The best places to look for quotes

First things first, where is the best place to look for quotes? You’ll want to be looking for a reputable company that covers the area where you live. You could find boiler companies by doing a Google search or possibly through local advertising, depending on where you live.

What information do you need to provide for a quote?

After finding a few companies that fit this criteria, you’ll need to know what information to provide them with. 

If you are going through an online quote form, here are some of the most frequent questions that you’ll need to answer. 

• Are you a homeowner or a landlord? 
• What type of fuel does your boiler use?
• What type of boiler do you currently have? (combi, system, etc.)
• What type of boiler do you want? 
• Do you want to move the location of the boiler? 
• How old is your boiler?
• What type of property do you have? (detached, semi, terrace, flat, etc.)
• How many bathrooms does your property have? 
• How many radiators do you have in your property? 
• Do your radiators have thermostatic valves?
• Does your current boiler work?
• Where does your flue come out? (wall or roof)

After you have answered all of these questions, it should give you a few boiler options with quotes. If it doesn’t, the company may need a bit more information. This should give you a good initial idea of pricing. 

If you don’t want to fill out one of these online quote forms and would prefer to speak to a person, these questions will likely still need to be answered to give you the most accurate quote. However, this can be done over the phone by a qualified member of the team. 

What happens after an online quote?

After the initial quote from the boiler team, we pass it onto one of our gas safe engineers local to you to carry out a survey. This is to ensure that the final quote is accurate and tailored to your property. The engineer will also check the access and ensure all the necessary materials are ordered in advance to ensure a smooth install.

Final quote

After the gas safe engineer has completed the survey, it will come back to me or another person in the boiler team. With all the necessary information, we can provide you with your personalised final quotation, and we can get your boiler installation booked on a day to suit you.

Ready to get started on your boiler quote?

Now that you’re all clued up on how it works, we can help you get started on your boiler quote. We can answer any questions you may have and give you a helping hand to find the right boiler for you. Available 9-5, Monday to Friday, you can reach us at boilers@gas-elec.co.uk or speak to me or one of the boiler team members on 0800 041 8614.

Schedule a site survey:

Before you have your boiler installation date booked in, a site visit will usually be organised with a gas safe engineer. This is done to assess your current heating system, evaluate the space where the new boiler will be installed, ensure the engineer brings all of the correct supplies, and address any concerns you may have. This step allows us to tailor the installation process to your home’s unique needs, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.

Clear the installation area.

Before our engineer arrives for the boiler installation, make sure to clear the area where the new boiler will be installed. Remove any clutter, furniture, or obstacles to provide our team with enough space to work safely and efficiently. Additionally, ensure that access to the installation site is unobstructed to facilitate the transportation of equipment and materials.

Consider ventilation requirements:

Proper ventilation is essential for the safe operation of your new boiler. Our engineer will assess your home’s ventilation system during the site survey to determine if any modifications or upgrades are necessary. Adequate ventilation not only ensures the efficient combustion of fuel but also helps prevent the build up of harmful gases such as carbon monoxide.

Arrange for water and gas supply:

Ensure that the water and gas supplies to your home are accessible and in good condition before the installation day. Our engineer will need to connect the new boiler to both the water and gas mains, so it’s essential to address any issues with these utilities beforehand. If you suspect any leaks or irregularities, contact a qualified plumber or gas engineer to inspect and repair the problem promptly.

Plan for disruption:

While we strive to minimise disruption during the installation process, it’s essential to plan for some inconvenience, especially if you rely on your heating system for everyday comfort. Consider making alternative arrangements for heating and hot water during the installation period, such as using portable heaters or staying elsewhere temporarily if necessary.

Being as prepared as possible for your new boiler to be installed can help alleviate some of the stress and inconvenience in your day-to-day life. Taking these things into consideration will help make the life of the gas engineers a lot easier, allowing you peace of mind while it’s being installed. 

If you have any questions or concerns about your upcoming installation, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help every step of the way.

What is the process of a boiler installation?

