How Much Does it Cost to Install Central Heating within the UK?

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Central Heating Cost Savings
  • The cost of installing central heating can range anywhere between £2,000 – £8,000.
  • The average costs depend on the size of your home, the appliances you require, the installer you work with and more.
  • This home improvement project could bring long-term cost savings of up to 30%.

Calculating your full central heating system cost includes the price of a boiler, radiators, heating controls, and pipework. Each of the elements of this system deserves careful consideration before installation to ensure that your new central heating system does its job optimally, while also limiting potentially mounting costs. 

In this guide, we walk you through the various aspects involved in upgrading your home heating. Keep reading to find out the costs of a new central heating system in the UK today.

One of the best ways to avoid overspending on your heating project is to compare several quotes to find the best central heating system price. However, finding and comparing manufacturers and local heating engineers alone can take hours, if not days, of your valuable free time. A busy homeowner such as yourself hardly has that kind of time to spare. 

Thankfully, we are here to help! We work with a broad network of reputable specialists who can assist you in finding the right home heating system at the best price. By filling in our 30-second form, you can get in touch with up to 3 local installers and request no-obligation quotes for new appliances and installation services. You can then compare prices and choose the engineer you want to work with. 

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What determines the costs of a central heating system?

The wide range of potential installation costs goes to show how unique every central heating installation project can be. The size of your home and the number of rooms it holds will help decide the scale of the job, from how many radiators you need, to your new boiler power output and the pipework distribution

Central heating cost factors

You will also need to account for the supply, installation, and labour costs involved. You should keep in mind that the installation costs will vary depending on the installer you hire. For instance, local installers will usually offer the cheapest rates, whereas opting for a national installer tends to be more expensive.

Average cost of installing central heating in the UK

Installing central heating in a 3-bedroom UK house typically costs £4,000 to £6,000. This price includes the boiler, radiators, pipework, and labour. However, the total cost can vary depending on factors like boiler type, property size, and existing pipework.

In general, the cost of installing central heating in the UK is between £2,000–£8,000. Here’s a break-down:

Central heating installation costs
Property size Number of radiators Estimated cost
2-bedroom house/bungalow 1–2 £2,000– £2,600
3-bedroom house 2–3 £4,000–£6,000
4-bedroom house 3–5 £6,000–£8,000

It’s important to note that the cost can vary depending on the type of system installed, its size, and the requirements of the home. The cost of the boiler, radiators, heating controls, and pipework also contribute to the overall cost of your central heating system. 

The complexity of the installation process can also significantly influence the labour charges. It’s always a good idea to get a professional assessment before the installation so that you can receive a more accurate quote tailored to your home’s needs.

A 3-bedroom home is the most common type of residence in the UK. Below, you can see the cost of installing various components of a central heating system.

Central heating installation cost 3 bedroom house
Expense Category Estimated Cost
Boiler Upgrade £1,500 – £3,800
New Radiators (2 -3 units) £300 – £900
Additional Pipework £500 – £1,000
Smart Thermostat (Optional) £100 – £250
Installation Labour £500 – £1,000
Total Installation £2,900 – £6,200

It’s important to remember that every home is different and costs can vary. Some may have more radiators, for example, so their costs can be higher. Similarly, components like the smart thermostat are recommended because they keep running costs lower, but are optional at the end of the day.

Combi boiler and radiator installation costs

Combi boiler and radiator installation costs vary depending on several factors but typically range from £1,700 to £5,500 in the UK.

Key factors affecting the cost include:

  • Property size: Installations for larger houses with more radiators generally cost more. A small 1-2 bedroom property may only need a 24-27kW combi, while a 4+ bedroom house usually requires a 35-42kW model.
  • Number of radiators: Adding new radiators increases installation complexity and price. An average 3-4 bedroom house has around 10 radiators, while a larger home may have 20 or more.
  • Boiler type & efficiency: High-efficiency combi boilers may cost more upfront but save on energy bills in the long run.
  • Fuel type: Gas boilers are most common, but oil or LPG options have different installation costs. Natural gas is the most common and affordable fuel for boilers.
  • Additional components: Smart thermostats, filters, or system upgrades can add £500–£1,500 to the final price. 

