When you are having a new boiler installed, there are several things you should consider to make sure the boiler installation will run smoothly and that you are covered for any aftercare or support. Let’s take a look at some of the things you’ll need to consider before getting your boiler expertly installed.
Choosing the Right Brand
The first thing you should do is identify which boiler brand and model will be best suited to your home and your needs. To do this you should consider the number of people in your home and the water supply demand that your household has.
Ask yourself questions about how many baths or showers you have in a week or how many radiators do you need to heat. There are many different models and brands out there and each one will have pros and cons, so it is best to do research and find out which one works best for you.
Installation
After you have chosen a boiler brand to install, you should check whether the warranty is dependent upon who installs the boiler for you. Some companies will specify that their warranty is only valid if you agree to have the boiler installed by the company’s own installers.
If you are opting to find your own installer, make sure that they are a registered Gas Safe engineer. You can find reputable installers on websites such as Checkatrade or review companies on sites like Trustpilot to make sure you are getting a trustworthy and reliable tradesperson.
Location in your Home
Another thing to consider is where in your home the boiler will be located. Consider the fact that pipes need to run into the boiler and the fact that the boiler may be noisy, so you don’t want to put it in a room where it will be disruptive.
Many people choose to have their boiler in their kitchen or cupboard space. It will also cost far less if you have it installed where your existing boiler was so no additional plumbing is needed.
Boiler Flue
You should identify where in your home the boiler flue is located. It will either emit plumes out of a hole in the wall or upwards out of the roof. Due to the emissions the flue emits, it must be located 30 centimetres away from a window or door. If this is not possible, you should explain this to the engineer who can divert the plume using a specialised plume kit.
Flushing the System
When you replace your boiler, it is imperative to flush the system before you install the new boiler to make sure any dirt is removed. This is so that it does not enter your new boiler and cause any clogs or blockages.
You may find that under your warranty, your new boiler will not be covered for damaged caused by existing dirt that has gone into the new system. To further protect your boiler, have a filter installed on the return pipe that will prevent dirt or sludge from going into your boiler.
The Right Pipes
All pipes that run to your boiler from your gas meter should be a minimum size of 22mm. Larger boilers may need bigger pipes, and this is something your installer should be able to identify a need for.
Gas Safety Certificate
The engineer who installs your new boiler should register the installation with Gas Safe, and they will then provide you with a Gas Safe certificate that you should keep in a safe place. This document will come in handy if you want to sell your home or make any claims on your warranty.
Conclusion
If you hire a reputable installer to fit your new boiler, they should take care of most of these things for you. The main things to worry about are making sure you pick the right boiler, and that you hire someone qualified and trustworthy who can ensure your new boiler is installed correctly. Here at Rowlen, we’ve installed thousands of boilers and know exactly how to carry out the boiler installation safely and effectively.
