Are you looking for new boiler deals? Here are 10 tips to help you get the best deal possible on your new boiler.
1. Find the right installer
Installing a boiler or central heating system is a complicated job that requires experience and expertise. We recommend that you meet with at least 2 (ideally 3) different engineers, all of whom should be:
Gas Safe registered (OFTEC registered for oil boilers)
Highly recommended by previous customers.
Some installers are manufacturer accredited which means they have been specially trained to install certain boilers, extending the warranty you’ll receive. Never accept an estimated quote; all quotes should be itemised and only provided after a visit to your home and a full assessment of your heating needs.
With Boiler Guide, it’s easy to get personalised quotes from trusted, Gas Safe registered installers near you. Instead of spending hours calling and vetting local installers, we’ve done that all for you. All you need to do is fill in our 1-minute form and wait for them to offer you quotes.
Make sure you have a budget in mind and don't be persuaded to spend more than you can realistically afford. Compare like for like quotes and make sure you're not paying for anything you don't need. For example, many installers are recommending smart controls such as Hive or Nest which give you greater control of your heating but also add costs to the installation. An increasing number of installers are able to offer finance options as part of your new boiler deal so you can break the cost down into manageable payments over a period that suits.
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a free boiler grant towards the cost of a new boiler. To find out if you qualify and to apply, visit boilergrants.co.uk. Please note that funding is limited.
3. Don't cut corners
When it's an emergency installation, or you're on a tight budget, it can be tempting to go with the cheap boiler that is available. If you can take the time to shop around, get advice from multiple engineers, family, friends and other consumers, it really is worth the effort. Your boiler is a long term investment and a few pounds saved now could cost much more in the long run if the boiler isn't the right type, size or reliability for your needs.
4. Get the right boiler
You need to decide if you want to stick with your current heating system or make a change. Most replacement boilers installed today are combi boilers which are a single unit that heats water on demand. However, larger homes with 2 or more bathrooms will have a higher demand for hot water that is better served by a system or conventional boiler.
There are many boiler manufacturers who deliver varying levels of performance and energy efficiency. The best place to start your search is consumer review websites, but you also need to consider the advice of professional engineers. While it might seem unusual not to choose the cheapest option, keep in mind that the better the boiler's efficiency the more you will save on energy bills. This could be up to £580* on your annual heating bill when switching a G rated model for A rated.
Use the table below to find out just how much you could be saving each year depending on your property size and current boiler rating.
House Type
G (< 70%)
F (70-74%)
E (74-78%)
D (78-82%)
Semi-Detached
£380
£265
£235
£215
Detached
£580
£405
£315
£260
Detached Bungalow
£300
£210
£185
£170
Mid Terrace House
£325
£225
£200
£180
Flat (Mid Floor)
£-
£105
£90
£80
Figures are for England, Scotland and Wales only*.
If you’re ready to start saving on annual bills with a new boiler, you can secure the best deal with Boiler Guide. The key to getting the right boiler to maximise your savings is to consult a professional heating engineer who can advise on your specific situation. They’ll also be able to offer you a tailored quote so you’ll accurately know what you’ll be paying.
You can get up to 3 free quotes with no obligation by clicking the button below and answer a 1-minute form.
The size of a boiler, also known as output, is measured in kW. In basic terms the higher the number the better the supply of hot water, but this doesn't mean everyone should be buying the highest output available. Your boiler's output should suit the size of your home, number of bathrooms and number of radiators. This is something that installers will be able to advise you on but some less reputable installers may try to sell bigger boilers than you need to maximise profit.
6. Ask lots of questions
If one installer is charging £300 for a powerflush but another just £100, ask why. If the pipes being provided in one quote are considerably cheaper than another, does that mean you're compromising on quality? Ask. Is one installer suggesting a different output or less efficient model? Is ongoing servicing or maintenance included in the price?
7. Think about the future
If you're planning an extension or loft conversion then you need to consider that some boilers require space for tanks and cylinders. Is there a chance you might want to embrace solar technology at some point? If so, your boiler will need to be compatible to avoid another installation down the line. When you consider that up to ? of your hot water can be provided through solar thermal it makes sense to introduce it at the same time as your new boiler, or at least to make sure your boiler would be compatible if you wanted to add it at a later date.
8. Get aftersales service
It's highly recommended that your boiler is serviced annually to keep it functioning at its best for longer. If you can find a deal that includes some sort of annual servicing it increases the chances that small problems will be detected and sorted before they spiral into full malfunctions. This is great for both peace of mind and the shock of a costly, unexpected breakdown. Manufacturer warranties will vary so make sure you check what is included as standard.
9. Get at least 3 quotes
The most important thing to remember is to get at least 2 quotes from different providers. They given after a full assessment of your home and lifestyle and itemised so you can compare like for like.
10. Contact Boiler Guide
Boiler Guide can provide you with up to 3 free, no obligation quotes from boiler installers near you who can provide their most competitive new boiler deals. We’ve vetted all of our partner installers to ensure they’re trustworthy and are Gas Safe Registered. If you’re interested in getting tailored quotes from up to 3 of them, simply click the button below and start our 1-minute form.
*Based on replacing an old gas boiler with a condensing A-rated boiler with thermostatic radiator valves, programmer and room thermostat in a detached home. Figures are based on fuel prices as of April 2022.
About the author
Becky Mckay
Becky has been a writer at Boiler Guide since 2021. Her vast boiler knowledge means she’s ready to help with any home heating query, big or small!
Compare boilers
Try our boiler comparison tool
Find the best boiler for your needs, or see how the latest A-rated boilers compare with each
other and your existing one.
