Replacing your old boiler with a new one can be an expensive investment, in the thousands. But there are some ways to reduce the costs of a new boiler installation which we will explore below.

Does your boiler need replacing or repairing?

Firstly, do you really need a new boiler or does your existing boiler need replacing?  The average life expectancy for a boiler is around 10 to 15 years.  If your boiler is younger than this and it’s developed a fault then it may need repairing rather than replacing.  This cost might be substantially lower than replacing the entire unit!  Of course, you should get professional assistance from a qualified plumber and boiler expert to determine the fault and quote for the repair.  The cost of new boiler is between £1500 and £4500 so it should only be replaced when it really needs replacing!

Check the boiler warranty or guarantee

Don’t forget to check the warranty of the boiler too.  Many boilers come with a guarantee or warranty that will cover some breakdowns and faults.  Some of these warranties are as long as 10 or 12 years depending on the boiler brand and installer.  To ensure you don’t void this warranty, make sure you have your boiler serviced every 12 months or as per the brand’s instructions to keep any warranties active.  You could literally save yourself the entire cost of a boiler installation if a fault develops that is under warranty and it’s the responsibility of the beans to repair or replace.

Get at least three quotes

No matter how lovely or knowledgable the first boiler installation company you speak to may seem, always get at least three quotes from different companies before parting with your cash.  We recently had a new boiler installed and, for the exact same boiler, the installation costs varied in price by £1500!  By opting for a local self-employed boiler installer we were able to save ourselves £1500.

Look for local self-employed installers who don’t charge VAT

This brings me nicely to the next point.  Look for local self-employed boiler installers rather than large companies.  Larger companies often have more overheads and charge VAT.  We were able to save ourselves a substantial amount of money by choosing a local self-employed boiler installer who did not charge VAT.  This instantly saved us 20% as we didn’t have to pay VAT.  His price was also much more competitive as he was only making a profit for himself and didn’t have large business costs to cover.  He was previously a British Gas boiler installer and engineer, so he had the relevant qualifications.  I’d advise checking their credentials, as well as whether they are insured and don’t forget to check the Gas Safe Register to ensure they are legally registered to work on gas appliances.

An energy-efficient boiler installation can prove cost-effective in the long run

Replacing an old and outdated boiler with a newer model can help you save money and energy in the long run.  As this BoilerGuide boilers article points out, a new energy-efficient boiler can save up to £580 per year in energy costs.  So if your boiler is really old and inefficient, you could be wasting money.  A more energy-efficient system will have a large upfront cost, but over a few years, it could pay for itself in saved energy costs.

Choose the right boiler size for your home

Boiler installation is a costly investment and it is important to choose the right size. The size of the boiler you choose will depend on the size of your home and how much hot water you need.  A boiler that is too big will cost you more in terms of fuel and maintenance. A boiler that is too small will not be able to heat up your home adequately during cold days.  

It’s best to consult with a professional before installing a new boiler for advice on the right size for your home. Reputable installers will recommend the right size for your home and won’t try to maximize profit by selling you something too big that you simply don’t need.  This is where it’s useful to get at least three quotes, not only to ensure you aren’t being ripped off by the cost of installation, but also to ensure you aren’t being sold something you don’t need!

Keep your boiler in the same location

Replacing a boiler in the same location will save costs when it comes to boiler installation.  It might be a nice idea to move the boiler somewhere else if you don’t like its current location, but unless it’s really causing you a grievance or you’re undergoing a renovation and it doesn’t suit your plans, then relocating a boiler will incur substantial extra costs.

Consider a condensing boiler

A condensing boiler is an efficient and economical choice for your home heating system. It is more efficient than traditional boilers because it uses less fuel to produce the same amount of heat.

It also reduces emissions because it doesn’t release flue gas and smoke into the atmosphere as much as a traditional boiler does.

A condensing boiler has a higher efficiency rating than an average boiler, which means it will be more cost-effective in the long run. So if you want to save money on your next boiler installation, consider getting a condensing boiler instead of a traditional one.

Final word

Installing a new boiler can be expensive, but is often a necessary expenditure. The above tips will help you to reduce the cost of installation to ensure you get the best deal on your new boiler.