How Much Does a New Boiler Cost in the UK?
Gas boilers remain the most popular type of central heating system in the UK, and for good reason—they’re efficient, reliable, and relatively affordable. But how much do alternative options such as electric boilers or biomass boilers cost and how much does it cost to install a new gas boiler in 2025? In this guide, we’ll break down the boiler price, installation fees, running costs, and compare typical costs based on household size for gas, electric and biomass boilers.
Gas Boiler Cost (UK)
The cost of a new gas boiler in the UK generally ranges from £600 to £2,500, depending on the type, brand, and output size. There are three main types of gas boilers:
- Combi Boilers: Provide hot water and central heating from a single unit. Ideal for small to medium homes.
- System Boilers: Require a separate hot water cylinder. Good for homes with higher hot water demand.
- Regular (Conventional) Boilers: Work with a hot water cylinder and cold water tank. Typically used in older homes with existing pipework.
Gas Boiler Installation Costs
Installation costs can vary based on whether it’s a like-for-like replacement or a more complex job (such as switching boiler type or moving its location).
| Installation Type | Typical Cost (Labour + Materials) |
|---|---|
| Combi to combi (same location) | £600 – £1,000 |
| System/regular to combi | £1,200 – £2,000 |
| Moving boiler location | £1,000 – £2,500+ |
Gas Boiler Costs by Household Size
Here’s a breakdown of average boiler costs depending on your home size and heat demand. These estimates include both the boiler and installation.
| Household Size | Boiler Size (kW) | Boiler Cost Range | Installation Cost Range | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom flat | 18–24 kW | £600 – £1,200 | £600 – £1,000 | £1,200 – £2,200 |
| 2–3 bedroom house | 24–30 kW | £900 – £1,500 | £800 – £1,500 | £1,700 – £3,000 |
| 4+ bedroom house | 30–40 kW | £1,200 – £2,500 | £1,000 – £2,000+ | £2,200 – £4,500+ |
Cost of Gas to Run a Gas Boiler
One of the biggest benefits of a gas boiler is the relatively low cost of fuel compared to electricity. As of early 2025, the average UK gas price is approximately 7p per kWh.
For example, if a typical household uses 12,000 kWh/year for heating and hot water:
12,000 kWh × £0.07 = £840/year
This is significantly cheaper than running an electric boiler, which could cost more than triple that amount in annual energy bills.
Pros and Cons of Gas Boilers
✅ Advantages
- Lower running costs compared to electric boilers
- Reliable and familiar technology
- Quick heating performance
- Ideal for large households with high demand
❌ Disadvantages
- Still reliant on fossil fuels
- Not as eco-friendly as electric or renewable alternatives
- Gas boilers will eventually be phased out in new builds (from 2025)
- Requires annual servicing for safety and efficiency
Gas boilers remain a cost-effective and dependable option for home heating in the UK. While installation and running costs are typically lower than electric systems, they’re not the greenest option available. If you're planning a new boiler installation, always compare quotes and consider your long-term heating strategy as the UK transitions towards low-carbon heating solutions.
Need tailored advice or quotes from certified installers? Get in touch with a Gas Safe engineer to explore your options.
Electric Boiler Cost
As UK households seek greener alternatives to gas boilers, electric boilers are gaining popularity—especially for smaller homes, flats, and off-grid properties. But how much does a new electric boiler actually cost? This section covers everything: the price of the boiler, installation fees, running costs, and a comparison table by household size.
Electric Boiler Cost (UK)
The price of a new electric boiler typically falls between £500 and £2,500, depending on size, type, and brand. The main types of electric boilers include:
- Electric Combi Boilers: Ideal for smaller homes; provide hot water on demand.
- Electric System Boilers: Use a separate hot water cylinder; suitable for medium-sized homes.
- Electric Regular Boilers: Require both a hot water cylinder and cold water tank; usually for replacing traditional setups.
