Do you have a conventional boiler but want to change to a combi boiler instead? You are in the right place!
Our guide is here with all the information you need to make your switch as hassle-free as possible, including how to find the quotes you need!
Should I Switch My Conventional Boiler for a Combi?
Choosing to switch to a combi boiler is a great idea for most property owners as they need less space, provide hot water when you need it and offer a more energy-efficient solution. However, if you have more than one bathroom in use at the same time, then a combi boiler may not be able to meet the demand, so it’s important to fully evaluate your needs before taking the plunge!
If you need some help working out the solution that is right for you, then Boilers Prices is here to help! All you need to do is complete our handy calculator for each boiler type you want to find out about, and let us source a range of quotes for you to consider!
Costing the Change – How Much Will a Combi Installation Cost?
A 2 – 3 bedroom property with one main bathroom and a downstairs toilet will need a combi boiler that will cost between £1750 – £2250. This includes the boiler, the removal of the old boiler and the installation costs for the new system. However, it is worth remembering that there will be other components that will need to be removed to rid you of your old system, and these will incur their own costs too:
- Hot Water Tank – most people who choose to get a combi boiler are excited about the extra space that will be made when the old hot water tank is removed. You can expect to pay up to £150 for this, but it will ensure great levels of storage space for you to enjoy!
- Water Feeder Tank – you will also need to arrange to have your water feeder tank removed when you choose to swap to a combi boiler, and you can expect to pay up to £300 for this to happen.
- Back Boiler – if you have a back boiler, then you will need to pay for it to be properly decommissioned and removed – the cost of which depends on the system you have and how accessible the back boiler is.
Ultimately, when you factor in all the required removals, the new boiler and installation fees, you can expect to pay up to £3000 for your new combi system.
Swapping to a Combi Boiler – the Process
Once you have made the decision to swap to a combi boiler, you will need to arrange for a Gas Safe registered engineer to complete the work required. Some of the work that will need to be done to ensure a safe conversion include:
- Choosing where your new combi boiler will be located
- Drill a core hole in the new location for the flue to be installed
- Ensure that the gas run meets the required standards and replace if not
- Installation of a limescale filter and magnetic system filter
- Installation of new heating controls if old ones need updating
- Installation of TRVs to the radiators
- Removal of old boiler, hot water cylinder and water feed tank
You will also need to ensure that the new boiler is covered by a warranty and can expect to be covered for between 5 – 10 years if you invest in a leading brand or up to 2 years if you opt for a budget brand.
The Two Main Reasons to Choose a Combi Boiler
Combi boilers have become incredibly popular as they are suitable for the majority of households and offer a quick solution when you need heat and hot water on demand. If you are still not sure whether to switch to a combi boiler or not, take a look at the two biggest reasons why people take the plunge:
- Combi Boilers Are Efficient – when you consider that a combi boiler will provide you with heat and hot water on demand, you can enjoy lower energy bills when you go ahead with the installation. This is because you are no longer keeping large stores of water hot and ready to run, helping you to just heat what you need when you need it.
- Combi Boilers Are Small – conventional boilers can take up a lot of space that you could use for better purposes. Combi boilers are smaller in size and can be installed virtually anywhere in your property, making them much simpler to install and use.
How Do I Choose the Right Combi Boiler?
When you are ready to buy your new combi boiler, you may be wondering if there is one specific model that is better than the rest. The simple answer is that it depends on your specific requirements. With so many different makes and models to choose from, there are three things you can look at to get an idea about which one to pick:
- Warranty Coverage – the first thing you will need to check is how long the warranty is for your new boiler. Leading brands tend to offer warranties that last from 5 – 10 years, but budget options are around two years. The longer the warranty, the better, as you can enjoy peace of mind that you are covered for any manufacturing faults.
- Output of kW – you will also need to make sure that your chosen combi boiler is able to meet the demand your property has. Think about it in terms of Kilowatts and make sure that the kW output is in line with your usage.
- Size of the Boiler – you will also need to choose a boiler that fits into the space you have designated for it. Make sure to measure all dimensions and then use this to search for an appropriate solution.
If you need a hand in finding the right boiler for your property, take a look at our quotation service and let us help you find the right solution for your specific needs. Simply fill in our quick form and watch as the results come in!
Who Should Install My New Combi Boiler?
Even if you are confident about the new boiler model that you want, you will also need to think about sourcing the right installation service to ensure that you get the best results. You can choose from big-name brands or opt for a local service who are qualified in boiler installation and removal. Whichever option you pick, it is vital that you find a Gas Safe registered installation service so that you do not invalidate your warranty and to ensure that your boiler has been installed to the highest and safest standards.
If you need help finding an installation service in your area, we can help! Simply head to our search page and fill in your details before being presented with the personalised results you need!
Commonly Asked Questions About Boiler Replacement
Are you interested in swapping to a combi boiler but want to find out more? Take a look at the answers to some commonly asked questions to help you learn everything you need to know!
Is it Easy to Change to a Combi Boiler From a Conventional Boiler?
The process of swapping to a combi boiler is pretty straightforward and easy to do as long as you hire a Gas Safe registered engineer and are willing to have a number of jobs completed in the process. These jobs include removing the old boiler, water tank and cylinder, as well as preparing the new boiler site and installing it.
Is Switching From a Conventional Boiler a Good Idea?
In short – it depends! If you have a small to medium sized property, then a combi boiler is probably a great idea and will meet your needs well. If you have a larger property with multiple occupants and multiple bathrooms, then it may be better to stick to your current conventional system instead.
If I Choose a Combi Boiler, How Long Will it Last?
If you pay for a quality combi boiler by a leading brand, then you can expect your boiler to last between 10 – 15 years before it needs replacing. However, to get this much use from the boiler, you will need to arrange annual services and repair issues as they arise. Remember that warranties also provide you with a clear indicator of how long a manufacturer expects their boiler to last before needing to be replaced, so find a system that offers the longest warranty for the budget you have.
More Help When You Need It
At Boilers Prices, we offer a wide range of advice and support to consumers who are considering a change of boiler system as well as those who need advice and guidance on how to look after their boiler properly. Take a moment to look at our website when you need boiler advice, or use our simple quote service to find boilers and engineers in your area.