Before accepting a new boiler quote, establish exactly what you are buying and whether the proposed system is right for the property.

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What Information Is Needed for a Boiler Quote?

 

The installer will need information about the property and existing heating system.

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This may include:

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• property type and approximate size;

• number of bedrooms and bathrooms;

• existing boiler type;

• boiler manufacturer and model;

• current boiler location;

• hot water cylinder or storage tanks;

• number of radiators;

• any rooms that are difficult to heat;

• water pressure or flow concerns;

• planned extensions or alterations;

• preferred controls;

• whether the boiler needs moving.

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Photographs can help with an initial assessment. Useful images include:

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• the front of the existing boiler;

• the pipework beneath it;

• the surrounding cupboard or wall;

• the flue position outside;

• the thermostat and programmer;

• the hot water cylinder;

• tanks within the loft;

• the gas meter;

• any areas where the boiler may be relocated.

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A straightforward replacement may be suitable for a quotation based on detailed photographs and questions. A more complicated installation may require a survey before the final price can be confirmed.

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Should You Get More Than One Boiler Quote?

 

It is sensible to obtain two or three boiler quotes, particularly where the installation involves a significant cost or change to the heating system.

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Obtaining several quotations allows you to compare:

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• boiler manufacturers and models;

• boiler output;

• installation methods;

• warranty periods;

• heating controls;

• system-cleaning arrangements;

• pipework alterations;

• timescales;

• aftercare;

• the overall fitted price.

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However, requesting too many quotations can make the decision more confusing without adding useful information.

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The aim is not simply to find the lowest number. It is to compare a small number of properly prepared quotations from qualified installers.

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Make Sure the Quotes Cover the Same Work

 

Boiler quotes cannot be compared properly unless they cover broadly the same specification.

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For example, one installer might quote for:

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• a premium boiler;

• ten-year manufacturer protection;

• a magnetic filter;

• a smart thermostat;

• system cleaning;

• gas-pipe alterations;

• removal of the old boiler;

• compliance notification.

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Another quotation may offer:

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• a lower-cost boiler;

• basic controls;

• no filter;

• limited system cleaning;

• no allowance for gas-pipe upgrades;

• a shorter warranty.

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The second quote may appear much cheaper, but it is not offering the same installation.

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Create a simple checklist and compare each quotation item by item.

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What Should a New Boiler Quote Include?

 

A detailed new boiler quote should identify the following.

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Boiler Manufacturer and Model

The quotation should name the exact boiler rather than describe it only as a “30kW combi” or “high-efficiency boiler.”

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Check:

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• manufacturer;

• model;

• boiler type;

• heating output;

• hot-water output;

• physical size;

• warranty or guarantee.

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This allows you to research the proposed appliance and establish whether every installer is quoting for a comparable model.

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Boiler Location

The quotation should confirm whether the new appliance will remain in the existing position or move elsewhere.

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Relocating a boiler may require alterations to:

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• gas pipework;

• flow and return pipes;

• hot and cold water connections;

• electrical wiring;

• the flue;

• condensate drainage;

• cupboards, walls or flooring.

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The greater the distance between the old and new positions, the more the installation is likely to cost.

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Flue Arrangement

The flue safely carries combustion products outside.

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The quote should explain whether the installation includes:

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• a standard horizontal flue;

• vertical flue components;

• flue extensions;

• plume-management equipment;

• inspection access;

• a new external opening;

• making good around the flue.

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Complex flue routes can add considerably to the cost.

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Condensate Drainage

Modern condensing boilers produce water that must be discharged to a suitable drain.

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The quotation should confirm:

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• where the condensate pipe will run;

• whether the route is internal or external;

• whether a pump is required;

• how external pipework will be protected;

• whether floors or cupboards need alteration.

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A poorly planned condensate route can lead to freezing, blockages or an untidy installation.

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Gas-Pipe Alterations

The existing gas supply must be suitable for the proposed boiler.

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A new boiler quote should state whether any gas-pipe upgrade is included or whether the price is subject to testing during installation.

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Gas-pipe costs depend on:

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• distance from the gas meter;

• pipe diameter;

• accessibility;

• floor construction;

• the number of bends;

• the proposed boiler location.

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A quotation that ignores an obviously long or difficult gas route may increase after work begins.

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Heating-System Cleaning

The existing heating system should be assessed before the new boiler is connected.

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The quotation should identify the proposed cleaning method, which could include:

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• chemical cleaning;

• mains flushing;

• cleaning individual radiators;

• power flushing;

• fitting a magnetic filter;

• adding corrosion inhibitor.

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Not every property requires the same treatment. However, a new boiler should not be connected to badly contaminated water without appropriate preparation.

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Heating Controls

The quote should state which thermostat and controls are included.

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Possible options include:

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• programmable room thermostat;

• smart heating control;

• manufacturer-compatible modulating control;

• thermostatic radiator valves;

• load compensation;

• weather compensation;

• separate heating zones;

• hot-water cylinder controls.