Average central heating system part prices

The common price of central heating system elements within the UK depends upon a number of components, together with the kind of system, residence measurement, variety of radiators, and another vital elements. 

Components prices overview
Component Average price
Boiler £610–£3,837
Radiator (per unit) £40–£100
Hot water cylinder £400–£1,300
Heating management (thermostat) £100–£410
Pipework (per meter) £800–£1000
Labour £2,850–£4,200

It is essential to notice that these figures are simply approximates and the precise elements you would possibly want in your undertaking can differ in price. The greatest technique to know the entire prices tailor-made to your family is to seek the advice of an area heating professional. They can calculate the complete central heating system price in your residence.

And with GreenMatch, you do not have to spend hours trying to find native installers. Get began in simply 30 seconds and discover the perfect central heating quotes in your state of affairs free of charge and with no trouble – merely click on the button beneath.

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Finding the right boiler

A boiler is essential for a home’s central heating system, and choosing the right one depends on your home size and energy needs. Natural gas is the most popular fuel in the UK, with lower installation costs for homes connected to the gas grid. For those without gas, other options include LPG, oil, electric, or biomass boilers.

Combi Boiler Costs Per Fuel Type
Fuel Type Price Range
Gas £600-£3,000
LPG £750-£2,700
Oil £1,200-£4,500
Biomass £4,000-£21,000
Electricity £500-£2,500

These figures exclude installation costs and are only estimates that might not apply to you. To find out the exact cost of a new combi boiler for your home, you will need to consult a heating engineer. We can help you get in touch with a professional in no time!

There’s no need to sacrifice your valuable free time researching and vetting heating experts on your own. GreenMatch can streamline the process for you. 

Simply click below to request quotes for new boilers and installation services from up to 3 local installers with our 30-second form!

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Type of boiler replacement

The central heating replacement cost will be directly impacted by the kind of boiler replacement you need. For instance, a like-for-like boiler swap in the same position in your home will be easier than changing the position of the boiler or changing the type of boiler. 

A like-for-like swap means that the surrounding pipework can connect easily to the new boiler, which can usually be done in about a day or two. On the other hand, switching to a new type of boiler could take a few days, since different boiler types require different components which will need to be installed or taken away. 

Boiler replacement costs
Type of Boiler Replacement Estimated Cost
Like-for-like combi boiler swap  £1,700-£3,500
Replacing a system boiler with a combi boiler £1,500-£3,000
Replacing a conventional boiler with a combi boiler £2,500-£4,500

If we assume a home is installing a new combi boiler, the UK’s most popular boiler type, then the boiler replacement costs will depend on the old boiler type.

Type of boiler: combi, system, conventional

boiler types

Central heating system price varies depending on the type of boiler you choose for your household. 

Combi boilers, or combination boilers, are the most popular with UK homeowners. They are energy-efficient, providing both heating and hot water on demand without the need for a separate storage tank.

New combi boiler prices range from £600-£3,000. Combi boilers can be fuelled by gas, oil, LPG or electricity.

System boilers are another favourite, known for their simplicity and ease of installation. They work with a separate hot water cylinder and suit larger households with higher hot water demands.

System boilers cost somewhere between £600 and £3,800. Including installation, the average cost of a like-for-like boiler swap is around £1,900. 

Conventional boilers come with a hot water cylinder and a cold water storage tank. They are an excellent choice for homes with low water pressure, as they can supply substantial amounts of hot water to multiple bathrooms.

Conventional boilers, also known as regular boilers, cost somewhere between £650-£3,200. Regular boilers require a cold water tank which is kept in the loft of a home. 

All of these boilers can work with different fuels, which will have further implications for your expenses. For instance, electric central heating installation cost will differ from oil or biomass systems. Moreover, don’t forget about factoring in how much replacing central heating pipes cost and investing in other crucial components, like radiators and thermostats.

