New Boiler Cost

As the most important part of the central heating system, your boiler is necessary for keeping your showers warm and your rooms cosy.

However, if your boiler is in need of replacing, it can be difficult to find the right company for the job when you’re faced with so many different quotes and prices.

There are, of course, reasons for the cost of a new boiler to vary. This will be down to the model or even the location you want it to be installed.

Each company will have their own prices and overheads which is why it’s important to shop around and compare as many quotes as possible.

Tradesmen Prices offers you 3-4 quotes from local, accredited tradesmen, so you can pay the best price for your boiler installation, without having to compromise on quality or the brand you want.

How much will a new boiler cost?

The cost of a new boiler will depend on several factors, including the type of boiler you want to buy, the type of boiler you already have, and where you want to have your new boiler installed.

Replacing your boiler is a significant investment and the price will reflect that.

For an example, let’s say your engineer installs a new condensing boiler, with minimal pipework modifications needed. There will be TRVs alongside existing controls, and the boiler will be put into a standard two-bedroom property with seven radiators.

Here, you’d be looking at a price of around £1,750-£3,000. However, even that could change depending on:

• The company doing the installation
• Where you live

If your back-boiler system has been entirely condemned, you may be looking at installing a combi boiler – these provide both heating and hot water and they are more energy efficient.

Combi boilers can range in price from £650 to £2,000, depending on brand and size. Replacing a back boiler with a combi boiler is expensive as the installation can include removing water tanks and relocating gas pipework.

You can expect to pay between £2,000 and £4,000 for a back boiler to combi boiler replacement, depending on how complicated the installation is.

To get quotes from 3-4 experienced local boiler installers, fill in the form below. There’s no obligation at any time and you’re in complete control.

What types of boiler are there?

Finding out which type of boiler is right for you is the most important step in buying a new one. Since 2005, all new boilers must be condensing boilers.

They come in two types: conventional, and combination (combi). 

Conventional boilers

These boilers use a storage tank to supply your hot water. In the tank, cast iron heat exchangers heat up the water, meaning they can supply a large amount of hot water at any given time. However, one disadvantage of conventional boilers is that once the tank runs out, there is a delay before hot water can be accessed again.

They require a lot of space and are usually placed in the loft of a house meaning installation can be fairly complicated.

Though older conventional boiler models can be inefficient, newer models are typically smaller as well as more energy efficient than before.

Combination (combi) boilers

These boilers supply water directly from the mains, bypassing the need for a storage tank and providing an unlimited supply of hot water.

They are typically much smaller than conventional boilers and can be fitted in a kitchen, often behind a storage cabinet.

Since they provide water at mains pressure, you don’t need to install an additional shower pump if you’re looking for a strong, hot shower.

New Boiler FAQ Questions 

Why do people get a new boiler?

Your boiler is responsible for around 60% of your energy bill according to Energy UK. The average life span of a boiler is 15 years, so as a boiler approaches the end of its intended life, people start thinking about buying a new one.

The main reason for this is maintaining efficiency. Over time, appliances become less efficient even with regular servicing. Boilers in particular have to work harder to heat your home the older they get and can suffer from a higher risk of malfunction.

So, it makes sense to invest in a new boiler to save on your energy bills.

What are the disadvantages of a new boiler?

Depending on the type of boiler you buy, there will be both pros and cons.

If you’re thinking of installing a combi boiler, there are a few disadvantages, including:

Reduced water pressure – combi boilers heat water ‘on demand’, meaning they need a reliable water supply at any given time. If someone is using a hot tap at the same time as someone else in different parts of a property, the combi boiler system will cause decreased water pressure. This can be frustrating and is why properties with poor mains supply or multiple bathrooms are advised to go for conventional boilers instead.

Expensive repairs – combi boilers contain expensive electric parts, so repairs are more expensive than for conventional boilers.

Combi boiler failure – because combi boilers supply both central heating and hot water, if a malfunction occurs you will be left without either of those things.

Installing a conventional boiler, by comparison, will take up more space because the water pump and heating systems are separate. Conventional boilers can have low energy efficiency because they require so much insulation. Also, you can only use as much hot water as is in the tank at any one time. 

Are there alternative options to getting a new boiler?

If your boiler is still in good condition, regular servicing can extend its lifespan.

If you’re interested in renewable energy for your home, you could look at greener energy options like heat pumps, or solar energy. Installing solar thermal panels to supplement your current energy supply could reduce strain on your boiler, meaning it won’t have to work as hard.

What are the main advantages of getting a new boiler?