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The controls should suit the household and work effectively with the proposed boiler.

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Is the Boiler the Right Size?

 

Do not accept a boiler quote based only on the number of bedrooms.

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The installer should consider:

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• property heat loss;

• insulation;

• floor area;

• radiator output;

• extensions and converted rooms;

• number of bathrooms;

• hot-water demand;

• incoming water flow;

• the boiler’s minimum output.

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With a combi boiler, a higher output may be recommended primarily to provide faster hot water rather than because the house needs that much heat.

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An oversized appliance is not automatically better. The boiler should be capable of reducing its output when the heating demand is low.

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Ask the installer to explain how the proposed output was selected.

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Has the Water Supply Been Checked?

 

A new combi boiler quote should account for the property’s water pressure and flow rate.

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A combi heats water directly from the mains. Its performance will therefore depend on the amount of water entering the property.

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The installer should consider:

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• static water pressure;

• working pressure;

• available flow rate;

• incoming pipe size;

• number of bathrooms;

• simultaneous hot-water use.

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A high-output combi cannot create a strong flow where the incoming water supply is poor.

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Where the home has several bathrooms or heavy simultaneous demand, a system boiler and hot-water cylinder may be more suitable.

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The water supply should be assessed before an existing cylinder and storage tanks are removed.

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Is the Quote for the Right Type of Boiler?

 

The three main boiler arrangements are combi, system and regular boilers.

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Combi Boiler

A combi provides heating and instantaneous hot water without a separate cylinder.

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It can be suitable for:

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• flats;

• smaller and medium-sized homes;

• properties with one main bathroom;

• households with moderate hot-water demand.

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System Boiler

A system boiler works with a separate hot-water cylinder.

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It may be more appropriate for:

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• larger houses;

• properties with several bathrooms;

• busy households;

• homes where several outlets may operate together.

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Regular Boiler

A regular or heat-only boiler normally works with a cylinder and storage tanks.

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A like-for-like regular boiler replacement may remain sensible where the existing system is in good condition and suits the property.

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The best new boiler quote should recommend the right arrangement rather than automatically proposing whichever boiler type is easiest to install.

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Does the Quote Include Removing Tanks and the Cylinder?

 

Changing from a regular boiler to a combi can involve much more than replacing the appliance.

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The work may include:

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• removing cold-water storage tanks;

• removing the expansion tank;

• removing the hot-water cylinder;

• altering hot and cold water feeds;

• removing pumps and motorised valves;

• pressurising the heating system;

• changing the flow and return arrangement;

• updating the controls.

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The quotation should state whether redundant equipment will be:

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• disconnected;

• removed from the property;

• left safely in position;

• disposed of by the installer.

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Do not assume that removal and disposal are automatically included.

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Does the Quote Include Radiator Work?

 

A new boiler does not automatically require new radiators, but the existing radiators should be reviewed.

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The installer may recommend:

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• replacing leaking radiators;

• upgrading undersized radiators;

• fitting thermostatic radiator valves;

• cleaning blocked radiators;

• balancing the system;

• adding radiators to an extension;

• altering restricted pipework.

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The quotation should identify any radiator or valve work separately.

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This allows you to see the boiler installation cost and the additional heating-system improvements.

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Check the Boiler Warranty

 

A long warranty can be valuable, but the terms should be understood.

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Ask:

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• How long is the warranty?

• Does it cover parts and labour?

• Who registers it?

• Must the boiler be installed by an approved installer?

• Is annual servicing required?

• Does a magnetic filter need to be fitted?

• Are specified controls required?

• What happens if the installation company stops trading?

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The manufacturer’s boiler warranty is different from the installer’s workmanship guarantee.

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The quotation should explain both.

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Ask About the Workmanship Guarantee

 

The boiler manufacturer may cover defects within the appliance, but it may not cover every installation problem.

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A workmanship guarantee can relate to:

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• pipe connections;

• water leaks;

• condensate drainage;

• flue installation;

• wiring completed by the installer;

• fitting and commissioning.

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Ask how long the installer guarantees their work and how problems are reported.

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It should also be clear who is responsible where several contractors are involved.

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Confirm the Final Price and Possible Extras

 

A useful boiler quote should make clear whether the amount is:

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• fixed;

• estimated;

• subject to survey;

• subject to gas-pipe testing;

• dependent on access;

• inclusive of VAT.

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Ask what circumstances could increase the final price.

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Possible extras include:

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• gas-pipe upgrades;

• unexpected asbestos;

• inaccessible pipework;

• damaged electrical wiring;

• additional flue components;

• replacement radiator valves;

• repairing leaks;

• lifting finished floors;

• scaffolding;

• parking charges;

• making good.

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A responsible installer cannot predict every concealed problem, but foreseeable work should be addressed within the quote.

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Is Making Good Included?

