Are you looking for instant online boiler quotes, or are wondering how the different boiler installation companies compare? Read on to find out.
Replacing an old gas boiler with a new A-rated condensing boiler can save up to £475 on fuel bills, depending on your house size and its thermal performance.
If you need your boiler replaced with a brand new one, it can be daunting, considering the potential costs of both the boiler and the installation.
So, how much can you expect to pay? How can you be sure you’re not getting ripped off, and how can you save money?
This guide explores everything you need to know about online boiler quotes to help you understand the factors considered, including the average costs for common installation scenarios and those considered a little more complicated.
Are you wondering which boiler manufacturers performed best? Check out our guide to the best boiler brands for the full rundown. To determine the best boiler installation company, check out our Warmzilla and Boxt reviews.
Online Boiler Quotes Quick Takeaways:
- Online boiler companies are a popular alternative to local installers.
- Online boiler quotes tell you how much you’ll need to finance a new boiler installation.
- You should get at least three quotes from different installers to ensure you get the best value for money.
- Factors that impact online boiler quotes include the brand, type of boiler, warranty, job complexity, and needed extras.
Why Should You Get An Online Boiler Quote?
An online boiler quote is crucial because it tells you how much you’ll need to finance the new boiler installation.
The installer will help you determine whether a simple replacement boiler is appropriate or if a more suitable alternative is available.
It will include the cost of supplying and fitting the new boiler and any additional work needed. Most new boiler quotes feature a fixed price, which doesn’t change once quoted.
The Energy Savings Trust recommends getting at least three quotes from different installers to ensure you get the best value for money.
It’s worth asking about guarantees and warranties, as they can offer peace of mind in case of boiler damage.
The installer will also explain the control systems available and make recommendations based on the features you want and anything extra, such as smart functionality, weather compensation, or load compensation.
Some of the best installation companies allow you to get an online boiler quote in minutes.
How Much Does A New Boiler Cost?
A new boiler unit usually costs £600 to £3,500 without installation or other extras.
The price will largely depend on the model and type of boiler you go for, with biomass boilers costing up to £15,000.
You can get a basic combi boiler for around £600 if you’re on a budget. Mid-range options cost from £900 to £1,200, while a larger combi can cost from £1,000 to £2,000.
The table below shows how much you can expect to pay for different types of boilers in the UK:
Type of Boiler/Fuel Source | Cost Excluding Installation | Cost Including Installation | Average Cost Including Installation |
Combi Swap | £600 – £2,000 | £1,500 – £4,500 | £3,000 |
System Boiler | £500 – £2,500 | £1,700 – £5,000 | £3,300 |
Conventional Boiler | £600 – £3,500 | £1,700 – £4,500 | £3,000 |
Electric Boiler | £600 – £2,500 | £2,000 – £4,500 | £2,500 |
Biomass Boiler | £7,000 – £15,000 | £10,000 – £18,000 | £15,000 |
Table data updated June 2024.
How Much Is A New Boiler Installation?
The cost of installing a boiler in the UK will depend on whether you’re converting it to a different type, replacing it, or moving it to a new location.
The average combi boiler install in the UK costs between £1,500 and £4,500, but this is for a standard, uncomplicated like-for-like swap.
Straightforward replacements are quick and easy, making them less costly as they take the installer less time.
Comprehensive system upgrades, such as changing from an old back boiler to a high-efficiency combi boiler, can require extensive changes and work.
You may also need to pay for extra parts, pipework cleaning, modifications, or an extended warranty.
The final price will also depend on:
- The cost of replacing a boiler. This can be influenced by the boiler type, brand, and model you choose.
- The fuel type and size of the boiler. Larger and more powerful boilers can be more expensive.
- How complex or complicated your specific installation scenario is.
- The boiler warranty period.
- Associated labour costs in your area.
- If you want to move the boiler to a new location.
- If you’re converting from one type of boiler to another.
- Any extras like radiators, magnetic filters, or smart controls.
Types of Boilers & Their Costs
As mentioned, the type of boiler you want to install can impact the final cost.
In the UK, there are three main types of gas boilers installed in households, they include the following:
Combi or Combination Online Boiler Quotes
Combination boilers are by far the most common type of boiler used in UK homes.
Installing a new combi boiler can cost from £1,500 to £4,500. The cost will depend on the boiler type, warranty length, installation complexity, and labour costs in your area.
They can provide hot water on demand and heat water from a single unit, typically wall-hung.
Combination boilers take cold water directly from the mains and do not need a storage tank. Instead, they heat the water up when required.
As a result, they’re easier to install and ideal for homes with limited space.
Did you know your boiler’s efficiency can impact the amount of energy it uses and, ultimately, impact your heating bill costs? Check out our guide to the best condensing boilers to learn more.
You may also find our review of the best eco-friendly boilers of interest.
New Boiler Cost Guides by Boiler Type:
- Combi Boiler Costs.
