Boiler Installation Near Me
Boiler Installation
- Boiler systems are essential home appliances that can be a lifesaver for homeowners living in colder climates. They provide the energy needed to warm your house and ensure you enjoy warm showers in winter. Boilers are reliable, durable, and suitable for homes of any size.
- However, when installing a boiler, you need thorough planning, considering that a boiler is not something you will install every so often.
- Furthermore, a boiler is expensive to install, and irregular installation could pose safety risks for your family.
- On average, a boiler can last fifteen years with regular maintenance and servicing. So if yours is not functioning as it should, it may be time to install a new one.
This article will cover the following questions you might want to ask:
- What is boiler installation?
- Types of boiler installation
- Types of boilers
- What Is the boiler installation procedure
- What to consider when installing a boiler
- How long does boiler installation take?
- Boiler installation regulations
- Who should install a boiler for me?
What Is Boiler Installation?
Boiler installation refers to setting up a new boiler or replacing an old one. It involves connecting pipes to radiators, installing a flue, connecting pumps, and cold water supply.
Boiler installation takes between one to five days, depending on the amount of work required.
Types of Boiler Installations in North London, UK There are several boiler installations you can choose from if you're looking for a new boiler or replacement in North London.
They include:
- New boiler and relocation – Relocating a boiler from one room to another.
- New boiler installation – Swap when you need a new boiler of the same type.
- Back boiler removal with conversion – Converting a back boiler since you can't replace a back boiler.
- Boiler conversion with relocation – changing your boiler type and moving to a different room.
- Boiler conversion – Involves changing from one boiler type to another, for example, within the same brand. The type of installation you choose will depend on several factors, such as energy efficiency.
- Relocations and conversions are costly, while swapping is more economical and less time-consuming.
Types of Boilers
The Different Types Of Boilers
There are three popular types of boilers in the UK.
They are:
Conventional Boilers
A conventional boiler heats water and then stores it in a hot water tank. The tank keeps the water hot until you use it, and when it runs out, you need to wait for more to heat up and fill the tank. A conventional boiler system is ideal for large homes with many bathrooms and multiple radiators. However, the hot water tank requires a large amount of space.
System Boilers
System boilers have components stored in a single unit, making their installation and maintenance simple. They function by directly supplying hot water to radiators and a storage cylinder. They are ideal for use in properties that have several bathrooms because they can store water in the cylinder.
Combi- Boilers
Combi boilers or combination boilers are popular heating systems in the UK. One stand-out feature of combi boilers is that all their components are contained within a single unit which means they are ideal for properties with limited space. A combi boiler does not require you to have an additional shower pump since it provides hot water at mains pressure. The boilers do not have a storage water tank; they provide on-demand hot water directly from the mains. However, you can still install a storage combi - a boiler type that allows you to store excess hot water.
What Is the Boiler Installation Procedure?
The Boiler Install
If you want to install a boiler, it is best to hire a professional technician. The following are the steps for boiler installation:
Step 1 -Identify the Location. Find a strategic location where the boiler is near the flue, electric outlet, water pipes, and gas lines. The floor or ground should be level before installing the boiler. Then, you can start unpacking the boiler and preparing it for installation.
Step 2 -Dress the Boiler This step involves adding appropriate pipes to the boiler. Using a wrench, add the circulator pump to the boiler unit, then add the riser nipple. Adding the pump allows the appropriate pipes for water to connect throughout your house. Next, attach an adequate number of riser nipples to the pipes from the different zones. Again, you will need a wrench to help attach the riser nipples and pipes.
Step 3 -Attach the Feed and Return Pipes Once the pipes are in place, the flow check is on the feed side, and the circulator pumps are located on the boiler return side. Next, tighten the nuts with the wrench, attach the boiler to the hot water tank, and use a copper pipe.
Step 4 -Flue Installation A flue will help in ventilation. First, use sheet metal to link the boiler to the flue, then make holes to attach it with sheet metal screws to allow a secure fit.
Step 5 -Attach the Gas Pipe Attach a gas pipe to connect the boiler and the gas source. It will help if you follow the boiler manual for instructions on the appropriate type of pipe for use. Step 6 -Run the Boiler Fill the boiler by opening the waterline. The automatic feed valve will set the appropriate pressure. You can now start the boiler. However, it may help to get a professional to perform this step to check the CO2 output.
