We're happy to talk through your requirements and we promise not to confuse you with jargon.

A guide for a gas combination boiler installation

Gas boiler in a kitchen

So, you're getting a new combination boiler replacement? It's a good idea to make sure that when you're purchasing a new boiler and getting someone to install it, that you know what's involved - to some degree at any rate. That way you'll know how long it should take and why it costs so much money to get it installed!

The first thing - and this may sound obvious - is to make sure the man who has come to fit your new boiler is qualified to do so! Ask to see his Gas Safe registration card. He should carry it on him at all times. If he hasn't got it, ring his office and get them to send you a copy of it on fax if you're over 100 years old or by email for everyone else.

Here is an example of a guide we would use for a combination gas boiler installation at Serviceteam.

Work Specification

Prepare area for works, arrange boiler delivery
Carry out risk assessment of the working area
Clear area of any obstacles
Carry out powerflush with chemicals to clear pipework of any sludge and scale
Drain down and isolate (Water) the boiler
Disconnect from the Gas supply
Disconnect and isolate all electrical supplies
Remove flueing system
Dismantle and remove existing boiler
Install flue to Gas Safe regulations, test new flueing system
Install new combination boiler in requested location
Install new plug in mechanical clock or didgiatl clock
Remove thermostatic radiator valves and replace with new
Install Magnaclean to boiler
Install wireless room thermostat
Re-connect water, Gas and supplies, adjusting all necessary pipework
Re-fill boiler, test, check for leaks, remove air from system
Commission system, filling in paperwork and warranty
Clear site on completion, and leave in a safe and tidy manner

Two things to note

A chemical or power flush should be performed on a central hetaing sytem before the new boiler is installed. This is essential if you want to validate the manufacturer's warranty on your new boiler. Secondly, you should have a Magnaclean of similar magnetic sludge filtration system installed when you have a new installation. Some boiler manufacturers insist on this also. At Serviceteam you'll always get this. We provide a quality installation service - that's something to remember when selecting a boiler installation company. Especially if boiler price is your prime motive for selection.

Boiler sizing

The boiler must be sized in accordance with BS5449 and the whole house boiler sizing method in order to meet the hot water and heating demands of the property. This is based upon the following:

Total Heat loss from rooms
Distribution losses (add 10% if required)
Hot water allowance

Distribution losses may be disregarded if all of the pipe work is located entirely within the heated space of the dwelling when losses are incurred outside the heated space. For example, when the boiler is located in a garage or an external boiler is used then add up to 10% for the calculated space heating.

System Design

If the system is an open vent type the feed and expansion pipe work must be correctly located relative to the circulating pump so that a positive system pressure is created. A close coupled feed and expansion pipe work arrangement must be used wherever possible, connecting into a horizontal run of pipe immediately before the circulating pump.

If the system is of a sealed primary type then it must be connected as per the installation instructions with all joints capable of sustaining a pressure of up to 3 bar.

System Cleansing

The system must be flushed and cleansed in accordance with BS7593. Water that is naturally soft must not be used without a suitable corrosion inhibitor. Water that is artificially softened via a Base Exchange Softening System must not be used. It is essential that the pH level does not exceed 8.

In all instances a corrosion inhibitor must be introduced into the clean primary water system and the effectiveness or strength of the inhibitor checked every 2 years.

Circuit Design

The circuit must be designed to achieve a temperature differential between the heating flow and return of approximately 20 degrees Centigrade for condensing.

Service and Maintenance

The appliance and the system need to be serviced on a regular basis. To validate your warranty on most boilers this is once per year. The service process must be performed as described within the installation and maintenance instructions of the appliance. A record must be kept of the service findings and left with the householder. At Serviceteam we will keep a record of the service on our system and you can have access to this through your account portal anytime you like.

Boiler Scrappage Scheme

If your existing boiler is replaced with a new band A Vaillant boiler, for a limited time, Serviceteam will offer a £400 discount which will be removed from the quotation on acceptance.

Warranty

Vaillant are offering an extra 3 years warranty for on all Vaillant boilers installed by Serviceteam on top of the standard 2 years (total 5 years). Serviceteam will complete the guarantee card and send to Vaillant on householders behalf. Vaillant will process the increased guarantee and send the householder a confirmation. This guarantee is valid only under the terms and conditions of Vaillant.