Putting in a new boiler for your home is a crucial expenditure for any homeowner, especially if you have been running an old, inefficient boiler for years on end past its supposed date of replacement. Shopping around for a new and updated boiler and having them installed in your home can sometimes be a costly undertaking, especially if you are building or moving into your first home. Is there a way by which to keep costs down when you install a new boiler?
Four Tips to Lower Your New Boiler Installation Costs
Before going ahead and getting your new boiler installed, make sure to consider these things:
1. Be sure to shop around
Believe it or not, there is no sense in buying too cheaply where a boiler is concerned. You may be able to buy a brand new one for next to nothing, but it can – and it often will – cost you in terms of maintenance and replacement over time. Know that boiler prices will depend on brands, mechanical type, and size. Different boilers will cost different amounts depending on which manufacturer produced the unit and where you will be getting the boiler from. With crucial home appliances like boilers, it’s important not to skimp on the price. These boilers usually run for over a decade, and maybe even more, which is why spending a couple more pounds on a better one would be a great idea for you to reap all the benefits that a good quality boiler would bring to the table.
If in doubt, be prudent enough to ask relatives and friends about what boiler systems are installed in their homes and if they are satisfied with what they have. Also, it pays to read reviews and the technical literature behind the models you fancy to see if these are a good fit for your home.
2. Consider the cost of manpower
The price of the boiler itself (as well as any attachments) is one thing, but the cost of getting it installed by professionals is another. On average, a basic replacement job involving a combi boiler can set you back by £540; on the other hand, the installation of a completely new boiler system may cost as much as £1,440, especially if you’re shifting from conventional to combi. One great thing to look out for is the boiler’s warranty policy. Some boilers are covered for up to 10 years after the initial installation, which would come in quite handy if ever you run into some problems in the future.
As with the boiler itself, it also helps to shop around and check out reviews to see which service centers offer the best deals within your budget. Note that it also pays to check out the Competent Person Register or the Heating and Hot Water Industry Council rosters to see which reputable companies are within your home district.
3. Think about getting a boiler plan
The cost of the new boiler and all the costs associated with a boiler installation can be quite hefty, which is why it is a great idea to check with your local gas or power company: they can help defray the installation cost as the service is included when you sign up for a boiler plan that allows you to buy boilers on finance. Companies like Boiler Central, EON, and British Gas offer packaged plans that homeowners can pay monthly. In this case, the best thing to do is to canvass local providers to see what provisions are included with their plans, specifically where installation and maintenance are concerned.
4. Check if you qualify for a boiler grant
Under the government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO), qualified households can save thousands of pounds when they opt to buy and install a new boiler for their homes. Under ECO, the cost of installation can go as low as £200 and periodic maintenance may cost next to nothing.
However, we need to clarify that the ECO option is not available to everyone, so you need to check the website for further details. Still, if you’re a homeowner with a boiler that’s at least five years old, you may be able to squeeze into the program. It also helps if you receive government benefits such as a child’s benefit or a post-retirement/disability pension.
Final Thoughts
Even though getting a brand new boiler for your home can be a little expensive and tricky at some times, it’s definitely possible to make the whole process a little bit more manageable. Home upgrades with key appliances like your home’s central heating will almost always lead to better efficiency, which in turn reduces your heating bills. This will help you earn back the initial cost of the upgrade through the savings you receive from your utility bills. So if you’re looking to upgrade your central heating anytime soon, make sure to keep these tips in mind.
