Heating
Boilers, replacement and servicing
This page is for anyone dealing with an aging boiler: whether it's a breakdown, an upcoming inspection, or simply considering whether to replace the boiler with a new one or switch to another heat source. We explain boiler types, mandatory inspections and what influences the choice of installation and service company.
Types of boilers
Gas-powered Boilers are most common where a gas connection is available, condensing models utilise heat from flue gases more efficiently than older atmospheric boilers. Electric The boiler is simpler to install and does not require a flue for exhaust gases, but operationally it belongs to the more expensive heat sources because it directly consumes electricity without recovering heat from the surroundings. Kotel na pelety or other solid biomass requires space for fuel storage and regular maintenance, but operates independently of the gas connection.
| Typ | Palivo | Obsluha | Where it fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas-powered | natural gas | unattended operation | house/apartment with a gas connection |
| Electric | electricity | unattended operation | without gas, smaller properties |
| Na pelety | wooden pellets | refuelling, warehouse | house with space for fuel storage |
When is a boiler replacement sufficient and when does another heat source make sense?
If a house has a functional gas connection, an appropriate heat loss and the owner wishes to retain the same heating principle, a straightforward replacement with a new condensing boiler is usually the simplest solution. If higher operating costs are also being addressed, along with subsidy availability or a longer-term horizon, switching to a heat pump is worth considering, though this often requires modifications to the heating system, not just replacing the source.
Mandatory inspections of gas and other appliances
The law requires regular inspection of the technical condition and efficiency of combustion heat sources; for solid fuel appliances, this also includes an inspection and cleaning of the flue gas passage. Specific deadlines and obligations vary depending on the fuel type and boiler output, so always verify these with a chimney sweep or service company, neglecting an inspection is not merely a formality but also a safety risk for combustion equipment in residential areas.
What affects the cost of replacement
The price depends on the output and type of the new boiler, the need to modify the flue or chimney, the condition of the distribution system, and whether only the heat source is being replaced or parts of the heating system as well. An indicative range can be found at page with price guidesThe exact price will be determined by an on-site inspection.
Subsidies
Replacing an old non-eco boiler with a new heat source is one of the supported items in the programme. Nová zelená úsporámThe conditions, scope of supported sources and application procedure change over time; therefore, always verify the current status directly on the programme website.
What to watch out for when choosing a service company
Ask whether the company services your specific boiler brand and model, what warranty they offer on their work, how quickly they respond to faults outside normal hours, and whether they keep a record of inspections carried out, which you will need in due course. When replacing a boiler, it is also useful to check if the company assesses the entire heating system, not just the unit itself.
Operation and maintenance
In addition to the mandatory inspection, an annual service check is worthwhile, checking for leaks in gas appliances, cleaning the heat exchanger and verifying system pressure. For solid fuel and pellet boilers, regular cleaning of the combustion chamber and ash removal are also part of maintenance.
Common mistakes
Most commonly, the issue is postponing the replacement of an uneconomical boiler until it fails during the heating season, leaving no time for a calm selection. Other problems include an oversized boiler chosen without calculating the building's heat loss and neglected regular inspections, which are then addressed belatedly and under pressure instead of being part of routine maintenance.