The first step in arranging natural gas for your home is proper planning
Connecting natural gas to your home involves more than simply buying a combi boiler and laying a few pipes. The installation project must be prepared in compliance with the distributor’s requirements, while the combi boiler and radiator capacities must be calculated correctly. A poorly planned system may consume more fuel, heat rooms unevenly or require deficiencies to be corrected before the gas activation process.
At Devka Dogalgaz, we assess the home’s floor area, orientation, insulation level, number of rooms and existing installation points together during the survey stage. As a Vaillant dealer, we also present combi boiler options suited to the home’s requirements based on technical data.
1. Start with an on-site survey
Before requesting a quotation, ask the company to conduct an on-site survey. Prices given only by phone may change later because the pipe length, number of radiators, flue location and workmanship details have not been assessed.
The following points should be checked during the survey:
- The area where the combi boiler will be installed and the flue connection
- The location of the natural gas meter
- The route of the internal gas installation
- The placement and dimensions of the radiators
- The location of the kitchen cooker connection
- Work required at wall, cabinet and floor crossings
Obtain written quotations from at least three companies covering the same scope. Listing the combi boiler model, radiator brands and dimensions, pipe quantities, installation, project, testing and commissioning services separately makes comparison easier.
2. Learn about the natural gas project and distributor process
The internal gas installation must be designed in compliance with the technical specifications of the natural gas distributor serving your area. Once the project is prepared, the required application and approval process is carried out. When the installation is complete, gas tightness and compliance checks are performed; the documents and appointment process required by the distributor for gas activation are then followed.
Clarify from the outset which parts of these procedures will be handled by the company. While project and application services may be included in some quotations, they may be charged separately in others. Instead of relying on phrases such as “gas activation guarantee,” ask in writing which inspections and corrections the company undertakes.
3. Do not choose a combi boiler based only on its price
Combi boiler capacity is not determined by the home’s floor area alone. Insulation, floor level, window type, orientation, hot water usage habits and radiator length must also be considered. Devices in the 24 kW class may often be sufficient for a small apartment; however, the final selection should be made following an on-site survey and heat loss calculation.
When comparing combi boilers, examine the following features:
- Condensing operation
- Heating and hot water efficiency
- Authorized service network
- Warranty coverage and duration
- Availability of spare parts
- Ease of use of the control panel and room thermostat
As a Vaillant dealer, Devka Dogalgaz considers not only the sale of the device but also the installation conditions and the home’s heating requirements when selecting a model. If the combi boiler is not compatible with the installation capacity, even a high-capacity device will not provide the expected savings.
4. Radiator dimensions and positions must be determined correctly
Radiators should not be positioned solely according to available wall space. Window areas, external walls and the room’s heat loss must be considered. Covering the front of a radiator with a sofa, curtain or decorative panel makes it harder for warm air to circulate through the room.
The room’s heating requirement should be calculated when determining radiator lengths. Installing radiators of the same size in every room may cause some areas to overheat while others remain cold. Seeing the radiator positions and dimensions on a drawing before installation reduces the possibility of later renovation work.
5. Pay attention to the combi boiler position and flue connection
The combi boiler must be installed in an accessible location where servicing can be carried out and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. For balcony installation, the device must be protected against freezing, a suitable cabinet must be used and the condensate drain must be connected correctly. If you want the combi boiler installed inside a closed cabinet, the manufacturer’s conditions and service access must be checked.
The flue connection must be short and compliant with the applicable rules. Additional components, the slope and the outlet point must not be determined randomly. Renovations carried out later around the flue must not compress the connection or block the outlet.
6. Do not skip ventilation, gas tightness and safety checks
Once the natural gas installation is complete, the pipe connections, valve points and combi boiler connection must be checked. The system must not be used before a gas tightness test is performed. If you smell natural gas, ventilate the area without touching electrical switches, close the gas valve and request assistance from the authorized services.
Ventilation grilles in the kitchen must not be blocked or removed during renovation. Using a gas alarm device at home may provide an additional layer of safety; however, an alarm device does not replace regular maintenance or a compliant installation.
7. Request a handover file after installation
After the work is completed, obtain the project details, combi boiler warranty documents, initial start-up record and any maintenance recommendations from the company. The initial commissioning of the combi boiler must be performed by an authorized service. Radiators should be bled, the installation pressure should be checked and the homeowner should be shown how to use the room thermostat.
When working with Devka Dogalgaz, we provide the quotation, installation scope and device information in writing. This keeps it clear which service was provided, which product was used and whom to contact for maintenance.
Quick checklist for a home natural gas installation
- Was an on-site survey conducted?
- Were at least three written quotations compared?
- Was the project and distributor process explained?
- Was the combi boiler capacity selected according to the home’s heating requirement?
- Were radiator dimensions and positions calculated?
- Were the gas tightness, flue and condensate drain checked?
- Were the warranty and authorized service documents received?
