‘There’s one thing it’s essential to do that winter – and one place makes it simpler than ever’
It’s been a long summer, but as winter nights quickly draw in there’s one thing you need to get sorted as soon as possible – and BOXT are here to help
This is your sign to check your boiler(Image: Getty Images)
I’ll admit I’ve been wrapped up in the long hot summer the UK has been graced with this year. I’ve since been blatantly trying to ignore the incoming chill but I fear it snuck up on me despite my best efforts.
If there’s one thing that British winters of past have taught me it’s that central heating is quite literally the key. But last winter unfortunately caught me off guard with my embarrassingly ancient 25-year-old boiler. The heating was loud, inconsistent and most importantly – very bad.
So naturally, that is exactly why I decided to bite the bullet and invest in a far newer model. But don’t be fooled, this decision came with plenty of hesitancy and dawdling. Getting any work done in the house always feels like a mammoth task, so my logic was simple: why not do it with a company where the entire process is smooth and completely hassle-free?
I received a free Hive thermostat as part of the process
In this endeavour, I went with cooling and heating specialists BOXT to install my new boiler and it has been a game-changer. They helped me choose and install a new Worcester Bosch and the difference has been night and day since they left.
Here is my honest review of both the fitting service and the unit itself…
The consultation process
So I’ve decided to get a new boiler, but the question remains: which do I choose? Heating related jargon is a minefield at the best of times, but when looking for a complete boiler rehaul with all bells and whistles included, it can be massively intimidating.
That is why BOXT’s consultation process was one of the reasons I decided to choose them. After initially reaching out, I was contacted by their specialist team who subsequently set up a video call with me. This isn’t necessary for all customers, but I’d highly recommend it.
During the call, a very friendly member of the team will take you through their boiler selection process. Again, you can do this yourself online with ease, but talking through the questions proved most helpful.
There I was asked which model of boiler I had and which I would like as well as other questions such as ‘where is the flue’ and ‘would the engineer be able to access the boiler’. I would have to thank BOXT for their endless patience as I had to run off multiple times during the call to check for the needed information.
I was spoken through water hardness, technicalities and different models with expertise and kindness. Finally, I was taken through to a page with a selection of boilers to choose from as well as guidance on additional services, such as chemical washes and water hardness modifications.
After I made my decision, I was instantly taken to a page with quotes, able to ask and final questions and make my final agreements.
BOXT helped find me a suitable date, with availability the next day! I’m informed that have 1000 engineers with them, meaning you’ll never have to wait long.
The call took no longer than half an hour and I left suitably informed about heating and assured about what to expect on fitting day.
Before the fitting
BOXT don’t just ditch you after the call. Following the meeting, I was sent assurances that I still had time to change my answers.
They ask for pictures of various parts around your house, such as your gas meter and where the gas engineer will need to access. You can do this until 2pm the day before they’re due to arrive.
The day before, you get given a time the engineer would arrive by as well as the name of the worker. Helpfully, their tea and coffee preferences are also listed. A nice touch.
All this information left me feeling assured and it was also noted that it doesn’t matter if you get things wrong on the call, there’s still plenty of time to amend.
The day of the fitting
The boiler was helpfully fitted around the house work
Having tradespeople in the house can sometimes feel chaotic, but the BOXT engineer was a breath of fresh air. The process from the initial online booking to the post-installation check-up was incredibly smooth.
Marcin Lampart, from ML Climate Solutions, was a credit to the BOXT team. He arrived on time and made sure he left no mess behind.
He was thorough in his explanations and also friendly. Of course, it wouldn’t be a work in my house without something going wrong.
Marcin discovered a gas leak in my home. Luckily, he managed to identify the issue and safely cut it off, meaning the boiler could be installed safely and correctly, giving my complete peace of mind.
Despite the set backs, he continued his work and even popped out to collect a pipe for me. He finished in a punctual manner, even replacing my radiator valves and performing a chemical wash to clear out my system.
He treated my home with respect, routing the pipework neatly and ensuring everything was securely connected and tested before they even thought about packing up. Having a company that sorts everything from A to Z really takes the stress out of the upgrade.
Marcin even informed me the fitting was for a ‘VIP’. Whether that’s the same for everyone or not frankly matters not, he made me feel at ease and made sure to explain the system completely before he left.
Finally, he set up a Hive system meaning my heating can now be controlled from my phone and from a smart thermometer. I can even start it while I’m heading back from work and heat up the house before I get in.
Since BOXT left
If you’re still avoiding the upheaval of getting a new boiler installed, take this as your sign to stop and get it sorted with BOXT. It is a total gamechanger.
With the inevitable drop in temperatures, making sure your boiler is safe and updated is so important. Upgrading your home with BOXT takes all the headache out of the process, leaving you with a perfectly warm house, a tidy installation, and zero buyer’s remorse.
And after they leave, you’re given great advice on how to maintain your boiler for years to come – with a full care plan provided.
Since leaving, my cold home now heats up instantly, with the new radiator valves and smart heating maintaining the perfect temperature – all well saving my money.
It’s been a total game-changer and completely worth it.
