Last Updated on January 21, 2026

If you’re replacing a boiler in the UK, you’ll almost certainly come across two big names: Heatable and British Gas.

They both offer boiler installations, and both can provide a route to getting a modern, efficient heating system installed in your home – but the experience, pricing structure, and aftercare approach can feel quite different depending on what you value most.

Some homeowners want the reassurance of a long-established household brand with a wide service network.

Others want a faster, more digital process where quotes and booking are handled online, with minimal disruption to daily life. And for most people, the biggest deciding factor is still the same: total cost for a like-for-like installation, with a solid warranty and a trustworthy engineer doing the work.

This guide compares Heatable and British Gas fairly, without assuming one is “better”. The truth is that the right choice depends on your home, your priorities, and what’s included in the quote you’re offered.

Quick background: who are Heatable and British Gas?

Heatable is an online-first boiler installation company. In most cases, you begin the process online by answering a set of questions about your home and current heating system.

You may also upload photos of key areas like your existing boiler, flue position, and pipework.

From that information, you’ll typically receive a quote and can choose from a range of boiler options, then book an installation date if you want to proceed.

British Gas is one of the UK’s best-known home energy and services providers. Alongside supplying energy, British Gas offers boiler installation, servicing, and repair plans.

The installation journey can involve speaking to an advisor and, in some cases, arranging a visit or survey before the final install details are confirmed.

For many households, British Gas is associated with ongoing boiler services rather than installation alone, although both are available.

It’s important to understand that both companies are ultimately arranging the same outcome: a boiler installed by a qualified heating engineer, meeting UK safety standards.

The difference tends to be more about the process, how the quote is generated, the package of services offered alongside installation, and the overall experience.

The quoting process: online convenience vs traditional setup

The first noticeable difference between Heatable and British Gas is often the quotation journey.

With Heatable, the idea is to reduce friction. Many homeowners like that they can begin the process at any time, without needing to wait for an appointment just to get an initial price.

For simple boiler replacements, an online quoting pathway can be efficient and convenient, especially for people who already know roughly what they need (for example, replacing an older combi boiler with another combi boiler in the same position).

That said, online quoting isn’t perfect for every situation. Complex installations can still require extra checks.

Older properties, unusual flue routes, conversions from system boilers to combis, relocating the boiler, or changing significant pipework can all introduce variables that are hard to capture fully through forms and photos alone.

In these cases, there may still be some follow-up questions or confirmation required before installation.

With British Gas, the quotation journey may feel more familiar and “hands-on” to some homeowners. Many people associate British Gas with an engineer coming out, assessing the system, and then confirming what is required.

This can feel reassuring, particularly if you’re not confident about what boiler you need or your installation has complications you’d rather talk through in person.

However, traditional quoting often takes more time. If you’re trying to move quickly – for example, your boiler has failed in winter and you want options fast – you may prefer a process that reaches an initial price sooner.

Neither approach is automatically superior. What matters is whether the quote you’re offered is accurate and includes everything needed to complete the job safely and properly.

Price comparison: why it’s difficult to judge “cheap vs expensive”

Many people start with a simple question: Is Heatable cheaper than British Gas?

The honest answer is that it depends – and comparisons can be misleading if you aren’t comparing the same scope of work.

Boiler installation pricing varies based on factors including:

• The boiler model and output required for your home
• Whether it’s a like-for-like swap or a conversion
• Flue route and any alterations needed
• Condensate pipe routing and compliance requirements
• Whether a powerflush is recommended or required
• Upgrades to heating controls (including smart thermostats)
• Any changes to pipework, gas supply sizing, or access complexity
• Location and local labour availability

Two quotes can look similar at first glance but be completely different once you check what’s included.

In some cases, a quote that seems lower may exclude something essential (such as certain control upgrades or remedial work), while a higher quote may include extras or a broader package of support.

With Heatable, homeowners often report that the pricing is presented in a way that makes it easier to compare different boiler models and configurations.

That clarity can help when you’re deciding between options or working to a budget. But just like any installer, the “right” price depends on what your home needs.

With British Gas, pricing can reflect not only the installation work but also the scale and structure of the business. Some homeowners are willing to pay more for the perceived reassurance of a major national brand with a long-standing presence.

Others would rather prioritise the best value quote from a specialist installer – especially if the warranty terms and boiler model are the same.

The best practice is to compare like-for-like. If you want to judge value properly, make sure you’re looking at the same boiler brand and model, similar warranty length, and a clear statement of what installation work is included.

Boiler brands and models: what you might be offered

Heatable and British Gas can both install boilers from widely known manufacturers, but the available range can differ depending on stock, partnerships, and the installer’s preferred models.

The boiler you choose is one of the biggest determinants of long-term satisfaction. The key factors are usually:

• Boiler sizing (kW output) suited to your hot water and heating demand
• Warranty length available on that model
• Efficiency and modulation range
• Suitability for your property and heating controls
• Future-proofing for upgrades like smart controls or system changes

The most important point is that the “best boiler” is usually the one that’s correctly sized and properly installed – not necessarily the one with the flashiest marketing.

