Getting the Best Deal on Your New Boiler
A lower price is not the only way you can save money when buying a new boiler. Several other factors can help you get a better deal out of it. Things like getting the boiler with the right output, the size of your home and what installer you use can help. Remember, buying a new boiler is not going to be your only expenditure. You will need to get it installed properly which can be an expensive process on its own. You may need to prepare for new pipework, chemical or mechanical system flushes, flooring and the actual boiler installation. All of these will cost money. So, unless you carefully consider your new boiler purchase, you could spend more on installation than on the boiler itself.
Luckily, this blog can help guide you in getting a better deal with your brand-new boiler. Saving money is always a top priority for any long-term purchase. Your mind-set should not be any different when buying a new boiler. You want a boiler that is reliable, comes with a suitable warranty and is efficient. That being said, the following tips can help you get a better deal out of your new boiler.
Do Your Research: Never rush into anything as sensitive as buying a new boiler for your home. You need to do your homework before you commit to your purchase. One good way to do this is to get two to three quotes from different sources. Different sources mean you can compare the quotes and get an idea of what offers the best price. Be sure to ask for fixed price quotes. Do not be tempted to go with the cheapest quote this early into the process. Be sure whoever gives you the quote is a Gas Safe registered engineer. A good tip is to never pay money upfront and always ask for an itemized quote. You should only pay once the job is done and your heating is working properly.
Pick the Right Installer: Picking the right person to install your boiler is just as important as picking the right make and model. Remember, boiler installation is not a simple task. A central heating system or a boiler requires an experienced and expert installer. You need to check with the company giving you a quote on the engineers they employ. Remember, the engineer installing your new boiler should be on the Gas Safe Register.
Many manufacturers also have a list of accredited installers. These installers have the required expertise and knowledge to install specifically that manufacturer’s boilers. Installation by a manufacturer-accredited installer can extend the warranty on your boiler. It also means professionals who are trained in that specific boiler will handle the installation.
Budget for Your Boiler: It is very important to have a set budget in mind when shopping for a new boiler. Your budget should be realistic with a maximum price ceiling that you should try not to exceed. Once you have set your budget, you can begin to compare like to like quotes. This can help you figure out if an installer is trying to charge you for more than you need to pay.
A good example is how installers recommend smart boiler controls. Two of the most popular in the United Kingdom are Nest and Hive smart controls. While very convenient when it comes to controlling your heating, these controls can inflate the cost of installing your boiler. So make sure you’re only paying for the things you really need within your budget.
It is often not possible for most people to make an outright expensive purchase like buying a new boiler. In these cases, finance is a great option to help you get a new boiler without paying upfront. Most installers offer flexible finance options that can help you manage the cost better. You can pay in monthly payments better suited to your budget.
Choose the Right Efficiency Rating: You need to make sure you’re choosing the right boiler for your needs. Otherwise, you’ll be plagued by inefficient heating in your home. The most commonly found new boilers in the United Kingdom are combi boilers. These boilers supply hot water to both your hot water tap as well as your central heating system. Combi boilers are popular because they are compact, efficient and easy to install. However, combi boilers aren’t always suited to larger homes. If you live in a home with at least 2 bathrooms, you may need to consider a system boiler or a conventional boiler.
When looking for a new boiler, do not forget to check its efficiency rating. Most new combi boilers are A-rated for efficiency. UK and EU regulations require all new condensing combi boilers to have at least a 92% efficiency. The efficiency rating indicates how much energy is lost in heating your home, which determines how much you spend on heating. A boiler with a 92% efficiency means out of every £1 you spend on heating, only 8p goes to waste. The higher the efficiency of your new boiler, the more money it will help you save on energy bills. Choosing the right efficiency and performance can help you save money in the long run.
