New Boiler Cost 2026: Installation Prices & What to Expect

Installing a new boiler is a significant investment, typically costing £1,500-£3,500 including fitting. But prices vary widely depending on boiler type, size, brand, and installation complexity. Here's your complete 2026 price guide.

Boiler Costs by Type

Combi boilers (most popular for UK homes): £800-£2,500 for the boiler, £1,500-£3,000 including installation. System boilers (for homes with higher hot water demand): £900-£2,800 for the boiler, £1,800-£3,500 including installation. Regular/conventional boilers (for larger properties with existing tanks): £1,000-£2,500 for the boiler, £2,000-£4,000 including installation.

Combi boilers are cheapest to install because they don't require separate hot water cylinders or cold water tanks. They're ideal for small to medium homes with 1-2 bathrooms.

Installation Costs Breakdown

The installation labour typically costs £500-£1,000 depending on: Job complexity (like-for-like replacement is cheapest), boiler location (moving it adds £300-£800), system upgrades (new pipework, radiators, or controls add £200-£1,500), flue changes (£150-£400 if the flue needs relocating), time required (most installations take 1-3 days).

A straightforward like-for-like combi boiler replacement in the same location typically takes 1 day and costs £1,500-£2,200 including a mid-range boiler. Converting from a regular boiler to a combi requires removing tanks and modifying pipework, taking 2-3 days and costing £2,500-£4,000+.

Boiler Brands and Price Ranges

Budget brands (£800-£1,200): Ideal, Baxi, Potterton — reliable, 5-7 year warranties, good for rental properties or budget installations. Mid-range brands (£1,200-£2,000): Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, Viessmann — excellent reliability, 7-10 year warranties, best value for most homeowners. Premium brands (£2,000-£3,000+): Viessmann Vitodens, high-efficiency models — 10-12 year warranties, highest efficiency ratings, best for large homes or long-term investment.

Worcester Bosch is the UK's most popular brand, known for reliability and good customer service. Their Greenstar range offers excellent efficiency at mid-range prices.

What Size Boiler Do You Need?

Combi boiler output is measured in kW. Choosing the right size is crucial: 24-28kW: 1-2 bedroom flat or small house, 1 bathroom. 28-34kW: 2-3 bedroom house, 1-2 bathrooms. 35-42kW: 3-4 bedroom house, 2-3 bathrooms, higher hot water demand.

An oversized boiler wastes energy and costs more. An undersized boiler won't provide enough hot water. A Gas Safe engineer will calculate the correct size during a survey.

Additional Costs to Consider

Beyond the boiler and basic installation, budget for: Magnetic filter (£100-£150, highly recommended to protect the new boiler from sludge). System flush (£300-£500, essential if replacing an old boiler to remove debris). Upgraded controls (£150-£300 for smart thermostats like Hive or Nest). Radiator upgrades (£80-£300 per radiator if needed). Asbestos removal (£500-£1,500 if found around old boiler — only in pre-1999 homes). Scaffolding (£400-£800 if needed for external flue work).

Running Costs and Energy Savings

Modern A-rated boilers are 90%+ efficient, compared to 60-70% for boilers over 15 years old. Replacing an old boiler can save £300-£500 per year on energy bills. The payback period for a new boiler is typically 5-8 years through energy savings alone.

Condensing boilers (all new boilers must be condensing) recover heat from waste gases, achieving 90-95% efficiency. Combined with smart controls and good insulation, you can reduce heating costs by 30-40%.

Boiler Warranties and Servicing

Most boiler warranties require annual servicing to remain valid. Budget £80-£100 per year for a service. Many manufacturers offer extended warranties (up to 12 years) if installed by an approved installer — ask your Gas Safe engineer about this.

Annual servicing is essential for safety, efficiency, and warranty compliance. Boilers without servicing records lose significant resale value and can fail prematurely.

Finance Options for New Boilers

Many installers offer finance: 0% APR for 12-24 months (typical for purchases over £1,000). Low-interest loans spread over 3-5 years. Boiler grants (up to £7,500 for eligible low-income households via ECO4 scheme).

Always check the total cost of finance — 'interest-free' deals sometimes inflate the boiler price. Compare the cash price with the financed total.

Get Quotes from Gas Safe Engineers

Always get 2-3 quotes from Gas Safe registered engineers. Ensure quotes include: boiler model and size, all installation work, materials (pipes, flue, fittings), system flush and filter, VAT, warranty details.

TradeHub connects you with vetted Gas Safe engineers across the West Midlands. Get free, no-obligation quotes for new boiler installations.