James Elston
Published May 15, 2024
Is an ageing or badly installed boiler ruining your comfort and straining your budget? Experience the transformation an energy-efficient new boiler brings to your home or business.
At Eco Happy, we understand the importance of choosing the right heating system for your space. We also know installation shouldn’t be left to any old boiler fitters. It’s a job for fully qualified heating and Gas Safe engineers. If you’re considering a domestic or commercial boiler installation in Pudsey, we’re your one-stop solution for a professional and reliable job.
With a track record of successful installations and satisfied customers, our team of experts will guide you through choosing the perfect boiler for your needs, handle the entire fitting process, and answer all your questions along the way.
What Type Of Boiler Do You Need?
To determine the right boiler for your needs, consider these questions:
- How big is your property?
- What are the heating and hot water needs?
- What type of boiler is being replaced?
- What is your budget?
- How insulated is your property?
- How important are environmental considerations (does the property have solar or other renewable energy)?
- Is there a gas supply?
Because there are so many variables, it’s a good idea to consult a qualified engineer or boiler professional. They can assess your entire setup and identify the solutions that work best for you. Let’s look at the most common types of boilers, next.
Conventional boiler
A conventional boiler is the trusted workhorse that has warmed millions of UK homes for years. A conventional (or heat-only) system comprises the boiler unit, a hot water cylinder, and a cold water tank. This setup provides dependable central heating and hot water to properties of all types.
The right-sized conventional boiler will heat your home or business comfortably (provided the building has sound insulation). A traditional gas boiler is also well-suited to areas with low water pressure.
Conventional gas and oil boilers won’t feature so prominently in the homes of the future because they are gradually being phased out. However, this phasing out will happen over decades rather than years. For the foreseeable future, traditional boilers will continue to be sold and appreciated.
Combi boiler
Combi boilers are compact boilers that heat your water on demand, directly from the mains supply. Combis typically come in gas or electric options. These all-in-one boilers deliver quick hot water and efficient central heating. Think style and efficiency tucked neatly into a cupboard.
There is a downside, however: running hot water faucets simultaneously is a challenge for a combi. A hybrid option, called a combi storage boiler, is available and worth exploring. This unit combines a combi boiler with an integrated internal hot water tank to support hot water flow to multiple taps.
Standard combi boilers are a good fit for apartments, smaller homes, or offices with just one bathroom.
Electric boiler
Using electricity to heat water, electric boilers are highly efficient, with some models reaching close to 98% efficiency.
However, electric boiler running costs are significantly higher than alternatives. The average cost per kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity is much higher than gas (24.50p per kWh compared to 6.04 per kWh, according to the latest Energy Price Cap adjustment).
If you have an off-peak Economy 7/10 electricity plan, you can use the cheaper off-peak rates to reduce your costs somewhat.
Electric boilers shine when used in combination with renewable electricity. A modern compact unit is ideal for a home or small office space powered by renewables. Connecting your electric boiler to solar or wind can generate cheap, green, low-carbon heating.
System boiler
System boilers are like conventional boilers except they connect directly to the water mains, eliminating the need for a cold water tank. The system utilises a dedicated hot water storage tank to ensure a reliable warm water supply. System boilers can be powered by electricity, gas, or LPG.
A system boiler is robust and perfectly suited to busy homes, where several taps or showers often run simultaneously. It’s also a good choice for medium or large commercial buildings.
Biomass boiler
A biomass boiler uses renewable organic materials such as wood pellets, chips, or logs as its fuel source. When connected to a water tank, it provides both heating and heated water.
Biomass fuels are often cheaper than other options, and the system is considered a low-carbon alternative (since it doesn’t burn fossil fuels).
While biomass boilers might be comparatively cheap to operate, they are more expensive to install. The government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) provides grants of £5,000 to assist in installing a biomass boiler, which could cover over half your costs.
With the right fuel source, biomass boilers do a good job heating both home and business premises.
Hydrogen boilers
Green hydrogen heating has been discussed as an alternative to gas. Many existing boilers are hydrogen-compatible or mix-ready. This means they’ve been designed to take up to 20% hydrogen gas in their fuel mix.
However, boilers that can take 100% hydrogen are not yet widely available. The infrastructure for hydrogen boilers doesn’t exist and the future for hydrogen boilers in the UK is rather unclear.
How Much Does It Cost To Install A New Boiler In Pudsey?
The cost of installing a new boiler in Pudsey varies depending on the type of boiler and how complicated the installation is. You may need to upgrade piping, add thermostatic radiator valves for efficiency or relocate the boiler. Labour, parts, a system flush, and new piping or wiring all contribute to the bill.
You should also compare warranties. A £2,000 deal with a 1-year warranty might work out more expensive over the long term than a £3,000 unit with a 7-year warranty.
Every situation is different but here is an idea of estimated prices for new boilers in your area.
How much does a new boiler cost for homes?
