Boiler Installation Cost Calculator – Get an Instant Price
Homeowners in the UK pay between £2,000 and £4,500 for a boiler replacement.
Prices can vary depending on the boiler type, boiler brand and your location.
Try the WhatPrice boiler installation cost calculator to see how much a new boiler could cost you.
We’ve used recent data submitted from homeowners in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to help you price up new boiler quotes.
Introduction to boiler installation costs
As a homeowner (especially if you’re a first time buyer), you might not know what to expect when it comes to the cost of a new boiler.
Using our boiler cost calculator can help you to prepare for any upcoming expenses. Also, it can allow you to see what other homeowners like you are paying to help you choose the best quote.
Why knowing your boiler installation cost matters
Boilers are an essential part of any home. Not only do boilers facilitate heating and hot water in your property, but they also impact your energy bills.
That’s why it’s important to understand boiler installation costs. Plus, the long term value that can be gained when your boiler meets your household demands while also being energy efficient.
How our calculator works
Our boiler installation cost calculator makes it easy to work out how much a new boiler costs.
Simply enter your fuel type, boiler type, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, flue type and postcode.
We’ll then email you with some tailored quotations for you to review.
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What affects the cost of a new boiler?
Boiler installation prices vary based on the scope of the job. Details such as the boiler size, boiler type, boiler brand and the size of your property will all be taken into account.
However, there can also be hidden costs to consider. For instance, whether your property is well insulated, plus whether you need to relocate the boiler or upgrade your radiators.
Boiler type: combi, system, or regular – which one do you need?
If you’re not sure which boiler would best meet your household needs, you should consider a competent professional for advice.
In the meantime, here is some general guidance to consider:
Combi boilers – Suitable for smaller properties with one bathroom. Hot water is provided on demand, with combi boilers also boasting excellent energy efficiency. Combi boilers require strong mains pressure.
System boilers – Backed by a hot water cylinder to serve multiple bathrooms at once, especially in cases where a combi boiler may struggle to keep up. System boilers take up more space and also have more complex systems. However, they are ideal for larger properties.
Regular boilers – For properties which are both larger and older, a regular boiler is often best. Regular boilers need a hot water cylinder and a tank in the loft to work. But they can perform well even in areas with low water pressure.
Sizing your boiler correctly for maximum efficiency
Boilers have some similarities with Goldilocks and the Three Bears. That’s because you need a boiler that won’t underestimate your needs and likewise, won’t be too powerful. Instead, your boiler should be just right in terms of its size (kW).
Simply put, going above what you actually need will mean your boiler costs more than it should to run. Or, if the boiler isn’t powerful enough, you will end up having to replace it far sooner than is necessary.
Selecting the best boiler size for your property will also help maximise efficiency.
The impact of energy efficiency ratings on cost savings
Something that can make your boiler installation cost calculator results more palatable is thinking about the energy bill reductions you can look forward to.
In April 2022, energy bills rose by 54% according to the ONS. Ever since, the cost of gas and electricity has been subject to volatile fluctuations.
Therefore, it makes sense to protect yourself from rising energy costs as much as possible.
Various sources have reported that replacing a new boiler can reduce your energy bills by as much as £580 per year.
Boiler brand comparison: Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, Ideal, Viessmann, Baxi & Alpha
When you use the WhatPrice boiler cost calculator, you’ll get to see boiler prices from some of the top brands on the market. So let’s take a look at what these are.
Alpha
Having manufactured boilers for more than five decades, Alpha offers a superb range of combi, regular and system boilers. Recently, Alpha has also branched out into the heat pump market including air source and hybrid heat pumps.
Baxi
Baxi was founded in 1866, making it one of the most established names on the global boiler market. Known for its affordability, Baxi has some great choices for boilers as well as heat pumps.
Ideal
Ideal makes competitively priced boilers, with the brand a firm favourite among plumbing and heating engineers. Within the Ideal range you’ll find options for both commercial and domestic settings.
Vaillant
Recognisable by a bunny icon which has featured in its logo since 1899, Vaillant is one of the premium boiler manufacturers on the market. The higher price points are backed by powerful and highly efficient boiler models, particularly within its combi boiler range. Vaillant has also recently expanded its range to include greener fuel options including heat pumps and hybrid systems.
Viessmann
Viessmann is a German boiler manufacturer known for its excellent build quality. The company also has a keen focus on sustainability including energy efficient boilers as well as solar powered systems.
Worcester Bosch
Worcester Bosch is also at the top-end of the boiler market offering an extensive range of highly rated boilers, heat pumps and hybrid systems. Across review platforms, Worcester Bosch is one of the highest rated brands both from a customer and installer perspective.
Additional costs: flues, filters, smart thermostats & other extras
It’s common for homeowners to only consider the cost of a boiler in terms of the boiler unit itself.
