If you’re a landlord looking for the best boiler for your rental property, there can be a lot of confusing options out there.
For instance, do you want to save money in the short-term, or buy a boiler that’s truly going to last the distance and give you (and your tenants) the least grief over the long-term?
And that’s not even mentioning the different types of guarantees on offer!
Below, I’ve made it a little easier by talking you through some of your options when choosing the best boiler for your rental property.
Save money now or later?
It’s true that most landlords are concerned about value first and foremost, but this is often a source of debate.
Sure, you can fit a cheaper boiler now and save £250 – £300 on a boiler that has less reliable components and a shorter guarantee, but that choice could end up costing you much more in repairs down the line.
I’m going to recommend you go down the long-term value route, especially if you plan on owning your property for six+ years.
I’ve found that fitting a quality, reliable boiler from a brand such as Worcester Bosch (Which ‘Best Buy’ for four years running) or Vaillant will work out a lot cheaper in the long run, as these are both guaranteed for 8 – 10 years.
Choosing a boiler that’s going to last the distance for 12-15 years Is important. I have seen in some cases with cheaper brands where boilers are replaced after 5-8 years. This is really false economy choosing a cheap boiler.
What to look for
In my opinion, there are three main factors you should be looking for when choosing the best boiler for your rental property. These are:
- A long guarantee
- A brand with good reputation/reliability factor
- A good back-up service
The third point is particularly important to check for, as it’s not always clear from the outset which boiler manufacturers have their own dedicated engineers, and which just employ contractors for call-outs. Good customer service that you can get hold of 24/7 is also beneficial in emergencies.
Choosing the right boiler for you
When exploring your options, it’s very important to pay attention to the central heating and hot water outputs before choosing a boiler that is 100% right for your property.
This will really depend on the size of your property and how many radiators, baths and showers you have.
For instance, if you had a small to medium-sized Edinburgh property with one shower and no bath, a Worcester Bosch Greenstar 25i combi boiler can provide an adequate supply of hot water to your home.
However, if your small to medium-sized property included a bath and a shower, you’d be better going for the Worcester Bosch Greenstar 30i combi. (I’ve compared the two in this blog post *INSERT LINK TO 25i and 30i comparison blog*)
Guarantees
Both of the above-mentioned boilers come with incredible no-quibble 8-year guarantees – and by now we know that guarantees are oh-so important when it comes to choosing a boiler.
Worcester Bosch actually has one of the best boiler guarantees on the market, which is one of the reasons I recommend them to all my customers.
TIP: Although you may find other boiler companies offering slightly longer guarantees for very similar models, you’ll find there’s often a catch in the small print, or extra credit card charges before they’ll even agree to a call-out.
Ideally, a good guarantee should last you between 8 – 10 years and cover you for all eventualities.
Conclusion
If you’re a landlord, choosing the best boiler for your rental property can be a daunting task. But remember, an unreliable boiler causes unhappy tenants, and headaches for everyone involved due to arranging entry for repairs and call-outs.
Therefore, I would always look at a new boiler as an investment, and spend as much as you can afford. This means a reliable, well-known brand such as Worcester Bosch or Vaillant.
Both come with fantastic guarantees and a good back-up service, and although it’s an extra £250 – £300 now, you will see savings in the long-term.
And last but not least, always check the heating and hot water outputs carefully when selecting the best boiler for your rental property – if you’re ever unsure, consult with your chosen Gas Safe registered engineer.
Good luck!
