Boxt Review : Your New Best Friend for Storage

When faced with a boiler breakdown, one can be assured that it will occur during the coldest week of the year, often coinciding with the holiday season. Although our circumstances were not precisely aligned with this scenario, our experience during the renovation of an older home underscored the importance of addressing the inefficiencies of an outdated boiler alongside cosmetic improvements. This realization led us to explore the BOXT boiler installation service, eager to learn more about its potential benefits.

The conventional approach to acquiring a new boiler typically involves engaging a heating engineer to evaluate the existing system and provide a quotation for the necessary work. This process, which is already challenging in the current climate, becomes even more daunting during the winter months when demand for heating services is at its peak. Waiting times for installation can be significantly prolonged, particularly in the absence of heating and hot water, making the wait seem endless.

BOXT has introduced a service designed to eliminate these frustrations. By ordering by 3pm, customers can opt for next-day installation services across a wide range of postcodes. Our review provides further insights into this service, while our guide on selecting the appropriate boiler offers additional advice.

What sets the BOXT boiler installation service apart?

BOXT specializes in heating and cooling solutions, with their next-day boiler installation service standing out as their flagship offering. They also provide services for air conditioning and electric vehicle charging stations, in addition to offering post-installation home service contracts to ensure the proper maintenance of your products.

For those seeking a smart heating solution, BOXT offers an extensive selection of Google Nest products for controlling your heating system. This includes security and smoke alarm devices, which are professionally installed by their heating engineers.

Furthermore, BOXT guarantees a fixed price promise, ensuring that there are no unexpected costs on the day of installation and that they offer competitive pricing compared to similar national services.

The property where BOXT was utilized:

BOXT was engaged to supply and install a new boiler in a Victorian mid-terrace home. The property features two bedrooms and an open-plan living area that connects to a small galley kitchen and bathroom, which is part of a 20th-century extension.

The home is equipped with double glazing, yet the insulation quality, especially in the extension, is subpar. The existing boiler, a Worcester Bosch combi model, was installed in the ground floor bathroom, and while we had recently upgraded the radiator in the living room, the rest of the house struggled to heat efficiently.

Booking a Boxt Boiler Installation

The entire process is conducted entirely online, and it is remarkably straightforward. It features a chat function and a dedicated contact number for assistance should you encounter any difficulties. The booking process is designed to be highly user-friendly.

You can simultaneously order a new boiler and schedule its installation. The process requires you to provide a few simple details about your home and your existing heating system. This includes the type of home you reside in; the number of bedrooms; the intended location of the boiler; and the condition of your current flue. Additionally, they inquire about the positioning of the flue to assess potential access issues and to verify compliance with building regulations. There is no technical expertise required to respond to these questions; the most complex is identifying the type of boiler you have, although there are notes available for clarification.

Upon completion of your responses, you will be presented with a selection of suitable boilers and their associated prices. BOXT employs an algorithm to determine the most appropriate boiler for your property, without the necessity of an in-person visit. The list is organized by price or by the recommended purchase option, with clear displays of the heating output, warranty, and essential specifications.

We selected the Worcester Bosch 30i for a fixed-price installation, which was set at £2,050. Upon comparing the cost of purchasing this boiler independently, it was evident that it would be more expensive, with many installation services charging over £1,600, inclusive of VAT. However, BOXT's fixed-price guarantee ensures that the final cost is transparent. The BOXT package also includes a 10-year warranty.

Upon choosing your boiler, you have the option to add radiators if you require new or replacement fittings.

What is the next step?

Upon placing your order, you will receive an email confirming your purchase, including details such as the items bought and the scheduled installation date and time. As previously mentioned, should your booking be made by 3pm, an option for next-day delivery and installation is available in most locations.

Additionally, the email will provide you with information regarding your installer, which may include a photograph. My correspondence informed me that David would be responsible for the boiler installation, and there was a brief introduction to him, including details about his personal preferences, such as his tea-drinking habits and biscuit choices (although BOXT has emphasized that installers will not accept food or drink in adherence to COVID-19 guidelines).

