Keeping your home warm and comfortable starts with the right boiler, but understanding boiler installation costs can feel like navigating a complex maze.
With the average boiler installation ranging from £1,600 to £6,000, homeowners need a clear roadmap to make an informed decision.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about boiler costs, types, and considerations to help you make a smart investment in your home’s heating system.
|
Boiler Type |
Average Cost | Best For |
| Combi Boilers |
£3,800 |
Small homes, 1-3 inhabitants |
| Conventional Boilers |
£3,550 |
Older properties, multiple bathrooms |
| System Boilers |
£3,300 |
Homes with high hot water demand |
| Biomass Boilers |
£15,000 |
Eco-conscious, large properties |
Key Insights:
-
- Combi boilers are most cost-effective for smaller homes
- Conventional boilers suit properties with existing infrastructure
- System boilers work well for homes with high hot water needs
- Installation costs typically range from £1,000 to £2,000
Types of Boilers and Their Costs
When it comes to home heating, not all boilers are created equal. The UK market offers several boiler types, each with unique characteristics and price points. Over 85% of UK homeowners use gas boilers, but options extend far beyond traditional systems.
Want to get a reliable Boiler installation service? Fitz Plumbing and Heating offers 10+ years of experience and provides boiler installation across London.
Combi Boiler Cost
Combi boiler shown with proper digital control and pipes with it’s price
Combi boilers are the Swiss Army knife of home heating, compact, efficient, and perfect for smaller properties. These modern marvels heat water directly from the mains, eliminating the need for bulky hot water tanks.
|
Combi Boiler Type |
Boiler Cost without installation |
Installation Cost |
Average Total Cost |
|
Gas Combi Boiler |
£650 – £3,000 |
£1,000 – £2,000 |
£3,000 |
|
Electric Combi Boiler |
£1,200 – £3,800 |
£500 – £2,000 |
£3,000 – £4,200 |
|
Oil Combi Boiler |
£2,500 – £4,000 |
£1,000 – £2,000 |
£4,000 |
Combi Boiler Running Costs
Expect to shell out approximately £120-£206 per month in running costs, depending on the boiler type and household usage. Electric combi boilers tend to be pricier, averaging around £206 monthly based on current electricity rates.
Pros of combi boiler:
- Compact and space-saving design
- Instant hot water on demand
- No need for a separate hot water cylinder
- Lower installation costs
- Simple to install and energy-efficient
- Ideal for smaller properties
Cons of combi boiler:
- Limited hot water supply for multiple bathrooms
- Depends on mains water pressure
- Potential temperature fluctuations with multiple taps
- Not suitable for properties with low water pressure
- May require pipe upgrades in older homes
Conventional Boiler Cost
Conventional/traditional boiler in an old property with a cylinder and feed tank
Traditional to the core, Standard/conventional/heat-only boilers are the old guard of home heating. Typically found in pre-90s properties, these systems come with separate hot water tanks and feed tanks.
| Boiler type | Average Total Cost (including Installation) |
| Conventional Boiler |
£3,550 |
Conventional Boiler Running Costs
Running costs vary, but these systems typically offer a consistent hot water supply for larger households with multiple bathrooms. The running costs for conventional boilers vary but typically range from £100 to £150 per month, depending on your home’s size and energy efficiency.
Pros of a conventional boiler:
- Works well with older heating systems
- Suitable for homes with multiple bathrooms
- Compatible with older radiator systems
- Good for properties with low water pressure
- Allows for storing hot water in a cylinder
Cons of a conventional boiler:
- Requires significant space for a hot water cylinder
- Needs a cold water storage tank in the loft
- Less energy efficient compared to modern systems
- Higher heat loss through the cylinder
- Higher maintenance requirements
System Boiler Cost
System boiler with hot water tank and meter
A hybrid of combi and conventional designs, system boilers provide a modern solution with built-in central heating pumps.
| Boiler type | Average Total Cost (including Installation) |
| System boiler |
£3,300 |
System Boiler Running Costs
System boilers offer efficient heating with the flexibility of storing hot water in a cylinder, making them ideal for homes with higher hot water demands. System boilers typically cost between £110 and £170 per month to run, making them a moderately priced option for heating and hot water.
Pros of a system boiler:
- No need for a loft tank
- Works well in homes with multiple bathrooms
- Faster hot water recovery
- More compact than conventional boilers
- Good for properties with high hot water demand
- Less pipework compared to conventional boilers
Cons of a system boiler:
- Requires hot water cylinder
- Slightly more expensive than combi boilers
- Takes up cupboard space for cylinder
- Less flexible than combi boilers
- Potential heat loss through cylinder
- Higher initial investment
Want to know whether a system boiler is better or a combi boiler? Checkout Our latest guide on system boiler vs combi boiler.