What to Consider When Choosing the Type of a Boiler
Choosing The Right Boiler For Your House
Boilers come with different specifications. Some of the things you need to consider before buying a boiler are:
Size of Property
The size of a boiler relates to the amount of heat. So, if your property is large, you need a big boiler to supply adequate heat. However, avoid choosing a large system or conventional boiler for home use as it is a waste of electricity and gas and will lead to a high energy bill.
Hot Water
The amount of hot water you consume may determine the choice of a boiler. For example, the combi boiler does not have a storage tank. If you consume too much hot water, it may not be ideal. The system boiler is suitable in situations where you use a lot of hot water.
Availability of Space
Boilers are differently structured; some are suitable for limited spaces, while others need a spacious room for installation. For example, if your space is limited, the system and combi boilers would be ideal for you.
Existing System
When replacing a boiler, consider whether the boiler you are installing is compatible with the existing system. If the new boiler and the existing system are compatible, it is best to retain the system to save you installation costs.
How Long Does Boiler Installation Take?
Boiler Install Time
The time it will take to install a boiler depends on the type of installation. Typically, a boiler installation will take between one and five days. However, some installations involve more technicalities and take longer to complete.
On average, installing a new boiler will take about one to three days. It will take longer if the technician needs to move the boiler from one room to another. However, it can take just a day for a simple boiler installation.
Swapping a new boiler for an old one is the quickest installation, provided it is the same model. The technician will not spend time changing the whole system, such as the pipes, water, and the central heating unit. Additionally, there is no loss of time in the movement. A technician may take a day to complete.
Switching from one type of boiler to another is more time-consuming and complicated than a swap; It will take several days to complete.
You will miss the usual hot water and heating during the installation, so you need to plan upfront.
Boiler Installation Regulations
Gas Safety
When installing a boiler, you must meet certain installation regulations set by the government. Some of the regulations include:
- Ensuring that your flue is located at least 30 centimeters away from any window and door.
- A flue is also supposed to be at least 60 centimeters away from buildings corners, flat roofs, and balconies. A flue should also be at least 2.1 meters above the ground level if it protrudes onto a public walkway.
- Tanks need to be installed outdoors if they are positioned above the ground.
- The building should be gasproof to prevent gas from flowing into the house in case of a leak.
- The gas source should be sealed using concrete or solid masonry and should provide resistance for at least 30 if a fire breaks out.
- A Competent Perso Scheme-registered installer should install oil-fired boilers.
- An installer should ensure that a new boiler meets Building Regulations approval.
- An installer should be registered as a Gas Safe Registered engineer.
- The engineer should be registered under a Competent Person Scheme to install oil-fired boilers or solid fuel boilers.
- A boiler replacement should follow the guidelines described in Approved Document J.
- New boilers should only be installed if they are efficient. Specifically, gas boilers should be at least 86% efficient, while oil boilers should be 85% efficient.
Who Should Install a Boiler for Me?
Find Your Gas Safe Boiler Installer
If you are considering a boiler installation, it is crucial to understand the legal basis of boiler installation. The safety regulations require that only a certified Gas Safe engineer should install a boiler.
A Gas Safe engineer is well-trained to handle your boiler safely. When installing a boiler, they meet the safety, quality, and legal requirements of relevant authorities.
If you have the technical know-how to install a boiler but are not certified, you will need a certified Gas Safe engineer to test your work if you install the boiler yourself. The certified Gas Safe engineer will issue you a Gas Safe Certificate to make your warranty applicable.
It is helpful to have a professional fix the boiler for you because if you install it poorly, the boiler will pose a safety risk for your family or property
A duly certified Gas Safe engineer should be identifiable by a holder's registration card. You can also countercheck the license number by calling the Gas Safe Register helpline to confirm if they are accredited
Do You Want to Install A Boiler? There are a variety of gas boilers in the market today, and they all work great. However, installing a boiler requires you to make a concise decision about the installation process to get right from start to the end. When you decide to install a boiler, the above tips will be useful in your decision-making.
Give us a call today on 020 3488 6939 and speak to one of our friendly team members.