Buying a new boiler can be like a minefield. So let me help you out by giving you a bit of inside information, and the places where you should be looking to do your research.
The first thing you need to understand when looking into a new boiler is, understanding your hot water requirements. If you have multiple bathrooms in your property then a combi boiler is not going to be up to the job. You will need some stored hot water.
A Little bit About Combi Boilers
When sizing up for a new boiler on your central heating side, if you allow around 1.5kw per radiator it gives you a good indication of the output you need for your central heating. For example a 3 bed house with 9 radiators would require around 13.5kw for your central heating side.
When carrying out your research for a new boiler, you should be looking at the spec of the boiler and particularly the output for the central heating. Although the boiler might be a 30kw, it may only deliver 24kw on the central heating side. The boiler produces 30kw at its maximum rate. Which is on the hot water side. This is why it is so important to test your cold-water main flow rate coming in to your property. This is how we size up a combi boiler properly.
Tips of What to Research
First thing you need to determine is how you use your hot water - If you have multiple bathrooms or run more than one tap at a time then a combi boiler is no good. You will need some stored hot water. Do a little research in to what system will work best for your home and family.
Do research in to different boiler manufacturers - Go on which?, trustpilot, google etc and see the customer reviews who have these boilers fitted in their house, and how they rate the boiler for reliability, value and the after-care service.
Choosing the right boiler installation company - Like you did with the boiler manufacturers check out the company online. The very first place you need to check is the Gas Safe register website to see if they are registered and qualified to be working with gas boilers. Check out their website (look at the photo gallery to see their previous work), facebook page, reviews etc. If you cannot find any/much information about the company, then alarm bells should be ringing.
Public liability insurance – Ask the boiler installation for proof of their public liability insurance. We are dealing with gas and water when fitting a new boiler, so if anything does go wrong then you want to make sure that company is insured to cover any damage to your property.
Always get 3 quotes - Shop around. You must always get 3 different quotes. This will then give you a good indication of what each company can offer you.
Extended guarantee’s - Now most people won’t know this, but certain boiler installation companies will be accredited to certain boiler manufacturers. So once you have done your research into what boiler manufacturer you are thinking about using, then go on their website, and there will be a selection of local boiler installation companies who should be able to offer you an extended guarantee on your new boiler. For example, here at Platinum Boiler Installations, we are Worcester Bosch accredited installers so instead of offering our customers the standard 5 year guarantee, we can offer a 10 year guarantee completely free of charge.
Surveys – When you are having surveys carried out for your new boiler installation ensure the company are bringing out boiler literature, and talking in-depth about the different boiler options and systems. If you have done your research as stated above it will give you a better understanding, and enable you to ask more detailed questions. The MOST IMPORTANT thing when you are having a survey carried out for a new boiler installation, is to make sure they are testing your cold water main flow rate. If not, then they are just guessing at the size of the new boiler for your home. This could then undersize or oversize the boiler, costing YOU money. If they are NOT testing your cold main then I would stay well away from that company!! If you want to see a video of this, then click here
Company guarantee – Does the boiler installation company offer any guarantee on their workmanship? If so, ask how long, and get it in writing via e-mail. If they don’t offer any guarantee ask them why not!!
When looking for a boiler replacement be very careful about using online quoting tools. They DO NOT do full in-depth surveys of your property, and can cost you money and time during the boiler installation. They are great for giving you an idea of the cost for a new boiler, but I will always recommend a thorough in-depth survey. That way you will get the correct sized boiler for your property, and no surprises on the installation day itself.
If you would like any further information regarding a boiler replacement then get in touch today
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Matt Hughes
Matt Hughes is the Managing Director of Platinum Boiler Installations and his mission is to make boiler installations as simple and hassle-free for customers as possible. What Matt doesn't know about boilers simply isn't worth knowing! Connect with Matt Hughes on LinkedIn >>
Established in 2014 to provide a local, quality and affordable boiler installation service. We are a fully insured boiler installation company. Our GasSafe number is 598837.
Our recent boiler conversion was entrusted to Platinum. I was quite nervous about this job given both the complexity and the fact we are in the depths of Winter. I needn't have worried. Matt's professionalism put me at ease and made sure we were without heating for as little time as possible. All carpet surfaces were covered before any work was done and everything was left spick and span at the end of the job. Highly recommended.
I have employed Matt to carry out all of my plumbing work to the past two house renovations that I have done. Most recently he fitted a new bathroom, boiler, kitchen and radiators throughout my house. I found Matts work to be of an excellent standard. He was professional, tidy and always showed up when he said he would.I have also recommended Matt to three of my friends who he has also fitted boilers for. Would highly recommend.
