If you’re struggling with an old, inefficient boiler, upgrading to a new one can significantly boost efficiency and reduce energy expenses. If you’re wondering how much to fit a boiler in 2024, we’ve got you covered!
According to the Energy Savings Trust, heating and hot water account for over 50% of your energy costs, so fitting an efficient condensing boiler can make a huge difference.
If your boiler is old or worn out, maintenance and repair costs can soon outweigh the cost of fitting a new one.
New boilers are more efficient and will work better using less fuel, translating to huge savings and reducing your carbon footprint.
If your gas boiler has a rating of less than 70%, replacing it with an A-rated, condensing boiler with a room thermostat, programmer, and thermostatic radiator controls can save you up to £475 on your fuel bill.
This guide explores how much to fit a boiler in 2024 so you can know the various costs to expect when looking for a new boiler replacement.
How Much to Fit A Boiler Key Points:
- The average cost of a new boiler ranges from £600 to £3,500, and for a new boiler with installation, it ranges from £1,500 to £4,500.
- Factors like the brand, warranty length, type of boiler, installation complexity, and any extras impact the price.
- To get an accurate quote for a new boiler, you can start your application with Which? approved boiler installers here.
How Much To Fit A Boiler In The UK?
The cost of fitting 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.
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 |
How Much To Fit A Combi Boiler?
The most widely used form of boiler is a combi (or combination) boiler, which only requires a single unit to operate.
Fitting 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.
The compact form of a combi boiler system makes it perfect for small homes and apartments with limited space.
It saves room in your home by supplying hot water straight to your taps or radiators, eliminating the need for a storage tank.
The main benefit of a combi boiler is its cost-effectiveness. You only pay for what you use because it provides hot water on demand. As a result, it is both incredible energy and financially sustainable.
How Much To Replace A Conventional Boiler With A Combi?
If you have another type of boiler installed on your property but want to replace it with a new combi boiler this is known as a conversion.
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 need to 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
Who offers the best boilers deals in the UK? Check out our review of online boiler installation companies, boiler brands, and the best UK boilers that have topped our list concerning new boilers in the current year.
How Much To Replace A Back Boiler With A Combi Boiler?
A back boiler to combi conversion can cost between £3,000 and £5,000.
The work is similar to a standard conversion, in which the installer removes the existing system and introduces the required pipework and new boiler.
Repairing a back boiler to meet modern regulations is no longer possible. Therefore, you’ll need to convert your system to a modern combi system, for example.
You may incur significant extra costs if the back boiler is located in an awkward location, like behind your fireplace.
How Much To Fit A System Boiler?
Fitting a system boiler can cost anywhere from £1,500 to £5,000.
How much you pay will depend on factors like the brand, required controls, warranty length, additional valves or pumps, and the general complexity of the job.
The costs above are for installing the boiler only and don’t include the costs for new or replacement cylinders.
Unlike combi boilers, system boilers require a hot water cylinder to function. They’re suitable for medium to large-sized properties with multiple bathrooms and high hot water demands.
How Much To Fit A Regular/Conventional Boiler?
Fitting regular or conventional boilers costs from £1,500 to £3,500.
The final price will depend on the brand, boiler size, and installation complexity. Regular boilers, also called heat-only boilers, are traditional types still installed in larger homes.
Regular boilers comprise the boiler, a hot water storage cylinder, and a cold water storage tank.
A conventional boiler is a good choice if you have a traditional heating system that can’t tolerate the high pressure of a combi or system boiler.
It’s ideal for properties with high hot water demands and multiple bathrooms or areas with low water pressure.
How Much To Fit An Electric Boiler?
Fitting an electric boiler can cost between £ 2,000 and £4,500, depending on its size, model, and type.
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 Fitting Costs?
You must consider the following factors when calculating how much to fit a boiler in the UK:
Type of Boiler You Want To Install
The installation process varies depending on the type of boiler you pick.
Combi boilers are often the least expensive to install, whereas traditional boilers are the most expensive.
