There’s no doubt that installing a new boiler or replacing an existing boiler is a huge expense for any household.
Costs for a new boiler installation are usually broken down into two main components. Firstly, there is the fixed cost of the boiler itself. There is a huge range of boilers with different makes and models to choose from, each boiler coming with its own price range.
Secondly, you should allow for the cost of installation which isn’t always easy to work out and is definitely not a fixed cost. As safety is of paramount importance, the work should be tackled by a trained and qualified tradesman, usually an approved contractor registered with a relevant trade body.
It is usual for the contractor to price a boiler that is suitable for your individual property needs as each and every installation will be different. Value for money is key when assessing what type of system is best for your property and how the new system will work.
Cost of fitting or replacing a boiler
The type of boiler that you select will determine the cost of the whole installation. So we need to look at what types of boiler are available on the market, and how much they cost to install.
Gas boilers
Gas boilers are of course the most popular types of boiler in the UK domestic market. Gas boilers are typically efficient and cost effective when it comes to type of heating, and they continue to be the most popular fuel for UK boilers. Other, less popular types of fuel include electric, oil and LPG fuelled boilers.
Electric boilers have become more efficient and easier to install over the years but they are still not as popular as gas boilers. They use a heating element rather than a flame to produce the required heat. They are usually cheaper to buy and to install but long term savings are significantly less than with gas boilers.
Once you’ve considered the type of fuel you need to use you’ll also need to consider the wide range of boilers there are to choose from as well. Here are some of the things to consider for each of these when replacing your boiler:
Combi boilers
A combi boiler heats hot water and provides central heating for your home. Combi boilers are the most popular type of boiler simply due to their ability to heat hot water on. There is no need for a separate hot water tank which makes them ideal if you want to save space. Installation is cheaper and easier. Their popularity means that most home owners are now upgrading to combi boilers and doing away with hot water tanks.
System boilers
A system boiler uses a cylinder to heat up hot water and also provides heating for the home. These types of boilers are usually ideal for larger homes with more than one bathroom which might need hot water to more than one tap at a time. Running costs are also lower with these boilers but, as mentioned, installation costs will vary.
Regular boilers
If you have a hot water cylinder already then a simple regular boiler replacement might be the way to go. If your central heating system is old and you have old radiators and pipework then the high pressure from a combi boiler might not be suitable for your system.
Again, these boilers are also suitable for larger homes with more than one bathroom; however, the downside is that they need more space when installed. Efficiency standards are improving all the time with these boilers.
Condensing boilers
These boilers are highly efficient boilers. The space saved makes upgrading your system from a hot water tank system to a condensing combi boiler worthwhile.
How much are boiler installation costs including labour?
Here is a very useful guide on costs for installation of boilers. Costs range from anything from a few hundred pounds for a small low efficiency model up to a few thousand for a brand new complete central heating system.
Getting boiler supply and installation quotes
As mentioned, all boiler installation work needs to be undertaken by an approved contractor that is registered with the Gas Safe Register.
Does the new Boiler Plus Scheme 2018 effect me?
Any new boiler fitted after April 2018 is effected by the Boiler Plus Scheme. The scheme was launched on 6 April 2018 by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). Its aim is to reduce domestic carbon emissions and encourage energy efficiency in the domestic home.
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