Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of boiler replacement costs, consider first whether you really need to replace your boiler. Has it stopped working or is there a fault that can be repaired? If there’s a leak or the boiler pressure has changed, you might be able to fix it yourself.
Most people in the industry expect a boiler to last 10-15 years – assuming it’s been looked after and serviced regularly. So you shouldn’t need to replace your boiler more often than this.
If your boiler is only a few years old and something goes wrong, check whether it’s still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. If it’s the first time a fault’s occurred, read our 10 common boiler problems to see if you can fix the fault yourself. If not, get it repaired by a qualified engineer.
Generally, there are some clear signs that indicate it’s time to replace your boiler:
Perhaps you’re renovating your home and want to invest in a more energy-efficient heating system. So that you can enjoy a warmer home and hot water without spending more on your heating. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that families in a detached house can save up to £315 a year by upgrading from a G-rated boiler to a new A-rated condensing boiler.
If you’re not sure what the energy efficiency rating is for your boiler, check the ErP label that came with it. A-rated boilers are the most efficient, with G-rated the least. And you can expect any new boiler to have an A-rating these days. This means they don’t waste as much fuel in providing heat and hot water to your home as older models. Which means you won’t pay as much for your heating and hot water. So you’ll definitely make savings in the long run on your energy bills. Read more about ErP in this guide from our boiler partner, BOXT.
There are all types of boilers available – and you don’t have to replace like-with-like. In fact, it’s best to review your options afresh, because modern boilers are far more efficient.
For instance, if you had a non-condensing boiler before, your new gas boiler is likely to be a condensing model, since these became law from 2005. Their design means they don’t lose as much heat as non-condensing boilers. So they won’t cost as much to run. Read more about the main types of boilers in this guide.
If you live in a property with a back boiler, you won’t be able to replace this with the same type. Back boilers are a very old type of boiler. They became popular in the 1960s and were fitted behind a gas fireplace. But because they’re nowhere near as good at stopping heat from escaping up the chimney, you won’t be able to replace your back boiler with a new one. So you’ll need to remove – or, at the very least, disconnect – the old system and replace it with a new type of boiler. Get more advice on back boilers from the original manufacturer of them: Baxi.
The cost to replace a boiler varies enormously – starting anywhere from £1,500 up to more than £3,000.
Your boiler replacement cost depends on a number of factors:
It’s not just the new boiler cost you need to consider. There are also the costs associated with replacing your boiler, such as the boiler installation cost. A Which? investigation found that boiler installation costs could vary by as much as £3,200!
Fitting prices will differ, depending on:
Sometimes the boiler installation cost is rolled into the total figure quoted – like you get through our partner, BOXT. The benefit of this is there are no hidden surprises. For example, BOXT’s fixed price can include everything from boiler and pipework installation (including any alterations or upgrades); the removal and safe disposal of your old boiler; a MagnaCleanse system flush (see below to find out what this is); magnetic filter and chemical inhibitor (see below) and any new flue and brickwork required.
If you’re spending hundreds of pounds on a new boiler, you want to make sure that it’s going to work the best it can! So there might be some extra boiler replacement services you want to consider:
An extended warranty – Many top-brand boilers come with 10-year warranties. But if yours doesn’t, consider paying extra to extend the warranty beyond its usual period. A warranty – otherwise known as a guarantee – gives you peace of mind that if your boiler develops a fault, the manufacturer will repair it for you.
New equipment – To get the most out of a new boiler, consider investing in smart controls or thermostatic valves to control your heating in the most efficient way possible. And make sure you’re not wasting money by heating empty rooms. You might also want new radiators if they’re old or don’t work with your new boiler.
A system cleanse – Also known as a power flush (or MagnaCleanse system flush from our partner, BOXT), this is a way of clearing out any rust and debris that’s gathered in the heating system, pipes and radiators. Installers – like BOXT – include this as part of their installation. So there’s nothing clogging up the central heating system to prevent your new boiler from working properly.
A magnetic boiler filter – This is another clever tool to keep your system free of sludge. It attaches to your central heating system and uses its magnetic powers to attract metallic particles. So they can’t get in the way of the flow of the water and clog up your system. Find out more here.
If you’re on a lower income, you might be able to pay less to replace your boiler. Find out whether you qualify for the Government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme here.
Some boilers come with warranties of 10 years – and the manufacturer will replace your boiler if it fails in that time. As always, check the small print of every policy – some charge a call-out fee. Others will bill you for installation. And always make sure you register the warranty as soon as your boiler is up and running (most have to be registered within 30 days).
If you’ve taken out an insurance policy to protect your home against boiler breakdown, you might be able to get some help with the cost of a replacement boiler.
Some home insurance plans come with extra services, like home emergency cover. These typically cover things like repairs to your boiler if it breaks down in winter. And they may include a payout should you need a replacement boiler[2]. But it definitely pays to read the small print on all your policies, as some specifically exclude boiler replacement. All will have certain conditions you need to meet too – like servicing your boiler every year (and keeping proof of this).
If you can’t afford the upfront boiler replacement cost, some providers will let you pay for it in monthly instalments instead. Essentially this is a type of loan – much like how you pay for your mobile phone. With a pay monthly deal, you spread the cost of the boiler over a fixed number of months. Bear in mind though there’ll be some interest you pay back each month too, so your total cost is likely to come in higher than the original boiler fee. Take a look at what’s involved through our provider, BOXT.
You can rent your home and car… so why not your boiler too? The advantage of this is that you have a fixed monthly cost. There might not be any interest – but you’ll need to put down a deposit. And if you’ve ever struggled to pass a credit check, that might not be a problem when you rent your boiler. But as with any rental agreement, make sure you check any small print for the full details.
Admittedly, this isn’t a way to lower your boiler replacement cost. But given the high upfront cost for a new boiler, it’s worth checking if there are any deals or special offers available. At EDF, we often have special offers on smart home products when you take out a new boiler through us. Find out more here.
Occasionally you might find a secondhand boiler listed on Gumtree or eBay. But it’s not always a good idea to buy it, especially if you don’t know the boiler’s history. Most people don’t replace their boiler unless it's broken or not working very well. Then there’s the cost of installing it – and paying for future servicing and maintenance. So be very wary of buying secondhand. One alternative to consider is a trade-in deal. Some boiler installers will give you a discount on your new boiler as payment for your old boiler. So ask if this is an option when you’re shopping around.
We’ve teamed up with BOXT to help you get a brand new boiler for the best price possible. They offer a unique price promise – which includes parts, labour and warranty. Plus they’ve been rated number one for gas installation and heating service on Trustpilot. And if you need a boiler pronto, they do next day installation.
Work through our checklist to make sure you find the best boiler for you:
Your experience will depend on who’s installing your boiler. But typically the installation will follow these steps:
We’ve teamed up with BOXT to offer a fixed-price boiler – including installation. Find out what makes their installations so special.
Hmmm, how long’s a piece of string! As with any installation job, it depends on what you’re having done. So if you’re having a straightforward combi replacement boiler, it should only take a day. But if it’s a more complex installation – perhaps you’re replacing a conventional boiler and upgrading your radiators. Or you’re moving the boiler into a new room. It could take two or more days.
Whoever’s carrying out the installation should give you an idea of timescales, what time you can expect them to arrive and the scale of work involved. If in doubt, always ask!
We’ve teamed up with BOXT to give you a replacement boiler at an unbeatable price. Choose the right replacement boiler for you today.