In addition, the boiler’s power source, which might be gas or electricity, also affects how much it costs.
A gas combi boiler is often less expensive than a traditional gas boiler.
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.
Size of The Boiler (Dimensions)
The size of the boiler is another important factor that influences the price you are given for boiler installation.
Larger boilers are more expensive to install than smaller boilers, as a matter of convention.
Large boilers may require two to three people to lift and install, whilst smaller boilers may just require one person. This influences the labour costs of installation.
Check out our video on how to vet boiler brands/models in the UK:
Your Location in the UK
The cost of installing a boiler is determined by the labour required.
This varies depending on your location, the company you hire, the time it takes to install the boiler, and the number of engineers needed.
Depending on the installation style, a new boiler will, on average, cost between £600 and £1,500.
For example, a combi swap is much quicker and can take around a day to complete, while a back boiler conversion can take around two days and require more than one engineer.
The Need For Additional Upgrades
Any renovations or adjustments you may require when the new boiler is installed are the additional factors that impact the costs you are charged for boiler installation.
In some circumstances, additional pipes, valves, or electrical outlets may be required to accommodate the new boiler being installed.
You should anticipate paying more if you need renovations or alterations to the pipes or power source than someone who does not.
Boiler Conversion or Relocation
Some boiler upgrades are simple, and some are not.
A standard boiler install entails loosening a few connections, removing the old boiler, and installing the new boiler.
In this case, your boiler installer can test the boiler immediately and sign it off as gas-safe. However, not all boiler installs are that straightforward.
If your new boiler type does not match your old one, the contractor may need to drill the holes again wherever needed and even modify the plumbing to install it.
Moving the location of your boiler is also costly and will require a lot of physical labour, new fixtures and fittings, and additional pipework.
All this requires time, increasing the expense of installing your new boiler.
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.
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’ll need to 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.
Incorporating 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.
Can You Get A Grant To Fit A New Boiler?
Various government grants are available in the UK, Wales, and Scotland to help with the cost of fitting a new boiler. These include:
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Scheme
ECO4 requires energy suppliers to fit energy-saving measures to help households reduce home heating costs and decarbonise.
If you qualify for a boiler grant, ECO4 can help cover the cost of replacing, repairing, or upgrading your boiler.
The scheme targets fuel-poor, low-income, and vulnerable households and will run until March 2026. Eligibility is based on criteria such as home ownership, benefits, income, and proof of need.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
The BUS scheme provides grants to encourage property owners to replace existing fossil fuel heating systems with low-carbon, more efficient heating systems.
These include ground-source heat pumps, air-source heat pumps, and biomass boilers in limited circumstances.
If you can’t afford boiler costs and qualify under BUS, you can get up to £5,000 to cover the upfront costs of installing a biomass boiler.
The scheme opened for grant applications on 23rd May 2022 and will run up to 2025 with a £450m funding confirmed for the three years.
If you don’t qualify for the boiler grants, you can get a boiler on finance, known as a pay-monthly boiler or rent-a-boiler.
With boilers on finance, you can install a new boiler in your home without paying the full price before installation.
Instead, you can spread the cost of your new boiler with an affordable monthly pay deal, with no upfront payment and no hidden charges.
Are you considering paying for your boiler monthly? Many boiler finance deals make paying for a new boiler much more manageable.
Summary of How Much To Fit A Boiler
Fitting a new boiler can cost anywhere from £1,500 to £4,500. Factors like the size of your home, the type of boiler you choose, the brand, labour costs in your area, the installation complexity, and extras will impact the final price.
Many online boiler installation companies now offer a fixed price to fit a new boiler, meaning you no longer have to worry about extra charges or hourly fees. Instead, you pay one price, and that’s final.
To select the ideal boiler for your space, you should always look for a fixed quotation that includes the desired boiler, all the installation charges, and a total part and labour warranty that meets your requirements.
Sources and References
- https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/boilers/
- https://www.find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/grants/boiler-upgrade-scheme-1#summary