Get a Boiler Quote: What to Look For, What to Avoid, and How to Get it Right
Not all boiler quotes are the same — and choosing the wrong one can cost you thousands over the life of your boiler. This guide tells you exactly what a proper boiler quote should include, what red flags to watch out for, and how to compare quotes fairly so you make the right decision for your home.
Next Gen Boilers Ltd have carried out hundreds of boiler installations across Greater Manchester. We know what good looks like — and we know the corners that too many installers cut. Use this guide to protect yourself before you commit to anything.
Call us: 07305 687 331 — Gas Safe registered engineers serving Greater Manchester.
What Every Proper Boiler Quote Must Include
A genuine all-inclusive boiler quote should cover every element of the job. Here is the checklist:
- The boiler itself — named brand, model number, output size (kW) and efficiency rating
- All installation labour — fitting, commissioning, flue, connections, controls
- A new room thermostat — legally required with a new boiler installation since 2018 Building Regulations. If a quote doesn't include it, you'll be charged later.
- A magnetic system filter — protects your new boiler from circulating sludge. Without one, most manufacturers will not honour the warranty.
- A chemical flush — cleans your existing system before the new boiler goes in. Skipping this can cut boiler life by years.
- Old boiler removal and disposal — some companies charge £50–£100 extra for this.
- A Gas Safe certificate — legally required and issued on completion. Do not accept any installer who doesn't provide one.
- Warranty registration — your installer should register the warranty with the manufacturer on your behalf on installation day.
At Next Gen Boilers Ltd, every quote includes all of the above as standard. The price we show is the price you pay — nothing added on the day.
Red Flags to Watch for in a Boiler Quote
These are warning signs that a quote may not be what it seems:
- No model number specified — a vague "Worcester Bosch combi" quote could mean any model. Always ask for the exact model number and check it independently.
- No thermostat included — this alone costs £100–£250. If it's not in the quote, you'll be asked for it on the day.
- Suspiciously low headline price — quotes under £1,300 almost always exclude key items. Check the small print carefully.
- No Gas Safe registration number — every gas engineer must be Gas Safe registered. Check their number at GasSafeRegister.co.uk before agreeing to anything.
- Payment demanded in cash only — a professional company will always accept card or bank transfer and provide a proper VAT invoice.
- No written quote — always get the price in writing, via email or a formal quotation document. Verbal quotes are not worth the air they're spoken into.
- No warranty details — a reputable installer will clearly state the warranty period and explain whether they are an accredited installer for the brand (required for the full manufacturer warranty term).
Why Boiler Quote Prices Vary So Much
You might get quotes ranging from £1,200 to £3,000 for what sounds like the same job. Here is why:
- What is included — the single biggest factor. An all-inclusive quote at £1,999 can be cheaper overall than a "supply only" quote at £1,400 once you add thermostat, filter, flush and removal.
- Boiler brand and model — an Alpha E-Tec starts from £1,699. A Viessmann Vitodens starts from £2,199. Both are good boilers for different budgets.
- Installer accreditation — Worcester Bosch accredited installers can offer a 10 year warranty. Non-accredited installers can only offer the standard 2–5 year term. This difference alone is often worth £200–£300 in warranty value.
- Job complexity — a like-for-like replacement where the new boiler goes exactly where the old one was costs less than a conversion or a relocation.
- National vs local — national online platforms like BOXT and Heatable carry higher overhead costs than a local installer. We match their prices without their overhead, meaning your money goes further.
How to Compare Two Boiler Quotes Fairly
To compare quotes accurately, check all of these for each quote:
- Exact boiler model and output (kW)
- Is a thermostat included? What type?
- Is a magnetic filter included?
- Is a chemical flush included?
- Is old boiler removal included?
- Is the Gas Safe certificate included?
- What is the warranty period — and is the installer manufacturer-accredited?
- What is the payment schedule and method?
- Is VAT included in the price?
Only once you have the answers to all nine questions can you fairly compare two quotes on price. Our quotes answer all nine upfront — no chasing required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I prepare before getting a boiler quote?
Helpful information to have ready: your property type (house, flat, bungalow), number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, your current boiler brand and model (usually on a label on the front or side), and whether it is a combi, system or conventional boiler. A photo of your current boiler and any error codes it is showing is also very helpful. You don't need any of this for our online quote tool — it will ask you the right questions — but having it ready speeds things up.
Do I need a site survey before getting a quote?
For a standard like-for-like combi boiler replacement, no site survey is required. Our online quote is accurate and fixed. For conversions (e.g. conventional to combi), boiler relocations or complex system changes, we may want to visit the property first — but this is always free of charge and comes with no obligation.
Can I trust an online boiler quote?
Yes — if it comes from a reputable Gas Safe registered company with a track record of reviews. Our online quotes are fixed all-inclusive prices. We do not use them as a foot-in-the-door with a low number, then add costs on the day. What you see is what you pay.
How long is a boiler quote valid for?
Our quotes are valid for 30 days. Boiler prices can move with manufacturer price changes, so we do not guarantee pricing beyond this period — but in practice, prices rarely change significantly in the short term.