How Long Does It Take to Fit a New Boiler in London? A Comprehensive Guide
If you’re considering installing a new boiler in London, one of the biggest questions on your mind is likely to be “How long will it take?” At Rowlen Boiler Services, we understand that timing is everything when it comes to upgrading your heating system. So, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you understand what’s involved and how long it typically takes to install a new boiler.
Factors that Affect the Time to Install a New Boiler in London
The time it takes to install a new boiler depends on a range of factors. These include:
• Whether you already have a boiler • What type of fuel you are using • Whether you are relocating your boiler • What type of boiler you are having installed • Whether you are changing the type of boiler, and what type you are changing to and from • Any complexities due to the type of home, existing water supply, etc.
As a broad estimate, a new boiler installation will take between six hours and four days. However, this can vary significantly depending on your specific situation.
Straight Boiler Swap: 4-6 Hours
The quickest and easiest installation is swapping an old boiler for a new one of the same type. This assumes that the old boiler is broken, the replacement will be in the same location, and all the water, central heating and gas pipes are already in place and are the right specifications for the new model. For this situation, installing a new boiler replacement is a simple case of isolating and draining the systems, disconnecting the electricity and the thermostat, removing the boiler and installing the new one in its place. This can easily be done by one engineer in less than a day.
Changing the Position of Your Boiler: 1-2 Days
If you’ve already got a boiler but want to change its position, or want a new boiler in a different location, it’s unlikely that this can be done in a single working day. This is because new pipework (water and gas) need to be installed, and new electric power and thermostat cables connected. There might also be some mild structural work required, such as building frames and going through brick walls for the flue and overflow. Assuming the old boiler needs to be dismantled, moved or removed, this will also take time.
Installing a Completely New Combi Boiler: 1-2 Days
If no boiler exists at the moment, the time to install it will be roughly the same as relocating one, as the amount of work will be similar. Any time saved by not taking down the old model will be spent making brand new connections to your water and gas mains inlets. Presumably, if there’s no boiler, there will also be no central heating system. If you’re having a complete new central heating system and combi boiler installed, the length of the job will go up dramatically. As an approximate, a brand new system will usually take one to two weeks as it will involve lifting carpets, flooring and floorboards, laying pipework, and installing radiators. The good news is that this can be carried out at the same time as the boiler installation.
Changing the Type of Boiler: 2-3 Days
There are three main types of new boiler to consider for your home: combi, heat only and system. They all require different plumbing and electrics, so if you’re switching from one to the other, it’s almost like a fresh installation in terms of time required. The biggest change will be if you are upgrading a combi to a heat only or system model. With a system boiler, you’ll need a cylinder to hold the water for your central heating
system. This is usually located in an airing cupboard or near the boiler, and this means floorboards being raised and new pipework being installed. If you’re installing immersion heaters in your cylinder, they will need to be connected to the electricity mains, too.
If you’re upgrading to a heat only boiler, you’ll also need a cold-water tank and an expansion tank — the expansion tank will need to be installed in the loft space or at an elevated place at the highest point of your property. That’s because the system is fed by gravity, not mains pressure. This will also add to the time, as there’s more pipework to install.
If you’re moving from a system or heat only to a combi boiler, any extra time will be spent removing the unnecessary cylinder and tanks, stripping away the extra pipework and tidying up afterwards. Some people choose to leave them in place, just in case they decide to upgrade again at a later date. The choice is yours, but it’s important to factor in that cylinders and tanks will take up extra space in your home, and the components might need to be stripped and cleaned after several years of disuse.
Changing the Type and Position of Boiler: 3-4 Days
The biggest job in terms of time is if you change both the type and position of your boiler. This can take several days, as it combines all the jobs in the “changing the type” and “changing the position” sections above. As well as any new pipework, tanks and cylinders (or their removal), you might also need to install new brackets, knock holes through walls and re-route water, gas and electric supplies to the boiler.
Changing Fuel Type: 2-3 Days
If you’re getting a new boiler but changing the fuel type, there will be extra plumbing and electrical work. For example, if you’re switching from an oil or gas system to a new electric boiler, but keeping the position the same, this will add time to the installation process.
Things to Consider
When you’re considering a straight swap, please note that boilers, cylinders and tanks come in a range of powers and capacities, and the size of pipework for central heating could be too narrow or wide for a particular type of boiler to cope with. If you’re in any doubt, talk to a Gas Safe Engineer and arrange a visit so they can inspect your system.
It’s also possible that if your boiler has come to the end of its natural life, then so have other parts of the system, which could mean more work and a longer installation time.
Get an Accurate Quote for Your Installation
These estimates are only for replacing and installing boilers, and any major works to water, gas or electricity supply, or the fitting of baths, showers, sinks and basins have not been taken into account. As such, we recommend speaking to us to get an accurate quote for fitting a new central heating boiler in your London home.
In conclusion, the time it takes to install a new boiler in London depends on a range of factors, including the type of boiler, fuel, location and complexity of the job. However, with the help of a Gas Safe Engineer, you can get an accurate quote and ensure that the installation process runs smoothly and efficiently. For more information on how to keep your home safe and warm, take a look at our Tips and Advice section for articles covering maintenance, pressure, radiators and more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I know which type of boiler is best for my home?
A: It’s essential to consult with a Gas Safe Engineer who can assess your home and heating needs to recommend the best boiler type for your property. Factors such as the size of your home, the number of radiators, and your hot water usage will all play a part in determining the most suitable boiler.
Q: Can I install a new boiler myself?
A: No, it’s illegal to install a new boiler yourself in the UK. Only a Gas Safe registered engineer is qualified and allowed to install a new boiler. DIY installation can lead to dangerous situations, such as gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning, so it’s crucial to rely on a professional.
Q: How often should I replace my boiler?
A: Most boilers have a lifespan of around 10-15 years. However, the efficiency of your boiler can decrease over time, which can result in higher energy bills. It’s recommended to consider a new boiler when your current one starts showing signs of age, such as frequent breakdowns or reduced efficiency.
Q: How can I maintain my new boiler?
A: Regular servicing by a Gas Safe Engineer is crucial to ensure the efficiency and safety of your boiler. It’s recommended to have your boiler serviced annually. Additionally, check your boiler’s pressure regularly, bleed radiators if needed, and ensure that the boiler’s surrounding area is clean and unobstructed.
Q: Will I need to upgrade my radiators when installing a new boiler?
A: Not necessarily, but it’s worth considering. Old radiators may not be as efficient as newer models, and upgrading them can help improve the overall efficiency of your central heating system. A Gas Safe Engineer can assess your current radiators and advise you on whether an upgrade is necessary.
Q: Can I get a new boiler on finance?
A: Yes, many companies offer new boiler installation on finance, allowing you to spread the cost over a set period. Ensure to discuss the available finance options with your chosen boiler installation company in London to find a suitable payment plan.
Q: What is the warranty period for a new boiler?
A: The warranty period for a new boiler can vary depending on the manufacturer and model. Most boiler warranties range from 2 to 10 years. Make sure to register your boiler’s warranty after installation and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to maintain the warranty’s validity.