1. Initially, we will discuss a few questions about your property to provide you with a quote for the right boiler to suit your property.
2. Once a quote is agreed upon, a convenient date is set for your new boiler to be installed. 
3. Our engineer will call you 30 minutes before arriving at the agreed-upon time and date to install your new boiler. 
4. Once the engineer arrives, the boiler and electrics will need to be switched off to allow the engineer to work safely. As well as this, the gas will need isolating and testing for leaks before the work can begin. 
5. From there, the central heating system is flushed and cleaned. 
6. After this, your brand new boiler will be installed. 
7. Once fitted, the engineer will check that everything is working correctly, and everything will be switched back on again. The boiler will also be registered with gas-safe. 
8. Your old boiler will be taken away by our engineer to save you the hassle.

Have more questions or are interested in a quote on a new boiler? Speak to one of the boiler team members on 0800 041 8614 or boilers@gas-elec.co.uk, and we’ll be happy to help.

Find out what type of boiler you have.

Why is this important?. To be able to give you a better idea of how long a new boiler installation will take, we need to find out what type of boiler you have. This is because install times can vary quite a bit depending on your system. 

• Combi boiler 
• regular/system boiler 
• Back boiler

A straight combi swap 

From 1 day 

For a straight combi swap, where you’re replacing an existing combi boiler with a new one, installation is often straightforward. Since there’s no need to modify the heating system layout significantly, the installation time can typically be shorter. Depending on the job, a competent installer might complete a straight combi swap within a day in many cases.

A system boiler swap to a combi boiler 

1–3 days

Swapping a system boiler for a combi boiler involves more extensive work compared to a straight combi swap. This is because a system boiler operates differently and requires additional components, such as a hot water cylinder. The engineer will remove the existing system boiler and cylinder, adjust the pipework, and install the new combi boiler. Depending on the complexity of the existing system, this type of installation might take a few days to complete. 

A back boiler to a combi swap 

2-3 days

Replacing a back boiler with a combi boiler is often more labour-intensive due to the different layout requirements. Back boilers are typically located behind fireplaces and are integrated into the chimney breast. Converting to a combi boiler might involve significant alterations to the pipework and flue system. As such, this type of installation can take longer, potentially spanning several days, depending on the specifics of the job and the accessibility of the installation area.

What if I want to move my boiler? 

A half day on top of time for boiler installation

If you want to move your boiler to a different location within your property, additional time and effort will be required. Moving a boiler involves rerouting the pipework, adjusting the flue system, and ensuring compliance with building regulations. The time needed for this type of installation will depend on the distance and complexity of the relocation, but it generally adds to the overall installation timeline.

Other factors that may change the time taken to install a new boiler are: 

Having a smart thermostat installed 

While you have your new boiler installed, your gas safe engineer will install your new smart thermostat for you at the same time. This may add a small amount of additional time to your installation, and you would need to look into your options and pick out the right one for you beforehand. 

When is the best time of the year to have a new boiler installed? 

The best time of year to have a new boiler installed is typically during the warmer months, such as spring or summer. During these seasons, demand for heating is lower, and installers may have more availability in their schedules. Additionally, having a new boiler installed before the colder months ensures that your heating system is ready to keep you warm and comfortable when you need it most.

How do I dispose of my old boiler? 

With gas-elec, this is something you don’t have to worry about, as we will take care of the disposal of your old boiler for you.

What is a gas safety check?

A gas safety check ensures the safety of your entire gas system, not just boilers. Licensed Gas Safe engineers conduct these checks annually, looking for hazards, leaks, or issues with gas appliances, pipework, and flues. It’s a legal requirement for landlords.

During a gas safety check, engineers examine gas appliances like stoves, ovens, and heaters, ensuring they function correctly and meet safety standards. They also inspect gas pipework for leaks or faults and check ventilation systems for proper air circulation.

What does a boiler service involve?

A boiler service is specific maintenance for your boiler, going beyond safety checks in a gas safety check. Qualified gas-safe heating engineers conduct tests and inspections to ensure your boiler operates efficiently and reliably.

A typical boiler service includes cleaning internal components like the burner and heat exchanger to enhance performance. Engineers also check for wear and tear, replacing worn-out parts to prevent breakdowns. They adjust boiler controls and settings for optimal efficiency and reliability.

Which one do you need?

Whether you need a gas safety check or a boiler service depends on your needs. For overall safety of gas appliances, choose a gas safety check, especially important for landlords due to legal requirements. For maximising boiler efficiency and lifespan, a boiler service is ideal, preventing potential issues and costly repairs.

