Are you thinking of changing your central heating from a back boiler to a combi boiler, but aren’t sure whether it’s the right choice for you? Perhaps you’ve already been advised by an engineer, or your neighbour recently did the same.
Whatever the reason, it’s a question I seem to hear a lot from customers, which is why I’m going to talk you through your options and the processes that are involved below.
Back boilers: a history
If you’ve got a back boiler in your living room, you’ve probably got the ‘70s and ‘80s to thank, as that’s when back boilers were all the rage.
These days they’re seen as old-fashioned and tend to just take up a lot of space that could otherwise be put to good use – and since they’re open-flued appliances, they’re also very inefficient to run.
In fact, because they’re so inefficient, chances are you’d notice a big difference in your heating bills by switching to a combi boiler, so why not save money and switch?
How easy is it to switch?
It really comes down to how much upheaval you’re willing to endure for the sake of a better, more efficient heating system. There are three ways to switch from your old back boiler. These are:
- Install a new combi boiler in your kitchen, whilst leaving the old back boiler where it is. It’d be decommissioned, but you wouldn’t have to redecorate or leave a huge hole in your wall.
- This starts off the same way as the first option. However, if with tests, you find the fire in your sitting room is still safe to use, you could leave it working whilst your boiler is decommissioned.
- The third way is to install a new combi boiler in your kitchen (or elsewhere) but rip the old back boiler out and completely redecorate. You’d either have to plaster over the hole in your wall, or install a new fireplace and mantelpiece. Depending on your situation, you may also have to replace some carpet or flooring.
How much will it cost?
Realistically, if you’re looking to change your central heating from a back boiler to a combi boiler, with the old boiler decommissioned, you’d be looking to pay roughly £2,800 – £3,000.
However, if you decide to rip your old boiler out and redecorate, you may be paying anything between £500 – £1,000 extra.
Plan of action
Because of all the upheaval that may be involved (lifting floors, rerouting pipes, the location of your new boiler etc.) it’s wise to come up with a plan of attack with your engineer. Ask for a home visit, and be sure to discuss things like budget and boiler location before getting a fixed price quote for the work.
Conclusion
Considering replacing your old-fashioned, inefficient back boiler? You’ll definitely notice the difference in your heating bills. However, your available options really depend on how much upheaval you’re willing to put up with.
If you don’t mind leaving your old boiler where it is, you could simply have it decommissioned and get a new, energy efficient combi boiler installed in a new location, like your kitchen.
However, you also have the option of ripping your old back boiler out and redecorating your living room – which would probably involve investing in a new fireplace, and perhaps new carpet or flooring.
Whatever you decide, don’t forget to get a home visit and fixed price quote for the work, and ensure your engineer will tidy up after the work has been carried out!
