James Elston

James Elston

Published February 8, 2024

Are you considering a conventional boiler for your home but unsure about the costs involved? Worry not, as our comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision and find the right boiler for your needs and budget.

We will explore the factors affecting conventional boiler prices, compare popular brands, and offer tips for saving on your boiler costs. With this knowledge in hand, you can confidently navigate the world of conventional boiler prices in the UK.

Regular Boiler Cost – Summary

  • Conventional Boilers are suitable for larger or older properties and can result in annual energy bill savings of up to £840.
  • The cost of a conventional boiler typically ranges from £1,500 to £3,000 depending on various factors such as brand, model size and output rating.
  • Comparing quotes from multiple installers is essential when looking to reduce costs associated with a conventional boiler installation.

What is a Conventional Boiler?

A conventional boiler, also known as a regular or traditional boiler, is suitable for larger or older properties with high hot water demand and low water pressure. These regular boilers are sometimes referred to as heat-only boilers or open-vent boilers.

Installing a regular boiler can be the most cost-effective choice, mainly if your residence already utilises a traditional system and requires replacement or enhancement.

Replacing an old G-rated gas boiler with a modern A-rated condensing regular boiler could result in potential annual energy bills savings of up to £840. However, understand that conventional boiler systems typically need more space and are often positioned in the loft.

Components of a Conventional Boiler

A conventional boiler typically comprises the boiler itself, a separate hot water storage cylinder, and a cold water storage tank, which are all essential components.

The cold water tank provides cold water to the boiler system, which is then heated and circulated throughout the house for various applications, including taps and faucets.

The hot water cylinder, also known as an open vent boiler, stores and maintains hot water for taps, baths, showers, and other household uses. The materials employed in the fabrication of conventional boiler components comprise cast iron, steel, and copper.

How Conventional Boilers Work

The functioning of a conventional boiler involves several steps:

  1. Cold water from the mains supply travels to the cold water cistern, typically situated in the loft.
  2. The cold water is then warmed up in the hot water storage cylinder.
  3. The hot water from the storage cylinder is utilised to provide heating to the radiators when the central heating is activated.
  4. The heated water is also employed for hot water taps and showers in the household.

The boiler operates as a heating system by burning gas in a sealed combustion chamber, which heats the water. The heated water is then stored in a hot water storage tank for subsequent use.

Conventional Boilers Prices

The typical cost of a new conventional boiler is in the range of £1,500 to £3,000. However, this usual price range for a conventional boiler depends on various factors such as brand, model, and size. Larger-sized conventional boilers will generally incur a higher cost.

For further details about boiler costs, please refer to our guide to boiler costs.

Factors Influencing Conventional Boiler Prices

As mentioned earlier, several factors influence the cost of a conventional boiler, including the brand and model, the size and heating output, and the complexity of the installation. The pricing of various brands may vary, with some offering more economical options than others.

The price of the boiler may also be influenced by the specific model, as higher output ratings or models with extra features tend to be priced higher than basic ones.

Boilers with higher output ratings or larger sizes may be more costly than basic models. Also, boilers requiring more complex installation processes might cost more than those that are simple to install.

Brand and Model

The reputation and quality of the boiler brand and model can influence the price, with certain brands asking for a higher cost. The most highly regarded brands for conventional boilers are:

  • Worcester Bosch
  • Viessmann
  • Ideal
  • Baxi
  • Vaillant
  • Alpha
  • Potterton

Various models may have distinct characteristics, specifications, and efficiencies, which can have an effect on the total cost. Models with more sophisticated features and higher efficiency ratings generally cost more than basic models.

Furthermore, models from reputable and dependable brands might also be pricier. Certain boiler brands command a premium price due to their reputation for quality and reliability, along with extended warranties and superior customer service.

Size and Heating Output

The size and heating output of a conventional boiler can have an impact on its price. Boilers with higher output ratings or larger sizes may be more costly than basic models. The range of heating output for conventional boilers can vary, but typically, it can range from 12 kW to 36 kW.

To ascertain the necessary size and heating output for a conventional boiler in a residence, consider the heating requirements for your radiators and your hot water cylinder, as detailed in the knowledge base.

Installation Complexity

The complexity of installing a conventional boiler can affect its price. Boilers requiring more complex installation processes could be pricier than those that are easier to install. The additional costs associated with complex conventional boiler installations could include additional parts and labour, as well as potential installation fees.

The typical cost for additional pipework in a conventional boiler installation is estimated to be between £1,900 and £2,200.

Conventional Boiler Replacement

Replacing a conventional boiler can cost between £1,500 and £3,000, depending on the factors mentioned, such as:

  • Brand
  • Model
  • Size
  • Heating output
  • Installation complexity

The cost of replacing an old boiler with a new one can vary greatly. On average, this replacement costs between £1,150 and £3,000.

For an exact price for your boiler replacement installation, you can find fixed online quotes for a new boiler replacement.

Comparing Conventional Boiler Brands

Comparing popular conventional boiler brands can help you find the best option for your home. The most highly regarded brands for conventional boilers are Worcester Bosch and Viessmann.