Choose the Right Output: Choosing the right output-level is also very important when buying a new boiler. The huge variety of boilers on the UK market offer varying performance. The output of your boiler also called the flow rate, is how many liters of hot water the boiler can supply per minute. You need to choose this keeping in mind the size of your home as well as the mains pressure. Combi boilers get their water supply directly from the mains. If your mains pressure is only 8 liters per minute, there’s no point in getting a boiler with a flow rate of 12 liters per minute.
On the other hand, the size of your home will also dictate what size boiler you get. More rooms mean more radiators and more heating. It is usually a good idea to get your installer’s advice on the output level that best suits your needs. However, be warned that some installers may try to recommend a more expensive boiler than you need for a higher profit.
Do Not Forget Aftersales Service: When choosing your new boiler, make sure you have all the details on aftersales service. An annual boiler service can help keep your boiler in good working condition. It can also help your boiler last longer. However, an annual boiler service can cost you significantly. When buying a new boiler, check if the aftersales service includes an annual boiler service. This will help make sure that minor problems and faults are detected before they turn into major problems.
On one hand, you will have the peace of mind knowing your boiler is working well. On the other hand, the possibility of a sudden, costly breakdown goes down. You also save on the amount you would spend on an independent engineer to service your boiler. Remember, all manufacturer warranties are not the same. You’ll need to ask the representative about the specifics of the warranty and aftersales service.
Keep Your Old Controls: Boiler controls can often outlast the boiler itself. Or you could have replaced them a short while before considering replacing your current boiler. If there’s nothing wrong with your old controls, you may want to consider keeping them.
Using your old controls with your new boiler can save you several hundred pounds. If they are compatible with your new boiler, tell your installer you want to keep them instead of new controls. However, in some cases, you may need new controls along with a new boiler. If this happens, speak to your engineer. They may be able to give you a great deal on them, or at the very least recommend a decent set.
Cash-Back for Your Old Boiler: Your old boiler maybe just a hunk of scrap metal for you, but it still has some value. Most boiler companies and installers often cash-backs up to £400 for your old boiler. Schemes like these are called scrappage schemes that allow installers and boiler companies to buy scrap from their customers. Since the price of scrap metal is still relatively high, this can help you save money. Companies like British Gas offer scrappage schemes that can help you offset the cost of a new boiler with the proceeds from scraping the old one.
Other Things to Remember
Getting a new boiler can be very confusing, especially if it is your first time buying one. However, a few good practices can help make sure you get a better deal. When buying a new boiler, be sure to do the following things.
Get 3 Quotes: When getting your new boiler, be sure to get at least 3 quotes from 3 different sources. Choose an energy company, an accredited installer and an independent installer, wherever possible. Insist that the company should send a Gas Safe registered engineer for a site visit. The engineer should ideally assess your home, deciding where to install the boiler and the heating needs of your home. Always insist on an itemized quote, and never pay upfront, no matter how good the deal seems.
Do Not Cut Corners: It can be very tempting to go with the cheapest available boiler. However, you do not want to do this, regardless of whether it is an emergency or if you are on a tight budget. The worst thing you can do when buying a new boiler is cutting corners and going for the cheapest option. Always do your research and take the time to consider different options. Remember, buying a new boiler is a long-term investment. Skimping on the quality of your boiler to save a few £s today could cost you considerably more in the future.
Check Available Finance Options: Boilers can cost you thousands of pounds, especially if you go with a premium brand. For many of us, finance is the only way to get a brand-new boiler. It always pays to check what finance options are available to you for a new boiler. For example, the Home Energy Scotland loan offers finance to homeowners for things like boilers, central heating systems and home improvements. However, finance terms change quite regularly, so you need to research all available finance options. Getting a boiler in finance can help you manage payments better. You do not need to worry about paying the entire amount upfront. You can always opt for more affordable monthly payments instead.
Getting a new boiler does not have to be any harder than it should be. Be sure to follow this guide whenever you find yourself shopping for a new boiler. Just remember not to rush things. A boiler, like a car, is a significant long-term investment. Do your research, get itemized quotes and check out your finance options. If you have any other tips you would like to share, leave us a comment below.