Things to know before your new boiler is installed

Preparing for the installation of your new boiler

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

Ensure the area directly around the old boiler 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's 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 contractor will begin by ordering the new boiler 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 existing power supply is adequate, the new 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 Wi-Fi, allowing for seamless integration with our ViCare app for smartphone or tablet. This feature offers a range of homeowner tools including remote boiler 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 providing peace of mind no matter where you are.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of installing a new boiler?

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 Outdated technology and improperly sized systems not only waste a significant amount of energy, but also contribute to climate change by needlessly releasing harmful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

Homeowners may be able to save up to 30% on their annual heating bills by replacing an outdated boiler with a new high-efficiency heating system. 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 heating system is no longer working can cause significant hardship in the colder months, leaving you without heat during the installation process.

If you know that your system is older than 15 years or has been having problems, addressing it sooner rather than later can prevent an emergency situation which 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 do-it-yourself with things they never would have considered before. However, installing a new heating system should never be attempted without the proper qualifications.

Combustion systems that use oil or gas must always be installed and serviced by licensed mechanical contractors only. Installation work done by unqualified personnel may result in catastrophic consequences 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 or system boiler, fuel type, etc.
• Type of home  – the size, configuration and number of heating zones.
• How much of the system is being replaced.  
• Labor costs.

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