If you’re out there shopping for a new boiler, you’ve got options. And like any other product, with boilers you get what you pay for.
I give you a sense of the predominant costs in today’s market so you can keep them in mind when shopping for your new central heating system. That way you’ll feel confident you’re getting the right deal on your gas central heating installation.
Switching Equivalent Boilers
Let’s say you’re in the market to swap out your existing combi boiler with a newer version of the same boiler. And you’re considering a reasonably priced boiler equipped with standard controls and a standard flue kit, supplied and fitted. You should expect to spend between £1,700 and £1,950.
This would most likely include a two-year guarantee. So this scenario would be most accommodating to a short-term living situation.
German Made
The Germans make great boilers. In fact, it’s my opinion they make the best boilers. So, if you’re looking to spend a little more on your gas central heating installation and get a greater value for your money, you should consider a German made boiler.
Worcester is a solid and reliable brand that offers up to an eight-year guarantee and the Which? magazine “Best Buy” stamp of approval.
They come fitted with an energy efficient, programmable room thermostat – a marker of their commitment to quality and efficiency. And depending on the output you require from your boiler, you could expect to spend between, £2,100 and £2,450 on your gas central heating installation.
Living Large
If you live in a larger than average home, with a traditional heating system that includes a boiler and a cylinder, and you want to update your central heating system, you should be aware of the additional costs associated with your upgrade. Replacing a boiler with a larger output, and an unvented cylinder could cost as much as £3,000 to £3,500.
If you plan to live in your home for more than a couple years, we definitely recommend spending the extra money on a quality boiler which will last longer and comes with the longer guarantee.
*FYI, French made boilers are being taken off the market in the U.K. So we’d avoid those.
Think Long Term
Over the long haul, I endorse spending the extra money on a better built boiler. It will save you money, be more reliable and more efficient. Whereas a cheaper boiler may save money up front, you’ll wind up paying for it on your heating bills and repairs.
Remember Your Parts
When it comes to boiler manufacturing, quality is top down. So even sourcing parts is more efficient with quality manufacturers. Keep this in mind when considering a new gas central heating installation.
Odds and Ends
When replacing your boiler, remember the actual cost of the boiler is only one factor. Don’t forget about the 20% value added tax, the time, labor and costs associated with relocating your new boiler (if need be) and various and sundry fittings -the parts required to connect your boiler to hot water pipes, etc. These may not sound like much, but they do add up.
Something for Everyone
The good news is that depending on your needs and requirements there’s a boiler to fit your price range, whatever it may be.
IF YOU REMEMBER ONE THING FROM THIS ARTICLE!
Remember this … You get what you pay for. And saving money up front doesn’t mean you’re going to save money over the long haul. If you’re willing to invest the extra money in a quality manufactured boiler, you’ll be much happier with the overall value of the product.
