FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Boiler Installations

What is the average costs of a new boiler installation?

It’s difficult to give an average cost, because there are so many factors – from the type of boiler you’re having installed to the system you’re having replaced. However, our prices start from as little as £1,450 for a new boiler – and you can use our free boiler quote tool to get a better idea of what it will cost for your home.

When do boilers need replacing?

There’s no such thing as a set deadline for when you need a new boiler. We don’t agree with the “every 10 to 15 years” rule – it’s more about how well it’s operating than how old it is.

There are plenty of symptoms that your boiler may need a service or repair – you can read a full list here.

How do I dispose of my old boiler?

It’s best to check with your local authority – you may be able to take it down the tip, or they may come and collect it for you. However, if you use WYGS for a boiler re-fit, we’ll take away the old one as part of the service.

Can I install my own boiler?

We would advise against installing your own boiler unless you’re a gas-safe engineer! In fact, it’s illegal to do so if you’re not gas-safe registered. Even if you’ve got some experience with plumbing jobs around the home, installing a boiler is a lot more complex, and its best left to the professionals.

What boilers are energy efficient?

Newer condensing and combi boilers are generally much more energy efficient than older models, and every boiler will have its own rating that you can check before purchase. There are many ways you can make your home energy efficient beyond boiler choice – click here to find out more.

Can you install a boiler in a bedroom?

You can install a boiler just about anywhere, provided the right pipework reaches the location. Moving the pipework to relocate your boiler will add to the overall installation cost.

If you’re installing a boiler in a bedroom, it will need to be room-sealed so it expels waste outside – which most are. There are a few other rules, which we’ll quote directly from the HSE – you can’t have the following in a bedroom:

• A gas fire, gas space heater or a gas water heater (including a gas boiler) over 14 kilowatts gross input unless it is room sealed.
• A gas fire, gas space heater, or a gas water heater (including a gas boiler) of 14 kilowatts gross input or less or any instantaneous water heater unless it is room sealed or has an atmosphere-sensing device.

You might also want to consider the noise – boilers can be loud enough to interrupt light sleepers!

Can you install a boiler outside?

External oil boilers are a popular heating solution for homes not connected to the gas network, but you would otherwise want to avoid having a boiler installed outside. Even in a garage, the environment can be too cold, leading to pipes freezing.

Central heating systems

Which central heating system is best?

The “best” central heating system depends on your home and your budget, so there’s no easy answer. The two options we tend to recommend for most homes are gas central heating or a system that involves renewable energy.

Each type has pros and cons, and if you’d like to discuss these then you can always contact us!

Why won’t my central heating come on?

There are a few reasons why this might be happening. The most common culprit is boiler pressure – have a read of our guide to what you need to do to check your pressure. If that’s not the answer, give us a call!

How do I bleed central heating radiators?

Over time, radiators can get full of air, meaning water can’t fill them properly. When this happens, the radiator won’t heat up properly – it’ll be warm at the bottom but cold at the top. Bleeding your radiators lets the air out.

You’ll need a radiator key – if you don’t have one already, any DIY store will have them. Turn off your heating and twist the key in the bolt at the top of your radiator. You’ll hear a hissing sound as the air leaves – when water starts to drip out, tighten the bolt again to close it up.

Why is the central heating noisy?

Clunking, popping, hissing and whirring sounds could be a sign that your boiler is in need of repair – persistent noise should be a warning to call in a plumber.

Household rewires

How do I test my household electrics?

There are a few different ways to test whether the electrics in your home are safe or not – and they’re quite straightforward:

• Check that plugs and sockets aren’t damaged – in particular, no scorch marks
• Check that leads and cables aren’t damaged – in particular, no fraying
• Check that lights are working correctly – a buzzing sound should be a warning sign that they’re not
• Check that plug sockets aren’t overloaded with extension leads
• Check that your main fuse box is protected by a residual current device – it should have the letters RCD on it

If you’re in any doubt, call an electrician.

How much should it cost to install new electrics in a house?

The cost of a rewire will vary greatly depending on the size of your house and the complexity of your system. However, our prices start at around £1,900.

Why would the electrics keep tripping?

If your fuse box (or circuit breaker, as they’re sometimes known) trips, it’s usually a quick fix. However, if it keeps happening, you might have a problem.

The most common problem is an overloaded circuit – too much electricity running on one circuit at the same time. To avoid this, turn things off when they’re not in use, and make sure electrical items aren’t all plugged in at the same socket.

Other causes can include a short circuit, where a wire gets crossed in a plug, caused by a loose connection or faulty wiring. A burning smell or scorch mark is a sure sign of this.