Matt has always provided a fantastic service for the properties we rent out. He fitted a Worcester Bosch boiler at very short notice for one of our tenants who had no heating or hot water very close to christmas.
We use Matt now for all our Plumbing problems, he fitted our new boiler and has done all the services on it too. He is always friendly, efficient and provides a great service. Matt is always reliable, and comes when he says he is going to, unlike others we have used in the past. We have had terrible experiences in the past with other companies, so would choose Matt every time!!! Highly recommend!
Just had a new boiler and pipe work redone by Matt from Platinum and he’s done a fantastic job, He kept his whole work area tidy whilst working and went round the whole house checking the existing radiators were working properly and all the taps were giving us hot water, Great job ...
Have used Matt from Platium Boiler Installations twice now and he’s already looking at more work for me. Great service and he’s prices are competitive. Very knowledgeable, and takes time to explain the different options.I love the extra back up that comes from using a Worcester Bosch approved installer and the reviews they have are a credit to the standard this company operates to.Would highly recommend Platinum
Platinum boiler installations fitted us a new boiler and did a great job. He was very professional and left our house clean & tidy. Would definitely recommend
Matt fitted a new worcester boiler at our house, arrived on time did a professional job and cleaned up after the work was finished, knowledgeable and price was competitive.Highly recommended
Matt fitted a new boiler in Sutton Coldfield for me. He is very professional and knowledgeable about his trade, and was more than happy to take the time to talk me through the work and why he recommended certain options. The job was completed early and on budget, and to a high standard. I would not hesitate to recommend him to family and friends; I will certainly be using his services again for future works.
Matt from Platinum Boiler Installations fitted us a new boiler at our house in Sutton Coldfield. His work was at a very high standard and is a very tidy worker. We would recommend anybody looking for a new boiler to use their services.
Matt replaced our boiler at our house in Sutton Coldfield. He kept us informed throughout and did a brilliant job. I’d definitely recommend platinum boiler installations.
We had a new boiler installed in the Birmingham area that Matt fitted. The service was excellent and he was friendly, professional and very helpful. Would recommend.
New Boiler Install + Radiators in WalsallMatt, came and installed a new combo boiler with radiators at my parents property which had the old boiler and tank system which was around 28years old.Matt and his team are very professional and I can highly recommend him to do a brilliant job if you decide to book with him.Matt completed all work within the quote provided and there wasn’t any hidden ‘extra charges’ 5 star service.
Matt fitted a new boiler in Sutton Coldfield for me. He is very professional and knowledgeable about his trade, and was more than happy to take the time to talk me through the work and why he recommended certain options. The job was completed early and on budget, and to a high standard. I would not hesitate to recommend him to family and friends; I will certainly be using his services again for future works.
Matt from Platinum Boiler Installations fitted us a new boiler at our house in Sutton Coldfield. His work was at a very high standard and is a very tidy worker. We would recommend anybody looking for a new boiler to use their services.
Have used Matt from Platium Boiler Installations twice now and he’s already looking at more work for me. Great service and he’s prices are competitive. Very knowledgeable, and takes time to explain the different options.I love the extra back up that comes from using a Worcester Bosch approved installer and the reviews they have are a credit to the standard this company operates to.Would highly recommend Platinum
We had a new boiler installed in the Birmingham area that Matt fitted. The service was excellent and he was friendly, professional and very helpful. Would recommend.
Best tradesman to date. Reliable pleasant and thorough! Fitted a boiler and overhauled our ancient system. Marvellous worker. Can't speak highly enough about him. Clean worker. Would use him again. Would recommend to friends and relatives. Thank you.
Best tradesman to date. Reliable pleasant and thorough! Fitted a boiler and overhauled our ancient system. Marvellous worker. Can't speak highly enough about him. Clean worker. Would use him again. Would recommend to friends and relatives. Thank you.
Contacted pph as we had read the reviews on trusted traders. We needed a boiler replacement and at the same time, relocating the boiler in the loft and replacing all the radiators. The work was to a very high standard, Matt and Matt were polite, punctual and left the house clean at the end of the day. Will definitely use them again.
Boiler replacement completed October 2018. I was very pleased with the friendly, prompt service that Matt provided and the quality of work. Everything was left very clean and tidy after the work was completed. I would have no hesitation in recommending.
Very happy customer. Brilliant service. Matt came to fit my new thermostat to current boiler. He fit me in with short notice and talked me through how to set it up on my phone. Would definitely recommend.
