Thinking about getting a new boiler but not sure what to expect from the initial home survey? You’re not alone! As a heating engineer who’s been working across Surrey and South West London for nearly two decades, I’ve conducted thousands of these surveys, and I’m here to walk you through exactly what happens when we pop round to size up your heating requirements.
Why Do We Need a Home Survey Anyway?
Before we can recommend the perfect boiler for your home, we need to understand your property’s specific needs. Each home is unique – from the Victorian terraces in Richmond to the modern flats in Weybridge – and a proper survey ensures you get a system that’s just right, not one that’s oversized (wasting your money) or undersized (leaving you chilly on winter mornings).
What to Expect When We Arrive
When our engineer knocks on your door, kettle on if you fancy, but don’t worry about tidying up! We’ve seen it all, from immaculate Kingston townhouses to chaotic family homes in Guildford with kids’ toys scattered everywhere.
First things first, we’ll have a proper chat about your current heating system. What’s working well? What’s not? Are there rooms that never seem to warm up properly? Do you run out of hot water when everyone needs a morning shower? These insights help us understand how you use your heating.
The Technical Bits
Then we’ll roll up our sleeves and get stuck into the nitty-gritty:
- Current Boiler Assessment: We’ll check your existing boiler’s condition, age, and efficiency. Sometimes a boiler service and repair might be all you need, saving you the cost of a full replacement.
- Heat Load Calculation: This isn’t just a rough guess! We measure your home’s dimensions and assess how much heat you’ll need to stay toasty. This includes counting radiators, measuring room sizes, and checking your insulation levels.
- Water Pressure Check: A crucial step for ensuring your new boiler will work properly. If your pressure’s low, we might recommend solutions before installation.
- Pipework Inspection: We’ll need to look at your existing pipework to determine if it’s suitable for your new system or if upgrades are needed. This includes checking pipe diameters, materials, and the overall configuration.
- Flue Assessment: Where your boiler vents is strictly regulated for safety reasons. We’ll confirm whether your current flue position complies with regulations or explore alternative locations if needed.
- Location Options: Not keen on your boiler’s current spot? We can discuss moving your boiler to a more convenient location. Many customers in Esher and Chertsey opt to relocate theirs during installations.
Discussing Your Hot Water Needs
Do you have a growing family in Woking with teenagers who spend ages in the shower? Or are you a couple in a Cobham flat who rarely use hot water simultaneously? Understanding your usage patterns helps us recommend the right system type:
- A combi boiler might be perfect for smaller households with modest hot water demands
- A system or conventional boiler could better serve larger homes where multiple taps might be running at once
Talking Through the Options
Once we’ve gathered all this information, we’ll talk you through the various types of gas boilers that would work well for your home. We won’t bombard you with technical jargon – promise! Instead, we’ll explain the benefits in plain English, focusing on:
- Energy efficiency: How different energy efficiency ratings translate to savings on your bills
- Reliability: The brands with the best track records (we’re Worcester Bosch accredited installers, but we’ll always discuss all appropriate options)
- Warranties: What protection you’ll get and how servicing maintains your warranty
Discussing Costs and Finance Options
Let’s be straight – a new boiler is a significant investment. But during our survey, we’ll provide a transparent breakdown of all costs including:
- The boiler unit itself
- Installation labour
- Any additional components required
- System flushing if needed
- Removal and disposal of your old boiler
Don’t worry if the upfront cost seems daunting – many of our customers in Surrey and South West London opt for our flexible finance options. During the survey, we can explore whether you’d prefer to spread the cost over monthly payments, often working out at less than what you’ll save on your energy bills.
The Written Quote
After the survey, you’ll receive a detailed written quote – typically within 24 hours. There’s absolutely no pressure to decide on the spot. We believe in giving you all the information you need to make the right choice for your home and budget.
Ready for Your Home Survey?
A proper home survey is the foundation of a successful boiler installation. It typically takes between 45 minutes to an hour and saves headaches down the line by ensuring you get exactly the right system for your needs.
If you’re in Surrey or South West London and thinking it might be time for a new boiler, book an appointment for a free, no-obligation survey. Our friendly team covers everywhere from Twickenham to Epsom, and we’d be delighted to help you stay warm and save on those energy bills.