1-bedroom home
| Type of boiler | Cost excluding installation | Cost with installation | Average cost with installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional | £600 – £2,500 | £1,800 – £3,500 | £2,650 |
| Combi | £600 – £2,500 | £1,600 – £3,500 | £2,550 |
| Electric | £550 – £2,500 | £1,450 – £3,500 | £2,475 |
| System | £600 – £2,500 | £1,800 – £3,400 | £2,600 |
| Biomass | £4,000 – £8,000 | £6,000 – £10,000 | £8,000 |
2-bedroom home
| Type of boiler | Cost excluding installation | Cost with installation | Average cost with installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional | £600 – £2,800 | £2,000 – £4,000 | £3,000 |
| Combi | £600 – £2,500 | £1,700 – £4,000 | £2,850 |
| Electric | £600 – £2,600 | £1,600 – £3,900 | £2,750 |
| System | £600 – £3,000 | £1,800 – £4,000 | £2,900 |
| Biomass | £5,000 – £10,000 | £8,000 – £12,000 | £10,000 |
3-4 bedroom home
| Type of boiler | Cost excluding installation | Cost with installation | Average cost with installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional | £1,500 – £3,700 | £2,700 – £4,900 | £3,800 |
| Combi (not really suitable unless combined with water tank) | £1,400 – £3,000 | £2,600 – £4,500 | £3,550 |
| Electric | £1,400 – £3,300 | £2,500 – £4,500 | £3,500 |
| System | £1,500 – £3,700 | £2,600 – £4,700 | £3,650 |
| Biomass | £7,000 – £14,000 | £10,000 – £18,000 | £14,000 |
5+ bedrooms
| Type of boiler | Cost excluding installation | Cost with installation | Average cost with installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional | £1,600 – £4,500 | £2,900 – £5,000+ | £3,950 |
| Combi (not best suited) | £1,500 – £3,500 | £2,600 – £4,500+ | £3,550 |
| Electric (not best suited) | £1,550 – £3,500 | £2,500 – £4,500+ | £3,500 |
| System | £1,600 – £4,300 | £3,000 – £5,000+ | £4,000 |
| Biomass | £8,000 – £15,000 | £10,000 – £20,000+ | £15,000 |
How much does a new boiler cost for commercial businesses?
Small business
| Type of boiler | Cost excluding installation | Cost with installation | Average cost with installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional | £600 – £2,700 | £1,800 – £4,000 | £2,900 |
| Combi | £600 – £2,000 | £1,900 – £3,300 | £2,600 |
| Electric | £550 – £1,750 | £1,600 – £3,200 | £2,400 |
| System | £600 – £2,900 | £600 – £3,500 | £2,050 |
| Biomass | £5,000 – £10,000 | £10,000 – £16,000 | £13,000 |
Medium businesses
| Type of boiler | Cost excluding installation | Cost with installation | Average cost with installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional | £1,200 – £5,000 | £3,200 – £7,000 | £5,100 |
| Combi (not best suited) | £1,000 – £4,000 | £3,000 – £6,000 | £4,500 |
| Electric (not best suited) | £1,200 – £4,000 | £3,000 – £6,500 | £4,750 |
| System | £1,300 – £5,000 | £3,300 – £7,000 | £5,150 |
| Biomass | £6,000 – £12,000 | £11,000 – £20,000 | £15,500 |
Large business
Boiler costs in large businesses range widely. Installations also sometimes take weeks, adding to the higher cost.
| Type of Boiler | Cost excluding installation | Cost with installation | Average cost with installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional | £5,000 – £10,000+ | £12,500 – £20,000+ | Varies |
| Combi | Not suited for large commercial properties. | ||
| Electric | Not suited for large commercial properties. | ||
| System | £5,000 – £10,000+ | £12,500 – £20,000+ | Varies |
| Biomass | £15,000 – £30,000+ | £20,000 – £40,000+ | Varies |
What Size Boiler Do You Need In Pudsey?
Boilers come in different sizes, ranging in power outputs from under 10 kW to over 70 kW. More rooms, bathrooms and radiators require a larger boiler. A poorly insulated building similarly needs a more powerful boiler, since a proportion of the heat escapes through leaky roofs, doors, walls, or windows.
Here are approximate boiler sizes for different-sized residential and commercial properties.
For homes
| Bedrooms | Bathrooms | Radiators | Boiler size | Type of boiler |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1-6 | 9 kW – 18 kW (24 kW for combi) | Combi, system, conventional, electric |
| 2 | 1 | 1-10 | 18 kW – 27 kW (30 kW for combi) | Combi, conventional, electric, system |
| 3-4 | 2-3 | 10-16 | 30 kW – 35 kW | System, conventional, biomass |
| 5+ | 4+ | 15 – 20+ | 35 kW – 45 kW | System, conventional, biomass |
For commercial businesses
The right boiler specs are specific to each situation. For example, the requirements of a local vet differ from a large health club. Here are average estimated boiler outputs for various-sized commercial properties.
| Size | Hot water points | Radiators | Boiler size | Type of boiler |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 1 | 1-9 | 12 kW – 24 kW (30 kW for combi) | Combi, conventional, electric, system |
| Medium | 3 or more | 10-25 | 35 kW – 55 kW | Conventional, system, biomass |
| Large | Multiple | 20+ | 55 kW – 100+ kW | Conventional, system, biomass |
What Are The Best Boiler Brands?