Electric Boiler Installation Costs
Installation costs can vary significantly depending on whether you’re replacing an existing boiler or starting from scratch.
| Installation Type | Typical Cost (Labour + Materials) |
|---|---|
| Replacing an existing electric boiler | £500 – £1,000 |
| Replacing a gas boiler with electric | £1,000 – £2,000+ |
| New installation (no previous boiler) | £1,500 – £3,000+ |
Electric Boiler Costs by Household Size
Here’s a comparison of average boiler and installation costs depending on your household size and required output.
| Household Size | Boiler Size (kW) | Boiler Cost Range | Installation Cost Range | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom flat | 6–9 kW | £500 – £1,000 | £500 – £1,000 | £1,000 – £2,000 |
| 2–3 bedroom house | 9–12 kW | £900 – £1,500 | £800 – £1,500 | £1,700 – £3,000 |
| 4+ bedroom house | 12–15+ kW | £1,200 – £2,500 | £1,000 – £2,000+ | £2,200 – £4,500+ |
Electricity Costs to Run an Electric Boiler
The biggest ongoing expense is the cost of electricity. As of 2025, the average UK electricity rate is approximately 28p per kWh.
For example, if your home uses 10,000 kWh/year for heating and hot water:
10,000 kWh × £0.28 = £2,800/year
By comparison, a gas boiler may cost just £900–£1,500 per year to run, making electricity a more expensive option for large or high-demand homes.
Pros and Cons of Electric Boilers
✅ Advantages
- No need for a gas supply or flue
- 100% efficient at point of use
- Compact and quiet operation
- Lower installation costs (in some cases)
- Zero emissions at the point of use
❌ Disadvantages
- Higher running costs compared to gas
- May require a fuse box upgrade
- Not ideal for larger homes or high hot water demand
Electric boilers are a smart choice for small to medium-sized homes—especially in areas without mains gas or for properties prioritising low-carbon heating. While the upfront costs are manageable, it’s essential to factor in electricity costs to determine long-term affordability.
Need a personalised quote or advice on switching to electric heating? Speak to a certified heating engineer or request a home energy assessment today.
How Much Does a New Biomass Boiler Cost in the UK?
With the UK moving towards greener heating solutions, biomass boilers have become an increasingly popular option for environmentally conscious homeowners. These systems burn organic materials like wood pellets or logs to generate heat and hot water. But what does a new biomass boiler actually cost in the UK? In this guide, we’ll cover the price of the boiler itself, installation, running costs, and other important considerations.
Biomass Boiler Costs in the UK
The cost of a biomass boiler typically ranges between £5,000 and £12,000, depending on the size, fuel type, and level of automation. Here's a breakdown of the most common types:
- Manual Feed (Log Boilers): Cheaper upfront but require regular refuelling.
- Semi-Automatic (Pellet Boilers): Mid-range in terms of price and convenience.
- Fully Automated Biomass Boilers: More expensive but require minimal manual input and often include self-cleaning features.
Installation Costs for Biomass Boilers
Installation is a significant part of the overall cost. A typical biomass boiler installation can cost anywhere from £3,000 to £7,000+. This includes:
- Labour and system setup
- Fuel storage installation (e.g. hopper or silo)
- Chimney or flue fitting
- System integration (radiators, hot water, controls)
Biomass Boiler Costs by Household Size
Below is a comparison of estimated costs for different sized homes. Figures include the biomass boiler and a standard installation.
| Household Size | Boiler Output | Boiler Cost Range | Installation Cost Range | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 bedroom cottage | 10–15 kW | £5,000 – £7,000 | £3,000 – £5,000 | £8,000 – £12,000 |
| 3–4 bedroom house | 15–25 kW | £7,000 – £9,000 | £4,000 – £6,000 | £11,000 – £15,000 |
| 5+ bedroom house or rural property | 25–45 kW | £9,000 – £12,000 | £5,000 – £7,000+ | £14,000 – £19,000+ |
Other Associated Costs
Installing a biomass boiler comes with additional considerations that may add to the cost:
- Fuel storage: Pellet hoppers or log stores can cost £500 – £3,000+ depending on size and automation.
- Fuel delivery & handling: Regular deliveries needed; larger silos reduce frequency but cost more upfront.
