Central Heating Installation Costs Guide 2024
Most homes in the UK have central heating which keeps people warm and cosy during the colder months.
Depending on the type of system you have or the size of your home, central heating installation costs will vary from house to house.
Yet there are even more factors that may influence how much installing a central heating system will cost, therefore this article will go through the various factors that influence the cost of a central heating system installation, what’s involved in installing it, and how to find and hire a suitably qualified heating engineer.
You can get a fixed price quote online or speak to one of our central heating installation experts today about any central heating installation you require.
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What is Central Heating Installation?
Central heating is a way of keeping your home warm and cosy, even when it’s really cold outside. It works by having a special machine called a boiler or furnace that heats up water or air, which then gets sent through pipes to radiators in a wet system or to air ducts in all the different rooms in your house with a warm air system.
This means that you can stay warm and comfortable no matter where you are in your home, without having to use individual heaters or fireplaces in each room.
If you have an old central heating system, did you know you can get a pay monthly central heating cover plan to stop any large repair bills?
How Much Does a Central Heating System Cost?
The size of your property, the type of boiler, the number of radiators, and other elements can all affect the cost of a central heating system. Depending on the system type and size of the building, a new central heating system installation might cost anywhere from £3,500 and £6,100 on average.
Whilst the initial price is relatively high, investing in an efficient system can help. The cost of running a central heating system is influenced by the fuel consumed, the system’s effectiveness, and the cost of gas and electricity, or the fuel used for your boiler in your region.
Get Boiler & Central Heating CoverWhat Affects the Cost of Central Heating Installation?
Home Size
The size of your home is one of the most important variables that might impact the price of your central heating system installation cost. The number of radiators and pipes you require will increase with the size of your home, which could raise the system’s overall cost.
Costs involved:
- For a small home with one or two bedrooms, the cost of a central heating system with a combi boiler and a few radiators could range from £2,300 to £4,300.
- However, for a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost of a central heating system with a conventional boiler and numerous radiators could range from £6,000 to £15,000.
This factors in the cost of a new boiler and installation as well as the radiators, pipework, fixings, and added extras.
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Your Choice of Central Heating Boiler
The type of boiler you choose can also affect the cost of your central heating system. There are several types of boilers available, each with its pros and cons.
Combi Boilers
Combi boilers are a popular choice for smaller homes, as they don’t require a separate hot water tank, which can save space. The best combi boilers are more efficient than other types of boilers, which can help to reduce energy bills.
Costs involved:
A combi boiler can cost between £1,000 and £3,000.
Conventional or Regular Boilers
Conventional or regular boilers require a hot water tank, which can take up more space. However, they are suitable for larger homes with multiple bathrooms.
Costs involved:
A conventional boiler with a hot water tank can cost between £1,300 and £2,900
System Boilers
System boilers are similar to conventional boilers but don’t require a separate water tank. They are suitable for homes with more than one bathroom and provide a constant supply of hot water.
Costs involved:
A system boiler can cost between £1,300 to £3,300.
Get Boiler & Central Heating CoverLiquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) Boilers
LPG boilers are an alternative to natural gas boilers for homes that aren’t connected to the gas grid. They are more expensive to run than natural gas boilers but can be a good option for rural homes.
Costs involved:
LPG boilers can cost between £1,300 to £3,300.
Biomass Boilers
Biomass boilers use renewable energy sources, such as wood pellets or chips, to provide heating and hot water. They can be more expensive to install but can be a more environmentally-friendly option.
Costs involved:
Biomass boilers can cost between £4,900 and £9,800.
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Number and Types Radiators
The number of radiators you need will depend on the size of your home and how many rooms you want to heat. The more radiators you need, the more pipework and installation time will be required, which can increase the overall cost of the system.
Costs involved:
The cost of radiators can range from £40 to £160 each, depending on the size and style. For example, a small single panel radiator could cost £40, while a large double panel radiator could cost £120. The more radiators needed, the higher the cost will be.
Read more about the types of radiators available here
Get Boiler & Central Heating CoverCentral Heating Installation Complexity
The installation complexity can also affect the cost of your central heating system. If your home is easy to access and has good pipework, the installation can be quicker and less expensive. However, if your home is older or has complex pipework, the installation can take longer and be more expensive.
Costs involved:
If the installation is straightforward and requires minimal work, the cost could range from £1,000 to £2,500. However, if the installation is complex, such as in an older home with difficult access or complex pipework, the cost could range from £4,000 to £8,200.
