The construction industry is unique in so much that every building we create is different to the next – different in terms of layout and different in terms of the materials used for its construction. However, there are a number of constants and one of those is, perhaps with the exception of Passivhaus design, the requirement for heating.
Whether a home, restaurant, hotel or office building, many will have a boiler system. When it comes to installation of a new boiler, there are a number of key considerations that must be taken.
A boiler is at the heart of the building. It is a vital component to provide heat and deliver hot water. As with many building service components, it is essential to ensure a boiler is installed correctly and professionally to operate efficiently and safely. As such, several important considerations should be made when it comes to installing a boiler, especially if it is a replacement of an existing boiler.
The initial process
When installing a replacement boiler, the first step is to assess the type of existing system a customer has – whether it is a combi, regular or system boiler. It is important to distinguish this as the replacement boiler must suit the scale of the customer’s premises to minimise any unwanted wasted energy.
The subsequent step is to assess the building heating load to see the level of hot water required for said premises. In the case of a replacement system, the current equipment must be analysed to ensure the replacement boiler is neither under nor oversized.
In most new boiler situations, a customer is requesting their boiler to be installed in a new location; either because they want to make room for more space or they have a brand-new kitchen layout and need the boiler to be placed elsewhere.
To assure effective installation of a new boiler it is crucial to:
- Confirm the new boiler location will allow a compliant flue position
- Confirm the gas supply is correctly sized to suit any new boiler
- Check the existing controls comply with Boiler Plus legislation (in England)
Adhering to these steps will ensure no corners are cut in the safe installation of a new boiler.
A new boiler on to an old system
If you are going to install a new boiler onto an old system, there are a few important elements which must be considered before installation begins. First of all, the importance of thorough system cleaning shouldn’t be underestimated. To cleanse an old system of any impurities, power flushing or magnetic cleansing is advised in order to comply with any new boiler warranty.
Once ready, briefly survey the existing heating system, pipework, radiators, hot water cylinder, etc. to ensure they are all fit for re-use. Here, the opportunity should be taken to discuss any energy saving improvements, such as replacing old thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) or fitting new ones. It is also worthwhile to note older or outdated controls should be brought up-to-date.
Finally, on completion be sure to dose the system with a quality corrosion inhibitor. Long term protection, in the form of a magnetic system filter, safeguards a new investment and will assure your boiler’s performance well into the future.
Gas Safe – The professional and trusted choice
Homeowners/property-owners need to realise the importance of using trusted Gas Safe registered engineers to minimise the chance of a poor installation. It is also important for homeowners/property-owners to consider that quality work does not come at sub-economic prices. If it looks too good to be true, then it probably is!
Installers need to consider the risks they face for sub-standard installation; from the milder end of the scale such as “banter” from others in the trade, through to voided warranties, costly call-backs, Gas Safe inspections, HSE investigation and even prosecution.
Never doubt the significance of technical support
Most manufacturers, Alpha included, offer a great deal of pre-sales support as well as aftersales support, including on-site support for those tricky installations. If installers have a challenging job, it is well worth talking to a manufacturer’s technical department or sales representatives to get help and assistance.
The technical teams have a wealth of experience and in most cases have seen the challenge before and are able to provide first-hand advice and guidance. In addition, the technical teams can also provide the most up-to-date information regarding new products, legislation and general design/installation advice.
Moreover, most of these staff members will be able to offer indispensable advice with the initial product selection and flueing options. For example, some will even offer bespoke wiring diagrams and site surveys to help with bigger projects or problem jobs.
For companies such as Alpha, these processes are all part of a comprehensive, professional service which ensures a new boiler – whether on an old or new system – will bring that all-important warmth to the places that matter.
Boiler installations can be complex but they are an essential part of every building with heating and hot water affecting all occupants. However, with our unprecedented combination of 360-degree support and technical expertise, installers can be sure that when they invest in Alpha they are investing in a boiler that will guarantee the supreme comfort of their loyal customers.