Installing a new boiler is mandatory if you have been out of the warranty period or a complex situation has developed. Imagine it’s 3 AM and your boiler stops working this midnight, leaving you to freeze in the cold. Can you even think of it? We know you don’t want to have such a traumatic experience.
However, you must install a new boiler before you face such a disaster. Waiting for the last minute can be a foolish act, as boiler installation requires time. How long does it take to install a new boiler? That depends on some influencing factors.
You must hire a professional Gas Safe-registered engineer to fit a new boiler. Many reasons can lie behind a new boiler installation. However, deciding the correct replacement time and hiring expert technicians play significant roles in fitting a new boiler properly.
When Do You Need a New Boiler?
Replacing a boiler becomes a topic of conversation only when it’s needed. People don’t think or talk about a boiler until there is an issue. However, you should know when it’s time to install a new boiler. Let’s discuss when you should fit a new boiler.
1. If the warranty expires
Boilers come with a 10-15-year warranty, which varies depending on the boiler brand. However, you must check the expiry date of the warranty as a precaution. Wondering how to check the boiler’s warranty? To check how old your boiler is, follow only three steps.
Step 1: Look for the label or sticker in the boiler case.
Step 2: Inspect the third and fourth digits.
Step 3: Check the manufacturing year and consider safely using the boiler up to 10 years from the year it was manufactured.
For example, if the third and fourth digits are 15, that means it was manufactured in 2015 and is safe up to 2025. Once the boiler is 10 years old, you can start preparing to install a new one.
2. High demand for water and heating
Suppose you have a combi boiler in your house. Combi boilers are usually suitable for small houses or apartments. Somehow, if your house’s hot water and heating demand increases, a combi boiler can’t handle the pressure.
You need a new conventional or system boiler for massive hot water and heating demand.
3. Damage, awkward sound, or leakage issue
Sudden leaks or damage can hint that you should replace your boiler. Installing a new boiler is better than frequent repairs. Sometimes boilers make hissing or awkward sounds that may indicate underlying issues. If you face such problems, you should fit a new boiler.
4. High electricity bill
Most old boiler models have no condenser. Sometimes, an old boiler’s internal issue can cause a sudden high electric bill. Installing a new boiler will reduce the excess electric bill, ensuring energy efficiency.
Factors that Affect a New Boiler Installation Time
Some factors influence the new boiler installation time. Let’s delve into those factors:
Type of the boiler
There are three boiler types: combi boiler, conventional/regular boiler, and system boiler. Each boiler’s structure and installation time are different.
- Combi Boiler: These are compact boilers for small houses or apartments, and they do not contain an extra water tank or cylinder.
- Conventional/Regular Boiler: Suitable for small to medium houses. It comes with a hot water cylinder and a cold water tank.
- System Boiler: Perfect for large houses. It comes with a hot water storage cylinder.
Based on a structure and installation system, combi boilers take less time than system and conventional boilers.
Fuel type
Boiler installation time may fluctuate due to fuel type. Gas fuel takes less time than oil, electric, etc. Unlike other fuel types, an electric boiler requires electrical installation, which may extend the installation time. So, fuel type matters when counting a boiler’s installation time.
Swap type
A straight swap is easy and completes in a few hours. Swapping boiler type or installing a new boiler, including a new system in another house location, takes more time.
There can be other add-ons, such as new pipework, flue positioning, installing radiators, installing underfloor heating, etc. These additional installations require more days when swapping an old boiler with a new one.
Number of radiators
The quantity of radiators in a house depends on its size and the number of bathrooms. Small houses require 3-5 radiators, medium-sized houses need 8-10 radiators, and large houses require 10-12 radiators.
Boiler heating systems
The boiler heating system includes heating with radiators and underfloor heating. However, it can be a single-zone or multi-zone heating system. A multi-zone heating system needs multiple thermostats and costs more time than a single-zone heating system.
How Long Does it Take to Install a New Boiler: Step-by-Step Guide
A new boiler installation time can vary depending on the complexity of the installation. Let’s learn how long does it take to install a new boiler in different situations.
Straight swap boiler installation: 6 hours-1 day
A straight swap is the easiest way to install a new boiler. It means replacing a similar kind of boiler with a new one. You can swap a combi to a combi, regular to a regular, or system to a system boiler. It helps keep the same pipework for the new boiler and takes less time.