However, most boiler installations also require various accessories to ensure the boiler is functional. Additional kit can also be required to promote the health and efficiency of your central heating system.
The cost of the flue and filters will be included with your installation, since they are an essential part of your boiler.
Though, some accessories are considered optional extras. For instance, smart thermostats allow you to control your heating remotely. These can add £150 to the cost of a boiler installation.
Average cost of a boiler installation in the UK
The average new boiler will cost between £2,000 and £4,000 with installation.
Breakdown: Combi boiler, system boiler & regular boiler costs
Using our boiler installation cost calculator can be helpful to see the price of a new boiler depending on its type.
On the whole, combi boilers have cheaper costs with an average price of £2,730.
System and regular boilers are more expensive owing to the fact they have more components and so are more complicated to install.
| Boiler type | Installed Cost Range | WhatPrice Average* |
|---|---|---|
| Combi | £2,000 – £3,000 | £2,730 |
| System | £2,500 – £4,500 | £2,967 |
| Conventional | £2,500 – £4,000 | £2,878 |
Installation costs by property type: Flat, house, large home
Homeowners living in a small flat can expect to pay between £600 to £1,800 for the cost of a new boiler.
Larger properties can require more pipework to be installed which will bump up the cost. Also, the boiler size itself will need to be greater to facilitate higher heating and hot water demands.
For a 3 bedroom house, the average boiler cost is £700 to £2,900. This price increases from £800 to £3,500 for a 4 bedroom property.
Labour costs explained: Gas safe engineer fees & fitting costs
Our research found that the labour portion of a boiler installation costs between £500 to £3,000.
The installer must be Gas Safe Registered. However, if the engineer has additional experience or accreditations, they may charge more for their services.
The installation costs will also vary based on the scope of the job.
Replacing your existing boiler: What you need to know
Buying a new boiler is a good opportunity to assess whether your current boiler type and boiler location require any changes.
Converting or moving a boiler will make a boiler replacement more expensive. But, it can prove to be a smart decision if there are any issues with your current setup.
Straight swap vs full conversion – cost differences
Replacing a combi, system or regular boiler with a boiler of the same type will always be cheaper than converting your boiler. An example of a boiler conversion is switching from a regular boiler to a combi boiler.
Our research has found boiler conversions can cost £4,000. The typical timeframe for a boiler conversion is 2-4 days, whereas a like-for-like swap can be completed in 1 day.
Moving a boiler: Is it worth the extra expense?
Relocating a boiler to a different part of your property can add £750 onto the cost of a new boiler. That’s because additional pipework and labour will be needed to facilitate the move.
The question of whether it’s worth paying the extra charge ultimately depends on where your boiler is currently housed. Crucially, whether the current location is an inconvenience because it’s taking up vital space, i.e. if the boiler is currently located in a bedroom.
In some cases, your engineer may also identify that boiler installation doesn’t meet current building regulations.
Old boiler removal and disposal costs
The cost of removing your boiler, plus anything else that has been removed such as an old tank or pipework is normally included in the installation cost.
In rare cases, your engineer may not offer waste disposal. In this instance, your local authority may offer a waste collection for a small fee.
However, some local authorities and even licensed waste carriers do not offer this service due to old boilers containing hazardous materials. Therefore, it may be worth exploring quotes from other engineers to ensure the removal of your old boiler is included.
How to use our boiler installation cost calculator
Our boiler installation cost calculator is designed to make it easy to understand how much you will need to pay for a new boiler with installation included.
WhatPrice has collected quotes from homeowners across the UK. You can benefit from these insights using our boiler cost calculator today.
Step-by-step guide to getting an instant quote
To price up a new boiler using our calculator tool, you’ll need the following information on hand:
- Your current boiler type
- Property type
- Property size
- Hot water requirements
- Flue type (wall or roof mounted)
- Whether you need additional features like smart controls
💡Top tip: Need a new boiler urgently? We can also contact installers on your behalf if you’re short of time.
Factors that may adjust your final price
Our boiler calculator should provide a very close estimate of the total amount you’ll need to pay for a new boiler.
However, the amount may need to be adjusted depending on any additional work required. Your plumber will be able to advise on this, including whether any part of your system needs to be relocated or upgraded to meet the requirements.
Should you repair or replace your boiler?
The thought of paying for a new boiler can be stressful. However, it’s important to make the right call since it’s a mistake to replace your boiler too early, just as it is to keep paying for repairs which are no longer cost-effective.
When a repair is the best option
Since boilers are used constantly, they will experience a degree of wear and tear. However, the good news is that a boiler replacement isn’t always necessary, depending on the issues at hand.
It’s generally more cost-effective to repair rather than replace a newer boiler. For context, a ‘new’ boiler is considered a boiler that was installed under 10 years ago.
If your boiler is newer, sourcing replacement parts should be easy and not considered so expensive that it would be cheaper to buy a new boiler. In fact, most issues should still be covered under your boiler’s warranty which will also reduce any repair costs.