For the most tailored prices, you will want to consult a heating engineer who can assist you in finding the right options for your home. 

However, looking for an installer requires hours of reading reviews and you most likely do not have that kind of time on your hands. To make things easy for you, we have done the research and found multiple reputable installers across the UK who can help you with your new central heating system. 

All you need to do is fill in our 30-second form and request quotes from up to 3 local heating engineers. They can offer you quotes for new boilers, as well as for their installation services. By comparing the prices you receive, you can easily find the best deal for your home and directly get in touch with the installer of your choice. 

Our service is completely free and there is no pressure to accept any quotes. Click below to get started today!

  • Quotes from local engineers
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  • Save up to £975

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Type of fuel: gas, oil, electricity, LPG, biomass

boiler fuel types

First and foremost, let’s agree on what we mean by boiler fuel type. The most common sources of heat in boilers are gas, oil, electricity, LPG, and biomass.

However, gas-fired boilers burn natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as a fossil fuel to generate heat. At the same time, electricity doesn’t burn, so it can’t be considered a fuel, but rather a source of heat. Therefore, we’ll discuss types of boiler fuels as sources of heat

In the UK, natural gas is the most common and popular fuel for boilers, delivered through the gas network, and the cost of gas central heating depends on current gas prices. While gas is a convenient and widely used energy source, it’s important to note that its combustion releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

However, not all properties have access to the gas network. Alternative fuels, such as oil and LPG heating (liquefied petroleum gas), can be stored on-site. While effective for heating, these energy sources are also fossil fuels that emit greenhouse gases when burned. Fortunately, a ‘greener’ alternative exists in the form of biomass.

Biomass boilers burn organic materials and offer a more environmentally friendly option. For smaller homes, electric boilers provide a straightforward choice, operating without burning fuel and utilizing electricity for heating and hot water production.

Electric boilers are very efficient since they don’t burn fuel to produce heat. If paired with the green electricity grid, electricity-powered central heating systems can also be better for the environment, especially when combined with a domestic solar PV system. Remember to consult a professional installer to find out the gas, oil, LPG, biomass or electricity central heating installation cost.

Fuel type cost overview
Fuel type Boiler price Running cost (per year)
Gas £600–£3,500 £91
Oil £1,000–£4,500 £500–£600
LPG £1,000–£3,500 £500–£600
Electric £900–£3,500 £500–£1,500
Biomass £4,000–£21,000 £500–£1,500

Hot water cylinders: vented and unvented hot water cylinders

Hot water cylinders are storage tanks that hold cold water for central heating systems. Vented and unvented hot water cylinders are a popular choice as they are simpler and more basic in design.

Unvented vs Vented System

Installing a brand new sizzling water cylinder will price significantly greater than a like-for-like substitute in the identical location because the surrounding pipework should be fitted to include it into the bigger heating system. 

Hot water cylinders price
Hot water cylinder sort Estimated price (incl. set up)
Vented sizzling water cylinders £400-£900
Unvented sizzling water cylinders £400-£1,300

Installation prices may also depend upon the kind of cylinder, in addition to the fabric it’s comprised of. Copper cylinders are extremely efficient warmth conductors and have a tendency to price lower than chrome steel cylinders, however they gained’t final as lengthy. A sizzling water cylinder that immediately heats the water with inner immersion heaters will usually price greater than an oblique system the place the boiler heats the water.  

Vented sizzling water cylinders

A vented sizzling water cylinder is a part of a traditional boiler system, costing £400–£900. Connected to a loft-based chilly water storage tank, set up is usually cheaper than unvented cylinders. 

However, putting in a brand new standard boiler requires an extra £200–£450 for a chilly water tank. Note that compatibility points with current pipework could come up as a result of larger water strain, however including a water pump can improve strain with out requiring a full system substitute.

