How Disruptive is Installing Central Heating?
Replacing an entire heating system won't go unnoticed though but exactly how disruptive is installing central heating?
Ideally, the installation will be a seamless transition and make your home more comfortable than ever. And it will be if you hire a fully-qualified heating engineer.
How disruptive is installing central heating?
Replacing an entire central heating system is no easy task and is likely to cause at least some disruption to your life for a few days. Carpets may have to be lifted and surfaces could get a little messy.
The installation of a new central heating system will typically take somewhere between 1 and 5 days. The number of heating engineers working on the installation will depend on the company but expect at least two.
To get an idea of how disruptive central heating is to install, you need to consider what's involved. And while this will vary from job to job, the main parts will remain pretty much the same.
- Your boiler will be replaced with a newer more efficient model
- The new heat distribution system (radiators or underfloor heating) will be fitted right around the property
- Pipework will then be laid to connect all of the radiators to the boiler
- Once the radiators are in place, heating controls will be fitted
- With everything in place, the system will then be filled with water before the new boiler is fired up for the first time
- Finally, water temperature and flow will be adjusted to make sure the system can perform effectively and efficiently
New radiators, pipework and controls means that the installation of a new central heating system will likely cover the whole property. For this reason, many homeowners plan to be out of the house during the day.
Keep disruption to a minimum
Doing your research and planning ahead will keep the disruption of installing a central heating system to an absolute minimum. Some of the things you'll need to think about include:
- You'll be without heating so an electric heater will be beneficial during the winter
- The water will be turned off so make sure you've stocked the house up with plenty of fluids
- There will be no gas so you'll be unable to use a gas cooker which means planning out your meals accordingly (electric cookers and stoves won't be affected)
- Move valuables away from working areas
- Cover carpets with sheets
It's worth discussing the above with the installer you hire to carry out the work as they may bring their own sheets and heaters.
When to install central heating?
To keep disruption at a minimum, the best time to have a new central heating system installed is when you're least likely to be using it. So, during the summer months.
Planning the installation of a new central heating system during the hottest time of the year may seem strange. However, it's unlikely you'll need the heating at this point in time so you'll be far more comfortable. Plus, heating engineers tend to have more time available during the summer, which could help to save you money.
If you are planning to go ahead with a central heating replacement during the winter then a few electric heaters might be needed. Otherwise, you'll feel the chill.
Is a new central heating worth the disruption?
In a word: yes. A new central heating system will be far superior to an old one in many ways. It will be more efficient, run reliably and make your home a much more comfortable place to live.
Save money on your heating bills
Replacing your boiler with a modern condensing unit could see you save upwards of £300 on your heating bills.
Get more control
One area where central heating technology has really developed over the years is in terms of the controls. TRVs allow you to control radiators individually while some smart thermostats can automatically adapt your heating habits.
Nowadays you don't even need to be at home to turn the heating off and on as this can be done from your smartphone.
Increased reliability
Over time, heating systems lose their reliability. Parts can wear out and sludge is prone to building up within the system. A new central heating system will be made up of the latest components and technology for increased reliability. So calling out an engineer to carry out repairs will become a thing of the past.
New boiler warranty
During a warranty period, you'll be covered by the manufacturer in the event that something should go wrong by your boiler. Typically boiler warranties last between 1 and 10 years. If your boiler warranty has come to an end then a new model will give you peace of mind that you're covered in the unlikely event something should go wrong.
Quieter heating
A noisy central heating system isn't healthy. For the confidence that you're installing a quiet boiler, look out for units that have Quiet Mark accreditation.
Free up space
Modern boilers tend to be smaller than older units allowing for an out of sight installation within a cupboard.
New central heating system costs
A new central heating system is a significant investment. The potential cost will vary greatly depending on a number of factors including the type of boiler, number of radiators and whether new pipework is needed.
| Central Heating Part | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New boiler (supply & installation) | £900 – £2,500 |
| Radiator | £150 each |
| Hot water cylinder | £500 – £1,500 |
| Pipework (supply & installation) | £800 – £1,000 |
| Wet underfloor heating (per floor) | £2,000 – £3,000 |
| Miscellaneous parts & labour | £150 – £200 |
| Smart thermostat | £70 – £310 |
| Thermostatic Radiator Valves | £5 – £200+ (per valve) |
For a clearer understanding of how much your new central heating system might cost, take a look at our guide about the cost of installing central heating.
Who can install a new central heating system?
Before the central heating system installation can get underway, you need to set some time aside to find a heating engineer.
The type of installer you hire to install your new central heating system will depend on the type of heating system you're having installed.
Most central heating systems include a gas boiler. And if this is the case for your new central heating system then you need to hire a Gas Safe registered engineer. Gas Safe registered engineers are the only people qualified to install, service and repair gas boilers in the UK. So this is an essential requirement when having a gas central heating system installed.
If you're having an oil boiler installed then an OFTEC technician will be needed.
Meanwhile, renewable heating systems must be installed by an installer certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) for the specific type of heating system being fitted. This could be a heat pump, biomass boiler or solar thermal panels.
Take a few moments to complete our simple online form and we can match you with a suitably qualified heating engineer. We'll ask you a few questions about the work involved and use the details you provide to match you with qualified local installers.
You'll get free no-obligation quotes from as many as three heating engineers for you to compare. By comparing at least three quotes you can go ahead with the installation of a new central heating system confident that you're getting the best price from a suitably qualified professional.