What to consider
Heating estimates should be calculated for any type of heating job, whether big or small, both in residential and commercial establishments. There are various ways in which an estimate can be given to customers: the quickest ways are either online or over the phone. In most cases, these types of quotes are free of charge, which is, to be sure, a big advantage. However, these more or less instant estimates are not necessarily accurate: when a customer provides the required information regarding the specific heating problem at hand, he or she may inadvertently leave out an important detail which could turn out to have a huge impact, both on the plumber’s job and on the costs involved.
Furthermore, when calculating the quote, we will take into account the nature of the project – i.e. whether it is a fairly simple repair task or a more complicated replacement and installation job, and the plumbing fixture for which the service is required. Additional factors to be considered are the cost of the materials needed for the job, the distance the plumber will be required to travel daily, and the location of the project – whether in a big metropolis or in distant rural town.
Heating systems overview
Boilers are an energy efficient and environmentally friendly mode of heating. They work by cycling cold water through a series of heated pipes before distributing it throughout your home as either hot water or steam.
Determining the cost of installing a boiler is complex and can be tough for homeowners to figure out. There are also plenty of factors you’ll need to consider before installation. Prices are highly dependent on the type of boiler you choose. There are several types on the market. High-efficiency models help you save on energy bills in the long run, but they have a higher initial investment.
Combination Boiler
The combination boiler, or Combi, is very popular in small residences like apartments or studios. A Combi doesn’t include a storage tank, as it receives water from the water mains. A small tank can be added, however, and many homeowners who have the space pursue this customization. This is called a Combi boiler.
System Boiler
System boilers are also called sealed-system boilers. They maintain water pressure to ensure fast delivery and to allow simultaneous use of multiple taps. They store water in a cylinder, where they heat the water before sending it out to taps or to be converted into steam for heaters.
Sealed-system boilers work well in most average-sized homes. Since they keep the water pressurized, there is very little drop in water pressure when multiple taps are opened at once. They deliver heat quickly but not instantly, so there is a brief waiting period. If the cylinder runs out of hot water, the wait time increases slightly as fresh water heats up again.
Standard Boiler
Standard boilers are also known as conventional boilers. They heat water rapidly in the pipes that run through the tank and send hot water out to taps as necessary. Larger homes and buildings most often use standard models. These units are also popular for floor heating systems and other larger scale tasks.
Boiler Replacement Considerations
If you’re replacing an old heating system with a new boiler, then the cost to install might increase. One reason is that you might have to install a chimney liner. The liners for gas models are cheaper than those for oil models, so make sure to figure that into the cost of your replacement budget. You’ll also need to consider the cost of removing your old system when you calculate your budget.
Replace or Repair?
Boilers, like everything else, don’t last forever. With good maintenance and care, they can last a very long time. There are gas units still humming after 40 years and a coal-fired steam boiler still functioning after 100 years.
The typical boiler has a life expectancy of 15 years. Has yours been thriving for 20 years? As long as it’s still functioning at comfortable temperatures, you may want to ask yourself whether or not it even needs replacing or other drastic action.
How often has it needed repairs?
If this is your first repair, your boiler may not need replacing just yet. Compare the cost of the repair to the cost of replacing. A repair averages between £300 and £500 for most common issues. A replacement can cost between £2,000 and £4,000 for the new equipment installation, inspections and removing the old system. During installation, you’ll be without heat for a couple of days or even a week if complications arise.
Has it been working fine otherwise?
If your boiler has been providing comfort at appropriate levels and you’ve been maintaining your home’s insulation and seals at doors and windows, then there’s probably no need to replace it. If you have made additions to your house that have increased the floor space, your old boiler may not do the job anymore. There’s most likely nothing wrong with the unit, it just might not be powerful enough to meet the new load that your home requires.
Have you been inspecting it?
A yearly inspection is recommended by most professionals in the industry, and that’s not just so they can have repeat business. A crack in the boiler’s heat exchanger can allow poisonous gases to leak into your home. If you haven’t had it inspected, you should do so immediately. If multiple issues are found during an inspection, you should think about replacing your system if it’s out of warranty.
Replacing your boiler can be an expensive prospect, depending on your location and the extent of the job. Before you begin, be sure you understand all of the factors involved, as well as the options available for new boilers. New technology and materials help ensure that your new system will provide comfort, efficiency and plenty of cost savings for years to come.
CENTRAL HEATING SERVICES
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