Image source: Thursfields Solictitors
Having a boiler installed in your home is a good thing. You get to have a warm and cosy house in the colder months and a steady supply of hot water at the turn of a tap.
However, the cost of buying and installing a new boiler – or replacing a rickety old one – may well turn your hair white from aggravation.
In this post, we offer several handy tips that can help you save hundreds of pounds when it comes to purchasing, installing, and maintaining a boiler in your home.
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Handy Tips to Save Hundreds on Your Boiler
Even though new boiler installations can be a little bit on the expensive side, it is definitely possible to save a couple hundred pounds on this home upgrade.
Let’s get started by pointing out several key concerns before you head out and get a new boiler:
What Sort of Boiler Do You Need?
First of all, you have to figure out which type of boiler would be the most suitable one for your home.
Gas boilers come in three different types: conventional, which is only used for heating, systemic boilers, and combi boilers.
Unless your household demands a great deal of heat or needs to run hot water in various places in the home simultaneously, we recommend putting in a combi boiler.
Not only is this the least expensive option, but it also saves space as you needn’t install a separate water tank.
It also only heats water when you need it. This is also why combi boilers are one of the most popular options in the market that can commonly be found in the average household.
Should You Check for Hidden Costs?
As with any major purchase, the caveat emptor rule applies when you’re asking around for unit and installation costs for a new boiler.
Be sure to check the paperwork for hidden fees. Also, talk to your vendor and/or service provider concerning labour costs.
These may eat up a considerable part of your budget if you do not clarify rates and payment terms at the onset.
Make it a point to always read through your new boiler quote carefully and ask questions if you spot any concerns.
Oftentimes, they’ll allow you to customize your quote and take out aspects that are not necessarily relevant for your situation.
However, this might vary depending on where you will be getting your boiler from.
This will help you get the most out of your new boiler upgrade at the best price.
What’s the Output Size?
When it comes to boilers, size does not refer to how big the unit is but rather its output in kilowatts.
Thus, a boiler’s power output determines whether or not it has the capacity to heat a structure within a specific size range.
Having the correct output size ensures that you pay the most reasonable costs in terms of power consumption.
It’s very easy to overspend on a boiler that’s packed with features and power that goes beyond what is necessary.
Be sure to advise your vendor as to the dimensions of your home so that they can give you the most viable options.
Does It Come From a Reliable Manufacturer?
If you think buying a boiler at the lowest possible cost will save you money, you’d better think again.
Sometimes, investing a bit more in a boiler made by a reputable manufacturer will save you more money in the long run, mainly where maintenance, repair, and replacement costs are concerned.
Also, note that boiler servicing can run between £150 and £400 depending on your unit’s age, physical state, and make.
Are You Qualified for an Energy Company Obligation Grant?
If you’re a homeowner and have a boiler that’s more than ten years old, check with your local power company if you qualify for an Energy Company Obligation (ECO.)
This is a scheme spearheaded by the government to deal with fuel poverty while helping individual households reduce their carbon footprint.
Take note, however, that the qualification process is quite strict, and there is the possibility that your power company may just collect your details for other purposes.
The Bottomline
Buying a new boiler can be a little tricky with all the different models available in the market at many different price points.
Make sure to follow the advice we have given you in this article to make the whole process a lot more manageable for you.
Once you have all these down pat, you may proceed in fielding a perfect boiler for your home.