Prices for installing boilers can vary widely depending on how extensive work is needed, the availability of parts, and even where you live.
Learn more about the cost of a boiler installation.
The cost of a brand new boiler
The price for a boiler replacement will vary depending on these factors:
The type
The brand/model. There are many brands of boilers that offer models at different prices, but some brands are more affordable overall. It’s important to select a reliable brand when choosing which boiler to buy. It will save your time and help you to avoid stress.
The size: The more powerful the boiler (in Kilowatts), the more expensive it will usually be.
The cost of a new boiler quote depends on its model, size, and how much your engineer can get it for. Our analysis should help you get an idea of what the average cost is. For the latest offers and prices, please contact the boiler manufacturer.
Boiler installation cost
The cost of installation will include the new boiler, system clean, labour, and any additional items you choose.
Overall costs will depend on the amount work that the engineer must do to fit the boiler. This could be because the engineer may need to alter or replace pipework.
You should have your heating system cleaned prior to installing a boiler. This will help to ensure your heating system runs efficiently. There are several methods to clean a heating unit. A power flush, which is used to clean heavily-sludged systems will cost between PS300 to PS750. This five-radiator system has an average cost of PS481 (based a quote from 24 Which?) Trusted Traders, February 222.
We recommend you add a magnetic filter to the heating system. After the heating engineer has left, a filter can keep your system clean. Magnetic filters can be purchased for between PS80 and PS130.
Thermostatic thermostat radiator valves (TRVs), are also an effective way to keep your heating system in balance and maintain comfortable room temperatures. These valves can be used correctly to reduce heating costs and keep rooms that you don’t use often from being too warm. They cost about PS15 per unit and are required for each radiator.
Smart thermostats or smart radiator valves could also be worth your consideration. They let you control your heating remotely via your smartphone or tablet. You can also set heating schedules, which could reduce your heating bills.
Prices for smart heating products vary depending on their brand and the features that they provide. You can typically expect to pay PS100 to PS250 to get a smart thermostat and PS35 – PS80 to get a smart radiator valve.
Delta-EE conducted an independent analysis for Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy. It looked at the costs of various heating measures. The study examined different boiler installation scenarios, and reported on the common costs.
If you have a larger boiler (above 30kW), you may need a longer gas supply pipe between the gasmeter to the boiler. This is to ensure that the pressure drop isn’t too great. For a boiler that is smaller than 30kW and larger than 30kW you might need a larger supply line. This will cost you between PS100 to PS300.
Replacing a heat boiler or system boiler with a combination model will require additional labour, re-piping and cost typically around PS300 to PS650.2
Installing a new hot-water cylinder will be necessary if your combi boiler is being replaced with a heat only or system model. This can cost between PS300 to PS600 for vented cylinders (connects to cold water tanks) and PS900 to PS1,300 (connects directly with the mains), depending upon the size of the cylinder and how well it is insulated.
It is a good rule of thumb to expect lower costs if you are directly swapping like with like.
Installing a combi boiler is expensive
Combi boilers work well in smaller homes and flats that have only one bathroom. A combi boiler heats the water on demand. It does not require a large feed tank or hot water cylinder.
Heating-only boiler installation costs
The boilers are either heat-only (or regular) and require a hot cylinder. This is typically found in an airing cabinet. There’s also a cold water supply tank that can be found in the loft. Two tanks mean they are more suitable for larger homes.
Because they heat water in a cylindrical, you can supply large amounts of hotwater to many taps at once. This is great if there are multiple bathrooms or a large family.
This can be a cost-effective option if you do not have a hot water heater in your home, or if you wish to replace an old one. It will cost between PS300 for a smaller capacity and is poorly insulated, and up to PS600 for a larger capacity, which is highly insulated (BEIS report for 2020).
We have combined the BEIS 2020 report findings for labour costs, fittings and boiler pricing to give a rough range (with an average cost per bracket) of what you should be paying for different combi boiler installations.
Costs of installing a boiler system
A system boiler functions just like any other boiler. It doesn’t require large cold water feed tanks to function. Unvented hot water heaters are required for system boilers. They can also be called ‘closed vent or’sealed’. They are usually priced at PS900 for a lower capacity, poorly insulated hot water cylinder. However, they can be as high as PS1,300 for a larger capacity, highly insulated one (BEIS report of 2020).
Installations for oil boilers
The following oil systems must be installed by a professional.
An oil-fired, combustion appliance with a heat output of at least 100kW. It can be installed in buildings no greater than three storeys, excluding basements, or in a residence.
The oil storage tanks and the pipes connecting to them to the combustion appliances
Heater and/or water service systems that are connected to an oil fired combustion appliance
Gas boilers are less expensive than oil boilers. You can also expect lower installation fees if you directly swap your existing oil boiler for a more similar model. You will incur higher costs if you are changing the boiler type, moving the oil boiler to another location, or replacing many of the old fittings.
An oil store is required to be installed, which will require piping between the store and your boiler. Smaller oil shops are suitable for smaller boilers and houses with better access to oil supplies. They usually cost around PS1,300. The cost of a larger oil store for your home, which may be located in an area with a large oil boiler or where there is a need to have fuel available, will be around PS2,400 (BEIS Report, 2020).
Why reliable boilers are important
Although the cost depends on the part that is damaged, the average cost to repair a boiler is PS200.
In our 2021 survey we asked 8,001 individuals from the general public when their boiler had needed its first repair.