- System Boiler Costs.
- LPG Boiler Costs.
- Condensing Boiler Costs.
- Back Boiler Removal Costs.
- Hydrogen Boiler Costs.
- Regular Boiler Costs.
- Heat Only Boiler Costs.
- New Boiler & Radiator Costs.
System Boiler Online Quotes
Installing a system boiler can cost anywhere from £1,500 to £5,000.
System boilers are also popular in UK homes and are ideal for properties with a high hot water demand or areas with poor water pressure.
Unlike combi boilers, system boilers require a hot water cylinder to function. The costs above are for installing the boiler only and don’t include the costs for new or replacement cylinders.
System boilers have their own internal pump and are fed water from the mains, which is then stored in a separate hot water cylinder/tank.
This means they can handle a high hot water demand, e.g., more than one bathroom being used at once, without any drop in waterflow or pressure.
The final price will depend on factors like the brand, required controls, warranty length, additional valves or pumps, and the general complexity of the job.
Check out our video on how to vet boiler brands/models in the UK:
Heat-Only Boiler Online Quotes
Fitting a heat-only or regular boiler costs from £1,500 to £3,500.
Heat-only boilers or regular boilers are an older version of the system boiler and work in a very similar way.
The major difference is that they do not use an internal pump and instead work together with a header tank, which transports water using the natural force of gravity.
Regular boilers comprise the boiler, a hot water storage cylinder, and a cold water storage tank. They’re a good choice if you have a traditional heating system that can’t tolerate the high pressure of a combi or system boiler.
Electric Boiler Online Quotes
Depending on its size, model, and type, installing an electric boiler can cost between £2,000 and £4,500.
Electric boilers can be regular, combi, or system boilers powered by electricity from the National Grid, like your other appliances, rather than gas or oil.
Electric boilers are an eco-friendly alternative suitable for homes without gas access.
They’re highly efficient, easy to install, and release fewer emissions. However, electricity is usually more expensive than gas or oil and is generated by burning fossil fuels.
Combining an electric boiler with renewable energy sources like solar panels or solar thermal can make it a worthwhile investment since you’ll use free electricity.
What Factors Impact Online Boiler Quotes?
Various factors impact the cost of a boiler quote. These include:
Boiler Brand
Like any other type of home appliance, some brands are more expensive than others. Sometimes this is justified, and sometimes it isn’t.
For example, some boiler brands contain higher-grade and higher-quality components, such as stainless steel heat exchangers and all metal parts, instead of those that use plastic.
In addition, some brands have better reviews, longer warranty periods, and a reputation for superior customer service, which can be especially important in a boiler breakdown emergency.
Want to learn about all the factors that contribute to a boiler quote? Check out our boiler cost calculator to understand the latest deals and what is factored into a gas boiler replacement estimate.
Boiler Warranty Period
One of the most important considerations when buying any type of gas boiler is the warranty length offered.
Ideally, you want the boiler warranty to be as long as possible. Not only is this a sure sign of a better quality boiler, but it also means you’ll be covered for repairs or a replacement for extra peace of mind.
Often, you will find you can buy a boiler cheaper, but the warranty period will be much lower, e.g., 2 years vs 10-year boiler warranties.
In addition, some brands offer a warranty, while others offer a guarantee. While these sound similar, there is a slight technical difference.
Essentially a warranty is an agreement from the manufacturer that they will diagnose and repair the boiler, but not necessarily entirely for free.
While a guarantee is a promise that they will diagnose and repair the boiler free of charge.
Got a common boiler problem? Check out our quick fix guide for boiler lockout, ignition faults, PCB faults, faulty diverter valves, and boiler timer issues.
Moving Your Boiler’s Location
It’s typically cheaper to have your boiler installed in the same place it was. However, you should expect to pay more if you want to move your boiler to a new location, such as upstairs or in the attic.
Moving the location of your boiler is costly because it requires a lot of physical labour, new fixtures and fittings, and additional pipework.
All this requires time, increasing the expense of installing your new boiler.
Related reading:
Will You Need Scaffolding?
In some cases, you’ll need scaffolding when replacing your boiler.
It’s usually necessary if it’s at a very high position and would be considered unsafe to do with just a ladder.
This is an added cost since contractors and installers typically rent the scaffolding for the installation, so they factor this expense into the job.
It’s worth noting that some companies, e.g., Boxt and Heatable, do not always charge extra for this. It’s all part of their “fixed price” promise.
Vertical Flue Cost
A vertical flue can cost from £300 to £600.
The boiler flue is a pipe that leads from the boiler to the outside of your home. It helps ensure condensation and the boiler’s emissions are pumped out of your home.
If the flue leaves your property horizontally, you’ll incur no costs. However, if it leaves the property vertically through the roof, it will require more work, resulting in additional work and costs.
Gas Pipe Upgrade
If you have an old heating system, you must upgrade the gas piping to meet modern regulations.
