Questions Homeowners Often Have Before Boiler Installation

Many people do not have their boiler replaced more than a time or two during their life. Since this is not something you do often, it's probably not a process you are too familiar with. Here are some questions you might have as you prepare to have a new boiler installed.

What is a combi-boiler?

If your HVAC contractor is recommending something called a combi-boiler, they are referring to a unit that serves as both a hot water heater and a boiler. These have become more common in recent years. They save space since you only need to have one appliance, not two. Buying a combi-boiler can also be more affordable than buying a separate boiler and hot water heater. Is a combi-boiler the right choice for you? If you need a new hot water heater or will need one soon, it probably is a good choice. On the other hand, if your water heater is new and is functioning well, you may be better off just having a simple, standard boiler installed.

How do you know whether a boiler is energy-efficient?

Most boilers made today are fairly energy-efficient. You can tell how efficient a certain boiler is by looking at the AFUE. These initials stand for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. The AFUE indicates what percent of your fuel is converted to heat. If the AFUE is 98, that means 98% of the fuel is converted to heat. If the AFUE is 88, then that means only 88% of the fuel is converted to heat. A boiler with an AFUE of 88 is less efficient than one with an AFUE of 98. So, if efficiency is your priority, look for a boiler with as high an AFUE as possible.

How long will boiler installation take?

The answer to this question depends on how much work your installer has to do to your existing heating system. If the heating system is in good shape and is laid out appropriately for the new boiler, then the installation will probably only take one day. On the other hand, if the HVAC contractor has to make a lot of modifications to your system, installation may take a few days. Your HVAC contractor should be able to give you a fairly accurate timeline when they give you a quote.

With these questions answered, you should be better prepared to have a boiler installed. Before long, your home will be toasty and warm again. For more information on boiler installation, contact a professional near you.

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