Boiler Installations

A boiler is at the heart of a home, and for a good reason, it is the main component to your home’s heating system. Unfortunately, boilers break down and can be costly to repair, sometimes resulting in the need for a brand new boiler installation to guarantee a fully working boiler for the winter months. 

Here at Chalmers Plumbing & Heating, our gas and heating engineers will happily guide you through the process of repairing your boiler or installing a new one. Chalmers Plumbing & Heating are based in Glasgow and covers the Paisley, Clydebank and Cumbernauld areas.

Types of Boilers

Choosing the right type of boiler for your home is essential for both comfort and cost savings. If a boiler is undersized, it will struggle to meet your household’s heating and hot water demands, while an oversized boiler can waste energy and increase running costs. 

At Chalmers Plumbing & Heating, our Gas Safe registered heating engineers in Cumbernauld, Clydebank, Paisley, and Glasgow can guide you through the options and recommend the most suitable boiler for your property.

System Boilers

System boilers are designed for homes with higher hot water demands. They work with a separate hot water cylinder but don’t require a loft tank, which makes them more space-efficient than conventional systems.

• Best suited for larger properties with multiple bathrooms and radiators.
  
• Ideal for families where more than one tap or shower is often in use at the same time.
• Reliable hot water supply without the risk of pressure drops when multiple outlets are running.
• More efficient than older systems, especially when paired with modern heating controls.

Conventional Boilers

Conventional (or regular) boilers are the traditional choice for homes with older heating systems or properties that already have a hot water cylinder and loft tanks in place.

• Perfect for large households with several bathrooms, where a lot of hot water is needed at once.
• Compatible with older pipework and radiators, making them a strong option for period homes.
• Relies on two tanks – one for cold water and one for hot water storage – usually located in the loft and airing cupboard.
• Good option if water pressure is low, as they can store a large volume of hot water ready to use.

Combi Boilers

Combination (combi) boilers are the most popular choice in the UK, especially for smaller homes, flats, and modern properties. They provide both central heating and hot water directly from the mains, meaning no separate tank or cylinder is required.

• Compact and space-saving, ideal for properties with limited storage.
• Hot water on demand, so you never run out of supply.
• Less pipework is required, making installation quicker and often more affordable.
• Perfect for single-bathroom households, where hot water demand is lower and used at one outlet at a time.

What size boiler will I need?

When paying for a new boiler installation, another very important aspect is the size of the boiler required. The size of the boiler required for your home will vary from property to property. Different-sized houses, number of rooms and how many individuals live at the house all play a role in determining the size required. Our heating engineers here at Chalmers Plumbing & Heating will be able to assist you.

Generally speaking, the more radiators a house has, the higher the kilowatt output of a boiler is required. The output listed below can give you a rough guide to the size of boiler needed for an average-sized property.

24-27 kilowatts (kW) output

1-2 bedroom house with 1 bathroom. 7 plus radiators.

28-34 kilowatts (kW) output

3-4 bedroom house with 2 bathrooms. 10 plus radiators.

35-42 kilowatts (kW) output

4 plus bedrooms with 2 plus bathrooms. 14 plus radiators.

Looking for reliable boiler installation or boiler replacement in Cumbernauld?

We offer services carried out by fully qualified Gas Safe registered engineers. Call us today on 0141 3740274 or 07580020343, and one of our heating engineers will be happy to discuss your requirements. Our plumbers proudly serve Cumbernauld, Lenzie, Clydebank, Paisley, and Glasgow.

Frequently Asked Questions About Boilers

What type of boiler is best for my home?

The best boiler depends on your property size, water usage, and number of bathrooms. For smaller homes or flats, a combi boiler is often the most practical. Larger properties with multiple bathrooms may benefit more from a system or conventional boiler. 

Our heating engineers in Cumbernauld can carry out a full assessment and recommend the right solution.

How long does a boiler installation take?

A straightforward boiler replacement can usually be completed in one day. If you are switching to a different type of boiler system, for example, from a conventional to a combi, it may take two to three days as extra pipework and adjustments are needed.

Do I need planning permission to install a new boiler?

In most cases, no planning permission is required for a boiler installation or replacement. However, if you live in a listed building or conservation area, certain restrictions may apply. Our team will advise you if any permissions are needed.

How long will my new boiler last?

With regular servicing and maintenance, most modern boilers last between 10 and 15 years. Choosing a boiler from a trusted manufacturer and having it installed by Gas Safe engineers is the best way to ensure long-lasting performance.

What’s the difference between boiler installation and boiler replacement?

Boiler installation usually refers to fitting a new boiler into a property, whether it’s a first-time fit or a system upgrade. Boiler replacement is when an old or faulty boiler is removed and replaced with a new model, often improving efficiency and reliability.