Installing a new central heating system is a major project, but it can save money on your energy bills and increase the comfort and efficiency of your home. This article provides a comprehensive guide on central heating installation costs in 2023, including the key factors that influence pricing.
Here, we look at the guide prices to give you some idea of what a central heating system including a new boiler can cost depending on the size of your property. This guide is for gas combi boilers which are the most popular type of heating system in the country and to the current building regulations.
Central heating installation cost
As a guide, in 2023 the average cost of a central heating installation for an average sized house is around £5400. This includes the boiler, radiators, and pipework connecting them. It is usually more expensive than this with a national company, like British Gas. It takes between 1 and 5 days for a full house installation depending on the size of the house, and the location of the boiler and the number of radiators required.
Overview of Central Heating Systems
Central heating distributes heat to the entire house from one point through a system of pipes and radiators. It typically consists of a boiler, radiators, and thermostats/controls.
The most common types of boilers are:
- Combi boiler – Provides heating and hot water on demand without a tank. Best for smaller homes.
- System boiler – Needs a hot water cylinder but still compact. Good for larger homes.
- Conventional boiler – Requires a hot water cylinder and cold water tank.
Radiators heat up and emit warmth into rooms. Old radiators may need replacing if they leak or have buildup restricting water flow.
Main Components of A Central Heating Installation
- Condensing combi boiler
- Horizontal or vertical flue
- Magnetic filter
- Hard water filter (if you live in a medium to hard water area)
- Boiler controls
- Expansion vessel
- Pipework installation
- Radiator installation
- Central heating pump (Not Required for combi boiler)
- Weather compensation sensor (where possible)
Some components may be specific to the type of boiler system being installed (combi, system, or conventional), and the presence of certain components (like the central heating pump) depends on the type of boiler system.
If you have moved into a home and the heating doesn’t meet your needs or you have electric storage heating that you want to have replaced, how about installing new gas central heating from scratch which includes a brand new boiler, pipework, and radiators?
What does a new central heating system installation include?
These are the steps when a new boiler is fitted:
- Survey of your property to see what you need and quote given
- Removal of the old boiler and heating system
- A new energy efficient boiler installed
- New pipework and radiators
- New heating controls with optional upgrade to smart controls
- System cleansed and commissioned
- All documentation given including warranty terms
Cost Factors
Many variables impact the total cost to install central heating:
- Property size – More rooms and larger homes need bigger systems
- Boiler type – Combi boilers cheapest, biomass most expensive
- Radiator number and type – More designer radiators increase cost
- Controls – Smart thermostats more advanced but pricier than standard
- Installer – Big national brands charge more than local experts
Component choices and property specifics strongly influence pricing. Get multiple quotes before deciding.
Installation Cost Ranges
These are typical price ranges for installing a gas central heating system:
| Property Size | Radiators | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 bed bungalow | 5 | £3000 |
| 2 bed house | 8 | £3700 |
| 3 bed house | 10 | £4800 |
| 4 bed house | 12 | £5200 |
| 5 bed house | 15 | £5700 |
Installation takes 1-5 days depending on the property.
Click here to view why we recommend Boilercentral.com when buying a new boiler.
Central Heating Installation Steps
Once you’ve selected your new boiler, radiators, and controls, it’s time to install your new central heating system. This section walks through the key steps involved.
Step 1: Survey and Quote
A qualified heating engineer will visit your home to survey the layout and provide a quote detailing the recommended system and exact costs.
Get quotes from at least 3 installers before deciding. Check credentials and reviews.
Step 2: Remove Old System
The installers will dismantle your old boiler, radiators, cylinders, and pipework to prepare for the new system. This process takes about 1 day.
Turn off water and gas supplies when removing the old boiler. No hot water during this time.
Step 3: Install New Boiler
A gas-registered engineer must connect the new boiler to the gas supply. The boiler will be mounted on a wall with ventilation.
Combi boiler installations take 4-6 hours. Swapping boiler type takes 2-4 days.
Step 4: Install Radiators
Radiators go up first so pipes can connect. Leave space between wall and radiators for valves.
