Frequently asked questions

What's included in a UKEM boiler installation?
You get the boiler and flue, full system power flush, magnetic filter, all required pipework, and Gas Safe registration. UKEM Group adds a 2-year workmanship warranty on our labour; the manufacturer warranty is 7 years on Ideal Logic 2 or up to 10 years on Ideal Vogue Max and Worcester Bosch Greenstar models, depending on registration.
How much does a new boiler cost?
A UKEM quote covers the boiler, flue, flush, filter, Gas Safe certification, and both warranties in one figure. The number depends on the model and whether you need a combi swap, a system conversion, or a heat-only replacement. Use the online quote tool and you will see a full breakdown in minutes with no obligation.
Which boiler type is right for my home?
Combi boilers suit most homes with 1-2 bathrooms: they heat water on demand with no cylinder. Heat-only boilers pair with a cylinder and suit larger homes or low mains pressure. We size the output in kW from your heat load and hot water demand, typically 24-30 kW for an average house combi.
How long does a boiler installation take?
From accepting your quote to installation is usually 3-5 days. On site, a combi swap is often 1 day; a regular-to-combi conversion is typically 1-2 days because of tank removal and extra pipework. We confirm the date before we start.
What warranty do I get?
Every job includes a 2-year workmanship warranty on our installation work. Manufacturer cover is 7 years on Ideal Logic 2 or up to 10 years on Ideal Vogue Max and Worcester Bosch Greenstar lines when registered correctly. Keep annual servicing to protect both warranties.
What brands do you install?
UKEM Group installs Ideal Heating and Worcester Bosch only. Combi lines include Ideal Logic 2 (30-35 kW, 7-year warranty), Ideal Vogue Max (26-40 kW, up to 10-year warranty), and Worcester Bosch Greenstar 4000 (25-30 kW) and 8000+ (32-50 kW, up to 10-year warranty). We also supply heat-only models from both brands.
Do you offer finance?
Yes. You can spread the cost with fixed monthly payments, including 0% interest-free credit over 36 months on boilers, or 9.9%APR Representative over up to 15 years. Finance is arranged through our FCA-authorised principal with clear terms. Subject to status and affordability.
Should I consider a heat pump instead of a boiler?
Air source heat pumps use roughly a third of the input energy of a gas boiler for the same heat output and can qualify for up to £7,500 off through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme when the property is eligible. They suit well-insulated homes. A new gas boiler remains sensible where gas is already in place, insulation is limited, or upfront cost is the priority. We install both and can compare options.
Where do you install?
We install across England, Scotland, and Wales (UK mainland). When you request a quote we confirm coverage for your postcode and typical lead times in the 3-5 day range for boilers.
Are there grants for replacing a gas boiler?

There is no UK grant for a like-for-like gas-to-gas boiler swap. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme only funds heat pump replacements. If you are on a low income or qualifying benefits, the ECO4 scheme and the upcoming Warm Homes Plan can cover boiler-related upgrades. Our 2026 grants guide walks through every option.

Will a new boiler save me money on energy bills?

Yes, in most cases. A modern condensing boiler runs at around 90% efficiency, compared with 60-70% on older non-condensing units. The bill saving depends on your existing boiler's age and condition, your insulation, and how you use heating. Older G-rated units replaced with an A-rated condensing model typically deliver the biggest reduction. See our new boiler guide.

Are gas boiler costs going up?

Boiler prices have moved upward in recent years. Two drivers stand out: rising wholesale gas and component costs, and the Clean Heat Market Mechanism, which requires manufacturers to sell a quota of heat pumps (8% in Year 2) or pay a per-unit penalty. That cost tends to filter into boiler list prices. Replacing now locks in current pricing. Browse the boilers hub for options.

Do I need a power flush?

For most boiler replacements, yes. Modern condensing boilers have narrower heat exchangers and are more sensitive to sludge and debris from older pipework. A full power flush protects the new boiler, helps maintain efficiency, and is usually required by the manufacturer to validate the warranty. Every UKEM boiler installation includes a power flush as standard.

Can I keep my existing radiators?

Usually yes. Most radiators work with a new gas boiler as long as they are in sound condition and properly sized for each room. Our engineer carries out a heat-loss check on survey day to confirm the radiator output matches the heat demand. If a radiator is undersized or corroded we will flag it before installation so there are no surprises.

Is a smart thermostat included?

Many of the boilers we install include or recommend a smart thermostat, and we fit one as part of the upgrade where it makes sense. A good smart thermostat can save around 10-15% on heating bills through better scheduling, geofencing, and room-by-room control. Your quote shows whether a thermostat is included or available as an add-on.

Combi vs system vs regular: which do I actually need?

Quick rule of thumb: combi for 1-2 bathroom homes with decent mains pressure (no tank, hot water on demand). System for 2-3 bathrooms or homes that need stored hot water but want a sealed setup. Regular (heat-only) for larger homes, low mains pressure, or where the existing cylinder and tank layout stays. See our full comparison guide.

Do I need a Gas Safe registered installer?

Yes, this is legally required in the UK. Anyone working on gas appliances in your home must be on the Gas Safe Register. Unregistered work is illegal, unsafe, and invalidates your boiler warranty and home insurance. Every UKEM engineer is Gas Safe registered, and we provide the Building Regulations notification after every install.

Hydrogen-ready boilers: are they worth waiting for?

For most homes, no. The rollout of hydrogen home heating in the UK is uncertain and unlikely to reach most households this decade. Modern condensing boilers are already partially compatible with hydrogen blends up to 20% in the gas grid, so you are not locked out by replacing now. If hydrogen heating arrives, the conversion path is straightforward. See the heat pumps page for a lower-carbon alternative available today.

How long does a gas boiler last?

A modern gas boiler typically lasts 10-15 years with annual servicing. Lifespan depends on water quality, system cleanliness, usage patterns, and how well it was installed. Annual servicing protects the manufacturer warranty and catches small faults before they become breakdowns. Once a boiler is past 12 years and starting to fail, replacement is usually more cost-effective than ongoing repairs.

How does pay monthly work for a new boiler?

Once your quote is agreed, you apply for finance online with our FCA-authorised lender. You choose a term that fits your budget and pay a fixed amount each month by direct debit. The full installation cost is settled with us by the lender, so your engineer fits the boiler as normal. See our finance page for the full process and eligibility.

Will applying for boiler finance affect my credit score?

The initial eligibility check is a soft search, which is not visible to other lenders and has no effect on your score. If you proceed with a full application, the lender then runs a hard search, which is recorded on your credit file. We always show the soft-search outcome first so you can decide before any hard footprint is left. Full detail on the finance page.

Will I need a deposit for boiler finance?

A deposit is not always required. Some plans are zero-deposit and others ask for a contribution upfront, which can reduce the monthly payment or the total amount borrowed. The lender confirms what is available once you complete the soft-search check. You can put down more than the minimum if you prefer. Visit our finance page for the current options.

Can I pay off boiler finance early without penalty?

Yes. Under FCA-regulated consumer credit, you have the right to settle your agreement early at any time. On 0% interest-free plans there is nothing extra to pay, you simply clear the remaining balance. On interest-bearing plans you receive an interest rebate for the unused term, so you only pay interest for the time you held the finance. Ask the lender for a settlement figure when you are ready.

Who provides the finance for a UKEM boiler?

UKEM Group is a credit broker, not a lender. Finance agreements are provided by an FCA-authorised lender we work with as part of our regulated panel. You receive the full pre-contract information, APR, total payable, and your right to withdraw before you sign. Credit is subject to status and affordability. The finance page sets out the lender details and our disclosure in full.

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