Gas pipes with a width of 15mm must be upgraded to at least 22mm, attracting additional costs of around £250 to £400.
Sometimes, older pipes must be replaced entirely, especially if made of lead. Some installation companies don’t charge for upgrading pipework, so ensure you shop around.
Plume Kit Cost
If your boiler flue is too close to a door, window, or neighbouring property, a plume kit is necessary to comply with Gas Safe regulations.
The plume kit helps extend the flue and ensure a safe exit for harmful gases, costing from £90 to £130.
Upgraded Heating Controls
Almost all new boiler installations will include some upgraded controllers.
A wide range of heating controls is available to help your heating system work more efficiently and keep your bills down.
Depending on the type and brand of the controller, it will add varying amounts to the cost of your new boiler, ranging from £100 to £300.
Chemical Flush
A chemical flush will help clear any existing sludge or debris from your heating system, costing from £100 to £150.
Sludge can prevent hot water from flowing to your radiators effectively, making it difficult to heat your home comfortably.
A chemical flush is common and standard, but you can also get a power flush for up to £500. However, you should be cautious to avoid damaging an old heating system by forcing high-pressure water through it.
Radiator Costs
When fitting a new boiler, ensure you look at your overall heating system, including radiators.
Radiators experience wear and tear after years of use. Old radiator models can also be less efficient and perform poorly than modern models.
The efficiency of the radiators will directly impact the overall efficiency of the boiler and heating system.
Features like thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) can enhance control over individual room temperatures, contributing to energy-efficient heating and cost savings.
The price of new radiators can vary depending on factors like size, design, material, and the number you require.
Wondering how much a new boiler costs? Check out our guide on options available if you need a new boiler but can’t afford it, as well as boilers on finance and government boiler grants here.
Emergency Install vs Pre-Planned Install
If your boiler breaks down suddenly in the depths of winter and you need it replaced as soon as possible, you may have to deal with an out-of-hours emergency installation, which will have a premium.
Although it’s not always possible, it’s far better to plan a boiler installation in advance rather than wait until it’s already broken and you need it replaced urgently.
Common Boiler Installation Scenarios
Here are some of the most common boiler installation scenarios and their average costs:
Straightforward Combi Combi Swap
If you already have a gas combi boiler and want to replace it with a new one in the same location, the good news is that this is considered relatively straightforward.
It’s one of the easiest types of boiler installations and can cost between £1,500 and £2,000, depending on the brand, warranty, and area you live in.
A Boiler Conversion
If you want a boiler conversion, e.g., changing from a combi boiler to a system boiler or vice versa, this will typically cost more than a standard like-for-like replacement.
A combi boiler conversion is generally more expensive, costing between £2,500 and £4,500.
Conversions are more expensive because they take more time to complete.
Your old boiler and water storage cylinder must be removed and pipework adjusted as required, which is time-consuming.
It can be a big job requiring additional parts and labour and can take two days to complete.
All in all, a conversion adds between £800 – £1200 worth of expense on top the standard boiler swap cost.
Gas Safe Engineer Patrick Garner
What size boiler is right for your home? If you are considering a combi boiler, it is largely determined by the number of radiators in your home.
Check out our complete guide to new boiler installation here if you are wondering about the best type of boiler for your home.
How much may a new boiler cost? Are you considering converting from a conventional to a combi boiler? Use our boiler installation cost calculator to get an estimation.
The average cost of a boiler conversion, e.g., swapping from a combi to a system, is between £1,800 and £2,500.
Back Boiler Replacement
If you have an old-fashioned back boiler like the Baxi Bermuda (typically found above the fireplace), the installer must decommission and remove it. You’ll then need to install a new boiler, e.g., a combi boiler, in a suitable location.
Similar to a boiler conversion, replacing a back boiler takes more time and labour, and more materials are usually required.
Additionally, if the back boiler is in a high-up location, scaffolding may be required, which can also increase the costs.
The average cost of a back boiler replacement in the UK is between £2,000 and £2,500.
Check out our boiler brand price guides and comparisons:
- British Gas new boiler costs.
- How much is it to fit a new boiler?
- How much does a Vaillant boiler cost?
- Baxi boiler costs.
Want to learn how to use your boiler better? Read our complete guide on boiler flow temperature, how to optimise your boiler settings, and find out how much gas a boiler uses here.
Summary of Online Boiler Quotes In The UK
As you can appreciate from the many factors discussed above, the cost of a new boiler installation can vary greatly depending on your unique situation.
To secure the best price for your new boiler, it’s always advised to seek multiple quotes from different suppliers.
This allows you to get a good picture of how difficult your particular job actually is and how much it costs from the perspective of multiple experts.
Some online boiler platforms now offer a “fixed price,” meaning they won’t charge for extras.
Also, always check the installer’s previous customer reviews on platforms like Trustpilot. You should also ensure they are on the Gas register and legally allowed to install a gas boiler.
Sources and References
- https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/boilers/