How Much Does a New Boiler Cost in the UK? (2025 Pricing Guide)

Let’s talk money. If your boiler’s on its last legs, you’re probably wondering what kind of hit your bank account is about to take. The truth? A new boiler in 2025 will set you back anywhere from £500 to £4,500, depending on what you need.
I know, that’s a massive range. But here’s the thing, boiler costs aren’t one-size-fits-all. Your final bill depends on the type of boiler you choose, which brand you go for, how complex the installation is handled by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and whether you need any extras done.
In this guide, I’ll break down exactly what you can expect to pay, what affects those costs, and how you might even save a bit of cash along the way.
If you’re in the Slough area and need a new boiler fitted, our boiler installation services can help you get the best deal with professional fitting.
Average New Boiler Cost in the UK (2025)
Right now, most UK homeowners are paying around £1,800 to £3,000 for a new boiler with installation included. That’s your sweet spot for a decent combi boiler from a reliable brand, professionally fitted.
Here’s a quick look at what different boiler types typically cost:
Boiler Type | Unit Cost | Installation Cost | Total Cost |
Combi Boiler | £500 – £2,000 | £500 – £1,500 | £1,000 – £3,500 |
System Boiler | £600 – £2,500 | £800 – £1,800 | £1,400 – £4,300 |
Regular Boiler | £800 – £2,800 | £1,000 – £2,000 | £1,800 – £4,800 |
These prices give you a good benchmark, but every home is different. Want an accurate quote for your property? Our boiler installation team offers free, no-obligation quotes tailored to your specific needs
Boiler Cost Breakdown (What You're Really Paying For)
Ever wondered where all that money actually goes? Let me break it down for you:
The Boiler Unit Itself
This is the big-ticket item the actual boiler. Budget models start around £500, while premium brands can hit £3,000 or more. You’re paying for build quality, efficiency ratings, warranty length, and brand reputation.
Installation Labour
A Gas Safe registered engineer will charge between £500 and £1,500 for a straightforward swap. This usually takes about a day. More complicated jobs (like changing boiler types or moving location) cost more.
Materials and Parts
Your installer needs pipes, valves, fittings, brackets, and flue components. Budget around £150 to £400 for these extras.
Building Regulations & Certifications
Every boiler installation must comply with Building Regulations. Your installer should provide a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate as part of the job. This is usually included in your quote, but always double-check.
Types of Boilers and Their Costs
Before we dive into specific boiler types, it’s worth considering what fuel type works best for your home. If you’re unsure whether gas heating is right for you, read our comparison guide on gas vs electric vs oil heating systems to understand the pros and cons of each option.
Combi Boiler Costs
Price Range: £1,000 – £3,500 (including installation)
Combi boilers are the UK’s most popular choice, and for good reason. They heat water on demand, so you don’t need a separate hot water tank cluttering up your airing cupboard.
Who should get one?
- Small to medium-sized homes
- Flats and apartments
- Properties with 1-2 bathrooms
- Anyone wanting to save space
The installation is usually straightforward, especially if you’re replacing an existing combi. Most jobs are done in a day.
System Boiler Costs
Price Range: £1,400 – £4,300 (including installation)
System boilers work with a hot water cylinder but don’t need a cold water tank in the loft. They’re brilliant if multiple people need hot water at the same time.
Best for:
- Larger homes with 2+ bathrooms
- Families with high hot water demands
- Properties with good water pressure
- Homes where several taps might run simultaneously
Installation takes a bit longer than a combi, usually 1-2 days, since there’s the cylinder to deal with as well.
Regular/Conventional Boiler Costs
Price Range: £1,800 – £4,800 (including installation)
These are the traditional boilers with both a hot water cylinder and a cold water tank in the loft. They’re becoming less common, but still make sense in certain situations.
Ideal for:
- Older properties with traditional heating systems
- Homes with low water pressure
- Very large houses
- Properties where the existing system is already set up this way
Popular UK Boiler Brands and Prices (2025 Update)
Let me give you the rundown on the big names you’ll see quoted:
Worcester Bosch
Price Range: £800 – £2,500
The UK favourite. Known for reliability and excellent warranties (up to 12 years on some models). You’re paying a premium, but many installers swear by them.
Vaillant
Price Range: £750 – £2,300
German engineering at its finest. Comparable to Worcester Bosch in quality, sometimes slightly cheaper. Great efficiency ratings across the board.
Ideal
Price Range: £650 – £1,800
Solid mid-range option. Good value for money without compromising too much on quality. Popular with cost-conscious homeowners.
Baxi
Price Range: £600 – £1,600
Budget-friendly but still reliable. Been around for decades. Good choice if you want a recognisable name without breaking the bank.
Viessmann
Price Range: £900 – £2,800
Premium German brand. Exceptional build quality and efficiency. Worth considering if you’re planning to stay in your home long-term.
Extra Costs You Should Expect
Here’s where things can get a bit pricier. These aren’t always necessary, but they often crop up:
Power Flushing
Cost: £300 – £600
if your heating system has sludge buildup, your installer might recommend a power flush before fitting the new boiler. It’s basically a deep clean for your pipes and radiators. Annoying extra cost, but it’ll help your new boiler last longer.