- Servicing and maintenance: Annual servicing costs around £200 – £300 per year.
- Chimney/flue system: May require a custom flue, costing £500 – £1,500+.
- Space requirements: You may need a dedicated plant room or external boiler housing.
Cost of Running a Biomass Boiler
The cost of fuel varies depending on the type:
- Wood pellets: £250 – £350 per tonne
- Wood chips: £100 – £150 per tonne (requires specialist boiler)
- Logs: £70 – £120 per tonne (cheaper but manual feed required)
The average household might use around 3 to 6 tonnes of pellets per year, meaning annual fuel costs range from £750 to £2,100.
Grants and Financial Support
Biomass boiler installations may qualify for government funding such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), which offers up to £5,000 off installation costs in England and Wales.
Pros and Cons of Biomass Boilers
✅ Advantages
- Renewable and carbon-neutral fuel source
- Lower fuel costs than electricity and often cheaper than gas/oil in rural areas
- Eligible for grants and financial incentives
❌ Disadvantages
- High upfront installation cost
- Needs space for fuel storage and boiler unit
- Fuel deliveries and manual handling (unless fully automated)
- Annual maintenance required
Biomass boilers offer a greener, renewable way to heat your home—particularly for rural or off-grid properties. While the upfront costs are high, long-term fuel savings and grant support can make them a cost-effective solution over time. If you're looking to reduce your carbon footprint and take advantage of renewable heating, a biomass boiler could be worth the investment.
Need help working out the right size and type for your home? Contact a MCS-certified installer to arrange a home survey and personalised quote.
How Much Does a New Boiler Cost Per Manufacturer in the UK?
When choosing a new boiler, the brand you go with can have a significant impact on the total cost. In the UK, there are several leading boiler manufacturers offering a range of models at different price points. Whether you're after reliability, premium features, or budget-friendly efficiency, understanding the price differences between brands can help you make the right choice.
Boiler Price Overview by Manufacturer
Below is a comparison of average boiler prices (not including installation) from some of the UK’s most popular manufacturers:
| Manufacturer | Typical Price Range (Boiler Only) | Boiler Type | Best Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worcester Bosch | £900 – £2,700 | Combi, System, Regular | Premium quality, long warranties |
| Vaillant | £850 – £2,400 | Combi, System, Regular | German engineering, energy efficiency |
| Ideal Boilers | £700 – £1,800 | Combi, System, Regular | Mid-range value, UK-made |
| Viessmann | £950 – £2,500 | Combi, System, Regular | Efficiency and stainless-steel heat exchangers |
| Baxi | £650 – £1,600 | Combi, System, Regular | Budget-friendly and compact models |
| Glow-worm | £550 – £1,300 | Combi, System | Affordability, owned by Vaillant |
| Alpha | £600 – £1,500 | Combi, System | Affordable pricing, good warranties |
Why Boiler Prices Vary Between Brands
The cost of a boiler isn’t just about the name. Prices differ based on:
- Build quality: Premium models have longer lifespans and better internal components
- Warranty: Higher-end brands often offer 7–12 year warranties as standard
- Efficiency: A-rated models with smart tech and low emissions can cost more upfront but save money long term
- Country of manufacture: Boilers made in the UK or Germany often have tighter quality control
Which Manufacturer Is Right for You?
Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right brand for your home:
- Premium choice: Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, Viessmann
- Reliable mid-range: Ideal, Baxi
- Budget-friendly: Glow-worm, Alpha
Think about the size of your home, the type of boiler you need, and how long you plan to stay in the property. Investing in a higher-end model may cost more upfront but could save you in the long run through better efficiency and fewer breakdowns.
The price of a new boiler can vary significantly depending on the manufacturer, with entry-level models starting from around £550 and premium options reaching £2,700 or more. Comparing brands based on price, features, and warranty length can help you find the right fit for your budget and needs.
Looking to get the best deal? Always compare quotes from local installers and check for manufacturer-backed warranties and offers. A professional installer can also advise on the best boiler size and type for your home.
