Central heating installations should be relatively straightforward but there are some important things to consider.
Selection – preliminary
There are many sorts of central heating systems out there. Modern approved systems are all designed to high standards and should be considered safe – providing that a qualified heating engineer (e.g. registered with appropriate bodies such as the Gas Safe Register) installs and commissions them and they are then regularly maintained.
The range of choice may appear bewildering and that’s why it is important not to dive in and make a selection based exclusively upon price alone.
Remember, for example, that some central heating installations may have higher annual running costs than others or have greener carbon footprints etc. Make sure that you understand the estimated annual running costs of any systems that are competing for your attention.
Some heating systems may be intrinsically better suited to some properties and environments than others. This means that they may all have their pros and cons relative to your individual situation.
A qualified gas central heating engineer will always be pleased to give you some initial advice and guidance as to what he or she thinks would be the most suitable for your particular property.
Design/purchase of central heating installations
Ordering a boiler, a few radiators and some pipework, then hoping that they’ll all somehow go together, would be exactly how not to do it!
Designing the specifics of central heating systems is a skilled job.
Your engineer will typically advise you as to the type and size of boiler you’ll need, the size of pipes needed, where the pipe runs will be best placed plus how many radiators you’ll need and where, in order to get a warm, comfortable house.
Once you have the design and plan in place, you and your engineer will be ready to place your order against an exact specification.
Central heating installs
The exact procedure will vary depending upon the solution you’ve chosen plus the nature of your property etc.
It is always a good idea to take references before you either accept a company’s recommendations relating to your heating system or allow them to install one for you.
Check exactly what the work will involve. It may, for example, be necessary for them to drill holes in certain walls, floors and ceilings. In some cases they may need to remove panelling or floor coverings.
Make sure also that the price of clearing up or the restoration/re-fitting of anything removed, is built into the price of any central heating installs you’re considering if you cannot do this yourself..
Finally, before finally agreeing to the contract, it might be advisable to check that the installer you’re using has the capability to support and maintain the system once it is in place.
Central heating installations are important, so take the time to make sure that you have selected a suitable solution that is installed in the correct fashion.