The email also features a video that outlines what to expect on the day of the installation. This is particularly beneficial for ensuring that your home is prepared in advance, including tidying up to facilitate a smoother installation process, and for providing reassurance regarding the overall procedure.

Lastly, there is a request to submit photographs to verify the accuracy of the information provided during the booking process. This request is straightforward; it requires five images to confirm the boiler's specifications, the existing boiler controls, the layout of the pipework around the boiler, and the positioning of the flue, followed by a photograph of your property. Upon submission, I received a brief call from a representative from BOXT's customer service team to verify that the flue's placement would not impact the neighboring property. This process is designed to streamline the verification process, offering a convenient alternative to waiting for an on-site inspection.

Given that my order was placed just before the weekend, my fitting was scheduled for Monday. I missed a call on Sunday morning to confirm that no one in the household was isolating due to COVID-19 symptoms or had tested positive, but BOXT promptly sent a follow-up email that allowed me to reach out to them. This protocol ensures that any potential issues, such as the presence of COVID-19 in the household, are addressed before proceeding with the installation.

Installation Day for the Boiler

The engineer's arrival was scheduled between 7:30 and 9:30 am, an early start that was particularly early for David, who had traveled approximately three hours away. This arrangement might seem unusual, but the BOXT model ensures that the installer available the following day will be assigned to the task.

David and his colleague arrived shortly after the delivery of the boiler by courier, around 8:30 am. They conducted a preliminary inspection before commencing the installation process. Upon explaining the scope of the work, they assured my partner that the installation would be completed by lunchtime, allowing him to proceed with his daily activities.

He returned around midday to observe the progress and was pleased to see that the installation had left minimal disruption, with only one tile removed from the flue, which is concealed within the boiler cupboard. As the work neared completion, David provided my partner with an extensive overview of the boiler's operation. Additionally, he guided him through the use of the Nest devices and assisted in setting up the app for the Learning Thermostat, ensuring he could maximize its functionality. Before concluding, they also addressed a minor issue with a rogue gas pipe in the lounge, which had been left behind by the previous owners of the property. This task, though minor, had prevented the need to hire a specialist for its removal. The entire installation process was completed in less than six hours.

Given that this took place in December 2020, adherence to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines was strictly followed. Both engineers wore masks and brought their own refreshments.

Aftercare Process

Upon the successful installation of the boiler, you will receive a subsequent email. This email will contain a PDF document detailing the warranty for your records, as well as an explanation of the coverage plans offered by BOXT. Additionally, it will outline the necessity for annual maintenance services to ensure the warranty remains valid, and inform you that the boiler installation has been duly registered with the Building Control, with a certificate to be issued within the next six weeks.

The email also provides information on various contact methods, including phone, live chat, and the customer service email. I personally tested the live chat feature after the installation and received a prompt response from one of their engineers.

In comparison to other national boiler installation services, BOXT stands out as the leading heating engineer on Trustpilot, boasting a five-star rating from over 6,000 reviews. Many reviewers have praised the efficiency of the service, the professionalism and cleanliness of the installers, and the seamless booking and installation process. Those who have opted for BOXT for their annual maintenance services have also expressed satisfaction, highlighting the care and friendliness of the engineers as a recurring positive feedback.

Regarding pricing, BOXT is committed to matching quotes from competitors and offers a fixed price based on the information provided during the booking process.

The Decision

While local trades may provide boiler installation services at a lower cost, it is important to note that next-day installation is improbable, and access to the extensive array of additional products and services offered by BOXT may be limited. For those seeking a boiler installation that is both easy and convenient, BOXT stands out as an excellent choice, particularly if you are interested in upgrading to smart heating controls simultaneously. There is no need to contact various engineers for quotes, which can be time-consuming.

The installation process is conducted professionally, efficiently, and with clear communication, ensuring that you are always informed throughout. Their aftercare services are also commendable, with warranties extending up to 10 years on their boilers and the provision of home cover to ensure the continued operation of your system. We have found no issues, leading us to award them five stars.