 

Boiler installation can affect:

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• walls;

• ceilings;

• flooring;

• kitchen cupboards;

• airing cupboards;

• external brickwork;

• decorative boxing.

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The installer may make good service openings, but full plastering, decorating, joinery or floor repairs may be excluded.

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The quote should state who is responsible for:

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• filling the old flue opening;

• repairing wall finishes;

• altering cupboards;

• replacing tiles;

• repairing flooring;

• redecorating.

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This is particularly important where the boiler is being moved.

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Check Who Will Complete the Installation

 

The business providing the quote may use employees or subcontractors.

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Ask:

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• who will attend;

• who will carry out the gas work;

• who will supervise;

• who will commission the boiler;

• who will register the warranty;

• who will provide aftercare.

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The person completing gas work must be appropriately Gas Safe registered and qualified for the work undertaken.

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You should be able to check the engineer’s identification before work begins.

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Check Certification and Notification

 

The quotation should confirm responsibility for the required compliance documentation.

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After installation, you may receive:

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• manufacturer instructions;

• commissioning information;

• warranty confirmation;

• control instructions;

• an installation invoice;

• electrical documentation where applicable;

• Building Regulations compliance documentation where applicable.

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Keep these records safely. They may be required for warranty claims and could be important when selling or remortgaging the property.

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Compare the Payment Terms

 

The quotation should explain:

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• deposit required;

• when materials will be ordered;

• when the balance is due;

• accepted payment methods;

• cancellation terms;

• how additional work is authorised.

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A reasonable deposit may be required to order the boiler and components.

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Be cautious about paying the complete installation price long before work begins, particularly where the business details, quotation and cancellation terms are unclear.

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Check How Long the Quote Is Valid

 

Boiler prices and product availability can change.

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A new boiler quote should normally state an expiry date or validity period.

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Also confirm:

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• proposed installation date;

• expected duration;

• how long heating and hot water will be unavailable;

• whether dates depend on equipment availability;

• what happens if the installer postpones.

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A straightforward replacement may be completed in one day. A boiler relocation or system conversion may take several days.

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Questions to Ask Before Accepting a Boiler Quote

 

Ask each installer:

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1. Why have you recommended this boiler?

2. How has the boiler output been selected?

3. Is the water flow suitable for a combi?

4. Would a system boiler provide better hot-water performance?

5. Does the gas pipe need upgrading?

6. How will the system be cleaned?

7. Is a magnetic filter included?

8. Which controls are supplied?

9. Are radiator or valve changes required?

10. Is removal of the old boiler included?

11. Are tanks and cylinders being removed?

12. Is waste disposal included?

13. What is excluded from the price?

14. Is VAT included?

15. What warranty applies?

16. What workmanship guarantee is provided?

17. Who will complete the work?

18. Who will notify and certify the installation?

19. How long will the work take?

20. What could cause the final price to change?

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Clear answers will make the quotations easier to compare.

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Warning Signs in a Boiler Quote

 

Be cautious where the quotation:

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• does not identify the boiler model;

• provides only a total price;

• contains no description of the installation;

• omits the controls;

• ignores the existing heating system;

• assumes a combi without checking water flow;

• offers no warranty details;

• does not mention certification;

• excludes obvious pipework without explanation;

• requires full payment immediately;

• does not identify the responsible business;

• is based on an unrealistically brief assessment.

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A cheap quote can become expensive when essential work is added later.

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What Makes a Good New Boiler Quote?

 

A strong quotation should be:

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Suitable

The proposed boiler should match the property, household and heating system.

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Detailed

The boiler, controls, pipework, cleaning and completion arrangements should be explained.

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Transparent

The quote should identify inclusions, exclusions, VAT and possible extras.

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Comparable

You should be able to compare the specification with other boiler quotes.

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Properly Guaranteed

The manufacturer’s warranty and installer’s workmanship guarantee should be clear.

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Professionally Delivered

The work should be carried out by appropriately qualified professionals with the required certification and aftercare.

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Getting the Best New Boiler Quote: Quick Checklist

 

Before accepting a quote, confirm:

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• the exact boiler model;

• suitable boiler type and output;

• water pressure and flow assessment;

• proposed boiler location;

• flue and condensate routes;

• gas-pipe requirements;

• heating-system cleaning;

• filter and inhibitor;

• controls;

• radiator work;

• removal and disposal;

• warranty;

• workmanship guarantee;

• certification;

• VAT;

• payment terms;

• exclusions;

• final installation price.

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The best new boiler quote is the one that provides the right system, clearly explains the work and minimises the risk of unexpected costs.

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Get a New Boiler Quote Through APN Boilers

 

APN Boilers helps homeowners, landlords and property managers connect with heating professionals for new boiler installation, boiler replacement and wider heating-system improvements.

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Tell us about the property, the existing boiler and what you need the new system to achieve.

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Photographs of the boiler, controls, cylinder, tanks and visible pipework can help explain the existing arrangement.

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