Having a new boiler installed at your residence represents a significant investment. The average price of a new residential boiler installation can be between $3,000 and $8,000. As with whenever you decide to splash out on something new, you will want to do your research to make sure what you are getting is going to be a sound investment that will last for a long time. 

This all sounds great in theory, but in practice, it can be another story. When your boiler breaks down in the middle of winter, you may need to make a snap decision on the size, make and model of a new boiler as you rush to reinstate your heating system.

In this article, we take you through a few things that anyone who is looking at a new boiler installation should consider before they commit. 

Types of Boiler

You need to decide which of the three common types of boiler is the best fit for your heating and hot water needs. These are conventional boilers, combi boilers, and system boilers. 

● Conventional Boilers – Also known as heat-only boilers, these boilers comprise an insulated hot water cylinder or tank in which heated water is stored so that it can be used when needed.

● Combi Boilers – Combi, or combination, boilers do not use a storage tank. Instead, they heat water on demand using a high-powered electric element. 

● System Boilers – A system boiler is similar to a conventional boiler, except for the fact that it has extra features built in. This can make them smaller, more efficient and easier to install.

If you live in a larger home with more occupants, your hot water needs will probably be best serviced by a system boiler or a conventional boiler with a storage tank. For smaller homes with two occupants or fewer, you may find that the most efficient way of heating your water is using a combi boiler. 

Energy Efficiency 

If your boiler has broken down and you are having to fork out a large amount of money for a new one, you may be consoled to find that the energy efficiency of new models will eventually offset the cost of a new unit. If you are trading in your old boiler for one of the new gas condensing boilers, you could find that your monthly energy bills are reduced by up to a third.

If you are looking for a boiler that scores well when it comes to efficiency, prioritize those brands and models that come with ENERGY STAR® certification. ENERGY STAR® gas boilers use at least 10 percent less fuel than normal boilers, while oil-powered models use around 4 percent less energy. They are built to fully comply with the latest Environmental Protection Agency standards as well as Canada's own Energy Efficiency Regulations.

Size

There are a couple of things that you need to consider when choosing the size of a new boiler. First, you will need to look at the boiler’s heating capacity. Second, you will need to consider the physical space limitations of the place where you are going to install the boiler. 

The size and heating capacity of your new boiler will depend on the house and a set of specifications that are unique to your personal situation. It will largely depend on the number of bathrooms that you have and how many inhabitants your home has. 

If you are finding it difficult to work out what size of boiler you need, you should seek out the advice of an experienced heating consultant. 

Reliability

Boiler repair can be expensive, so you will want to choose a make and model that score well when it comes to long-term reliability. But how do you know which models are more reliable than others? The answer is simply to do your research.

There are plenty of third-party boiler review sites that you can consult for the opinions of expert reviews as well as the testimonies of customers. You may be in a rush, but ending up with a boiler that is the right fit for you depends on doing your own research. As a general rule, we advise against simply taking the first boiler that is offered to you by a contractor. They often have a vested interest in selling one of the boilers that they already have in stock.

Warranty and Support

Before you commit to buying a boiler, you should read the warranty small print carefully. A common misconception among buyers is manufacturers will come out to repair a boiler themselves should something go wrong. Usually, however, this is not the case – manufacturers tend to insist that the contractor who installed the boiler attempts to resolve the issue before they issue a replacement.

In many cases, warranties are voided if it is found that a boiler has been installed badly. This means that the homeowner will be liable to pay for repairs in the event that they are forced to call out a technician from the manufacturer. This is why it is important to go with a licensed contractor with many years of experience in the field and a wealth of jobs and satisfied customers in their history.

Always seek assurances about the procedure that will be followed should your new boiler break down while it is still covered by the warranty. Look for contractors that offer service and maintenance plans for customers that have bought their boiler installation packages.

Buying a new boiler is probably one of the most expensive things that you will have to do as a homeowner. For this reason, you should fight the urge to rush into a decision and take a considered approach to make sure that you end up with the right type and model to service your household hot water and heating needs.

If you are in any doubt, you should not think twice about seeking professional advice – contact us today to book a free no-obligation consultation.