4 Common Mistakes When Buying a Replacement Boiler and How to Avoid Them

Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system requires utmost consideration. All the appliances in your home should be energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. A boiler is the core of your home’s heating and hot water system. When you randomly select your boiler, you end up investing in a substandard boiler that is inefficient in terms of cost and energy efficiency.

While buying a replacement boiler, you must keep a few things in mind. From your budget and space requirements to the boiler quality and efficiency, there are certain aspects you should look out for while investing in a new boiler.

Here we will walk you through some essential considerations for choosing the right boiler for your home. Avoid these common mistakes while buying a replacement boiler and save a lot on your heating bills.

Overlooking Energy Efficiency Ratings of Boilers

We search different brands for the boiler that suits our budget and space. We may also look at the aesthetics but forget the most important specification of the boiler, which is its energy efficiency rating.

The energy rating of a boiler depends on an “annual fuel-utilization-efficiency” (AFUE) score, which tells how much fuel the boiler will use to convert it into heat. By federal law, a boiler should have an 80% AFUE rating. However, old boilers might have a rating of 56 to 70%. 

On domestic appliances, energy efficiency is rated from A to G. Only those boilers with an A rating can be sold in the UK. Therefore, if you purchase a boiler without paying attention to its energy efficiency level, you waste too much energy, which will be shown in your energy bills.

Not Hiring a Professional for Installation

Even if you find the right boiler for your home, the installation stage is critical to ensure a secure replacement boiler. Please do not settle for an amateur installing this intricate boiler system, as it can risk your life and property.

Many lives have been lost due to gas-related incidents, so pay attention to your gas boiler inspection, installation, and operation.

According to law, only a Gas Safe engineer can install gas appliances in commercial and residential properties. Going against it can lead to hefty punishments, so always hire a gas-safe engineer to install your gas boiler. A Gas Safe engineer must regularly inspect your gas boiler and issue a gas safety certificate to guarantee a safe operation.

Buying the Cheapest One 

A boiler is a massive investment, so prioritize durability and quality. You will find plenty of choices, but focusing entirely on its price is a no-brainer. Making a purchase around your budget is a good idea, but if you opt for too-cheap boilers, you will save money on repairs and part replacements.

It is always wise to research different brands and consider factors including size, functionality, efficiency, and everything that goes into igniting the boiler. Do not prefer cost over boiler efficiency as it would be expensive in the long run.

The warranty Does Not Cover Boiler Replacement

Besides looking at the boiler specifications you are eyeballing, you should always check its warranty. Purchasing a boiler is a big investment, so you must ensure you have settled for the perfect one. 

Therefore, opt for a boiler with a warranty of at least two years; this will cover you if something goes wrong with your boiler. A long warranty shows that the boiler manufacturer is confident about the quality of services it claims.

Besides, the warranty should also cover replacement costs. It is also important to consider that most warranties only apply if the boiler is annually inspected by a Gas Safe engineer. Ensure a regular inspection of your property to avoid costly surprises later on.

How to Choose the Right Boiler?

Finding the right boiler system impacts your home’s energy efficiency and overall function. Here are a few considerations to ensure you have the right boiler. 

• Asses your boiler requirements first. Do you need a heat-only boiler or a boiler equipped with a heating system? Do you prefer a gas boiler or an electric one? By understanding your requirements beforehand, you can quickly reach out to an ideal option.
• If your budget allows, invest in sealed combustion condensing boilers, which offer the highest energy efficiency.
• Choose the right-sized boiler for your home. A small boiler will find it hard to work efficiently, while a gigantic one will consume more energy than needed to heat your home.
• You can determine the right size of boiler required to heat your home by counting the number of boilers in your home. This will help you determine what power and output your boiler should deliver to keep your home warm.
• Do intensive research, scan different brands, and opt for a reliable boiler manufacturing company. Read customer feedback and reviews to make the right decision.

Final Words

The boiler is necessary to keep your home warm, especially in cold-climate areas. Before purchasing a new boiler, ensure the rest of your house is energy efficient so that minimizing your home’s heating load will allow you to buy a smaller and less costly boiler. 

Consider your boiler needs, and know about everything that goes into finding a perfect boiler, including its power consumption, size, cost, and functionality. 

Avoiding certain things while buying a boiler at any cost would be best. These are; buying a wrong-sized boiler, opting for an unreliable seller, going for the cheapest option, and hiring an unprofessional person to install your boiler. 

Moreover, ensure the safe functioning of your new boiler by getting it inspected by a reliable gas-safe engineer and save yourself from any irreversible damages. You can get the most out of your boiler investments by purchasing the right boiler and regularly monitoring its operation.