Replacing your boiler

When we replace your boiler, first we’ll remove the old boiler and any associated fittings.

Your new boiler will be energy-efficient, and normally fitted in the same place as your old boiler.

If you have a back boiler, which sits inside a chimney breast, we’ll close the gap it’s left behind. Then, we’ll fit a new gas boiler in a different location which you’ve agreed to.

If your radiators don’t have thermostatic valves (which let you adjust the temperature), we’ll fit these along with new heating and hot water controls. We will also fit a carbon monoxide detector.

We’ll contact you to let you know about plans to replace your boiler, and which of our contractors will be carrying out the work.

Our contractor will get in touch to introduce themselves and explain what sort of work they’ll be doing. They’ll let you know if you have any choices, and clarify how long they expect the work to take. They’ll also put you in touch with a liaison officer who will chat to you about any access arrangements and contact you before the work starts. They will be your main point of contact for any general questions you might have.

From time to time there might be unexpected changes to the schedule. We’ll keep you posted if this happens.

If you have any questions about your boiler being replaced, please get in touch.

Asbestos surveys

Before the work starts, we might also want to carry out an asbestos survey in your home. This is a routine safety check, and nothing to worry about.

We need to check there’s no hidden asbestos which could be disturbed when work is being carried out. If we do need to do a survey, our specialist contractor Environtec will contact you directly. If any damage is caused, we will repair it when the work is finished.

Not every home needs an asbestos survey.

The liaison officer will contact you before the work starts to tell you what you need to do.

This may include:

• emptying the cupboards under your sink
• clearing the kitchen to allow the contractor access
• clearing the loft area to allow the contractor access

If you have any special needs which make it difficult for you to lift or move large items, our contractor may agree to move furniture or flooring for you.

However, they can’t accept any liability for damage to your belongings so they might ask you to sign a form to say you agree to this.

It will take one day to fit your new boiler.

When the work’s finished, our contractor and planned works project manager might need to come to your home to inspect the completed work.

Replacing your boiler shouldn’t cause you too much disturbance. You can stay in your home while it’s being carried out, and your family will have at least one room where you can be undisturbed.

You’ll normally be without heating and hot water for one day. If you end up without heating overnight, our contractor will give you temporary heaters.

Our contractor will follow safe working practices at all times.

The safety of you and your family, and our contractors, is our top priority. Your upgrade will be fully supervised by a site manager through to completion.

Our contractors should always wear the correct PPE, (personal protective equipment) but if you’ve got any concerns this isn’t happening, let us know – we’ll never risk your safety, and neither should our contractors.

If you have any questions or would like more information, just drop us a line via our Contact us page.

Every 12 months, we’ll visit your home to carry out gas safety checks on the gas appliances we’ve provided in your home. We must carry out this check by law to make sure the appliances are safe and in good working order, and it’s really important we do this every year.

When you’re due for a gas safety check, our contractor will write to you to arrange a suitable appointment.

You must let a contractor come into your home to carry out a gas safety check – otherwise, you could be endangering your household and your neighbours. Afterwards, you’ll get a landlord gas safety certificate.

If you’re a homeowner, you’ll most likely be responsible for repairing and maintaining your home, which will include your boiler.

However, if you do want to replace it yourself, you might still need our permission before you start.

You can find out more information about upgrading your home in your agreement. If you are unsure about what your agreement says, please contact us and a member of the leasehold and homeownership team will get back to you.