What to Know: Boiler Installation

Installing a new boiler or heating system is one of the more costly home expenses you will encounter, but can actually save you money and peace of mind in the long run. Understanding the installation process will help you know what to expect for a smooth transition when the time arrives. 

Preparing for the installation of your new boiler

Preparing for the installation starts with finding a contractor. Viessmann's contractor locator tool can help you find a professional in your area. Your heating professional can help you understand the state of your system and your options depending on your budget. Once you have made a decision and an agreement has been made with your contractor, it is a good idea to get things organized for the project. 

Ensure the area directly around the unit is clear and there is easy access to the nearest exit. You should also prepare for temporary loss of utilities such as water, gas, and electricity while the system is under construction. 

If you live somewhere that has hard winters, it is best to try to plan your installation in advance for ample time before the cold weather sets in to prevent a mid-season emergency. 

The installation

After agreeing on a product and project price, the heating engineer will begin by ordering the unit and accessories, and set a start date.

The contractor will make sure to protect the surrounding area for demolition day, and may need to prepare the existing or new space for the unit. The old boiler system will be disassembled and removed. What is left of the existing system will be flushed, and the pipework will be re-laid or reconfigured.

As long as the standing power supply is adequate, the boiler will be installed next. If the electrical system needs updating, an electrician may need to be brought in. The boiler will be connected to the rest of the system, any necessary accessories, and utilities.

The contractor will then begin the commissioning process before finally conducting a system test. Newer Viessmann products like the Vitodens 100-W and Vitodens 200-W are equipped with WiFi, allowing for seamless integration with Viessmann's ViCare app for smartphone or tablet. This feature offers a range of homeowner tools including remote boiler operation control, visualized fuel usage, and cost savings. In addition, homeowners can grant authorization to their heating professional to monitor and troubleshoot the system remotely, thus saving time and peace of mind no matter where you are.

Once the system installation is complete, the product will need to be registered with the manufacturer in order to properly maintain the unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to install a new boiler?

Many homes have heating systems that are 20 years of age or older. Outdated technology and improperly sized, older systems not only waste a significant amount of energy, but also contribute to climate change by needlessly releasing harmful CO₂ emissions.

Homeowners may be able to save up to 30% on their annual heating bills by replacing an outdated system with a gas-fired condensing boiler. Additionally, rebate incentives and significant environmental savings can be achieved from reduced CO₂ emissions.
 

Why should I consider installing a new boiler in the warmer spring and summer months?

Waiting until the system is no longer working can be a significant hardship in the colder months, leaving you without working heat during the installation process. 

If you know your system is older than 15 years or has been faulting, addressing it sooner rather than later can prevent an emergency situation which (of course) usually ends up happening at the worst possible time. Researching system options and heating professionals who can assess your specific needs now will save you both time and money in the long run. 

Contact a local heating contractor for a quote or to learn more about your own home heating options. 

Can I install a new boiler myself?

The accessibility of information on YouTube gives homeowners the idea to DIY things they never would have considered before, however installing a new system should never be attempted without the proper qualifications. 

Combustion systems run on oil and gas and have the potential for catastrophic consequences like an explosion that could endanger your family and home.

In addition, to retain proper warranty conditions, or receive rebates, most manufacturers require licensed contractors to register the products with their license information to ensure proper installation protocol.

How much does it cost to install a new boiler?

Boiler installation costs vary depending on a variety of factors including:

• Boiler type (combi, gas-fired, oil burning) 
• Type of home; size, configuration, thermostatic zones
• How much of the system is being replaced; replacement or converting 
• Labor costs

Learn more about the benefits of converting from oil to gas-fired boilers here.