Unvented sizzling water cylinders

An unvented sizzling water cylinder is pricier, starting from £400–£1,300. It attracts chilly water immediately from the mains by way of an enlargement vessel and will be paired with a system boiler for high-pressure sizzling water distribution. 

With no want for a chilly water cistern, set up flexibility will increase, and the method is easier. However, altering the cylinder’s place requires pipework changes, so sustaining the identical location is advisable throughout replacements.

Here’s a fast comparability of vented and unvented water cylinders:

Hot water cylinders overview
Feature Vented sizzling water cylinder Unvented sizzling water cylinder
Water supply Cold water tank (gravity-fed) Mains water (direct connection)
Pressure Weaker strain Stronger strain
Required area Cold water tank within the loft No chilly water tank required
Boiler compatibility System or standard Combi or system
Estimated price (set up included) £400–£900; further £200–£450 for chilly water tank £400–£1,300

Radiators

Radiators typically final 15-20 years. Upgrading your central heating system with a brand new boiler could not at all times require new radiators until your present radiators present indicators of serious rust or there are leaks or inefficient warmth distribution. 

Older radiators could accumulate sludge, affecting water move and warmth high quality; a system flush can tackle this problem earlier than contemplating substitute.

If substitute is unavoidable, commonplace radiators usually price between £20-£250 every, whereas designer-style radiators could attain as much as £800. Installation prices range, starting from £150-£750 for normal radiators and roughly £900 for designer kinds. 

Upgrading an current radiator typically takes 2-3 hours for smaller models and 4-5 hours for bigger ones.

Factors comparable to changing with the identical sort or a combi boiler and radiator set up price can affect the entire worth. 

The desk beneath outlines the value ranges for every sort of radiator set up:

Radiator set up costs
Type of radiator substitute Price Range
Fitting a brand new radiator  £170-£1,000
Replacing a radiator with the identical radiator sort  £150-£450
Replacing a radiator with a brand new radiator sort £250-£680

If you’re becoming new radiators, you could purchase the correct amount of radiators to warmth your house. Too many radiators will produce pointless extra warmth which wastes power that you’ll have to pay for. On the opposite hand, too few radiators will not present sufficient warmth to sufficiently heat up the area.

Generally, every room requires 1 radiator. However, bigger rooms would require extra warmth so they may want 2 or perhaps 3 small radiators. Larger radiators usually have the next energy output as a result of their bigger floor space. Therefore, these may also price extra.

A heating engineer can estimate the required measurement and energy output for a radiator by calculating the British Thermal Units (BTU) of a room. A room’s BTU will be affected by its measurement and the standard of your house’s insulation.

Also, in your comfort, a heating engineer also can calculate how a lot the present new boiler and radiators price within the UK or, for instance, a combi boiler and radiator set up price.

Heating controls

Central heating controls installation prices

Heating controls are important for managing central heating effectively and lowering prices and carbon emissions. 

They add to the brand new boiler and radiator prices within the UK. Yet, conventional controls have decrease upfront prices, whereas sensible controls supply long-term financial savings. 

Estimated costs (together with set up) for various controls:

Heating controls costs
Heating management sort Cost (incl. set up)
Room thermostat £100-£170
Smart thermostat £140-£410
Radiator valve £3-£150

Room thermostats: Priced £100-£170, they regulate room warmth by way of a dial, with programmable choices for optimum temperature settings.

Smart thermostats: Costing £140-£410, these wifi-enabled controls be taught way of life patterns, optimize heating, and supply distant entry. Reports on power utilization can result in as much as 31% decreased consumption.

There are additionally three kinds of radiator valves with various prices:

Radiator valves prices
Radiator Valve Price Range
Manual £3-£45
Smart  £70-£250
Thermostatic  £8-£150

Manual valves regulate warmth move manually, requiring consideration to keep away from pointless warmth loss. Smart valves supply distant management and power administration. Thermostatic valves permit exact temperature settings, routinely stopping the water provide when the specified temperature is reached.

How to save cash in your central heating set up prices

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