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How Much Does it Cost to Install Central Heating in the UK?
- 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.
Our service is simple and completely free. Click below to get started today.
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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.
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
In general, the cost of installing central heating in the UK is between £2,000–£8,000. For example, the central heating installation cost for a 3 bedroom house will generally be between £4,000 and £6,000.
The final price varies based on the property size, number of radiators, boiler cost, fuel type, and other components.
| 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.
Average central heating system component costs
The average cost of central heating system components in the UK depends on several factors, including the type of system, home size, number of radiators, and any other necessary components.
| Component | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Boiler | £610–£3,837 |
| Radiator (per unit) | £40–£100 |
| Hot water cylinder | £400–£1,300 |
| Heating control (thermostat) | £100–£410 |
| Pipework (per meter) | £800–£1000 |
| Labour | £2,850–£4,200 |
It is important to note that these figures are just approximates and the actual components you might need for your project can differ in cost. The best way to know the total costs tailored to your household is to consult a local heating expert. They can calculate the full central heating system cost for your home.
And with GreenMatch, you don’t have to spend hours searching for local installers. Get started in just 30 seconds and find the best central heating quotes for your situation for free and with no hassle – simply click the button below.
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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.
| 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.
| 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
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!
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Type of fuel: gas, oil, electricity, LPG, biomass
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 | 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.
Installing a new hot water cylinder will cost considerably more than a like-for-like replacement in the same location since the surrounding pipework will have to be fitted to incorporate it into the larger heating system.
| Hot water cylinder type | Estimated cost (incl. installation) |
|---|---|
| Vented hot water cylinders | £400-£900 |
| Unvented hot water cylinders | £400-£1,300 |
Installation costs will also depend on the type of cylinder, as well as the material it’s made from. Copper cylinders are highly effective heat conductors and tend to cost less than stainless steel cylinders, but they won’t last as long. A hot water cylinder that directly heats the water with internal immersion heaters will typically cost more than an indirect system where the boiler heats the water.
Vented hot water cylinders
A vented hot water cylinder is part of a conventional boiler system, costing £400–£900. Connected to a loft-based cold water storage tank, installation is generally cheaper than unvented cylinders.
However, installing a new conventional boiler requires an additional £200–£450 for a cold water tank. Note that compatibility issues with existing pipework may arise due to higher water pressure, but adding a water pump can enhance pressure without requiring a full system replacement.
Unvented hot water cylinders
An unvented hot water cylinder is pricier, ranging from £400–£1,300. It draws cold water directly from the mains via an expansion vessel and can be paired with a system boiler for high-pressure hot water distribution.
With no need for a cold water cistern, installation flexibility increases, and the process is simpler. However, changing the cylinder’s position requires pipework adjustments, so maintaining the same location is recommended during replacements.
Here’s a quick comparison of vented and unvented water cylinders:
| Feature | Vented hot water cylinder | Unvented hot water cylinder |
|---|---|---|
| Water source | Cold water tank (gravity-fed) | Mains water (direct connection) |
| Pressure | Weaker pressure | Stronger pressure |
| Required space | Cold water tank in the loft | No cold water tank required |
| Boiler compatibility | System or conventional | Combi or system |
| Estimated cost (installation included) | £400–£900; additional £200–£450 for cold water tank | £400–£1,300 |
Radiators
Radiators generally last 15-20 years. Upgrading your central heating system with a new boiler may not always require new radiators unless your current radiators show signs of significant rust or there are leaks or inefficient heat distribution.
Older radiators may accumulate sludge, affecting water flow and heat quality; a system flush can address this issue before considering replacement.
If replacement is unavoidable, standard radiators typically cost between £20-£250 each, while designer-style radiators may reach up to £800. Installation costs vary, ranging from £150-£750 for standard radiators and approximately £900 for designer styles.
Upgrading an existing radiator generally takes 2-3 hours for smaller units and 4-5 hours for larger ones.
Factors such as replacing with the same type or a combi boiler and radiator installation cost can influence the total price.
The table below outlines the price ranges for each type of radiator installation:
| Type of radiator replacement | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Fitting a new radiator | £170-£1,000 |
| Replacing a radiator with the same radiator type | £150-£450 |
| Replacing a radiator with a new radiator type | £250-£680 |
If you are fitting new radiators, you must acquire the right amount of radiators to heat your home. Too many radiators will produce unnecessary excess heat which wastes energy that you will have to pay for. On the other hand, too few radiators won’t provide enough heat to sufficiently warm up the space.
