A boiler heating system is convenient and highly energy-efficient. Whether you’re a DIY-expert homeowner or are planning to hire a professional heating engineer, you should know how to install a boiler heating system. However, installing a boiler heating system is not an easy process.
You’ll need Gas Safe-registered heating engineers and expert electricians to install a boiler heating system. Boilers use gas, oil, biomass, or electricity as their fuel.
That’s why you need a licensed professional to install a boiler for the heating system. Let’s detail the boiler heating system installation and its insights.
What is a Boiler Heating System?
A boiler heating system heats water in its combustion chamber. Then, it sends the hot water or steam through the pipework to the radiators, underfloor heating system, and baseboard heaters. Generally, a boiler heating system works as the central heating system of a house using a boiler.
You can use a combi boiler, a regular boiler, or a system boiler as a boiler heating system. The installation procedure is quite complex and requires an expert to maintain the building regulations and rules.
You should decide on the installation process based on some key factors. Let’s delve into them.
Key Considerations When Installing a Boiler Heating System
A well-planned strategy always succeeds. You must have clarity about how, when, where, and which type of boiler heating system you should demand for your house.
Here are the key considerations you must know before you learn how to install a boiler heating system in detail.
1. Type of boiler according to your property size
Choosing the perfect boiler is one of the most important factors when installing a central heating system in a house. The three most used boilers are- combi boilers, regular boilers, and system boilers.
Let’s know which one you may require-
- Combi Boilers: Combi boilers are perfect for small houses, flats, or studio apartments with a single small bathroom.
- Regular Boilers: These boilers come with a water cylinder and a tank. They can manage low to medium hot water demand of 1-2 bathrooms. Regular boilers need enough space to fit the cylinder, the tank, and the boiler.
- System Boilers: System boilers are suitable for handling high water pressure and meeting a lot of water demand in large houses. They require enough space to place the water cylinder. System boilers can handle pressures of up to 3-4 bathrooms.
2. Boiler’s fuel type
Fuel type depends on the boiler and your budget. You can choose gas, oil, or electric boiler fuel according to your budget. Gas boilers can get energy from gas mains. Electric boilers need electrical connections. You must hire experts to maintain and set up these things.
3. Number and type of radiators
Radiators are the main heating elements for UK houses. However, you must know the approximate number of radiators you may need.
- For small houses, you can use 3-4 radiators.
- Medium houses may need 5-8 radiators.
- Large houses may need 10-12 radiators.
For radiators, you must decide the column numbers, such as 8 columns or 10 columns. Other than that, underfloor heating is also important. You’ll need underfloor pipework connections for that.
4. Energy & cost efficiency
You must look after and know how to install a boiler heating system that offers energy and cost efficiency with convenient features. The top five tips are given below:
- Choose condensing boilers.
- Integrate smart thermostats.
- Use a boiler calculator to measure your water and heating demand correctly.
- Buy an ERP-A-rated boiler yourself.
- Look for boilers with 5-12 years of warranty.
5. Boiler’s fitting space
Decide where you want the boiler to be located. Often, people fit the boiler in the kitchen or below a cupboard. However, there is no certain place. You can place the boiler in the garage, backyard, or in the store room if you want.
Keep the flue positioning and pipework correct if you’re fitting the boiler away from the rooms.
6. Choose venting location
The flue positioning requires an opening facing outward from the house. Outside walls or roofs are the perfect position for flues. However, you can use the backyard wall or any opening away from the windows and doors for positioning the flue.
7. Compliance and regulations
You must follow some basic rules according to the UK government’s command. Hire professional Gas Safe registered gas engineers, heating engineers, and underfloor heating installers who can follow the building regulations Part L and other codes. Ask permission from the local council before opting for any changes to your house.
8. Budget the cost of installation
Based on the considerations given here, budget for the installation cost of a boiler heating system in your house. Keep a 5-10% extra budget from the estimated amount to avoid unexpected issues.
How to Install a Boiler Heating System: Step-by-Step Breakdown
Installing the central heating in a house through a boiler can be tricky. However, heating is something you can’t live without in UK houses. Let’s make it simple for you with an easy description.
So, here is the boiler heating system installation process you should acknowledge:
Arrange necessary equipment
Anything complex can be easy with sorted, planful execution. Before opting for heating installation, gather all the necessary materials so the installer can plan accordingly and execute the work step by step.
Here are the materials you may need:
- Boiler.
- Mounting kit(screws, brackets, etc).
- Copper pipes, flue pipes, and terminals.
- Pipe insulations.
- Fittings such as tees, elbows, couplers, etc.
- Valves.
- Radiators.
- Radiator valves (TRFs).
- Thermostat
- Cylinder.
- Corrosion inhibitor.
- Sealants and PTFE tapes.
Create a heating map
First, map out your heating area. Heating engineers can also make other suggestions for the map. You can make changes later. However, planning the heating map is important. Decide the location of the boiler, radiator, and tank/cylinder.
The boiler needs a fuel supply. You will need a flue pipe to bring fresh air inside and exhale gases outside. Another condensate pipe from the boiler will be towards the drain. Radiators and underfloor heating will be connected to the pipework loop.
Remove the old boiler
Old boilers are not energy-efficient in most cases. You can try a DIY removal to save on hourly labour costs. However, the old boiler must be removed, and you can also replace the pipework.
If you’re installing a new boiler, you must have all the pipework done. In case of replacement of boiler type, there can be add-ons such as a cylinder or a water tank.
Install the new boiler
You must hire Gas Safe-registered heating engineers to install the new boiler. It can’t be done without experts. They will mount the boiler and adjust the fuel supply line correctly. The boiler will need an electrical connection, too, if the boiler is electric.
