Your boiler is one of the most important appliances in your home, providing you with hot water and heating. But what do you do when your boiler breaks down or simply needs a replacement? New boiler costs in the UK can vary and depend on a number of factors, such as the type of boiler you choose, the complexity of the installation, and the region where you live.
The average cost of a new boiler in the UK, including installation, is between £2,000 and £6,250. However, the actual cost can be much higher or lower, depending on the factors previously mentioned.
For instance, the type of boiler chosen wil have an impact on the costs of your new boiler. There are three main types of boilers available in the UK:
- Combi boilers: Combi boilers are the most popular type of boiler, as they heat both your hot water and central heating directly from the mains water supply. This means that you don’t need a separate hot water storage tank. Combi boilers are typically the most affordable type of boiler to buy and install.
- System boilers: System boilers heat your central heating from a hot water storage tank, but they heat your hot water directly from the mains water supply. System boilers are more expensive than combi boilers, but they can be a good option for homes with multiple bathrooms or high hot water demands.
- Regular boilers: Regular boilers heat your central heating from a hot water storage tank, and they also heat your hot water from a separate hot water cylinder. Regular boilers are the least expensive type of boiler to buy, however they can end up being the most expensive to install, as they require a separate hot water cylinder.
Other factors to take into account that will affect the cost of a new boiler include the following:
- The size of your home will determine the size and power of the boiler you need. Larger homes will require a larger and more powerful boiler, which will inevitably be more expensive.
- The complexity of the installation. If your home has a complex heating system, the installation of a new boiler will be more expensive. This is because the engineer will need to spend more time on the installation of your new boiler.
- The area where you live in can be cheaper or more expensive for the installation of your brand new boiler and it will affect its cost, since the cost of living and labour can vary from one region to another.
Having said this, it’s always highly suggested to get quotes from multiple boiler installers before you make a decision. This will help you to compare prices and find the best deal. When getting quotes, be sure to ask about the following:
- The cost of the boiler itself
- The cost of installation
- Any additional costs, such as a system power flush or magnetic filter
- The guarantee on the boiler and the installation
In addition to the costs and factors mentioned above, there are also numerous grants and financial assistance available to help people with the upfront cost of a new boiler. These schemes are typically available to low-income households and people with disabilities.
For instance, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) launched by the UK government is an example of this, providing support to encourage and help citizens to replace their fossil fuel heating systems with alternative options such as biomass boilers for example.
The scheme is available for homeowners in England and Wales and in order to be eligible for the BUS a number of requirements must be met:
- To own the property where the new heating system will be installed.
- Have a fossil fuel heating system (such as oil, gas, or electric).
- Be replacing your existing heating system with a heat pump or biomass boiler.
The amount of grant you can receive depends on the type of heating system you choose, in the case of biomass boilers it can up to £5,000.
In addition to the BUS, the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme is a government-funded scheme that requires energy companies to help people reduce their energy bills.
Thanks to the ECO scheme, energy companies may provide grants to help people with the cost of a new boiler. The ECO scheme is available to households with a low income or other qualifying factors.
Moreover, when choosing a boiler installer, it’s important to make sure that they are Gas Safe registered. This means that they are qualified and insured to install gas boilers. You should also ask about the installer’s experience and qualifications.
In conclusion, the cost of a new boiler can vary widely, depending on the type of boiler you choose, the complexity of the installation, and the region where you live in.
It’s important to get quotes from multiple boiler installers before you make a decision, and to choose a boiler that is the right size for your home. There are a number of grants and financial assistance schemes available to help people with the cost of a new boiler.
