What to ask before replacing your boiler

Start with the reason for replacement

Tell the contractor what prompted the conversation: a repair history, a change in comfort, a planned renovation or a recommendation from a service visit. Gather any previous service paperwork. If you do not know the system’s age or model, say so; you do not need to guess.

Write down what you want answered before the estimate. That might be whether a repair is still an option, what equipment is being proposed, or how the work would affect use of the house.

Compare the whole scope

Ask for the equipment make and model, the work included and any exclusions. If two proposals differ, find out whether they cover the same job before comparing the totals.

• What existing equipment would be removed, and is disposal included?
• What piping, controls or other installation work is included?
• Are any related jobs excluded or left for another contractor?
• What would require an additional approval or a revised estimate?

These are questions to clarify a proposal, not a promise that every item is included in a Thibodeau’s estimate.

Ask what an efficiency rating means

ENERGY STAR identifies AFUE as a measure of heating-equipment efficiency. Ask the contractor to explain the proposed model’s rating and why that equipment fits your home. A product rating is not a personalized fuel-bill forecast.

Reference: ENERGY STAR’s boiler guide.

Agree on the next steps

Ask about the proposed schedule, access to the work area, any interruption to heating or hot water, payment terms, and the written equipment and workmanship coverage. Have the contractor explain any point you do not understand before approving the work.

Keep the final estimate with the invoice, model information and service records. Those documents will be more useful later than trying to remember a conversation.

Have a question about your home?

Call Thibodeau’s about your equipment and the work you want to discuss. Confirm coverage, availability and any service-visit charge directly.