Installing a new central heating system represents one of the most significant home improvements you can undertake, transforming your property’s comfort, efficiency, and value. As established heating engineers in Stirling, we understand that homeowners often feel uncertain about what the installation process involves. This comprehensive guide walks you through each stage, helping you prepare for a smooth installation experience and understand exactly what happens in your home.
Pre-Installation Survey and Planning (Day 1)
Before any physical work begins, our engineers conduct a thorough property survey. This crucial first step involves measuring rooms, assessing existing pipework, checking gas supply capacity, and evaluating your home’s insulation levels. We’ll discuss your heating preferences, identify the optimal boiler location, and plan radiator positions for maximum efficiency.
During this visit, we’ll also check your electrical supply, examine potential flue routes, and assess any structural considerations. This detailed planning phase ensures the installation runs smoothly and meets all current building regulations.
System Design and Material Ordering
Following the survey, we create a bespoke system design tailored to your home’s specific requirements. This includes calculating precise heat outputs for each room, selecting appropriate radiator sizes, and determining the optimal boiler specification. As we discussed in our article about choosing the right boiler size, proper sizing is crucial for efficiency and performance.
All materials are then ordered and delivered to our premises for quality checking before installation begins.
Installation Day 1: Preparation and First Fix
Installation typically begins with protecting your property using dust sheets and floor coverings. Our team arrives with all necessary tools, materials, and safety equipment.
Morning: We start by marking out radiator positions and pipe routes, then begin first-fix work. This involves running new pipework through floors, walls, and ceilings. Modern installations use reliable plastic piping systems that won’t corrode or scale up like older copper systems.
Afternoon: Radiator brackets are fitted, and the boiler location is prepared. If you’re upgrading from an old system, we’ll safely disconnect and remove the existing boiler, ensuring proper disposal of all components.
The first day typically concludes with all major pipework installed and radiator positions prepared, though the system isn’t yet operational.
Installation Day 2: Boiler Installation and Connection
Morning: The new boiler is carefully positioned and secured, with all gas, water, and electrical connections made by our Gas Safe registered engineers. The flue system is installed, ensuring safe combustion gas removal whilst meeting all current regulations.
Afternoon: Radiators are hung and connected to the new pipework. Each radiator is fitted with thermostatic radiator valves, allowing precise temperature control in individual rooms. The system is then filled with water and initial pressure testing begins.
Installation Day 3: Testing and Commissioning
The final day focuses on comprehensive system testing and commissioning. This critical phase ensures everything operates safely and efficiently.
System Flushing: The entire system receives a thorough power flush to remove any installation debris, ensuring clean water circulation that protects your new components.
Pressure Testing: All joints and connections undergo rigorous pressure testing to verify system integrity. We test at pressures significantly higher than normal operating levels to ensure long-term reliability.
Gas Safety Checks: Comprehensive gas safety testing includes checking for leaks, verifying correct gas pressures, and ensuring proper combustion. All tests must meet Gas Safe standards before the system can be commissioned.
Performance Verification: We test the boiler’s operation through multiple heating cycles, verify thermostat operation, and ensure all radiators heat evenly. Each room’s temperature is checked to confirm the system meets design specifications.
Final Handover and Documentation
Once all testing is complete, we provide comprehensive handover documentation including:
- Gas Safety Certificate confirming safe installation
- Manufacturer warranties and service information
- Operating instructions for your new system
- Maintenance recommendations and service schedules
We’ll demonstrate your new controls, explain optimal operating procedures, and answer any questions about your system’s operation. As highlighted in our post about preparing for boiler installation, understanding your new system ensures maximum benefit from your investment.
What Makes Our Installation Different
Our systematic approach ensures minimal disruption whilst maintaining the highest quality standards. We clean up meticulously each day, communicate progress clearly, and address any concerns immediately.
Unlike some installers who rush through jobs, we allocate sufficient time for proper testing and commissioning. This thorough approach prevents future problems and ensures optimal system performance from day one.
Post-Installation Support
Your relationship with us doesn’t end when installation is complete. We provide ongoing support, annual servicing, and prompt response to any queries about your new system.
Most installations are covered by comprehensive warranties, and we’re always available to address any concerns or provide additional advice about optimising your heating system’s performance.
Professional Central Heating Installation
At Morland and Martin, we’ve completed thousands of central heating installations across Central Scotland over four decades. Our experienced team ensures every installation meets the highest standards whilst minimising disruption to your daily routine.
If you’re considering a new central heating system, contact our heating engineers in Stirling for a comprehensive consultation. We’ll assess your requirements, provide transparent pricing, and deliver a professional installation that transforms your home’s comfort and efficiency.