New Boiler Costs In 2024: A Guide To Replacement Expenses

When the chilly season comes around, the thought of a cosy, well-heated home becomes more than just a want; it’s a necessity. 

The clock might be ticking on your current boiler’s lifespan, but have you budgeted for the cost of a new boiler yet?

Not to worry, in this guide, we help you navigate through the cost of replacing your boiler and discuss the factors that affect the final price.

What Factors Affect New Boiler Costs

How much does a new boiler cost? Let’s dive in and uncover which factors affect the cost of a new boiler.

Types of boilers and cost differences

Boilers come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, and every boiler type caters to different home and business heating needs. Here are the primary types of boilers:

• A combi boiler, short for “combination boiler”, is currently one of the most popular choices to heat homes in the UK. 
• This single unit can provide both hot water and heat directly from the mains. Combi boiler costs usually range between £500 and £3,000. A combi boiler including installation averages around £3,000.
• A system boiler works alongside a hot water cylinder, ensuring that there is always hot water on demand. 
• They are the more suitable option for medium-to-large homes with higher energy demands. The cost of a system boiler can range from £580 to £3,500. The total cost with installation averages around £3,290.
• Conventional boilers are more common in older homes. They include a hot water cylinder as well as a cold water tank. They are well suited for medium-to-large homes. 
• Conventional boiler prices range between £600 and £3,500. The total cost with installation averages around £3,050.

Manufacturer considerations

Let’s now compare the five top boiler brands in the UK and their prices so you know what to expect:

Boiler type	Worcester Bosch	Vaillant	Alpha	Viessmann	Ideal
Combi	£735 – £2,265	£850 – £1,920	£590 – £996	£844 – £6,188	£625 – £1,340
System	£824 to £3,600	£780 – £2,800	£825 – £3,860	£1,013 – £1,444	£735 – £1,210
Regular	£759 to £2,220	£720 – £1,520	£709 – £809	£794 – £1,358	£778 – £2,200

• Worcester Bosch has a long reputation as a quality brand. While the price of its boilers might be slightly higher, the high efficiency and reliability pay off in the long run.
• Vaillant falls between the mid to high price range, offering a great reflection of its quality and their features. 
• Alpha offers more budget-friendly options without having to skimp on the quality.
• Viessmann is known for its innovative boilers with advanced technology. While prices are on the higher end, the focus is on long-term energy saving.
• Ideal has a great balance between quality and affordability. Boilers are cost-effective, reliable, and suited to a wide range of budgets

Size and layout of your home

The size and layout play a big role in determining the cost of a new boiler installation. The bigger your home, the more powerful the boiler needs to be. 

Here are some examples of cost ranges based on different housing sizes:

Home size	Boiler type	Average cost (boiler only)	Average cost including installation
Small	Combi	£500 – £3,000	£3,000
Medium	Combi, system, or conventional	£500 – £3,500	£3,000 – £3,290
Large	System or conventional	£580 – £3,500	£3,050 – £3,290

To determine what size boiler you will need, read our in-depth guide.

Fuel type and efficiency

The efficiency and the fuel you use will have an impact on the cost of a new boiler. Let’s compare different fuel types to see which option would be better suited for you.

Boiler fuel	Pros	Cons	Cost for boiler only	Cost including installation
Natural gas	Widely available and very cost-effective.	Won’t work in a home that does not have access to gas.	£500 – £3,500	£3,000 – £3,290
Oil	Great for homes without a gas connection.	More costly and requires regular fuel stocking.	£500 – £2,000	£1,700 – £6,500
Electric	Greener option as it releases fewer carbon emissions.	More expensive than gas or oil.	£590 – £2,500	£1,590 – £4,000
Biomass	Uses carbon-neutral and renewable energy.	Requires more space and frequent refilling. Most expensive option.	£4,000 – £12,000	£6,000 – £21,000

Geographical influence on costs

The location of your residence or business can affect the boiler and installation costs. Before installing a central heating system, consider the following factors:

