FAQs
Your questions answered
We are often asked the same or similar questions concerning the performance, suitability and installation challenges for the featured condensing boilers. To help our visitors this section contains a set of frequently asked questions for our central heating systems and boilers.
Do you need to be qualified before you can install a boiler?
For gas-fired boilers, the installers you engage must be Gas Safe registered (previously CORGI) as a safety and legal requirement, and they should also be trained in the installation of condensing boilers.
For oil-fired boilers, you can employ an Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) registered installer or a reputable installer who is capable of installing condensing boilers as per the paragraph above. OFTEC members are approved to certify that their work meets building regulations. If you employ an installer who is not registered with OFTEC, you will need to tell your local authority building control department before the installation work starts.
Can a condensing boiler be installed in a house with a water softener?
Unfortunately a condensing boiler would not be suitable in a house with a water softener. All manufacturers of condensing boilers recommend their boilers to be fitted on a fresh untreated water supply.
Can you give me a price for this boiler?
It is guesswork to quote a price without reviewing the property as the price includes the full installation costs. It is important to ensure that the right type of boiler is selected to meet the needs of your family and that the power rating is matched to your needs. The installation must also comply with the latest regulations which have changed in recent years.
We have trained heating advisors who can visit customers properties to complete an accurate survey for the right boiler before a firm quotation is issued reflecting all the installation costs, an inaccurate quote which increases in price as the facts are established is not a good service to customers and frequently leads to disappointment.
Can a Combi boiler be installed in a cupboard under the sink?
In theory a boiler could be installed in a kitchen cupboard, but finding one small enough to fit inside a small cupboard could be difficult. In addition to comply with the latest regulations the cupboard would have to be on an outer wall of the property to enable a flue to be fitted and provide adequate ventilation.
To ensure that you comply with the regulations we are able to send a heating advisor to your home to review the installation options and help to select the right boiler for your home. This visit is free with no-obligations on your part and will also enable an accurate quotation to be developed for a new boiler.
Can I have a floor standing boiler fitted in my home?
Open flued floor standing boilers have been phased out with effect from April 2005 under the revision to Part L of the building regulations.
The reason is that they are not efficient even from new, to comply with the government’s energy efficiency regulations all new or replacement central heating boilers have to be condensing boilers. This also means they are fanned flue boilers and must be mounted against an outer wall.
As a result you can get floor standing condensing boilers but they do have to be fitted against an outer wall.
Can a boiler be installed in a loft?
Yes, a boiler can be installed in a loft as long as the system is sealed. The loft itself has to have a drop down ladder attached to the hatch, the floor has to be boarded from the hatch to the boiler location and there has to be adequate lighting up there so the engineer can gain access quite easily to the boiler to repair or maintain. Also the standard ventilation requirements also apply.
What is a gas safety check?
It is primarily designed to inspect any gas appliances including boilers, cookers and fires (permanent or portable) to ensure they are working correctly and safely.
A gas check involves the Gas Safe registered heating engineer assessing the safety of your appliances and checking that the system is working as it should.
They will check: Ventilation passages are not blocked and are in fully working order. The safety devices are operating efficiently.
A gas safety check MUST be carried out by a Gas Safe Registered engineer.
Further information can be found on the Gas Safe Register
What is involved in a full boiler service?
The full strip down boiler service will include but is not limited to:
Cleaning the heat exchanger
Changing the combustion seal on the burner
Changing the electrodes within the heat exchanger
Draining the Boiler and recharging the expansion vessel
Cleaning the condense trap and any heating filters
Re-assemble the boiler and carry out a full safety test on the boiler
Checking inhibitor levels
All work must be carried by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer. The Gas Safe list of registered engineers can be found here.
What is a PowerFlush?
A PowerFlush is a way of removing sludge and other waste from central-heating systems. This work can increase the life of your system, and improve efficiency. See our page on 'PowerFlushing' for more details.