How Much Does A New Boiler Cost?

5th February 2024 by socialland

HOW MUCH DOES A NEW BOILER COST?

Embarking on the journey of upgrading your boiler in the UK can feel like navigating through a maze of options and decisions. At GJS Plumbing & Heating, we understand that a new boiler represents a significant investment for any homeowner. That’s why we’re here to guide you through understanding the costs involved, ensuring you make an informed decision that suits your home and budget.

The heart of your home deserves nothing but the best, and when it comes to installing a new boiler, the average cost typically ranges between £2,500 and £3,000. This estimate not only covers the boiler itself but also the professional installation service that comes with it. However, it’s crucial to note that several factors can influence the final price tag.

Choosing the right type of boiler is paramount. Whether it’s a combi boiler, known for its compactness and convenience, a system boiler ideal for homes bustling with the activity of multiple bathrooms, or a conventional boiler that, while less common, offers its unique advantages, each type has its own cost implications.

The size of your castle plays a significant role too. A larger abode requires a more robust boiler to keep every corner cosy, affecting both the cost of the boiler and the installation. On the flip side, smaller homes might find savings with a more compact solution.

Lastly, the question of replacing an existing boiler adds another layer to the cost. If it’s simply a matter of upgrading, you’re looking at the cost of the new unit plus installation. However, if an old boiler is bowing out, remember to consider the disposal of the old guard alongside welcoming the new.

In summary, while the average cost of a new boiler in the UK hovers around £2,500, the specific needs of your home, from its size to the type of boiler and whether you’re replacing an old unit, all play a crucial role in the final investment. At GJS Plumbing & Heating, we’re committed to providing you with transparent, tailored advice, ensuring your home’s warmth is secured without any surprises.

How Long Does a Boiler Service Take?

25th November 2022 by Gary

How Long Does a Boiler Service Take?

A boiler service should be performed on an annual basis. However, plenty of UK households delay receiving this service every 12 months. In fact, they may delay their boiler service for years – or until it breaks down – before they consider getting their boilers checked.

This isn’t good. Without an annual service, the warranty on your boiler will be voided. The result: if your boiler does stop working, all of the repair bill costs are left to you.

One point that can put people off getting their boiler serviced is the perceived time it takes to complete.

How long does a gas boiler service take?

It’s the big question: How long does a boiler service take? Will you have to take the day off from work? Will you need to scrap any other plans for the day?

The good news: boiler servicing will typically take an hour at the most.

The time is dependent on a few factors, including the brand and model of your boiler, and the engineer you’ve enlisted for the job. If everything is in your favour, it can take as little as 30 minutes to service your boiler.

What does a boiler service involve?

In those 30-60 minutes, what will an engineer do as part of the boiler service? Here’s a quick rundown of what the work entails:

General inspection: Any visible wear and tear – think leaks or breakdowns – will be observed by the engineer. They’ll also ensure your boiler is meeting industry standards, including a visible flame.
Casing check: After removing the boiler’s casing, the engineer will inspect the ignition probe, burner, and so on. They’ll also clean the inside of the boiler.
Flue inspection: The engineer will inspect the flue area and see if it’s free of obstructions and fitted correctly.
Pressure check: Checking the boiler’s pressure gauges will reveal if everything is functioning at the right levels.

After the servicing is complete, you will receive a report from the engineer. This details the work that has been carried out, along with any additional changes or repairs that are necessary for your boiler.

How much does a boiler service cost?

With a boiler service, there is no fixed price used by engineers across the board. Each provider will have their own pricing structure. The cost of this service will also typically change depending on your location. The same service in London will usually cost more than one in Newcastle.

In general, the price for a standard boiler service will start at £50 and go up to £150. The cost will largely depend on your boiler’s make and model. A high-efficiency boiler, for example, is more expensive to service than other versions. Service plans are also available where you pay around £15 monthly, although this will usually feature additional perks.

At GJS Plumbing and Heating Services, our reputation is built on honest pricing. You won’t be paying over the odds for a boiler service. Ensure your gas appliances are working as expected year-round and arrange a boiler service today. A Gas Safe registered engineer will be around to check your boiler is in fighting shape for the winter!

Can You Bleed a Radiator When the Heating is On?

5th January 202311th September 2022 by Gary

Can You Bleed a Radiator When the Heating is On?

It’s necessary to bleed your radiators on a semi-regular basis. Why? One reason: it helps to ensure your central heating continues to run efficiently. With the way energy bills are soaring through the roof, it’s more important than ever to have an effective heating system that is performing optimally.

As for what is gained when you bleed a radiator, this releases air that has become trapped. Trapped air has the potential to block hot water from fully circulating around the radiator. Commonly this will cause the radiator to be cold at the top (a useful quick check), but it also has the potential to leave the entire radiator cold.

So, can you bleed a radiator when the heating is on?

Bleeding radiators with the heating on: yes or no?

To put it simply, no. You should always avoid attempting to bleed a radiator with the heating on. If you do this when the heating is on, your radiators to be hot to touch and that can lead to unnecessary – and completely avoidable – injuries. Hot water even has the potential to spray out of the radiator.

Aside from the danger of working with a radiator that has the heating on, it’s also an inefficient bleeding process. If the pump is running when you let out air, this will actually cause the system to draw in more air from elsewhere.

Bleeding a radiator correctly

Even with the above point in mind, the process to bleed a radiator does begin by turning your heating on. This is because you need to identify the radiators that require bleeding, and that begins by having them in operation. There are various tell-tale signs that help you know if bleeding is necessary. Coldness at the top of the radiator, gurgling or rattling noises, the appearance of mould on the walls – all of these suggest treatment is required. If you have the heating on one evening, simply run your hand lightly over your radiators and make note of any cold spots. If any are cold at the top, your radiators need bleeding – if they are cold at the bottom, it might be that they need power flushing.

Now turn the heating off and allow the radiators to cool down. Grab a towel and mug. Place these underneath the bleed valve to catch any released water. The bleed valve is generally found in the radiator’s top corner. Insert the radiator key into the valve and turn slowly. This will cause air to escape – evidenced by a hissing noise – from the radiator. Once water starts coming out, close the valve.

When the process has been completed for each radiator that requires bleeding, it’s time to check the boiler pressure. Is the pressure below 1 bar? In this case, the pressure is too low – and the system will need to be repressurised. If the pressure is between 1 and 2 bars – aka normal – you can put the heating back on to see if the bleeding has worked.

If you’re still having issues with your radiators after this process, make sure to get in touch. With GJS Plumbing and Heating Services, we have the expertise to diagnose and solve any radiator-based problems you’re dealing with currently.