If you're not a gas engineer, it'll take an age. If you are, it's either hours - or days. All of that depends on what type of boiler you're having fitted and how easily distracted your engineer is.
Here's a quick guide on how long it can take to fit a new boiler. We'll run over some issues and circumstances which could affect rough time guidelines.
But, please do note that we will be assuming the installer hasn't stumbled upon an ancient Indian burial ground and your current heating system doesn't run on the damned souls of fallen warriors.
We'll go through all the major types of boilers, including combi, system and regular, as well as the costs associated with moving a boiler and converting from one type to another.
Want an exact timescale for a boiler installation in your home?
Combi boiler fit time? 4-6 hours.
Let's say you have a combi boiler already and you're simply upgrading it because it's broken, inefficient or just downright unattractive and the replacement boiler will be installed in the exact same location - this would be a like-for-like swap and will typically take a gas engineer a day's work (or approximately 4-6 hours to install), assuming there were no unforeseen circumstances or issues.
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A like-for-like boiler replacement is the bread and butter of boiler installations, the simplest and the quickest.
It's worth noting that we've based this time on the most standard (and cheapest) of all boiler swaps, including no additional extras like a power flush, chemical flush, fitting of a magnetic filter or installation of a smart thermostat (all of which we would certainly recommend).
Got an emergency? If your boiler is busted and you have no hot water, you may be interested in our emergency boiler installation guide.
Swap from old boiler to combi? 2 days.
If you're upgrading your current boiler, perhaps from a system boiler that has an external water tank - to a new combination boiler then this is certainly going to take longer than a basic like-for-like boiler swap.
Why does a boiler system upgrade take so long?
In addition to the breaks, the installer will likely take to refill on tea and thickly cut crisps, they'll also be required to remove the soon to be irrelevant water tank and carry out some not so insignificant pipework directed to your new combi boiler. It's a big big job, floorboards will need to be lifted and other remedial work in order to gain access to your home's heating system.
Pipes are like snakes. They need to be handled with care and charmed into position. Unfortunately though, they don't fit into baskets anywhere near as comfortably, nor do they respond well to the sounds of wind instruments.
Considering converting to a new combi boiler? Compare instant, online quotes from £2,695 or spread the cost with Klarna and interest-free finance.
Moving the boilers location
It can be common for customers to want their new boiler to be installed in a different location, particularly if they're in a bedroom that's in use or soon to be.
If you'll be requiring your boiler in a new location then do take into account it may up to another 1/2 day before the installation is complete, varying depending on your property type, house size and of course where you want the new boiler to be fitted in relation to your existing system.
The complexity of moving a boiler lies in the additional and diverted pipework that it will demand. Installers will refer to this as a 'gas run'.
Your current heating system will obviously already have a pipe for the delivery of gas running directly to the boiler but when the boiler moves, the pipe supplying the gas does so too.
This can obviously be a relatively simple and non-invasive job if you're just looking for the boiler to be moved a few meters within the same room or perhaps even to a different room on the other side of the same wall.
Read our complete guide on how much it costs to move a new boiler, and check our latest list of the top boiler brands if you're still undecided.
The further the boiler is being moved though, the more time, effort and materials it's going to cost your installer. Moving the boiler to a significantly different location, for instance from your kitchen to an upstairs bedroom in a relatively large house, is going to take some time and upheaval.
If you imagine your boiler where it currently is, you probably can't picture the gas pipe? That's because it's likely being run through walls and under floors so it's safe and out sight - a time-consuming effort if the installer is going to make a tidy job of it.
Learn all about combi boilers in our what is a combi boiler guide.
Unless moving the boiler is entirely necessary or recommended by your gas safe installer, think twice before committing to the cost, both in pound sterling and time.
Curious to know which boiler brand performed worst? Find out in our report of the worst boilers.
Variables that affect install time (inc. Ghosts)
There are of course a number of variables that could lead to the time it takes to fit a boiler being prolonged. So many in fact we can't name them all but here's a few things to keep in mind.
Gas Safe regulations not met
There could be any number of small issues discovered by your installer that means your heating system isn't up to regulations but a common issue (particularly for heating systems over 15 years old) is the gas supply pipe not being the current regulation 22mm thick. In the past, 15mm was adequate. In this instance, for the installer to meet regulations (a legal requirement), they'll need to fit an entirely new 22mm gas supply pipe.
Time taken will vary but you're likely looking at another half a day at the very least. Another common regulation issue might be relating to your boiler's flue - they're legally required to be a certain distance away from doors and windows so kid's don't start smoking them.
Looking to pay for your new boiler monthly? We got you.
Power flushing or chemical flushing
Essentially a process that will flush out unwanted deposits built up over time within your heating system and radiators (stopping the radiators from getting cold at the bottom). The build-up of limescale, rust and sludge will cause your system to run significantly less efficiently and be much more prone to breakdown. Build ups like this will cause boiler kettling surprisingly quickly. Most top quality heating engineers will insist on a power flush or chemical flush anyway when undertaking a new boiler installation but it can be optional so those on a budget may decide against it. Time-wise, allow for another 2-4 hours for flushing.
Installation of smart thermostat
The growing popularity of smart thermostats because of their excellent ability to encourage significant energy savings means more and more are being installed. We'd certainly recommend adding one on to your installation if it's affordable and it's not going take up much more time either - approximately one hour max and maybe some time for your installer to talk you through how it works.
A haunted house
Gas Safe as they may be, heating engineers are notoriously substandard when it comes to dealing with the paranormal. Depending on the experience of your installer and the extremity of the haunting, you can add at least a week to your installation time frame and potentially cancellation of the job.
Installation of magnetic boiler filter
A magnetic boiler filter will go a long way to prolonging the life of your heating system and help to keep it running more efficiently. These filters catch a great deal of rust and other unwanted depositories and stop them from flowing through your boiler and radiators etc where they'll clot and cause boiler problems in the future. Expect approximately 2 hours for the installation.
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