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What are the advantages and disadvantages of gas boilers

Gas boilers remain a popular choice for heating homes in the UK. Here are the key advantages and disadvantages to help you decide if a gas boiler is the right choice for your home:

Advantages:

• Energy Efficiency: Modern gas boilers are highly efficient, with many boasting an energy efficiency rating of over 90%, helping to reduce both energy consumption and your heating bills.
• Reliable Heat: Gas boilers provide a consistent and reliable heat source, ensuring your home stays warm even in the coldest months.
• Cost-Effective: Gas is generally cheaper than other fuel types, such as electricity or oil, making gas boilers more economical to run in the long term.
• Quick Heating: Gas boilers heat up quickly, ensuring your radiators and water are warm within minutes.

Disadvantages:

• Initial Cost: While running costs may be lower, the initial cost of a new gas boiler installation can be high, especially for premium models or complex installations.
• Gas Supply Dependency: Gas boilers rely on a continuous supply of natural gas, which can be an issue in rural areas or places without a mains gas connection.
• Environmental Impact: Although gas is cleaner than other fossil fuels, it still produces carbon emissions, making it less environmentally friendly than renewable energy sources like heat pumps or solar panels.

Cost of a new gas boiler installation

The cost of installing a new gas boiler depends on several factors, including the type of boiler, the size of your home, and the complexity of the installation. Here’s what you can expect:

• Boiler Type: The type of boiler you choose plays a significant role in the overall cost. Combi boilers, which provide heating and hot water without a separate tank, are generally more affordable, costing between £1,500 and £3,000 for installation. System and conventional boilers, which require more components, can cost between £2,000 and £4,500.
• Installation Costs: Labour costs for a gas engineer to install a boiler typically range from £500 to £1,500, depending on the complexity of the job and the region. Replacing an old boiler with a new one in the same location is usually cheaper than relocating the boiler or making significant changes to the pipework.
• Additional Costs: You may need to factor in extra costs for components such as new radiators, thermostats, or smart controls, which can enhance the efficiency of your heating system. Additionally, if your home requires a flue upgrade or significant changes to the pipework, these can add £300 to £1,000 to the total price.

While a new gas boiler installation may seem like a significant upfront investment, the improved energy efficiency of modern boilers can lead to long-term savings on your energy bills.

How long does it take to install a gas boiler?

Straightforward Replacement: If you’re replacing an old boiler with a new one in the same location, the installation process typically takes between 1 and 2 days. This is the most straightforward and quickest type of installation.

Relocation or New System Installation: If you’re moving the boiler to a new location or switching to a different type of system (e.g., from a conventional to a combi boiler), the installation may take 2 to 3 days or more. Additional time will be needed for any required pipework or flue changes.

Testing and Safety Checks: Once the installation is complete, the installer will perform thorough testing and safety checks, including checking for leaks, ensuring the system is functioning correctly, and verifying compliance with regulations. This usually takes a few additional hours.

Other gas boiler installation FAQs

Can I legally install my own gas boiler?

No, you cannot legally install your own gas boiler unless you are a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Are new boilers cheaper to run?

Yes, new boilers are generally cheaper to run than older models due to their higher energy efficiency. Modern gas boilers have efficiency ratings of 90% or higher, meaning they use less fuel to produce the same amount of heat.

Does home insurance cover new boilers?

Home insurance policies typically do not cover the cost of a new boiler installation, as this is considered a maintenance expense. However, some policies may include boiler breakdown cover as an optional extra.

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