If you are planning to replace your entire heating system and wondering how disruptive is the process, then you have come to the right place!
Hiring a qualified heating engineer is the key if you want the installation process to be a seamless one. After the successful replacement of your heating system, your household would become more comfortable than ever.
What Is the Extent of Disruptiveness Caused by Installing New Central Heating?
Getting your central heating system replaced is a difficult task, and there is a good chance that it would at least cause some amount of disruption in your life and your household for a couple of days.
Replacing an entire central heating system may involve uplifting your carpets, and your surfaces might get a little bit messy. The installation process will take around 1-5 days. The number of heating engineers working on the replacement process would depend on the company providing the engineers, but you need to expect at least two individuals.
If you want to get an idea of how disruptive installing central heating is, you need to familiarize yourself with what is involved. The main parts of the installation process would almost remain the same, while some things may vary from job to job.
Here is a list of the parts that would be consistent with all the central heating installation processes:
- Your old boiler would be replaced with a newer and more energy-efficient one.
- The new heat distribution system that will include radiators or underfloor heating would have to be fitted all around the house.
- All of the radiators would be connected to the boiler with the help of the pipework.
- After installing all the radiators in their due place, heating controls will be fitted.
- After setting everything in place, the system will be filled with water before the new boiler comes into running for the first time.
- Lastly, the temperature of the water and its flow would be adjusted to make sure that the newly installed system can perform its function both efficiently and effectively.
For installing a new central heating system, the work would be happening around the whole house. This is why many of the house owners try to be out of the house during the day when the work is going on.
How to Keep the Disruption to a Minimum?
If you want to replace your old central heating system and want to keep the disruption to a bare minimum, you should focus a great deal on research and planning ahead. These are some of the things you would need to keep in mind to make the installation process as seamless as possible.
- Cover your carpets with the help of sheets to protect them from debris.
- Move your valuable items away from areas where the work is going on.
- It would be better to keep an electric heater on the back up during the winter since there would be no heating when the installation is going on.
- Make sure to stock your home with plenty of fluids to cope with the turning off of the water for installation purpose.
- Gas will be unavailable, which means gas cookers won’t work, so you would need to plan out your meals. If you have electric cookers and stoves installed in your home, then you don’t need to worry.
You can also discuss the above points with your installer if they can help you out with any of these things.
When Is the Right Time to Go for Central Heating Installation?
The best time to go for the installation process is during the summer. This would be the period you would be using central heating the least, which would keep the disruption to a bare minimum.
We know that planning the installation around the hottest time of the year might sound a little strange. But the upside of this is that you won’t be needing the heating during this time of the year which would benefit you a lot! Plus, there would be a lesser demand for heating engineers, so finding good ones at a lower price won’t be a problem.
If you plan to replace your central heating system during the winter season, you should make arrangements for a few electric heaters. Otherwise, things may get a little chilly.
Is replacing your old central heating system worth all the trouble?
Replacing your old and worn-out central heating system with a new one will prove quite beneficial for you. It will make the central heating process an efficient one and would put you at ease due to the reliability it brings along with it. To top it all off, it would increase the level of comfort that you feel in your household.
Saving in terms of heating bills
Replacing your old boiler with a new and energy-efficient one could save you around £300 in terms of heating bills.
Getting more in terms of control
Central heating systems have progressed a great deal in terms of control. Thermostatic radiator valves and smart thermostats are good examples of the advancements made in the field of control.
TRVs allow you to control the radiators around your house individually. While smart thermostats allow you to control your heating systems with the help of a smart device from anywhere in the world; and some of them can even automatically adapt to your heating habits.
Allows you the peace of mind due to the increased reliability
If you are planning to replace your old central heating system that has become nothing but a headache, then one of the main reasons for going for a new one is to get that peace of mind.
The new central heating system would be equipped with the latest technology and new components, so breakdown and repair work would become a thing of the past.
Boiler’s warranty
A new boiler will come with a manufacturer’s warranty, which would put your mind at ease that if something goes wrong with the boiler, you will be covered. Manufacturers offer boiler warranties typically for a period of 1-10 years.
Quieter operation
Noise can have a harmful effect on health. If you want to be rest assured that you are getting a boiler that is quieter in operation, then make sure that the units have Quiet Mark accreditation.
Occupy lesser space
Modern boilers are smaller as compared to the older ones and occupy lesser space. If you want to go for an out of sight installation, then it is possible with these modern boilers.
Costs associated with a new central heating system
Replacing a central heating system is a big investment. How heavily it would affect your pocket depends on a number of factors like the boiler’s type, whether new pipework is needed or not, the number of radiators that need to be installed in your home.
The following table would give you a good idea about the cost of different parts of the central heating system:
| Central Heating System’s Parts | Cost Estimation |
| New Boiler (Supply and Installation Included) | £900-£2500 |
| Hot Water Cylinder | £500-£1500 |
| Radiator | £150-£200 each |
| Pipework (Supply and Installation Included) | £800-£1000 |
| Wet Underfloor Heating (For One Floor) | £2000-£3000 |
| Smart Thermostat | £70-£310 |
| TRVs | £5-£200 plus (Per Valve Cost) |
| Labour and Other Miscellaneous Parts | £150-£200 |
Selecting the right heating engineer
Before going for your central heating replacement, you need to find yourself the right heating engineer for the job. The kind of heating system you go for will decide the type of installer you have to hire.
The majority of the central heating systems in the UK include a gas boiler. Gas Safe registered engineers are the only ones who are qualified to carry out the installation, service and repair work of gas boilers in the UK. So, if you are also planning to go for a gas boiler, you need to get it installed by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
If you are getting an oil boiler installed, choosing an OFTEC technician would be the best choice.
While for renewable heating systems, the installer must be certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme(MCS) for a particular type of central heating system being installed. This could range from a biomass boiler, heat pump or solar thermal panels.
Make sure that you get quotes from a couple of heating engineers. This way, you would feel confident that you are getting the best service at the most competitive price.
Summing it up!
If you have gone through the whole article, then there is a good chance that you would have made up your mind about getting a new central heating system installed.
Getting your old and worn out central heating system replaced with a new one would be definitely worth the hassle despite the few days of disruption it would cause. So, if your central heating system breaks down quite often and asks for frequent repairs, then it is time to get it replaced!
While going for the installation, make sure you pick the right installer for the job. Also, try to get multiple quotes from several heating engineers so that you get the best service at the right price.