A premium boiler installed poorly won’t perform as well as a mid-range boiler installed correctly and commissioned properly.

That’s why it’s worth asking either provider about the exact model name, warranty length, and any requirements to keep that warranty valid (which often includes annual servicing).

Installation standards: what should be consistent either way

Regardless of the company you choose, a boiler installation in the UK should follow expected safety and compliance standards.

That includes appropriate commissioning, correct condensate handling, flue safety checks, and gas safety requirements.

Homeowners should expect a professional to:

• Install the boiler in line with manufacturer guidelines
• Confirm safe operation and combustion performance
• Set up controls correctly
• Explain the basics of using the system
• Provide appropriate certification or documentation

It’s also worth remembering that while companies differ in customer experience, the on-site result depends heavily on the engineer and the install team.

It’s always reasonable to ask questions about who will be carrying out the installation and what qualifications or checks are in place.

Warranty and aftercare: manufacturer warranty vs installer support

A major source of confusion in boiler buying is the word “warranty”.

In most cases, the warranty is provided by the boiler manufacturer, not the installer.

The installer’s role is to fit the boiler correctly and register it with the manufacturer where required, following the manufacturer’s terms.

However, installer aftercare still matters. If something goes wrong after installation, you want clear support on what happens next.

Sometimes the installer can resolve minor issues directly. Other times, a manufacturer call-out might be required, especially for warranty-covered faults.

With Heatable, aftercare tends to be focused around the installation experience, and homeowners may choose to arrange ongoing servicing separately with a local engineer if they prefer.

With British Gas, many customers like the ability to bundle boiler servicing and repair options under the same brand.

Some households find it easier to keep everything under one provider – installation, servicing, and repair cover – rather than managing these separately.

The right option depends on how you prefer to manage your home maintenance. If you like simplicity and a single point of contact, British Gas may appeal. If you’re comfortable arranging servicing independently (or already have a trusted local engineer), an install-first approach may suit you just as well.

Servicing plans and repairs: what happens after year one

Boiler servicing is not just a box-ticking exercise – it helps keep the boiler efficient, safe, and in good working order. It’s also commonly required to maintain the manufacturer warranty.

British Gas is widely known for ongoing boiler services and home cover products. That doesn’t mean you must choose British Gas for servicing, but it does mean that some homeowners automatically see it as the simplest route for long-term coverage and repair support.

Heatable customers often choose the installer for the initial job and then arrange servicing elsewhere. This can be a good approach if you already have a servicing arrangement, prefer to compare service prices annually, or want to use a local engineer long-term.

Neither is wrong – it’s more about what fits your lifestyle. The key is simply making sure annual servicing happens and is recorded properly.

Speed and availability: which can install sooner?

The question “who can install faster?” depends heavily on timing and location.

Availability fluctuates based on season, demand, and local engineer coverage. In winter, installation schedules can fill quickly due to breakdowns and urgent replacements. In quieter seasons, it may be easier to get an installation date that suits you.

Heatable’s online quoting can help some households move quickly from enquiry to booking. British Gas may benefit from scale and a large national operation, but that doesn’t guarantee faster appointments in every region.

If speed matters, the most practical move is to check lead times with both and choose based on availability in your area.

Finance options: comparing monthly payments the sensible way

Both providers may offer finance routes depending on eligibility and the packages available at the time. Finance can make a boiler replacement manageable, but it should be compared carefully.

Monthly payments can look appealing, but what matters is the full cost over time. A sensible comparison includes:

• The total repayable amount
• The interest rate (APR)
• Whether there are fees or early repayment charges
• The cash price equivalent if you pay upfront

If one provider appears cheaper monthly but significantly higher overall, that’s a sign to slow down and compare properly before committing.

Which one is better for you?

A fair way to decide is to focus less on brand identity and more on practical questions.

Heatable may suit you if you want a straightforward online process, clear boiler selection, and a clean pathway to installation without lots of back-and-forth appointments. For homeowners who like digital services and want to move fast, the model can be a good match.

British Gas may suit you if you value the reassurance of a widely recognised brand, want the option to bundle servicing or home cover products, or prefer a more traditional customer journey where you can speak to someone directly and feel guided through the process.

For many households, the right answer comes down to the final quote, the boiler model, the warranty length, and confidence that the installer will do the work properly.

Final thoughts: how to compare fairly

Choosing between Heatable and British Gas doesn’t need to be complicated. What matters most is getting a boiler that fits your home, installed safely, with transparent pricing and a clear plan for aftercare.

Before you choose, take a moment to confirm the basics: which boiler model you’re getting, what the warranty length is, what the quote includes, and how support works if something goes wrong after installation.

When you compare like-for-like, the “best” option often becomes obvious – not because one brand is universally better, but because one offer fits your home, budget, and expectations more closely than the other.