Curious about whether it’ll be cheaper to upgrade your central heating system all at the same time? All in one go? In a one-ey?
Well, if you know you need a new boiler and saving money is a priority, your first instinct might just be to replace the boiler. Or, the boiler and a few radiators. After all, it means paying less in the short-term, am I right?
However, as an experienced engineer, let me tell you why it might actually work out cheaper to upgrade your central heating system all at once. Depending on what work you need done, of course!
Will it be cheaper to upgrade everything at once?
Technically, yes. In theory. Picture the scene; you’ve called an engineer out to install a new boiler for you. He does a great job, and you think that your new boiler is going to do a fabulous job of keeping your home nice, cosy and toasty warm.
However, what you didn’t realise is that your boiler wasn’t the problem. Your radiators – and maybe even your pipework needs replaced! So, in six months’ time, right before winter kicks in, you decide to call your engineer back.
It’s going to cost you again for his tools, van, labour, parking – plus all of his time, knowledge and experience! Chances are, if you’d gotten him to change your central heating system all at once, it would have saved you money.
But woah there – I’m not saying your entire system definitely needs replaced. It could be perfectly fine for another 10, 20 or 30 years. Here’s a blog about when the best time is to replace your central heating system – not just your boiler.
Advice from an experienced engineer
If you’re not sure about whether now is the right time to upgrade your central heating system along with your boiler, check out my recent blog on the subject. I’ve put together all the tell-tale signs that your heating system needs replaced. But also, speak to your chosen heating engineer – or even two or three. See what the consensus is.
I’ve personally had two jobs recently where customers have asked me to give them a quote for a new boiler, and a price for replacing all the radiators. They’ve asked if they can have both prices separately. However, when I do this, I give them two separate prices, and then a total for doing both – with a reduction of £250.
It may work out more expensive in the short-term, but you’re still saving money having both done at the same time. Otherwise, I’d just have to come back again. Just like companies often do ‘buy 2 get 1 free’, it’s the same principle. I’m there, you’re paying for my labour, van, tools and parking – you might as well go the whole hog.
Once they’ve realised this is the case, they’ve just told me to go ahead and replace the entire system. Although, sometimes you may still be best keeping your existing pipework – if it’s up to the job. A good engineer will be able to tell you whether it needs replaced.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading! I hope this blog has helped open your eyes as to why you might actually save money when getting your entire central heating system replaced in one go – rather than just your boiler. It all depends on whether your system needs upgraded, of course.
If it doesn’t, then you might be fine with your current setup – and new boiler – for many years to come!
Got any questions about replacing your system? Let me know in the comments’ section. I’ll be happy to help!
