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It is very common practice to replace the old boiler with a new one. It takes 4 to 8 hours to replace a boiler. However, some boiler replacements can take much longer than this. In the following blog post, there is a detailed discussion about the:
- Process of boiler replacement
- Time for different types of boiler replacement
- Factors affecting boiler replacement time
- Tips to reduce boiler replacement time
- Grants for free boiler replacement
What is the Boiler Replacement Process?
The boiler replacement involves the removal of an old boiler to install a new one. There are different types of boiler replacements. Some households may need to replace some of the boiler parts. While others go for the complete boiler replacement.
In some cases, they replace the old boiler with a new one of the same type. At the same time, they may install a different type of boiler for their old boiler. The type of boiler replacement depends upon the reasons. Some most common reasons for boiler replacement are the following:
- The households may want to increase the efficiency of their heating system.
- Their old boiler results in frequent breakdowns.
- The boilers may be too old.
- Sometimes, boilers start producing too much carbon dioxide.
- The technology of the boiler is outdated and can’t produce enough heat to fulfil the home requirements.
Which Steps Are Involved in the Boiler Replacement?
The boiler replacement is not a simple process. It involves several steps, which are given below:
Removal
You need to remove the power and water connections from the boiler. Then, clean the boiler through draining and flushing.
You should use proper tools and equipment to remove all the coming and going pipes from the boiler. At the same time, you have to disconnect the fixtures and brackets.
Cleaning
You need to remove all the debris and sludge from the heating system. First, use a power flushing to clean the system. You can use chemical flushing if there are sturdy stains on them. This will help you find any leaks or damages in the pipes.
Pipe Upgradation
You may need to replace or upgrade the pipework according to the new boiler. You should select the pipes which are suitable for the new boiler. The new pipes should be strong enough to bear the water pressure of the new boiler.
New Boiler Fitting
It’s time to place the new boiler on the existing heating system. You have to connect all the pipes with it. Then, attach all the fixtures to fix the boiler at its place. Ensure that the boiler is stable and aligned properly in its place.
Testing
Switch the power on and see whether it is working properly or not. See if there are leaks or loose fixtures. Test it several times. You need to ensure that the boiler is working properly.
How Long Does It Take to Replace a Boiler?
Generally, it takes 4 to 6 hours to replace a boiler. However, this time varies according to the type of boiler replacement. Some most common boiler replacements are given below:
- It will take 4 to 8 hours to replace the old boiler with a similar one.
- Upgradation of the boiler with a different boiler takes 1 to 2 days.
- When you change the place of a boiler, it will take 2 to 3 days.
Which Factors Affect the Time of Boiler Replacement?
The time of boiler replacement depends on several factors, such as the following:
Type of New Boiler
It will take the shortest time to do the swapping of boilers. If you are replacing the boiler with the same type and size of boiler, you will just need 4 to 6 hours.
On the other hand, changing the boiler with a different type of boiler requires several extra steps. This can prolong the process of installation.
New Location
When you change the location of the boiler, you need to prepare the new site. This preparation will add extra steps to the installation process.
On the other hand, the installation of a new boiler in the same location involves fewer upgrades. That’s why it takes less time.
Cleanliness of System
Sometimes, the old boiler has accumulated a lot of debris and sludge. You can’t install the new one before cleaning it. However, if the heating system is neat and clean, you can directly install the new boiler on it.
Pipe Upgrades
When you replace the boiler with a different one, you need to replace the 15mm pipe with the 22mm pipe. Some boiler installations require a completely new pipework. It will add extra time to the installation process.
Un-predictable Issues
There are very high chances of unpredictable issues in the boiler replacement process. Some most common issues are the following:
- Blockage in the system
- Structural damages
- Incapability of new boiler
- Delay in Delivery of boiler
- Safety issues
How to Reduce the Time of Boiler Replacement?
You can reduce the time of boiler replacement by following the tips given below:
- Wear all the protective equipment.
- Use proper tools and equipment.
- Hire an experienced and professional team.
- Maintain the cleanliness at the site.
- Make a proper plan and timeline for the replacement process.
Which Grants Provide the Free Boiler Replacement?
Boiler replacement is an expensive process. Everyone can’t afford to replace their inefficient and broken boilers. For this purpose, the UK government has initiated several schemes. Some of them are given below:
- Energy Company Obligation (ECO4)
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
- Home Upgrade Grant (HUG)
You can get free boiler replacements through these grants. You need to prove your eligibility for any of the schemes. At the same time, fill out their application form and submit the required documents. They will replace or upgrade the boiler if your application gets approved.
Conclusion
You should get help from professionals for boiler replacement. It is a good idea to save time but never rush the process.
However, you should give each step proper time. You should not let irrelevant and useless things waste your time during boiler replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can replace a boiler in a day. It takes only 4 to 6 hours if you are swapping the boilers.
You should replace your boiler when you observe the following signs:
- Face high energy bills.
- Need to be repaired frequently.
- Sudden breakdowns.
- Not producing enough heat.
- The technology of the boiler is outdated.
The lifespan of a boiler lies between 15 to 20 years. Each type of boiler has a different lifespan. At the same time, this depends on the maintenance of the boiler.