• Regional costs: Differences in costs are influenced by regional differences in demand, living expenses, and even local regulations.
• Urban versus rural: Urban areas might have higher labour rates and logistical components, while rural areas might have increased transportation costs.
• Compliance: Having to comply with specific building regulations can impact overall project costs.
• Accessibility to suppliers: The distance between your location to material suppliers can influence costs, with remote areas experiencing a higher price spike.
• Installer competition: Areas with a higher number of heating system installers may have more competitive pricing.
• Climate considerations: Colder climates may need their heating systems installed more urgently, influencing overall project expenses.
• Skilled labour availability: Areas that have a shortage of skilled workers may experience increased installation costs because heating technicians are not readily available.

Specific installation cost scenarios

Now, let’s take a quick look at some scenarios

1. Heating in a one-bedroom, one-shower apartment with a combi boiler and radiators costs around £2,195 – £3,025 including installation.
2. Installing a system boiler in a three-bedroom semi-detached house with 10 – 15 radiators averages between £2,845 – £3,265 including installation. Check out our guide on the best boilers for a 3 bedroom house to find a brand and model best suited to your home. 
3. A new conventional boiler for a five-bedroom detached unit with 15 radiators may cost between £2,695 – £3,025 including installation.
4. A combi boiler for a three-bedroom bungalow with a bathtub and shower can cost £1,945 – £3,025.

Tips For Managing Boiler Replacement Costs

When considering the cost of a new boiler, managing your money wisely becomes the most important task. The following tips will help you navigate through the process while keeping your expenses in check.

Energy efficiency considerations

Buying an energy-efficient boiler will help save in the long run. It’s best to choose models with high energy efficiency ratings because they consume less fuel while providing you with maximum performance. 

Ideally, you’re looking for boilers rated “A” for efficiency

Also, keep an eye out for features such as modulation technology that can adjust its output based on the demand.

Seasonal installation benefits

The best tip to save money when budgeting for your new boiler is to book your installation during the warmer months or the off-season period.

When there is a lower demand, installers may provide more competitive rates on labour, presenting you with an opportunity for reduced boiler installation costs.

Financial planning and budgeting

Here are a few practical tips to assist when budgeting for your boiler cost:

• Get quotes from multiple companies to see what the average cost in your area is. This will help you to set a realistic goal for your target.
• Have extra funds available to cover the cost of anything unexpected.
• If you’re on a tight budget, focus on the most important aspects first and consider add-ons later.
• Some installers may offer flexible payment methods and financing options. Beware of high interest rates, though. Check out our boilers on finance guide.
• There may be government grants and incentives available for installing energy-efficient heating systems.
• Keep a lookout for promotions, discounts, or seasonal offers from companies, manufacturers, and even financing institutions. 

Boiler Replacement Process

Here are a few scenarios that provide insights into efficient boiler swaps and how they might affect your time and savings.

Replacing an old boiler with a new boiler of the same type

This would be considered just a normal boiler swap, replacing an existing boiler with a new boiler. 

Upgrading to a new like-for-like boiler will depend on your type of boiler.

• Time: Installation is usually completed within a day, causing minimal disruptions.
• Cost consideration: The cost is generally cheaper because the pipework will already be in place.

Replacing a system boiler with a combi boiler

Upgrading to a more compact and efficient combi boiler from a traditional system boiler can be very beneficial. 

The boiler replacement costs include draining both the boiler and radiators, and removing the old boiler, cylinders and header tank. 

• Time savings: It usually takes two days to install.
• Cost consideration: There is a cost increase for modifying your system. Expect to pay around  £2,350 to £3,500.

Check out our guide on the best combi boilers if you’re considering purchasing one.

Changing from a regular boiler to a combi boiler

The overall cost of replacing your regular boiler includes the removal of your old boiler as well as the water cylinder. Once this is done, the heating engineer will then install upgraded pipework directed to the existing or new location of the incoming combi boiler. While changing from a conventional boiler to a combi boiler is more challenging, it is well worth it.

