Boiler Installation and Maintenance Guide.
Provided by Your local boiler installers
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There are 1.5 million boiler sales each year and over
100,000 boiler installers. Some boiler installers are highly trained, some have
minimal qualifications. Many are one man bands, some work for large companies
with national coverage and in-house trained employees.
Replacement boilers are a large percentage of new boilers
sold but it appears that householders have little involvement in the choice of
new boiler for their home despite it being a major investment with considerable
lifetime fuel costs.
The Heating and Hot Water Information Council has observed
that “The installer is regarded as the expert and his advice is seldom
challenged or ignored, particularly given the householder’s relative lack of product
knowledge.” This site aims to improve the householders knowledge of the boiler
selection and installation options so that they can make better choices and are
able to select an energy efficient boiler that is cost effective for them
helping to reduce the impact of energy consumption upon the environment.
When choosing your next boiler, the supplier and who will
install it there are many questions to consider as outlined below.
There are several types of boilers
Whilst most new boilers fitted should be condensing boilers
there are three main types: regular, system and condensing. Each has different
characteristics and has specific plumbing and space requirements. Also each
type of boiler has multiple power options which need to be matched to the needs
of the home environment. Incorrect boiler types or mismatched power output can
increase the energy costs of the boiler over its lifetime.
Boiler Efficiency is important
Boilers are tested and the relative energy efficiencies are
published by the manufacturers. The difference between an old boiler ( perhaps
50% efficient) and the latest condensing boiles ( up to 90% plus efficiency)
represents a considerable difference in energy costs each quarter.
Boiler Regulations must be respected
The installation of gas boilers is governed by several
government regulations. Replacement boilers should almost always be condensing
boilers. The installer must be CORGI trained. Ventilation must be checked and
the flue properly installed.
Obtaining an accurate quotation
A quote should always be obtained and the price quoted
should take into account a thorough heating survey and consideration of your
needs. Accordingly you should check the credentials of the installer you are
considering engaging and you should ensure that they conduct a thorough survey
before you are presented with a quote. If this is not properly completed you
could find that the price increases part of the way through the installation.
Which Supplier and which Installer should I use?
Boilers can be purchased from the local diy center. They can
be fitted by thousands of small, generalist installers, some of whom are highly
trained (CORGI qualified) and a number who may be rogue traders. At City Gas we
can supply boilers and models as well as fit advanced boilers from Vaillant and
Bosch as well as others. The choice of a quality supplier and installer is very
important and references and evidence of qualifications should always be
obtained.
Who will care for my boiler after installation?
Availability of spare parts several years after boiler
installation and who you will choose for a maintenance contract are important
considerations. Gas boilers are very safe if properly installed and regularly
maintained. Do not put your family at risk through a poor quality installation
or false savings by avoiding a regular maintenance plan.
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Tel. 0800 075 81 81
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