The main resaon for getting a new boiler is improved energy efficiency. Older boilers are typically G rated, meaning they work at less than 70% efficiency. New condensing boilers are rated A, and could save you around £200-300 per year, depending on your gas bill.

Another advantage is improved heating control for your property.

When upgrading to a modern boiler, you may wish to improve your central heating system in the process by having Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) installed. These allow you to control the temperature of each room separately and shut off when the room reaches the desired temperature to conserve energy.

A room thermostat placed near a radiator without a TRV can switch the entire boiler system off which saves you money and would not be possible with an older boiler model.

New boilers are also quieter than older models as well as smaller – this means you can house your boiler in your kitchen or utility room without having to worry about distracting noises.

Where can I buy a new boiler?

Finding the right boiler can be difficult as each home has different needs and budgets.

When buying a boiler, it’s important to consider the reliability and dependability of the model. There are thousands of companies across the UK which can supply you with and install your boiler but not all of them will charge the same price for the same model.

Use the Tradesmen Prices form at the top of this page to get quotes from 3-4 experienced local boiler suppliers, including the model and installation prices.

Should my new boiler installer be a member of anything (trade body, government registration scheme, etc?)

Though you may have installed your washing machine or fridge on your own, your boiler must be installed by a Gas Safe Registered engineer. This accreditation means they can work safely and legally on gas appliances.

Tradesmen Prices only works with Gas Safe registered engineers but if you want to check the Register for a company or engineer yourself, you can do so on the Gas Safe Register website.

Additionally, your installer may need to be OFTEC accredited and MCS certified if they are primarily a heating technician. Check the websites to see if they are covered under either of these schemes for maximum security in their abilities.

How long does it take to fit a new boiler?

The time taken to fit a boiler depends on which type of boiler you’re having installed.

If you’re getting a like-for-like boiler swap (i.e. your current boiler is being replaced by an identical model) your installer will likely take a day to complete the removal and installation. They should be able to use existing pipework as it will match up with the new boiler.

If you want a new boiler fitted in a new location, expect the installation to take 1 to 2 days. This is because your Gas Safe engineer will need to run additional pipework, and safely cap off existing pipework. They may also need to make adjustments to pipework leading to your radiators, to ensure they can get hot.

Changing one type of boiler for another is known as a system upgrade and may take around 3-4 days depending on the complexity of the installation and the ease of access the engineer has to it. If you’re switching from a conventional boiler to a combi, the installer will need to remove the cylinder from your old boiler and then re-pipe the central heating system. Going the other way (combi to conventional) will take extra time due to the installation of a cylinder and extra pipework.

When getting a boiler fitted you should also consider the time taken to flush the system for debris such as rust from the inside of your radiators. Flushing your heating system can either be done using a hot flush with chemicals, or a power flush for even better results.

Though a hot flush will do a good job of getting debris out of your heating system, a power flush will ensure the system is totally clean. However, a power flush can sometimes cause strain on older pipework, radiators, and copper joints.

A hot flush takes around 1-2 hours whereas a power flush can take up to 8 hours depending on how many radiators are in your property.

Before I get my new boiler, what should I ask a potential installer?

Your installer should be open to any questions you may have in order to make you comfortable.

Always ask them if they’re qualified to work on your specific boiler. Some boilers, such as LPG models, require separate qualifications, so it’s always wise to check with your engineer that they have the relevant documentation before they start work on your installation.

Additionally, will also need to ask them how long the installation will take as this can vary depending on your chosen company as well as the boiler itself. Re-piping can cause disruption through your house, so you may wish to ask them whether they will redecorate or if you’ll be expected to do it yourself.

It’s also worth asking about service plans, cover, and guarantees. These differ between companies, but generally you should expect to pay a monthly premium which will cover:

• Annual servicing
• Quick engineer call-outs, with part and labour costs already covered

Boiler cover plans will vary in price and what they cover between companies.

For a boiler-only heating cover, repair of your broken-down boiler and control maintenance will be included. Ask your installer whether an annual check is part of the plan – if it isn’t, you may be able to add it in for an extra charge.

Full system boiler cover includes repairing your boiler, its controls, and system parts such as radiators, pump, and flue. Ask your installer about annual checks, as well as safety and service information.

Why should I get quotes for a new boiler from Tradesmen Prices?

When you apply for quotes through Tradesman Prices, you’ll be put in touch with 3-4 local boiler suppliers and installers. We’ve checked their credentials and history, so you know they’re genuine.

Additionally, because several businesses will be competing for your custom, you’ll be able to see the prices come down, even though the boiler and installation quality will remain the same.

You can also compare quotes you’ve already received with the ones that Tradesmen Prices will give you. Fill in the form at the top of the page to start your no-obligation quote application.