Older buildings in London commonly have a back boiler system. Back boilers were common in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. With today’s modern choices, most homeowners are upgrading. A back boiler to combi change in London homes is one of the most popular heating system upgrades.
In this blog, I will break it down simply and share the following: what a back boiler is, why people replace them, what they get out of the swap, what the process and costs are, and other important considerations.
What Is a Back Boiler?
Your guess is as good as mine. It’s a heating system that goes behind some gas fireplaces. It’s common to find them in older London houses. Baxi & Glow-worm are popular back boiler manufacturers.
Back Boilers typically function with:
- A hot water cylinder (often located in an airing cupboard)
- A cold water storage tank (often located in the loft)
- They heat your home, and hot water is stored in a tank.
While back boilers were efficient in the past, they are now considered to be more outdated in terms of energy efficiency compared to present-day heating systems.
What Is a Combi Boiler?
A combi boiler (combination boiler) heats water from the mains supply, and therefore:
- No hot water tank
- No cold water storage tank
- Have hot water when you need it
Combi boilers are space-saving and often fitted in the kitchen, a cupboard, or a utility room. Popular brands in London properties include Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, and Ideal Heating.
Why Replace a Back Boiler with a Combi in London
Homeowners have multiple reasons for replacing a back boiler with a combi in London homes:
Improved Energy Efficiency
Back boilers have an efficiency of 60–70%, while modern combi boilers reach 90% efficiency. Using a combi means lower gas bills and less energy wasted.
More Available Space
Back boilers are located in:
- The fireplace
- The airing cupboard
- The loft (if tanks are taken out)
With London homes, and where space is needed, removing a back boiler is an advantage.
Better Water Pressure
Your showers will be better and hotter because combi boilers utilise mains pressure, meaning quicker access to hot water.
Simple Repairs
Back boiler parts are harder to find, while combi engineers are more familiar with modern parts.
Increased Property Value
With modern heating systems, London buyers have a preference for homes with modern heating systems. Back boiler to combi replacements make your home more modern.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replace Back Boilers with Combi Boilers in London Homes
It is not just as simple as replacing a boiler with a combi boiler. A standard procedure looks like this:
Step 1: Back Boiler Removal
The gas fire and boiler unit are detached from the fireplace.
Step 2: Tank Removal
The hot water cylinder and cold water tank are removed.
Step 3: New Combi Boiler Pipework
Pipework is renewed because of the new requirements of the combi boiler
Step 4. Combi Boiler Installation
The boiler is installed in a different, new location (usually the kitchen or cupboard).
Step 5. Heating System Flushing
The heating system is cleaned to remove sludge and debris.
Step 6: Final testing and Certification Issuance
The Gas Safe registered engineer certifies everything as functional or issues a statement of functionality.
How Much Does it Cost in London
Boiler replacements in London can be a bit more expensive than in other parts of the country.
Generally, replacing a back boiler with a combi typically looks like the following:
Approximate ranges:
£3,000 and £5,500
(Larger homes may cost more).
Factors that affect the cost include:
- The size of the property
- The brand of the boiler
- Pipework alterations
- Flue location
- The cost of labour in London compared to the rest of the UK is usually more expensive.
Things to Consider Before Replacing Back Boiler With Combi Boiler
Prior to replacing a back boiler with a combi in your London home, consider the following:
Main Water Pressure
Your installer should test this, as combi boilers depend on good mains pressure.
Number of Bathrooms
Combi boilers suit small to medium homes with one bathroom. If your house is larger with more than one bathroom, consider a system boiler.
Boiler Position
The new location is crucial for
- Flue positioning
- Servicing access
- Noise management
Building Rules
London installations are subject to UK Gas Safe regulations. The installations must be done by a trained professional.
Is It Worth Replacing a Back Boiler?
For the majority of London homeowners, the answer is yes!
Replacing a back boiler for a combi in London means:
- Better Efficiency,
- Lower Energy Bills,
- More Space,
- Modern Heating Performance
- Improved Property Appeal
All of these things will improve the modern appeal of your home and the performance of your heating system.
Upgrade with confidence – What London love about Touch of Heat
If you are about to replace a back boiler with a combi in London, selecting a suitable heating company is as important as selecting a suitable boiler.
This is where Touch of Heat becomes relevant.
Backed by many years of experience, Touch of Heat is a heating specialist in London that offers quality work, honest recommendations, and reliable service at every stage of the process.
Key features of Touch of Heat can be translated as:
- Conversions from back boiler to combi
- Installation of modern combi boilers
- Quick and efficient boiler service and repairs
- Engineers are Fully Gas Safe certified
- Straightforward and clear Pricing – no surprises
Conclusion
Back boilers were good for their time, but we’ve moved on. If you’re in London and have an old back boiler, getting a combi boiler will increase your comfort, efficiency, and even the value of your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the installation take?
Most of the time it takes 2 – 4 days. Larger houses with more complicated pipework take longer.
Will I lose my fireplace?
Yes. The old back boiler and the gas fires will be removed.
Is a combi boiler better than a back boiler?
Yes. Combi boilers are more energy efficient, save space, and even offer hot water.
Do I need good water pressure for a combi boiler?
Yes. Combi boilers work with mains pressure. Your installer will check this before the installation.
Is it messy replacing a back boiler?
The professional installers are very quick and do a great job at keeping the space clean and organised.