Generally, each room requires 1 radiator. However, larger rooms will require more heat so they might need 2 or maybe 3 small radiators. Larger radiators typically have a higher power output due to their larger surface area. Therefore, these will also cost more.
A heating engineer can estimate the required size and power output for a radiator by calculating the British Thermal Units (BTU) of a room. A room’s BTU can be affected by its size and the quality of your home’s insulation.
Also, for your convenience, a heating engineer can also calculate how much the current new boiler and radiators cost in the UK or, for example, a combi boiler and radiator installation cost.
Heating controls
Heating controls are essential for managing central heating efficiently and reducing costs and carbon emissions.
They add to the new boiler and radiator costs in the UK. Yet, traditional controls have lower upfront costs, while smart controls offer long-term savings.
Estimated prices (including installation) for different controls:
| Heating control type | Cost (incl. installation) |
|---|---|
| Room thermostat | £100-£170 |
| Smart thermostat | £140-£410 |
| Radiator valve | £3-£150 |
Room thermostats: Priced £100-£170, they regulate room heat via a dial, with programmable options for optimal temperature settings.
Smart thermostats: Costing £140-£410, these wifi-enabled controls learn lifestyle patterns, optimize heating, and provide remote access. Reports on energy usage can lead to up to 31% reduced consumption.
There are also three types of radiator valves with varying costs:
| Radiator Valve | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Manual | £3-£45 |
| Smart | £70-£250 |
| Thermostatic | £8-£150 |
Manual valves regulate heat flow manually, requiring attention to avoid unnecessary heat loss. Smart valves offer remote control and energy management. Thermostatic valves allow precise temperature settings, automatically stopping the water supply when the desired temperature is reached.
How to save money on your central heating installation costs
To prevent the costs of all these central heating features from building up, it’s important to remain strategic throughout the process of choosing your new central heating system.
To control central heating costs, follow these strategic tips:
- Clear the installation space of furniture to speed up the process and avoid extra labour charges.
- Consider like-for-like boiler and radiator swaps to reduce installation time and overall costs.
- Schedule your boiler replacement in summer when demand is lower.
- Plan ahead to avoid last-minute expenses and explore potential deals.
- Request and compare quotes from heating engineers to find the best deals on components and services, ensuring cost-effectiveness when it comes to your new central heating system.
Central heating installation: step-by-step guide
Installing central heating is a complicated process and requires professional expertise. Generally, it’s done in the following steps:
- Assessment and planning: count the number of rooms, think of insulation and plan the layout of the radiators, your boiler, and pipework.
- Preparing the necessary materials: With the engineer’s help, choose the optimal boiler, radiators, pipework, and the required fittings.
- Installation: locate the radiators and make sure they are securely mounted. Next, connect the radiators to the boiler through pipework. Check the proper insulation and sealing.
- Testing: check the system for any leaks after filling it with water. Next, bleed the radiators to remove the air. Finally, test your central heating system to check if it works properly.
It’s highly recommended to trust this process to a qualified heating engineer or plumber for safe and effective installation.
Finding the right central heating installer near you
Since central heating engineers’ work will have long-term impacts on the safety and comfort of your home, you deserve the assurance that they provide high-quality services. That is why you will want to choose the right central heating system installer before starting your home improvement project.
But how can you decide which installer is the best one for the job in your home? Well, you will want to make sure that they are highly regarded by other customers and that they have all the necessary qualifications, such as being Gas Safe registered for boiler installations.
As important as it is to find a reputable heating engineer to work with, the research process can be quite tedious. You could spend hours reading reviews and comparing installation services and costs. Such searches can be incredibly frustrating and they don’t guarantee that you will actually find the right heating engineer to work with. Fortunately, we can help you easily reach out to highly qualified installers from our network of specialists in just 30 seconds!
With our free, no-obligation service, you can be put in contact with up to 3 local heating engineers who can offer you tailored advice based on your home’s energy requirements. You can then compare their rates to make the most of their competitive prices and find the best deal for your home.
Simply click below and request free quotes today!
- Quotes from local engineers
- Payment by finance available
- Save up to £975
Frequently asked questions
Ciaran is a content writer at GreenMatch. Whether writing about sustainable aviation fuel or heat pumps, Ciaran has passion for informing readers about pivotal technologies that are reshaping our world.
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- What determines the costs of a central heating system?
- Average cost of installing central heating in the UK
- How to save money on your central heating installation costs
- Central heating installation: step-by-step guide
- Finding the right central heating installer near you
- Frequently asked questions