, room thermostats and/or a system filter to your quote if you’d like to upgrade these as well. Some boilers come with extras at no added cost, which you’ll see on your quote.
If you’re not sure how to answer some of the questions or don’t know which make or model would be best for your home from the options provided, just give us a call. We’ll be happy to discuss your new boiler choices in more detail and make recommendations based on your household needs and budget.
How long does it take to install a replacement boiler?
Most boiler replacements take less than a day if it’s a straight swap with your old appliance and you’re sticking with the same fuel type. If you’re making any changes such as moving from mains gas to LPG or from oil to gas, you want your hot water tank taking out, or you want your new boiler in a different place from the old one, it may take a little longer.
When your Tailored Heat engineer visits you for your home survey, they’ll talk you through what’s involved in your installation and estimate how long it will take.
Will a new boiler save me money on my energy bills?
Yes! Older boilers work less efficiently, so you should see an immediate decrease in your gas or oil bills when you switch to a new model. They’re better for the environment, too, as a new boiler will release less carbon into the atmosphere. And there’s much less danger of harmful carbon monoxide (CO) leaks, so you and your family or tenants will have peace of mind that everyone will be safe as well as warm.
Will the new boiler increase the value of my property?
According to Property Investor, a new boiler can add around 4% to the value of your home – and that was in 2018! It could be even more today. A new boiler with a lengthy manufacturer’s warranty is a great selling point if you’re planning to put your property on the market and could more than pay for itself by boosting your valuation amount.
Similarly for rentals, a replacement boiler could enable you to charge tenants a little more whilst giving you (and them) the reassurance that any breakdowns will be covered by the warranty for years to come.
Can I get a grant to replace my boiler?
You may be able to get help towards the cost of a new boiler, depending on your financial circumstances and your property’s current EPC rating, under the ECO4 scheme. However, the government is encouraging people to move away from fossil fuels and many grants are now targeted towards renewable energy heating systems such as heat pumps and biomass boilers. These grants fall under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
To find out more and check your eligibility for either scheme, please follow the web links above.
I don’t want another gas, LPG or oil boiler – what are my options?
As noted above, we’re all being encouraged to replace our fossil fuel systems with eco-friendlier options. And with new oil boiler installations stopping after 2025 and gas ones from 2035, you might want to make the switch sooner rather than later. Our certified engineers can install an air source heat pump that connects to your existing heating system and provides green, energy efficient heating and hot water for your property.
Please visit our dedicated Heat Source Pumps web page to find out more or give us a call on 0800 689 1826 for a bespoke quote.
Question not answered here? Contact Tailored Heat today!
If your question isn’t answered above, please contact us. The engineers at Tailored Heat are here to help and with hundreds of boiler installations in and around Plymouth under our belts, you can rely on us to know our stuff. If you’ve already made your mind up that a new boiler’s the way to go, request a free, no obligation quote today and let’s get going!