Boiler prices: how much is a new boiler?
How much a new boiler could cost depends on the size and type you want for your home, as well as factors like how complex the installation is.
Here’s a look at the average costs for different types of boiler so you can easily compare boiler prices.
How much a new boiler could cost depends on the size and type you want for your home, as well as factors like how complex the installation is.
Here’s a look at the average costs for different types of boiler so you can easily compare boiler prices.
How much are new boilers?
Boiler prices can vary a lot. The following table shows the approximate price ranges for the most popular types of boiler in the UK**, with and without estimated installation costs:
| Boiler type | Price range (excluding installation) | Price range (including installation) |
|---|---|---|
| Combi | £500-£3,000 | £1,200-£4,500 |
| Conventional or regular | £600-£3,500 | £1,200-£4,500 |
| System | £550-£3,500 | £1,580-£5,000 |
| Electric | £400-£2,500 | £1,590-£4,000 |
| Biomass | £4,000-£12,000 | £6,000-£21,000 |
**Please note these prices are a guide only.
What can affect the cost of a new boiler?
The cost of a new boiler can vary considerably, depending on:
- The type of home you have
- The size of your home and the number of rooms
- Where you live (prices in London and the South East are generally higher)
- The type, model and capacity of the boiler you choose
- Whether you’re upgrading to the same type of boiler or switching to a different one
- The complexity of the installation
- If you want to move your boiler
- Any additional pumps or valves needed
- If any related equipment, such as the flue or plume, need to be updated
- Any new radiators
- Extras, such as smart controls and filters.
How long does a boiler last?
Typically, a boiler should last between 10 and 15 years.
Modern boilers are proving to be far more energy-efficient than older models. So, if your boiler only has a few years left on the clock, you might want to consider replacing it with a newer model.
A modern, energy-efficient boiler could bring significant savings on your energy bill, although this will depend on how efficient your old boiler was, the size of your home and how much you’re currently paying. And you’ll need to offset any savings against the cost of the new boiler.
How much is a new boiler fitted?
When considering how much a new boiler will cost, the installation fees can be a substantial part of the bill. These can range from £400 to £4,000, depending on whether you’re replacing the same type of boiler or opting for a different system.
If you’re having a new boiler installed in the same place as the old one and it’s a simple job, installation is likely to be cheaper. The cost may be higher if you decide to move the boiler or need to upgrade the pipe system.
Make sure you choose a reputable company to fit your new boiler. Any gas work needs to be carried out by a Gas Safe engineer.
How much does it cost to have a heat pump fitted?
Costs can vary significantly between air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps. Air source heat pumps tend to be much cheaper to install. But they can range massively in price – from £1,500 up to £18,000. The cost depends on the size and type of your home, the complexity of the installation and whether you want the pump to heat your water too.
If you choose to have a ground source heat pump installed, prices will vary according to whether you’re having a vertical or horizontal system. This could be more expensive than a simple gas boiler replacement because of the extra work required.
Are there any new boiler discounts and grants available?
You might be able to get financial help with paying for a new boiler or heating system, depending on your circumstances. Here’s what’s currently available:
Grants to switch to a cleaner heating system
For those keen on switching to cleaner energy, there’s the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).
Under this government initiative, you can apply for a grant towards the cost of installing a low-carbon heating system.
The BUS grant covers three types of sustainable heating:
- Biomass boiler – £5,000 grant for properties in rural locations not connected to the gas grid
- Air source heat pump – £7,500 grant
- Ground source heat pump – £7,500 grant.
Grants are available to homeowners and private landlords with properties in England and Wales. However, the money can only be used to replace traditional fossil fuel heating systems, such as gas, oil or electric.
Boiler cover discounts
With some boiler cover plans, you might be offered a discount on a new boiler when your existing boiler no longer works.
Compare the Market has partnered with Hometree to offer boiler cover plans. Hometree offers free replacement of your boiler if they deem it beyond economic repair and it’s less than seven years old – even on its lowest-priced plans.
Help for low-income families
If you’re on a low income or receive government benefits, you might be eligible for help with the cost of making energy-saving improvements to your home under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme. This could help you with the cost of insulating your home or updating your boiler to a more efficient system.
Which type of boiler is right for you?
Although budget is a major factor when choosing a new boiler, you should also consider how big your home is and how much hot water you need. Here’s a look at the advantages and disadvantages of different types of boilers and their typical cost, to help you make an informed decision.
How much is a new gas boiler?
The cost of a new gas boiler typically ranges from £1,200-£5,000 with installation.
Boilers that run on mains gas are the most common type in the UK. You can choose from conventional, combi or system gas boilers. The cost depends on the type and size of the gas boiler installed, as well as the complexity of the installation.
Under government plans, gas boilers will be banned in new-build homes from 2025. But this ban doesn’t mean you have to scrap or replace a gas boiler in an existing home.
How much is a new oil boiler?
The cost of a new oil boiler typically ranges from £1,000-£5,000 with installation.
Oil boilers work in a similar way to gas boilers and could be an alternative for homes that aren’t connected to the gas network. You need to store oil in a tank on your property and keep on top of reordering to make sure you don’t run out.
As with gas boilers, oil boilers can be conventional, combi or system.
How much is a new electric boiler?
The cost of a new electric boiler typically ranges from £1,590-£4,000 with installation
Electric boilers are another option for areas that don’t have a gas supply and could be a greener way to heat your home. Compact and easy to install, they can be placed almost anywhere in the home.
