Boiler installation guide - What to expect during a new boiler install

Evaluating your home and choosing the right boiler

Once you've made the call that it's time to replace your boiler and have earmarked a qualified and reputable company to do the work, you can expect a visit from your chosen installer. As well as checking the size of the property (including the number of bathrooms), and assessing the condition of your existing pipework, they'll want to ask you a few questions to understand your lifestyle habits in the home.

For example, two people working from home in a three-bedroom house are likely to require different heating needs to a single adult in a flat who spends most of their week on the road. The engineer will also want to confirm the boiler location and your budget. Once they have the information they're after, they'll recommend whether you should opt for one of three standard boiler types:

Preparing your home for installation day

Once you've chosen the right boiler for your home, it's time to prepare for the upheaval. The engineer will request that the area where the boiler will be fitted is clear, and you should also ensure easy access to your gas meter and mains water stopcock. Depending on the installation, some boilers may need to be fitted onto a different wall or even into a different room, when additional prep such as clearing routes for new pipework or wiring may be required.

Because it's likely that you'll have limited access to heating and hot water during the installation period, make sure you plan accordingly. Especially in colder months, you and other household members may need to make temporary arrangements if necessary. Do be warned, installation can be noisy, so if you typically work from home you may wish to plan for some time in your local coffee shop or library.

The boiler installation process (removal, fitting, testing)

While you won't need to be present for the installation process (and, as mentioned above, may wish you make yourself scarce), it is useful to know what the engineer will be doing. To begin with, they'll safely remove and dispose of your old boiler, along with any parts no longer required, such as tanks if you're changing from a conventional to a combi system.

Next up, your shiny new boiler will emerge from its box ready to heat your home for the next decade. In cases where existing pipework and flues can be used, the engineer may want to power flush the system to remove any sediment or debris. For a relocation or new system installation, expect this to require additional plumbing.

The engineer should do their best to minimise disruption and to clear up any mess. More importantly, they'll test the new boiler to ensure it's functioning as it should, meeting all safety standards relating to emissions and water pressure.

How long does a boiler installation typically take?

Any good engineer will tell you that it'll take as long as it takes! While a swift job is obviously desired, the most important aspect is to complete the installation properly and safely. But, for a rough guide, plan for between 1-2 days for a straightforward boiler replacement.

If, on the other hand, your new boiler is going somewhere else in the house or your system is being upgraded, this can take up to 4 days. Additional tasks like upgrading or adding radiators or pipework can be even longer. Before any work begins, make sure to ask your installer for an estimated work timeline so that you can plan accordingly.

After installation: Safety checks, warranty, and maintenance tips

Once the boiler is in place and ready to go, your engineer should complete all required safety and efficiency tests. They should also do the following as a matter of course:

• Register your boiler with the manufacturer, noting the installation date and your details.
• The above is for warranty purposes, so make sure you're aware how long your boiler is under manufacture warranty.
• Any Gas Safe-registered engineer should also provide you with a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate (also sometimes known as a Building Regulations Completion Certificate). This should be done within 30 days of the installation, and you'll receive a certificate in the post within 15 days.
• This is an important document that is likely to be requested should you opt to sell your home. Lastly, the engineer should also tell you how to operate the new system and give you tips on best practices for maintaining it.
  

To keep your boiler in the best condition, make sure to schedule a boiler service every year from a qualified engineer. It also helps to check pressure levels regularly, and bleed radiators as needed.

Boiler installation with Koziwarm

At Koziwarm we're a respected family-run business with over 40 years of installing, repairing, and maintaining gas boilers all over the North East, whether you're in Wallsend, Holystone, Killingwortth or anywhere else in North Tyneside. We're on hand to offer expert advice, provide an annual service, or install new boilers. Our experienced and trustworthy Gas Safe engineers can provide a diagnosis of any boiler faults and ensure a swift repair.