Also, the energy efficiency of your boiler should still be satisfactory. During your boiler’s annual service, your engineer should alert you if this is no longer the case.
Get Boiler Quotes Today
Get up to 3 free quotes from vetted local installers and save time & money today!
- Compare & Save up to 30%
- New Boiler Installed Fast
- Only Trusted, Qualified Installers
Warning signs that it’s time for a new boiler
The first thing you need to consider is the age of the boiler. As a homeowner, you should expect a boiler replacement will become increasingly likely if it’s been 10 or more years since the boiler was installed.
Or, if you didn’t arrange the installation of your current boiler (i.e. because it was done by the previous owners of your home before you moved in), your boiler should have paperwork to be able to check the installation date.
If your boiler is so old it is out of warranty (and no warranty extensions are available from the manufacturer), it’s probably time to replace your boiler.
Beyond age, the main factor is whether your boiler is considered beyond economic or feasible repair by an engineer.
Warning signs include frequent boiler breakdowns, carbon monoxide warnings, constant loss of boiler pressure, rising energy bills, noisy operation or if the replacement parts needed are no longer available.
In the most serious of cases, your boiler may be condemned due to safety hazards that have been identified. In this case, your boiler will require immediate replacement as the boiler will not be able to be used again.
For rented properties, it’s good to know that by law, landlords must replace a condemned boiler within 24 hours.
Finally, it can be invaluable to listen to the feedback from your engineer during your boiler’s annual service. If you keep to a good schedule with your boiler servicing, you will get the maximum amount of warning time to financially prepare for a boiler replacement. In contrast, skipping your annual service can mean the cost and overall urgency of getting a new boiler can come as a shock.
Boiler installation cost calculator FAQs
How long does a boiler installation take?
There is no definite answer as to how long your boiler installation will take, since every installation works differently. However, you should expect a timeframe of between 1-7 days based on the scope of the job.
Like-for-like boiler installations are often the most straightforward, requiring just 1 day to complete. This is when a boiler is replaced with the same type of boiler and no modifications or upgrades are required to the rest of your central heating system.
Converting your boiler (i.e. a combi to a system boiler) is a more complex process and can take several days to complete.
Likewise, If new radiators or replacement tanks are required (i.e. for system or regular boilers), this can also extend the installation time.
Are there government grants for a new boiler?
Yes, although the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme is the only type available which will help cover the costs of a new gas boiler.
The local authority flex scheme (LA Flex) is an extension of the ECO4 scheme and may also apply to you if you are on a low income or claim certain benefits.
The additional government grants are designed for replacing a gas boiler with a heat pump or biomass boiler. These schemes include the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) and the Home Upgrade Scheme (HUS).
What is the lifespan of a new boiler?
Broadly speaking, you should expect between 10 to 15 years of service from a new boiler.
Of course, there are various factors which can impact the actual lifespan of a new boiler. Opting for a premium boiler brand with a long warranty period can offer peace of mind, since you will often be covered in the event your boiler fails earlier than expected.
In contrast, cheaper boilers often have shorter lifespans and subsequently shorter warranty periods too. So while it might seem like you are saving money, in the long run you can end up paying more for boiler repairs and eventually a boiler replacement.
How do I choose the right boiler size?
When you get a quote for a new boiler, your engineer will ask you questions to help determine the size boiler needed for your home. The decision will be based on the number of bedrooms, bathrooms and radiators there are in your property. Also, the level of insulation your property has.
The goal is for the boiler to be able to keep up with demand, but not be excessively powerful meaning it wastes energy and ultimately costs you more to run.
Remember, the boiler size refers to its output in kilowatts (kW) rather than the physical size of the boiler.
However, if you are looking to compare boilers based on their physical size, your engineer can also discuss this with you based on the available space in your home. In particular, many combi boilers offer compact designs allowing them to fit in a small kitchen cupboard.
Can I install a new boiler myself?
No. Installing a gas appliance without the correct qualifications and certifications is
Illegal and dangerous.
Only Gas Safe Registered engineers can install a new boiler.
For oil boilers, OFTEC or the Competent Person Scheme (CPS) accreditation is preferred.
Also, all boiler types will require an electrical connection to work. Any electrics should only be handled by a qualified electrician who is ideally NICEIC certified.
Is a combi boiler the best option for my home?
If your home meets the ideal criteria for a combi boiler, then it definitely is a top option to consider.
Namely, your property has one bathroom meaning you aren’t looking to run two showers at once.
Also, your overall hot water demands are modest enough to not require an additional hot water storage cylinder, as would be provided with a system or regular boiler.
Your water pressure should also be good enough to allow for your system to be mains fed.
If you’re in any doubt about the type of boiler that’s best for your home, seek professional advice. That’s because boilers are not just an expensive investment, but also an essential one as you’ll be relying on your boiler daily.