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Control Type: Traditional or Wireless
Traditional central heating controls require manual adjustments to the temperature and timing of your heating system. Wireless controls allow you to control your heating system remotely from a smartphone or tablet. While wireless controls can be more expensive, they can be more convenient and energy-efficient in the long run.
Costs involved:
Traditional controls can cost around £40 to £90. While wireless controls can cost between £120 and £250.
Project Size and Scope
The size and scope of your project can also affect the cost of your central heating system. If you need to remove an old system or make significant changes to your home, the cost of the installation can increase.
Costs involved:
If the project involves significant changes, such as removing an old system or relocating pipework, the cost would increase significantly, ranging from £8,200 to £16,500 or more.
Get Boiler & Central Heating CoverSaving Money on Central Heating System Installation
There are several ways to save money on a new central heating system. One option is to choose a more energy-efficient boiler, which can help to reduce energy bills in the long run. Another option is to get multiple quotes from heating engineers to compare prices and find the best deal.
You can also look for any government grants or schemes that can help with the cost of installation, such as the Green Homes Grant.
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What’s Involved in Installing a Central Heating System?
Installing a central heating system involves several steps, including:
- Choosing the right boiler and radiators for your home
- Removing any old system or pipework
- Installing new pipework and radiators
- Fitting the boiler and connecting it to the gas supply
- Installing any necessary controls and testing the system for efficiency and safety.
- It’s important to hire a qualified heating engineer to ensure that your central heating system is installed correctly and safely.
Is Central Heating the Best Choice for My Home?
Central heating is a popular choice for most homes as it provides reliable and efficient heating throughout the house. However, if you live in a small apartment or have a limited budget, you may want to consider other heating options such as electric heating or portable heaters.
How Do I Find and Hire a Heating Engineer?
To find and hire a heating engineer, you can ask for recommendations from friends or family or search online for qualified professionals in your area. It’s important to check that the heating engineer is Gas Safe registered and has experience installing the type of system you want.
Ensuring the Professional Is the Right Fit
Before hiring a heating engineer, it’s important to check that they are the right fit for your project. You can do this by asking for references or checking online reviews, as well as asking for a written quote and checking what’s included in the price.
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Overview Checklist
Before installing a central heating system, it’s important to:
- Research and compare different types of boilers and radiators
- Get multiple quotes from qualified heating engineers
- Check for any government grants or schemes that can help with the cost
- Ensure that the heating engineer is Gas Safe registered and has experience installing the type of system you want
- Check references or online reviews and ask for a written quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of central heating systems are there?
Electric, gas, oil, and renewable energy sources are the four primary categories of central heating systems. Boilers are used in gas and oil systems to heat water, which is subsequently channelled through radiators or underfloor heating.
In contrast to renewable systems, which use energy from renewable sources like solar or heat pumps, electric systems use elements that are heated by electricity.
Did you know you can get central heating cover that protects old systems from expensive breakdowns?
Which type of central heating system is the most cost-effective?
Since that gas is frequently less expensive than electricity or oil, gas central heating systems are typically regarded as the most economical.
The most economical choice, however, is determined by a number of variables, including the cost of the initial boiler installation, the system’s efficiency, and the availability of fuel in your location.
How can I reduce my central heating costs?
There are several ways to reduce central heating costs, including:
- Improving the insulation in your home,
- Using a programmable thermostat to control the temperature.
- Ensuring your boiler is regularly serviced and maintained.
- Upgrading to a more efficient central heating system or switching to a cheaper fuel type.
How often should I service my central heating system?
In order to make sure that your central heating system is operating effectively and to avoid malfunctions, it is advised that you have it serviced once a year. Frequent servicing can also aid in spotting any possible flaws before they develop into bigger concerns.
Read about the cost of a boiler service here.
What should I look for when choosing a central heating system?
It’s so important to take into account aspects like the size of your residence, your spending limit, and the kind of fuel readily available in your region when selecting a central heating system.
The system’s efficiency rating, which is determined using the Seasonal Efficiency of Domestic Boilers in the UK (SEDBUK) rating method, should also be taken into account.
How long does a central heating system last?
The lifespan of a central heating system is affected by things including the system’s design, how well it was installed, and how often it is maintained.
The typical lifespan of a central heating system is 15 years for gas systems and 20 years for oil systems. The lifespan of electric and renewable systems might vary depending on the system in question and how well it is maintained.
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