Table of Contents:

• How much does it cost to install or replace a boiler?
• How much does a new boiler cost?
• How do different fuel sources affect the overall cost of a new boiler?
• How much does it cost to switch to a different fuel source?
• How does boiler size affect cost?
• How does boiler efficiency affect cost?

Having heat through the winter is essential, especially if you live in a place with snow and harsh weather, and a boiler can be a convenient heating source. Boilers heat a home by sending warm water through pipes or by releasing steam. They can also double as your water heater for the kitchen and bathroom so that you won’t have to install another appliance. When it’s time to get a new boiler, it’s important that you contact a professional. You’ll likely need to obtain a permit from your city or county before replacing any heating system, and a professional will be able to walk you through this process.

How much does a new boiler cost?

New boilers can range in cost from about $1,800 to $4,400, but prices can vary depending on the type you’re considering. You’ll be able to choose from a combination boiler, a system boiler or a standard boiler, all of which have different pros and cons. The right type of boiler for your home will depend on the size of the space and your heating needs. Apartments and small homes can usually get enough heat from a small combination boiler, while larger houses or buildings typically require a standard boiler.

Combination Boilers

Combination, or combi, boilers don’t have a separate storage tank for water, and instead simply draw water from the main supply. They heat water quickly, so you won’t have to wait for hot air or water very long. Still, they don’t have a huge supply of water to work with, so combi boilers are best suited to apartments and small homes.

System Boilers

System boilers keep water pressurized in a cylinder, so heated water can be sent to multiple areas of the home at once. Heating is not instantaneous, but it is fairly quick. For midsize homes or any home with more than one shower, a system boiler will likely be the best option.

Standard Boilers

Standard boilers store hot water in a separate tank that can then be diverted through pipes to different parts of the house. They’re best suited to larger homes or buildings, as they can draw from a large amount of hot water. Keeping a whole tank of water hot does require more fuel, but if you have extensive heating needs, it may be more energy-efficient overall.

How do different fuel sources affect the overall cost of a new boiler?

You can purchase boilers that run on a few different types of fuel, including gas, oil or electricity. Prices can vary even within fuel types, so you should consider boiler replacement costs as well as long-term fuel savings. Gas boilers are the most common choice, as they’re relatively affordable and heat water very efficiently. Still, if you live in a smaller house, an electric boiler may be the most environmentally-friendly option.

Prices can also vary depending on where you live, and installation costs will largely depend on whether you need to install new piping when switching fuel sources. It typically costs about $3,500 to $5,100 in total to remove an old boiler and install a new one, although this doesn’t include the cost of new pipes. It’s always a good idea to confirm rates with your contractor, as your project may be more or less complex to complete.

How much does it cost to switch to a different fuel source?

Many homeowners find themselves wanting to switch from oil and gas to electric models for their efficiency and lower emissions. Boiler removal by itself typically costs about $715, but there may be additional labor costs to set up a different fuel source. You’ll have to weigh the benefits of having lower energy bills and emissions in the long run with the greater upfront cost.

Switching to a gas-fueled boiler is usually more expensive than going electric, as you’ll need your utility company to set up a gas hookup from the city’s main line to your home. They’ll also set up a meter during this process. Next, you’ll need a chimney liner installed to protect against gas exhaust. Finally, you’ll need your old boiler and tank removed, which can vary in cost depending on a number of factors, including where your boiler is located. If you have an oil boiler, you should also check the ground for any oil spills. These should be cleaned up to avoid ground contamination and runoff into water sources, which will add to the overall cost.

Read More On Linquip

• Types of boilers: Which one is the best?
• The 9 Best Combi Boilers of 2021
• The 5 Best Regular Boilers of 2021

How does boiler size affect cost?

Boilers can be purchased in several different sizes measured in BTU, or British thermal units. The cost to replace a boiler depends on how powerful it is, but you should choose a boiler size based on the size of your home and energy needs. A large and powerful boiler in a small apartment is just going to waste energy and take up space.

To estimate what size boiler is appropriate for your home, you can do a simple calculation. Just multiply the square footage of your home by a number between 30 to 60, and you’ll get the number of BTU necessary for heating your home. If you live in a cold place, use a number between 50 and 60, and if you live in a warmer place, use a number between 30 and 40. For example, for a 1,500-square-foot home in the Northeast, you would multiply 1,500 by either 50 or 60 to get a number between 75,000 and 90,000.

1,500 x 50 = 75,000

1,500 x 60 = 90,000

As you can see, this calculation will give you a rough estimate of how powerful of a boiler you should buy for your home. A professional will be able to give you a more precise estimate, with the Manual J calculation, which takes into account a number of characteristics of your home. If you’d like to get an expert opinion, contact an HVAC professional prior to installation, so he or she can help you make a more detailed assessment.

How does boiler efficiency affect cost?

The more efficient your boiler, the lower your energy bills will be. Of course, modern, efficient boilers often cost more than less efficient models upfront. But considering that a boiler should last quite a while, the energy savings over its lifespan may be worth it. You’ll also have peace of mind from knowing you’re being more environmentally friendly.

Consumers can tell how efficient a boiler is by its AFUE rating, which stands for annual fuel utilization efficiency. This is measured as a percentage, and boilers with a rating of 90 percent or higher are considered fuel-efficient. That means that at least 90 percent of the energy consumed is being converted to heat in the home.

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Note: Costs are estimated at the U.S. national level. Variations depend on factors such as the quality of materials, type of products installed and labor costs. The typical range is assumed to be between the 20th and 80th percentiles. The high-end and low-end costs are the maximum and minimum, respectively. Costs assume that the homeowner manages the project and hires subcontractors as needed. They include a subcontractor markup of 10% for materials and labor. Costs can be higher if a general contractor is managing the project. All numbers are rounded.

Combination boilers provide heating and hot water via the boiler (there is no cylinder). There are two main scenarios for combination boilers: A) The new combi boiler is replacing an existing combi boiler or B) the new combi boiler is replacing a regular boiler and hot water cylinder. The cost of a mid-range heat only boiler in this scenario is £900.

To know if a combi boiler is suitable for your home, read our Guide to Combi Boilers. From more on pricing, read our Guide to Combi Boiler Prices, where we review the prices, efficiencies, warranties and hot water performance of 83 models of boiler from 9 boiler brands

A) Replacing an existing combi boiler

The two cost scenarios below show rough costs for a new combi boiler in the same location and for installing a new combi boiler in a new location. Again the cost for moving the boiler will vary according to where it is moved to.

Installation of a new combi boiler	Approx. cost with mid range boiler	Time taken
1) Replacing an existing combi boiler with a new combi boiler, in the same location	£2,100	1 day
2) Replacing an existing combi boiler with a new boiler, in a new location	£2,650	1.5 days

 

B) Replacing a regular boiler and hot water cylinder with a combi boiler

In this scenario, there are a lot of additional works to remove the hot water cylinder and re-direct the hot water pipes to the new combi boiler location.

Conversion to a new combi boiler system	Approx. cost with mid range boiler	Time taken
1) Replacing an existing regular boiler and hot water tank with a new combi boiler	£3,250	2.5 days