Central Heating Installation Cost: Complete Guide 2024

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 the boiler cost for 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. 

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.

In general, the cost of installing central heating in the UK is between £2,500–£8,600. Here's a break-down:

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 to receive a more accurate quote tailored to your home's needs.

It's important to remember that every home is different, and costs can vary. For example, some may have more radiators, 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.

Installing central heating in a 3-bedroom house in the UK costs between £4,000 and £6,000. The final price can include the boiler, radiators, pipework, and labour, depending on the extent of the work. Factors that affect the cost include:

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.

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:

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. 

With GreenMatch, you don't have to spend hours searching for local installers. Get started in just 30 seconds and find up to 3 central heating quotes for your situation for free and with no hassle – simply click the button below.

Before the Gas Safe engineer steps into your house, it's best if you know which type of boiler you would like to have installed, which fuel suits your heating project and additional considerations like your heating usage patterns or specific requirements. Let's break them down below.

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. 

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.

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. Compare the prices you receive to 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!

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.

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.

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. 

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.  

A vented hot water cylinder is part of a conventional boiler system, costing £200–£1,750. 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.

An unvented hot water cylinder is pricier, ranging from £350–£3,000. 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:

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 £80-£300 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:

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.

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 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:

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:

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.