Relocating the Boiler
Cost: £500 – £1,500
Want to move your boiler to the garage or a different room? You’re looking at significant extra work, new pipework, new flue, potentially electrical work too. Only do this if you really need to.
Upgrading Pipework
Cost: £200 – £800
Older homes sometimes need pipe upgrades to meet current regulations or to work properly with modern boilers. Your engineer will spot this during the survey.
Smart Thermostat Installation
Cost: £150 – £300
Not essential, but smart thermostats like Nest or Hive can seriously cut your energy bills. Most installers can fit one while they’re doing the boiler.
Boiler Installation Cost (Labour & Time)
Standard Installation
For a straightforward like-for-like replacement (swapping your old combi for a new combi in the same spot), expect to pay £500 – £1,000 in labour. Most engineers charge day rates of around £250 – £400, and a simple swap takes 1 day.
Back Boiler Conversion Cost
Cost: £1,500 – £3,000 (labour only)
Got an old back boiler behind your gas fire? Converting this to a modern system is a bigger job. You’ll need to remove the old unit, potentially make good the fireplace area, and run new pipes. Add 2-3 days to your timeline.
Government Grants and Schemes in 2025
You might not have to foot the entire bill yourself.
ECO4 Scheme
If you’re on certain benefits or have a household income under £31,000, you could get a free or heavily subsidised boiler. The ECO4 scheme runs until 2026 and prioritises energy-efficient upgrades for low-income households.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers grants for heat pumps rather than traditional boilers. If you’re considering going greener, you could get £7,500 towards an air source heat pump.
Who Qualifies?
- Homeowners and private tenants (with landlord permission)
- People receiving certain benefits
- Properties with poor energy efficiency ratings
- Those meeting specific income thresholds
Check the government’s Simple Energy Advice website to see what you’re eligible for.
How to Save Money on a New Boiler
Compare Installers
Don’t just accept the first quote. Get at least 3 quotes from Gas Safe-registered engineers. Prices can vary by over £500 for exactly the same job, but ZR Heatings offers affordable pricing.
Choose the Right Boiler Size
Bigger isn’t always better. An oversized boiler costs more upfront and wastes energy. A properly sized boiler (usually 24-35 kW for most homes) will cost less and run more efficiently.
Seasonal Discounts
Installers are quieter in summer. You’ll often find better deals between May and September when everyone’s not panicking about their heating. Some companies offer 10-20% off during these months.
Signs You Need a New Boiler
Not sure if it’s time? Here are the telltale signs:
- Your boiler is 10-15+ years old – efficiency drops significantly after this point
- Energy bills keep climbing – old boilers can be 30-40% less efficient than new ones
- Constant repairs – if you’re calling out engineers every few months, a new boiler will pay for itself
- Strange noises – banging, whistling, or gurgling sounds aren’t normal
- Radiators take ages to heat up – or some don’t heat at all
- Yellow flame instead of blue – this could indicate dangerous carbon monoxide production (get this checked immediately)
- Frequent pressure loss – constantly topping up the pressure suggests internal problems
Is a New Boiler Worth the Cost?
Let’s be real, spending a couple of grand isn’t fun. But here’s why it often makes sense:
Energy Savings
A modern A-rated boiler is typically 90%+ efficient. If your old one is 70% efficient, you could save £300-400 annually on gas bills. That’s a payback period of 5-7 years.
Protect Your Investment
A new boiler is a significant purchase, so protect it with regular servicing. Annual maintenance costs £80-120 but can prevent expensive breakdowns and keep your boiler running at peak efficiency. Book your annual boiler service in Slough to maximise your investment.
Increased Home Value
A new, efficient boiler is a selling point. Estate agents consistently say it makes properties more attractive to buyers and can add £1,000-3,000 to your home’s value.
Plus, you get peace of mind. No more worrying about breakdowns in winter or dealing with cold showers.
Final Thoughts
A new boiler is a significant investment, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Most homeowners in 2025 are paying between £1,800 and £3,000 for a quality installation, and that money buys you years of reliable heating and hot water.
The key is doing your homework, getting multiple quotes, choosing the right type of boiler for your home, and not skipping on quality to save a few hundred quid. A good boiler should last 10-15 years, so it’s worth getting it right.
And remember to check those government schemes. If you qualify, you could save a substantial amount or even get your boiler completely free.
FAQs
How long does a boiler installation take?
A standard combi boiler swap usually takes 1 day. More complex installations (system or regular boilers, or relocations) can take 2-3 days.
Can I install a boiler myself to save money?
No. By law, all gas boiler work must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. DIY installation is illegal and extremely dangerous.
What’s the most reliable boiler brand?
Worcester Bosch and Vaillant consistently rank highest for reliability. Both offer excellent warranties and have strong reputations among installers.
Do I need to replace my thermostat, too?
Not necessarily, but it’s a good opportunity to upgrade. If your current thermostat is basic or old, adding a smart one during installation makes sense.
How often should boilers be serviced?
Annually. A yearly service costs £80-120 and helps catch problems early, maintains efficiency, and keeps your warranty valid.
What size boiler do I need?
For most 3-4 bedroom homes, a 28-35 kW combi boiler is sufficient. Your installer should calculate the right size based on your property’s specific needs.