As they don’t need a flue or gas pipes, installation costs tend to be much cheaper. However, running costs can be higher than a traditional gas boiler. Because of this, they’re more suitable for small homes that don’t need a large supply of hot water
How much is a new combi boiler?
The cost of a new combi boiler typically ranges from £1,200-£4,500 with installation.
One of the most popular types of boiler in the UK, combis are efficient and compact, and can run on gas, oil or electric.
A combi boiler is a standalone unit that can provide the heating and hot water for your home without the need for a water tank or cylinder. They can often be stored in a cupboard and are ideal for smaller homes.
Combis may not be suitable for larger households with multiple bathrooms.
How much is a new conventional boiler?
The cost of a new conventional boiler typically ranges from £1,200-£4,500 with installation.
Also known as regular, or ‘heat only’ boilers, conventional boilers can run on gas, oil or electric. A conventional boiler uses a heat exchanger to warm the water, then pumps it into a water storage tank.
Conventional boilers offer a large amount of storage and don’t rely on mains pressure. That means they could be ideal for larger homes where a lot of hot water might be needed at the same time.
However, regular boilers don’t offer unlimited hot water on demand. You may have to wait for the water cylinder to warm up. And you’ll have to wait for it to refill if the tank runs out of hot water. They’re also less efficient than combi boilers.
How much is a new system boiler?
The cost of a new system boiler typically ranges from £1,580-£5,000 with installation
System boilers heat water directly from the mains and have a storage cylinder to ensure a good supply of hot water. Unlike conventional boilers, they don’t need a separate cold-water tank.
System boilers are a good option for large households that need plenty of hot water at the same time. However, you’ll need good water pressure in your area to get the best out of a system boiler.
How much is a new condensing boiler?
The cost of a new condensing boiler typically ranges from £1,200-£5,000 with installation
Condensing boilers are more efficient because they use the wasted heat left in the flue to reheat cold water. All new gas and oil boilers must be condensing, by law.
How much is a new biomass boiler?
The cost of a biomass boiler typically ranges from £6,000-£21,000 with installation.
Biomass boilers are the most expensive type of boiler to buy new. But they’re also one of the more eco-friendly and efficient systems to run. Using wood pellets, chips or logs, biomass boilers produce far less carbon emissions than gas or oil boilers.
A biomass boiler could cost less to run, depending on the heating system you currently have. However, they do need a fair bit of maintenance.
What our expert says...
“When choosing a new boiler for your home, it’s not just the upfront costs to bear in mind – there are the running costs to think about too. Upgrading to a new boiler of the same type should mean lower installation costs. However, it’s also worth considering if you could save money on your bills in the long run by switching to a more efficient boiler type.”
- Anna McEntee, Insurance expert
Will a new boiler save me money?
Upgrading to a new boiler can help cut your energy bills. That’s because older boilers (particularly those 10 years old or more) are less efficient than new ones, so they cost more to run.
Savings can vary depending on fuel type and energy prices, but the table below gives you a general idea of how much you can expect to lower your bills by.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, here’s how much you could save each year if you replace an old gas boiler with a new A-rated condensing boiler^:
| Property type | Grade G boiler | Grade F boiler | Grade E boiler | Grade D boiler |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detached | £430 | £300 | £240 | £190 |
| Semi-detached | £280 | £200 | £180 | £160 |
| Mid-terrace house | £240 | £170 | £150 | £130 |
| Mid-floor flat | £110 | £75 | £65 | £60 |
| Bungalow (detached) | £260 | £180 | £160 | £150 |
Of course, this saving should be offset against the cost of replacing the boiler, so it might be a while before you recoup your initial spend.
^Figures based on fuel prices as of July 2024, as calculated by the Energy Savings Trust.
Frequently asked questions
How does the Boiler Upgrade Scheme work?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) gives homeowners financial help towards the cost of replacing their old fossil fuel system. The government set up the scheme to encourage homeowners to switch to low-carbon boilers that run on heat pumps or biomass energy.
To benefit from the scheme, look for an MSC-certified installer in your region. They’ll be able to perform the work according to the proper standards and provide advice on the most suitable system for your home.
They’ll apply for a grant of up to £7,500 for a heat pump and up to £5,000 for a new biomass boiler on your behalf and deduct it from your bill.
When is the best time to replace my boiler?
Boilers should be replaced when you start to find issues with them. This could be anything from frequent breakdowns or odd smells, to low performance or leaks.
It’s usually easier to get the work carried out in summer because boiler engineers are less busy at that time of the year. And you won’t be cold while your new boiler is being installed.
Are there cheaper alternatives to getting a new boiler?
Before you decide to buy a new boiler, consider having your current boiler serviced, especially if you haven’t had this done for a while. A service will clean out the boiler and help it run more efficiently. It could also help you identify any problems.
You could also follow our energy-saving tips, such as draught-proofing your home and insulating your walls and loft.
What sustainable solutions are available compared with a new gas boiler?
Two sustainable options to traditional gas boilers are air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps, which work like refrigerators in reverse.
The UK government has said that no new home should be connected to the gas grid after 2025, making these excellent options.
Installation can be expensive, but the heat pumps are low maintenance and typically have a longer lifespan than a boiler.
They’re also more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels. And for that reason, it’s possible to receive up to £7,500 off the cost of a new heat pump if you apply for a government grant under the BUS scheme.
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Anna McEntee – Home, travel and pet insurance expert
Anna’s all about delivering fantastic insurance products at a great price. Value is the most important thing for Anna, as she cuts through the jargon and finds what’s most important and worth your hard-earned money.