Biomass Boiler Cost
Biomass boiler with wood as a fuel source in a modern property.
For the eco-conscious homeowner, biomass boilers represent a green alternative to traditional heating systems.
| Biomass Boiler Type | Boiler Cost | Total Installation Cost |
| Manually-fed (logs) |
£10,000 |
£19,000 |
| Automatically-fed (pellets) |
£10,000 |
£31,000 |
Biomass Boiler Running Costs
Fuel costs range from 4.17p to 15.31p per kWh, depending on the biomass type:
- Wood Chips: £175 per tonne
- Wood Logs: £650 per tonne
- Wood Pellets: £750 per tonne
Pros of a biomass boiler:
- Extremely environmentally friendly
- Potential for government green energy incentives
- Lower carbon emissions
- Long operational lifespan (20-25 years)
- Potential for off-grid heating solutions
- Can be cheaper than fossil fuel alternatives in the long term
Cons of a biomass boiler:
- Extremely high upfront costs
- Requires significant storage space for fuel
- Regular fuel loading (for manual systems)
- Less convenient than gas or electric systems
- Fuel costs can fluctuate
- Requires specialized installation
Feel like the boiler price is too much for you? Checkout the boiler upgrade scheme to know if you are eligible to get a grant of £5,000 for upgrading to a biomass boiler
Best Boiler Models and Their Costs
| Brand | Top Model | Key Features | Price Range (with installation) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worcester Bosch | Greenstar 8000 Life | Compact Design, wall-mounted | £2,055 – £2,555 |
| Vaillant | EcoTec Plus 630 | heating efficiency of 94%, 10-year Warranty when installed by a Vaillant Advance Installer | £2,163 – £2,663 |
|
Baxi |
Smart Tech Compatible, 10-year parts and labour warranty† |
£883 – £1,147 |
|
|
Ideal |
Logic range |
Built-in frost protection, smart temperature controls |
£732-£1,117 |
|
Viessmann |
exceptional efficiency (up to 94%), quiet operation, and long lifespan |
£1,125-£1,292 |
Boiler Installation Cost by Property Size
Boiler Cost for Flats & Small Homes
Ideal for 1-2 bedrooms, with boiler sizes ranging from 18-27 kW. Expect total costs around £2,650.
Boiler Cost for Medium-Sized Homes
Perfect for 3-4 bedrooms, requiring 28-34 kW boilers. The average total cost sits around £3,300.
Boiler Cost for Large Homes
For 4+ bedrooms, you’ll need 35-43 kW boilers. Total costs typically reach £3,900.
Factors That Affect Boiler Installation Costs
Several critical factors can significantly impact your boiler installation expenses:
- Property Size and Complexity
- Home square footage
- Number of radiators
- Existing plumbing infrastructure
- Accessibility of installation area
- Boiler Type and Complexity
- Conversion between boiler types (e.g., conventional to combi)
- Fuel type (gas, oil, electric, biomass)
- Boiler size and output requirements
- Additional Components
- Magnetic filters (£60-£160)
- WiFi-enabled heating controllers (around £150)
- Power flushing (approximately £1,000)
- Radiator replacements (around £200 per radiator)
- Labour Considerations
- Average daily rate for installers: £300
- Simple like-for-like installation: 4-6 hours
- Complex conversions: 1.5–2 days
Can I Legally Install My Own Boiler?
Short Answer: No, you cannot legally install a boiler yourself in the UK.
Legal Requirements to install a new boiler:
- Boiler installations must be completed by Gas Safe registered engineers
- Electrical boiler installations require Part P certification
- Incorrect installation can:
- Void manufacturer warranties
- Invalidate home insurance
- Create significant safety risks
- Result in substantial fines
Potential Consequences of DIY Installation:
- Legal prosecution
- Invalidated home insurance
- Potential gas leaks or carbon monoxide risks
- Fines up to £5,000
- Potential criminal charges for endangering lives
How Long Does It Take to Fit a Boiler?
Boiler Installation Times:
- Like-for-like replacement: 4-6 hours
- Converting from conventional to combi boiler: 1.5 – 2 days
- Complex installations: Up to 3 days
Does a New Boiler Increase House Price?
Potential Value Additions:
- Estimated value increase: 3-5% of property value
- Attracts potential buyers with:
- Energy efficiency
- Modern heating system
- Lower running costs
- Improved Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating
Key Considerations:
- Recent, high-efficiency models add more value
- Proper installation and documentation crucial
- Brand reputation matters
- Complementary energy-efficient upgrades can enhance value further
Which Boiler Gives the Best Value for Its Cost?
When choosing your boiler, consider your specific household needs, property size, and long-term energy efficiency. While upfront costs matter, the right boiler can save you money and headaches in the long run.
Pro tip: Always get multiple quotes, check warranty details, and consider professional installation to maximize your investment.
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