Both of these brands offer efficient and reliable boilers, with Worcester Bosch winning the Which? Best Buy Award for six years running, and the Viessmann Vitodens 050-W is a top-performing model.

Worcester Bosch

Worcester Bosch is known for its high-quality boilers and has won the Which? Best Buy has been awarded for six consecutive years. This is a significant achievement and reflects the company’s excellent track record. They offer a range of conventional boiler models, including:

  • Greenstar CDi Classic Regular
  • Greenstar Ri Regular
  • Greenstar 8000 Life Regular
  • Greenstar 4000 Regular
  • Greenstar 2000 Regular

Worcester Bosch conventional boilers are highly energy efficient, boasting a seasonal efficiency rating of 93% for both central heating and hot water, as well as an ErP ‘A+’ rating for space heating and an efficiency rate of 98%.

Viessmann

Viessmann offers efficient and reliable boilers, with the Vitodens 050-W being a top-performing model. This gas condensing combi boiler features a digital interface and LCD display, a low level of operating noise, and a compact size for easy installation in kitchen cupboards.

The Viessmann Vitodens 050-W is more efficient than other boilers due to its gas condensing system boiler with an ERP efficiency rating of 92% (Class A) and its high SEDBUK rating, contributing to its overall efficiency. The anticipated life expectancy of a Viessmann Vitodens 050-W boiler is approximately 15 to 20 years.

Alternative Boiler Types and Their Costs

Alternative boiler types include combi boilers, suitable for smaller homes with instant hot water needs, and system boilers, ideal for larger homes with high energy demands. Each type of boiler comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages, as well as different price ranges.

Here, we will now examine these alternatives and their associated costs, giving you a better idea of which type of boiler you need and which is the most cost-effective choice.

Combi Boilers

Combi boiler costs range from £1,500 to £3,500, depending on factors such as brand, model, and installation complexity. Combi boilers are combination boilers that control both heating and hot water, providing them both instantly on-demand without the need for a hot water cylinder to be heated in advance.

These boilers are popular choices for smaller homes with limited space and hot water needs.

System Boilers

System boiler costs can range from £1,600 to £3,200, influenced by brand, model, and installation factors. System boilers maintain a consistent supply of hot water that is sourced from the local mains supply and are suitable for medium-to-large residences with high energy requirements.

A central heating system can efficiently distribute this hot water throughout the property.

Tips for Saving on Conventional Boiler Costs

To save on conventional boiler costs, consider comparing quotes from multiple installers, trading in your old boiler, and looking into government grants or schemes to help cover the costs.

Additionally, replacing an outdated boiler may be beneficial, as the UK Government provides grants for boiler replacements or new low-carbon heating upgrades, depending on the eligibility criteria.

You can compare online quotes for regular boilers to make sure you get the best deal and save money in different ways.

Comparing Quotes

One of the best ways to save on conventional boiler costs is to compare quotes from multiple installers. There are several boiler manufacturers and installers who will offer quotes based on the particular specifications of your home, only requiring a matter of questions to get the right boiler for your property.

Comparing these quotes allows you to secure the best deal for your boiler installation.

When assessing boiler installation quotes, it is imperative to consider the following elements:

  • Price
  • Type and size of boiler
  • Energy efficiency
  • Brand and quality
  • Installation experience
  • Additional services

Evaluating these factors carefully allows you to make a sound decision and ultimately cut down on your conventional boiler costs.

Heat-Only Boilers Cost – Our Verdict

In conclusion, understanding conventional boiler prices and the factors that influence them is essential when considering a new boiler for your home. By comparing popular boiler brands, considering alternative boiler types, and exploring tips for saving on boiler costs, you can make an informed decision that best suits your home and budget.

With the right information and careful planning, you can confidently navigate the world of conventional boiler prices in the UK and find the perfect heating solution for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a conventional boiler cost?

New conventional boilers typically cost between £1,500 and £3,000, depending on the boiler chosen and the installation time.

Can you still buy a conventional gas boiler?

Yes, you can still purchase a conventional gas boiler. They are not as common as combi boilers but are still popular, much like system boilers.

How much is a new boiler on average in the UK?

On average, a new boiler in the UK will cost between £1,150-£5,500, taking into account the type of boiler it is, the brand, and installation.

What is a conventional boiler?

A conventional boiler, also known as a regular boiler, traditional boiler or heat-only boiler, is an appliance that supplies your home’s heating and hot water using hot and cold water storage tanks, which are usually located in the loft, plugged into your mains and powered by electricity.

What factors affect the cost of a conventional boiler?

The cost of a conventional boiler is affected by its brand and model, size and heating output, and the complexity of installation.

James Elston

James Elston

Boiler Expert


James Elston is the top boiler replacement and heating expert at Eco Happy. He has over 20 years of experience in the industry, focusing on Gas Safe boiler installations and offering home-heating and energy-saving solutions to homeowners across the UK. From sourcing the most energy-efficient combi boiler to providing specialist heating advice, James ensures that Eco Happy maintains the highest standards and best customer service.

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