Frequently asked questions

What is involved in changing to a combi boiler?

Drain the existing central heating system, including boiler and radiators. Remove the existing/old boiler. Remove cylinders and header tank (If system boiler) Upgrade the gas pipework where required normally 15mm and 22 mm.

How long does it take for a combi boiler to be fitted?

A combi boiler doesn't take very long to install, and a replacement combi boiler will take only 4 to 6 hours to install. However, replacing an older boiler with a combi boiler may take 1 to 2 days, but you will be informed at the start of the works your schedule.

Do I need new radiators for a new combi boiler?

You don't - unless there are problems with your current radiators. As long as they are functioning well, you can keep them in place. They will probably benefit from a powerflush though. This is cleansing process that removes deposits of debris and sludge from your central heating system.

Can you use central heating when water is off with a combi boiler?

If you have a combi boiler (where your hot water is heated directly from the gas boiler and you don't have a hot water cylinder) you can use your heating.

How do I prepare my boiler for installation or Service?

Before the installation day, prepare your home by clearing the area around the boiler and ensuring there's enough space for the engineer to work. If you have pets, or young children make sure they're safely secured away from the work area.

How messy is installing central heating?

Whether you are replacing your central heating system or installing an entirely new one in your home, it is likely to cause a bit of disruption to your home and life – But only for a few days. You may find that some carpets will need to be lifted and surfaces might get a bit messy.

What temperature should my room be for central heating?

The Energy Saving Trust recommends heating your home to between 18 to 21 degrees celsius during winter. And The World Health Organisation (WHO) suggests 18 degrees is the ideal temperature for healthy and well-dressed people.

Do they check radiators during a boiler service?

The answer is generally no. Only a comprehensive boiler service package might include an inspection of the radiators to ensure they are functioning optimally.

Why does my house feel cold at 20 degrees?

There may be drafts and pockets of colder air near the floor; The walls are colder and don't emit the usual amount of infrared radiation, so you lose heat due to your body emitting more IR than it receives; You may spend more time indoors and hence have less physical activity, so your body generates less heat.

Is it cheaper to keep heating on low all day?

Unless your house is very well insulated, keeping your heating on low all day is usually unnecessary and will cause your heating bills to soar. Instead, set your heating to come on in the morning before you get up and turn it off half an hour before you leave for work.

How many hours a day should heating be on UK?

The recommended number of hours for heating to be on in the UK is between 7-9 hours per day. This range is based on the average temperature inside homes during winter months.

What is the most economical way to use central heating UK combi boiler?

Look for the dial with the radiator symbol, then turn this dial down until the number on the screen shows the flow temperature you want. Reducing the flow temperature down to 60°C on a modern condensing combi boiler will make it run in condensing mode and maximise its operating efficiency.

Is it cheaper to turn off radiators in unused rooms?

Yes, it does! But the biggest savings come from lowering your boiler flow temperature on the radiator dial on the boiler.

How much does it cost to run central heating for 1 hour UK?

If you have a 24kW boiler, which should serve an average house with 10 radiators, you should expect to pay around £1.65 an hour. For a 40kW boiler in a larger house with 20+ radiators, you're looking at £2.76 an hour. However, it's important to note that these figures do not include a standing charge. Information correct as of the October 2023 price cap.

Is it worth getting combi boiler serviced?

Servicing is, of course, another home expense. But it could help to save you money in the long run. During your service, your engineer will carry out a host of checks to make sure that your boiler is working efficiently. This will, in turn, save you money over time, as a more efficient boiler costs less to run.

Moreover, Not sticking to an annual boiler service could affect your boiler's performance, you could experience a boiler breakdown, or you could even invalidate your warranty.

How long does a boiler service usually take?

A boiler service usually takes around 30-60 minutes, depending on a number of factors, but can take a long as 2 hours for older boilers that need more work doing. The service must be always completed by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

How much is a typical boiler installation UK?

The average cost of a new boiler replacement will typically fall between £1,699-£10,000.

What are the most common boiler problems?

  1. Boiler Leaking.

  2. Low Boiler Pressure.

  3. Boiler Kettling/Noisy Boiler.

  4. No Heating or Hot Water.

  5. Radiator Faults.

  6. Frozen Condensate Pipe.

  7. Boiler Not Responding To Thermostat.

  8. Hot Water Doesn't Work Heating Does?

How much does a boiler service cost UK?

On average, you can expect to pay £90 - £100 for a one-time service, which usually takes approximately 30-60 minutes and is offered by most registered Gas Safe engineers.

How much does a power flush cost UK?

Power flushing in a residential property costs between £400 and £900 depending on the size of the house and the number of radiators. The cost of power flushes can also vary depending on what type of system you have and how much work needs to be done.

What is the best combi boiler on a budget?

Based on our research, the 5 best gas combi boilers are the Worcester Bosch Greenstar 2000, Vaillant ecoFIT Pure 825, Ideal ESP1, Baxi 200 series, and Viessmann Vitodens 050-W. These combi boiler costs above are well-suited if you're looking to buy a combi boiler on a budget.

How often should you power flush central heating?

Every five to six years

The stainless-steel radiators that have incurred cold spots on the last 4 years after the installation may need plumbing or boiler replacement. To keep the system in good shape, power flushing is a must every five to six years. But, you can also consider power flushing the system every eight to ten years.

What is the difference between Magnaclean and powerflush?

MagnaCleanse is a less invasive and less time-consuming process than a powerflush, and it is suitable for newer systems or systems with less severe blockages. Power flushes and chemical flushes are far harsher on your central heating system, and should be carefully weighed up before any commitments are made.

How do I know if I need a power flush and is it messy?

If your central heating system has been under-performing, your radiators are taking longer to warm up, or you are noticing cold spots on them, your system would probably benefit from a power flush.

Most power flushes are usually done in just one day, but this will be shorter by a few hours for smaller systems. Although it sounds like a messy job, a power flush is really clean and straight forward to perform for a professional.

What is involved with a boiler service?

What does a boiler service include?

  • Visual inspection. Once you have shown the engineer your boiler's location within your home, they will start by conducting a visual inspection of the system. ...

  • Firing up.

  • Casing removal.

  • Flue check.

  • Gas pressure checks.

  • Additional checks.

  • Issuing a report.

Contact Healey Gas Services

We stay in constant communication with our customers until the job is done. To get a free quote, or if you have questions or special requests, just drop us a line.

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