Changing the boiler type: 2-3 days
If your house requires more hot water and heating than it currently gets, you must consider changing the boiler type. Usually, people remove a combi boiler and upgrade to a new regular or system boiler.
Those boilers come with a water tank, cylinder, or both. They need more time to install. Installation becomes challenging and takes significantly longer in a hard-to-access or narrow space.
Swapping with the same boiler, changing the fuel type: 2-3 days
Boilers use gas, oil, biomass, or electricity as their fuel. Fuel replacement may take time, even if you replace your old boiler with the same boiler type or model.
You must attach the system to the gas mains to change fuel from oil to gas. Sometimes people change from gas to electric fuel. Electrical settings need enough installation and commissioning time.
Changing the pipework when swapping: 3-4 days
Changing the pipework when replacing an old boiler with a new one can take 3-4 days, depending on the boiler type and work complexities.
Installing in the previous location means you don’t need a new flue positioning, a nearby electrical source, drilling work, etc. You can add more protection to the pipe surfaces when changing the pipework.
Installing a new system with an upgraded boiler: 2 weeks or more
The installation of a new boiler in a new location, including a new heating system, pipework, flue, etc., takes 2 weeks or more. Upgrading everything is a long technical process. However, the complete new installation increases longevity and energy efficiency.
How Much Does it Cost to Install a New Boiler?
A new boiler installation cost includes supply, labour, and additional costs. Here are the approximate costs to install a new boiler:
Boiler Supply Costs:
| Boiler Type | Average Cost (supply only) |
| Combi Boiler | £1500 |
| Regular Boiler(Conventional) | £1500 |
| System Boiler | £1500 |
| LPG Boiler | £1500 |
| Condensing Boiler | £1500 |
| Biomass Boiler | £10000 |
Labour Cost of Boiler Installation:
The average cost of boiler installation is £1000-£2000. Installation cost may increase due to more working hours, hard-to-reach spaces, and other complexities.
Additional Costs:
There can be some additional costs when installing a new boiler, such as installing a heating controller, a magnetic filter, etc. The costs are:
| Equipment | Average Cost |
| Heating Controller | £150 |
| Magnetic Filter | £60-£160 (supply only) |
| £50-£150 (installation cost) |
Can I Install a New Boiler on my Own?
DIY installation of a combi boiler is easy. However, installing a new boiler yourself is neither safe nor recommended unless you are Gas Safe registered. Some gas works are strictly prohibited from being approached without an expert.
You should hire professional heating engineers instead of installing a new boiler yourself. A small leak or mistake can lead to dangerous consequences.
Final Words
In this fast-paced era, everyone seems to be in a rush. That’s why people keep asking how long does it take to install a new boiler to get an average duration. However, it depends on the situation, boiler type, and complexities.
Keep track of whether your boiler is working and whether the warranty is valid. If the replacement time is close, stay careful and upgrade the old boiler with a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on New Boiler Installation Time
How long does it take to remove and replace a boiler?
Depending on the circumstances, removing an old boiler and replacing it with a new one usually takes 6 hours to 2 weeks or more. To get more details, you can contact us and feel free to ask queries.
What is the average cost to install a new boiler?
There are two main costs when fitting a new boiler: supply and installation costs. According to Checkatrade, the average supply cost for a new boiler is £1500-£10,000, and the average installation cost is £1000-£2000.
Do you need access to all radiators when fitting a new boiler?
Yes, access to all radiators is required and mandatory when fitting a new boiler. The boiler will supply the hot water and heat all the radiators.
Does installing a new boiler increase house value?
Definitely, installing a new boiler makes the house energy-efficient, sleek, and modern. It also reduces utility bills and increases property value.
How often should a boiler be replaced?
A boiler comes with a 10-15-year warranty. You should check the manufacturing date below the boiler case and determine the age of your boiler. Use until a boiler is more than 10-15 years old.
Should you replace radiators with a new boiler?
A new boiler installation doesn’t require any radiator replacement. You can continue using the same radiators with your new boiler.
How many years do radiators last?
Radiators generally last 10-20 years. However, due to their durability, cast iron radiators last for decades and even centuries.