In conclusion, while both services aim to maintain a safe and functional heating system, they differ in scope. For landlords, a combination of both services at appropriate intervals is recommended for compliance. Ensure qualified engineers conduct these inspections for safety and efficiency.

For assistance for either of these services, gas-elec offers reliable support. Reach out to us at 0800 041 8614 or customer.services@gas-elec.co.uk for peace of mind and compliance assurance.

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What is the clean heat market mechanism? 

The Clean Heat Market Mechanism (CHMM) is a government scheme aimed at making homes more energy efficient and reducing the country’s energy consumption to meet carbon emission targets. 

Why have boiler manufacturers introduced a new levy or ‘Boiler Tax’? 

Boiler manufacturers have announced they will be introducing a levy on customers buying oil and gas boilers of around £120. The reason for this is because of the government’s introduction of the ‘clean heat market mechanism’. The proposal is that boiler manufacturers must match or substitute 4% of their boiler sales with heat pumps. Failing to do this, manufacturers will be fined £3000 for every heat pump they are short of. 

 The target for the UK government is to have 600k heat pumps installed annually by 2028; however, with changes in September 2023 to the ‘clean heat market mechanism’ including:

• Deferring the ban on oil and LPG boilers from 2026 to 2035
• Around 20% of homes will be exempt from having a heat pump due to the expense and not having a suitable home for one to be fitted.
• Scrapping the requirement for landlords to raise the EPC rating of their properties to band level C by 2028

It means that it will be hard for manufacturers to reach these targets with these limitations. 

What does the price increase mean for you? 

Although this scheme is aimed at boiler manufacturers, this levy will ultimately affect homeowners across the UK. With 78% of UK residents having gas central heating, this means the possibility of an increase in price when it comes time to replace your boiler. This also means that lower-income households needing to replace their boiler may opt for a cheaper, less efficient boiler, resulting in more repairs and costs in the long run.

Gas-elec aims to continue to provide the best value for customers to get the right boiler for them at the best price.

It’s energy saving week!

Saving energy isn’t just about helping you to be more energy-efficient, it’s also a good way to save you money. There are many small changes you can make that can have a huge impact on your energy consumption and help reduce your annual energy costs.

Energy saving week is a national campaign which aims to help and encourage people to save energy. This year gas-elec has decided to support this campaign. We are here to give all our clients & customers tips on how to save energy and how gas-elec can help.

How to save energy

Turn off standby appliances – Turn the appliances off at the plug can save an average of £30 per year. You can use plugs that can be turned on and off using your phone, or a cheaper option can be ‘timer plugs’ to schedule turning appliances off.

Installing a smart thermostat – These can make your heating more efficient by only warming up the rooms that you are using. The thermostat also learns how long it takes to heat your home and can be controlled by your phone.

Buy efficient appliances – When it’s time to swap out your old appliance for a new one, getting one with a high energy-efficiency rating can be worth the investment. A+++ appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines and fridge/freezers use less energy than A+ rated and can save you up to £65 per year.

Install a new boiler – You can save energy by upgrading to a new boiler. We would recommend switching to an A-rated boiler with a programmer and room thermostat. You can also consider switching to an electric boiler, for a greener energy solution.  At gas-elec we install both gas and electric boilers and are on hand to offer advise on the best option for you, your home and your budget.

Invest in double glazed windows – Double glazed windows insulate your home from the cold and therefore can help reduce your heating costs. A single glazed semi-detached home getting upgraded to double glazed can save you as much as £110 a year.

Draught-proof your home – Cold draughts causes your home to loose heat, making it more likely for you to turn the heating on/up. You can purchase draught excluders or draught-proofing kits to prevent this. You can seal cracks in floors, skirting boards and line your letterbox and in doing so you can save up to £35 a year on heating costs.

Monitor your usage – Installing a smart meter in your home allows you to keep an eye out on how much energy you are using daily. Monitoring your usage daily can save you money but also help you decide if you have to change the way you use energy.

Contact gas-elec today to find out how we can help you save energy not just this week but long-term! You can contact us via email at sales@gas-elec.co.uk or call us on 0800 041 8614. 

For more information about Energy Saving Week, please click here.