• Time savings: Due to pipework changes, it may take a bit longer to install, up to three days.
• Cost consideration: The boiler installation cost is higher due to the pipework changes and additional components. Expect to pay around £2,500 to £4,500. Check out our guide to learn more about combi boiler costs.

Changing from a back boiler to a modern boiler

Switching from a back boiler to a modern boiler can be a worthwhile investment, but it’s essential to understand both the costs and the process involved. Replacing a back boiler usually requires removing the old unit, often hidden behind a fireplace, which can add to the complexity and cost of the installation. 

On average, this type of replacement can cost between £2,500 and £4,500, depending on the condition of the existing system, the need for additional pipework, and the type of new boiler chosen.

Check out our dedicated guide to back boiler replacement options, costs, and benefits for a more detailed breakdown. 

Payment Options And Grants

Flexible payment options and government incentives can considerably ease the financial burden associated with your boiler replacement cost.

Whether you’re looking for a payment plan or seeking information on available grants, we’ve got you covered. 

Monthly financing plans

Monthly financing plans offer convenient solutions, allowing you to spread a large sum into monthly instalments. 

Here’s what to consider:

• Financing a new boiler comes with strict repayment terms that you must adhere to. Before committing, check if you can easily manage the monthly amount.
• Some financing plans come with interest-free options if you pay back the total sum within a specific period.
• Beware of financing plans that come with high interest. You could end up paying significantly more than the original cost.
• Financing options are generally available to those with lower credit scores, but eligibility criteria may differ among providers. The interest tends to be higher here too.

Buy now pay later

A more recent addition to boiler payment options, buy now pay later allows you to purchase your new boiler and delay payment for a specific period. 

Here’s what to consider:

• The delay period generally ranges from 14 days – 12 months.
• After the period has passed, you can either pay the full amount, make monthly instalments or enter a finance plan.
• The initial delay period is usually interest-free. If you don’t pay within the specified period, you may start incurring interest.
• Some buy now pay later options incur a small penalty fee for paying early.

Government grants and financial assistance

The UK government offers grants and financial assistance to support individuals with their boiler installation costs:

• The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provide homeowners grants to compensate for the costs of transitioning from fossil fuel heating to a heat pump or biomass boiler.
• The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Scheme provides free or subsidised boiler replacements to low-income households.

Both incentives have strict eligibility criteria that you must meet to qualify for assistance. We recommend checking the UK government’s website for the most up-to-date information.

How To Obtain And Compare Boiler Quotes

Getting quotes and comparing them is an important part of the decision-making process when it comes to purchasing a new boiler. Doing this is crucial for comparing price ranges to see who offers better value for money. Our guide on how to compare boiler quotes online will help you make a more informed decision. 

Ready For Your Free New Boiler Quote?

If you’re ready to upgrade your heating system, it’s time to get in touch with Eco Happy. 

Request your free quote and our experienced boiler experts will help you choose the best boiler for your home.

From the best combi and system boilers on the market, we can get you the best deal.

FAQs

How much money can a new boiler save?

The great thing about upgrading is that a new boiler will save you money. In fact, you could save up to 30% on your energy bills annually with a new A+ grade condensing boiler. 

In the end, it pays itself off with the money you are saving every month. It will also help insulate you against future energy price increases.

When should I install a new boiler?

Usually, you would save up and make sure you have enough money for a new boiler and the boiler installation cost. However, if the following occurs, you might need to have your boiler replaced immediately:

• Leaks or dripping pipes
• Constant low water pressure
• Banging or weird noises
• Odd smells
• High electricity bills
• Frequent breakdowns

Conclusion

As we wrap up this exploration into new boiler costs in 2024, remember that knowledge is your greatest ally and gives you the power to make informed decisions.

That’s why it’s so important to have a good idea of what you should expect to pay for a boiler. With this information, you can avoid being overcharged or getting a bad deal.

Remember, plan wisely, take action, and embrace a warmer, more eco-friendly future for your home!