You can contact a heating company that has in-house expert heating engineers, electricians, gas engineers, and plumbers, like Smart Plumbing and Heating. When installing a boiler, the installers should strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions to keep the warranty valid.
Fit the flue line
The flue pipe brings fresh air through the air vent and safely exhausts gases outside. You should plan the positioning of the flue pipe on the outside wall or roof. For safety, it should be located away from doors and windows.
Mount the radiators
Fasten the radiators using brackets drilled into the wall. The installers must leave at least 10-15 cm space below the radiators to connect the loop of the pipework. Radiators are generally installed in rooms other than the main properties.
Lay the pipework
After laying the pipework, install the pipes. The pipes must run in pairs as a loop so that each radiator can have an independent line. Otherwise, all the radiators won’t get hot water to heat the room.
Instead, those radiators will bring cold water. If the radiator doesn’t get the hot water and can’t function correctly, that can create extra pressure and might damage the boiler.
Pipework can be hidden under or exposed as running through the ceiling. In underfloor heating, pipework should be hidden under the floor.
Connect the gas supply
Except in rural areas, all boilers use gas as their fuel. In rural areas where gas mains aren’t available, they use oil as boiler fuel.
However, to make the boiler work correctly, gas mains must be connected and checked for safety through leak testing. You can connect the electrical line for the electric boiler.
Set the controls
Now, it’s time to attach the smart thermostat, timer, etc., to the boiler. The boiler should also be connected to the electrical connection. Activate the heating controls and let the boiler work as the house’s central heating system.
Flush the system
You can choose a chemical flush or a power flush to clean up corrosion and debris from the system. Adding a magnetic filter can lessen the corrosion in the line. The system should be full of water and free of air.
Commissioning and testing
The heating engineers will check everything and test the water pressure, performance, balance, and safety. After that, they will provide you with Building Regulations Compliance certificates.
What to Expect During and After Boiler Installation for Heating?
You should know about the basic experience you may get when installing a boiler heating system. Even if you hire Gas Safe-registered heating engineers, you might be curious how they would work and what would happen during the installation.
Let’s have an overview of the approaches of heating installers.
Before work
Once you hire a company or individuals for heating installation, they will check some basic things such as water demand, size of the house, number of bathrooms, number of radiators, etc. You might have a plan in your mind. Share the heating map and your plans to make it easy for them to execute accordingly.
On the day
What happens on the day depends on some situations. For example, if the house is empty, the professionals will take less time than when you and your family roam around the house. If it’s a straight swap for the same boiler, experts may complete within 1-2 days. Replacing a boiler with another type of boiler may increase the labour hours.
After installation
After commissioning and completion, the engineers will provide you with a Building Regulations certificate and another benchmark certificate for compliance, as they need permissions from the local authority before any gas works.
How Much Does it Cost for a Boiler Heating System?
The boiler heating system installation cost can vary depending on many factors, such as the type of boiler fuel, the size of the house, water demand, the number of radiators, etc.
Here is the approximate central heating installation cost using a boiler, according to Checkatrade:
Type of Central Heating Installation with Boiler | Average Cost |
Gas Boiler Heating System | £5250 |
Oil Boiler Heating System | £6150 |
Electric Boiler Heating System | £3790 |
Radiators Cost: £900-£1500+(including parts).
Pipework Cost (Supply and Installation): £790 for a small house(100m²) and £1650 for a medium house(150m²).
How Long Does it Take to Install a Boiler Heating System?
A boiler heating system fitting takes a short time. The duration varies depending on the swap type, location, additional works, etc. However, here is an approximate duration of installing a boiler heating system:
Type of Installation | Approximate Duration |
Straight Swap( Similar Boiler Swap) | Less than 6 hours |
Switching to a Different Type of Boiler | Up to 3 days |
Installing a New Boiler Heating System | Up to 2 weeks |
Final Words
Boiler heating installation can be a complex process, but it is highly beneficial in the long run. Now you might be clued in about how to install a boiler heating system and approach it confidently. Hiring professionals doesn’t mean you need to leave everything to them without inspection.
Using a convenient boiler ensures the best fit for your house’s central heating system. Get a seamless, energy-efficient heating system and stay warm on cosy, cold days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Boiler Heating System Installation
Can I install a boiler myself?
It is highly recommended that you should not install a boiler yourself unless you are a certified expert and Gas Safe registered. Only Gas Safe-registered engineers are allowed to install boilers.
What is the most economical way to use a central heating combi boiler?
The most economical way to use central heating in the UK with a combi boiler is to keep the temperature between 60°C-70°C. It’s better to keep 65° for a comfortable warmth. If you prefer high heat, you can keep it to 70°.
Do you need an electrician to install a boiler?
If you are installing an electric boiler, you need an electrician. However, you won’t need an electrician for heating installation with a combi or a regular boiler.
How long does it take a plumber to install a boiler?
Installing a boiler or boiler heating system in your house may take 6 hours to 2 weeks. The duration may vary depending on swap type, location, boiler type, etc.
How do I get a government grant for a new boiler?
To get a government grant or scheme, you should apply to Ofgem via email. If you are eligible, you may get the scheme.
Do I need permission to install central heating?
You’ll need Gas Safe-registered heating engineers to install a central heating system using a boiler. They will obtain permission from the local authority before work begins and will provide you with Building Regulations Compliance certificates after the heating installation is complete.
What is cheaper to run system, boiler or combi?
A combi boiler is the most cost-effective option compared to a system or a regular boiler. However, combi boilers are not suitable for meeting a large house’s hot water or heating demand.