The best boiler brands in the UK, according to industry experts, clients and engineers, include:
- Worcester Bosch: Worcester Bosch is a market-leading heating company with a superb range of products and a reputation for excellence. The company has won numerous awards, including Best Combi Boiler in 2023. Worcester Bosch is a UK firm founded in 1962.
- Ideal: Ideal Heating is a popular UK company with an impressive reputation among customers and engineers. The company was founded in 1906 and operates in manufacturing headquarters in Hull.
- Viessmann: Viessmann is a German manufacturer with over 100 years of experience. The brand is renowned for quality workmanship, innovation, and premium stainless steel heat exchangers.
- Baxi: Baxi has been manufacturing in the UK for over 150 years. The company’s heating products are among the most efficient on the market. Baxi’s is known for top-notch service and support.
- Alpha: Alpha Heating Innovation is part of the Italian Immergas group and benefits from some of the most cutting-edge production facilities in Europe. Headquartered in Kent, Alpha offers a balance of quality and affordability, backed by 50 years of experience.
These brands all offer excellent ranges of smart boilers. Smart boiler technology includes smart thermostats, motion sensors, geofencing, user-behaviour learning, and zone heating. These features allow you to manage your energy consumption remotely and precisely.
When Should You Install A New Boiler?
You want to install a new boiler before your existing one dies completely. While regular maintenance and boiler servicing will extend your unit’s lifespan, it inevitably deteriorates with age. If you’ve had your boiler for 15 years or more, chances are it isn’t firing on all cylinders.
Look out for the following boiler issues:
- Disturbing noises
- Strange smells
- Leaking water or gas
- Unexplained pressure fluctuations
- Pilot light issues
- Tepid heating or hot water
- Rocketing energy bills
- Numerous boiler repairs
If you’re experiencing some of these issues, it’s time to start exploring new boiler options.
It’s important to note that old boilers lag behind modern condensing boilers in energy efficiency. We’re talking 92% efficiency vs under 60%. Your old boiler might only be converting 60% of its fuel to heat, while 40% is wasted. Energy Saving Trust indications show some owners can save over £400 a year by upgrading to a modern model.
When is the best time of year to install a new boiler?
The best time to install a new boiler is during the summer or early autumn. This ensures you’re set for the chilly season ahead. In summer, local engineers are usually less busy with boiler servicing and repair, so there’s more space and time to find the right deal.
Why Choose Eco Happy?
Gas Safe registered engineers
Eco Happy takes safety seriously. All our engineers who work with gas boilers are Gas Safe registered, meaning they’re qualified and up-to-date on the latest safety regulations. A faulty boiler installation compromises efficiency and safety. When you choose Eco Happy, you are assured your boiler is installed securely and efficiently.
Fast response times
Eco Happy is committed to making your life easier. That means we aim to answer your queries quickly and accurately, and, of course, execute your installation without delay. Our qualified Gas Safe and heating engineers in your area can have your new boiler up and running within days of your order.
Professional and reliable
We pride ourselves on our professional and reliable service. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is there for you throughout your new boiler project. From expert advice on choosing the right model to managing the entire installation, we’re a partner you can rely on.
Installation of all boiler types
Eco Happy’s engineers are not only prompt, reliable, and Gas Safe registered. They’re impressively versatile too – boasting work experience with all boiler types. Whether you’re installing an electric, combi, or regular boiler, we’re qualified for the job. Your installation is in great hands, so you can sit back and prepare to enjoy years of trouble-free heating.
Get Your Boiler Installation Quote In Pudsey Today
If you’re ready to learn more about the best boilers and quality installations in Pudsey, get a quote now. Complete a short form and step into a future of improved home and office comfort. You’ll likely save money on your heating bills, too!
FAQs
How much does it cost to get a boiler fitted?
Getting a new boiler fitted costs £600 to over £2,000, depending on the type of boiler, parts involved, difficulty, and duration of the job.
Can a plumber install a boiler?
Boilers in the UK should be installed by qualified Gas Safe and heating engineers. Some plumbers are Gas Safe registered, allowing them to work on boilers and gas appliances. It’s important to check that your plumber is properly certified and competent to do the job before hiring them to install or service a boiler.
How long does a boiler last?
If you have a quality boiler and perform annual boiler servicing, regular maintenance, and timely repairs, a new boiler should last 15 years or even longer.
Other Areas We Service Near Pudsey
Eco Happy’s boiler and heating services cover the following areas near Pudsey:
James Elston
Boiler Expert
James Elston is the top boiler replacement and heating expert at Eco Happy. He has over 20 years of experience in the industry, focusing on Gas Safe boiler installations and offering home-heating and energy-saving solutions to homeowners across the UK. From sourcing the most energy-efficient combi boiler to providing specialist heating advice, James ensures that Eco Happy maintains the highest standards and best customer service.