- Designer radiators take ~1 day
- Standard radiators take 1-2 days
Step 5: Lay New Pipes
Copper is best. Plastic pipes are cheaper but more prone to leaks. Ensure pipes can vent to radiators.
Step 6: Install Controls
Follow manufacturer instructions to set up thermostats, smart controls, and valves.
Step 7: Commission the System
- Balance water flow and re-vent
- Activate boiler and heat water
- Test system operation
- Provide documentation
Now your new system is ready to use!
Central Heating Installation Cost Calculator
The cost of a heating system depends on many factors from the size and type of your house to what level of control you want to have. You will need to take into account all the following factors:
- The boiler brand, type and size. For higher hot water demands, you may want a system boiler with a hot water storage tank.
- Style and size of radiators. To suit the room or if you already have pipework that you want to keep but just change the radiators.
- Number of rooms that wil have radiators installed.
- What type of boiler controls you opt for. Will you want wireless or app controls?
- How disruptive will installation be? Will the house be occupied during the work? or will it be empty during renovation.
- You opt for smart controls such as Hive or Nest.
- You live in areas where prices are higher.
- Check if you can get a grant or subsidy for a new boiler.
The questions most online calculators ask to calculate the cost are:
- Postcode.
- Type of fuel in your property: mains gas, lpg, or something else.
- Current Boiler type: Combi boiler, regular boiler, system boiler, or back boiler etc.
- Replacement: Do you want the same type of new boiler?
- Want Boiler Moving or not.
- Is the boiler on the floor or wall-mounted.
- House Type: Semi-Detached, terraced etc.
- Number of bedrooms.
- How many radiators are there currently.
- Number of bathtubs in the property.
- Number of showers.
- Flue Exit: External wall or roof.
Saving Money on Central Heating Installation
Installing a new central heating system represents a major investment. Here are tips for reducing the costs:
- Shop around – Get quotes from at least 3 companies before deciding. Compare prices and offers.
- Book early – Many companies provide discounts for early booking or paying upfront.
- Choose wisely – Optimize choices for boiler type, radiators, and controls to match your needs at the best price.
- DIY removal – Save on labour by removing your old system yourself before the installers arrive.
- Clear space – Remove furniture from rooms for easy access to minimize install time and labour costs.
- Install in summer – Scheduling installation in summer often results in better deals when demand is lower.
- Watch for deals – Companies may offer seasonal sales or incentives. Sign up for alerts.
- Buy parts – Source items like valves and piping yourself to save money. Provide them to the installer.
- Use local experts – National chains often charge more. Find quality local heating engineers.
- Check for grants – Some governments and energy providers offer boiler grants if you meet eligibility criteria.
Choosing the right installer and being a savvy shopper can lead to significant savings on your new central heating system installation.
Companies that install boiler and full central heating
Boilercentral.com 
Warmzilla.co.uk 
Boxt.co.uk 
British Gas 
Eon Energy 
How much do plumbers charge to install a boiler?
If you decide to go for a local installer, boiler installation costs can vary significantly between regions. In urban areas, where the demand for plumbers is higher, the installation prices may be slightly elevated. On the other hand, suburban or rural areas might have lower installation costs due to reduced demand and competition.
What is connected to the new boiler during installation?
Many things that are connected to the new boiler are the mains cold water supply, pipework for the hot water taps and radiators, external heating controls and thermostats, external sensors and other electrical connections such as for power and safety. The boiler is installed in a location with all these in mind.
How long will it take to install new central heating?
Installing a new central heating system can be disruptive, especially if you and your family are home at the time. It can take up to 3 days for a company with two engineers to install a boiler and radiators. It is much quicker if the house is empty for them to work in or you can plan to minimise disruption.
How long does it take to change a boiler? For a straight swap boiler replacement, this can be done in one day, usually within a few hours, as long as the pipework and radiators and all other parts of the system are to remain as they are.
Can you use a new boiler straight away?
Once installed, the boiler needs to be tested it is operating correctly and safely and provides hot water and heating adequately. This is known as commissioning. When this is completed by the gas safe engineer, he will hand over the user manual and other documentation, then you can start using the boiler straight away.
Installing central heating in old houses
You can install central heating systems in older properties. Depending on the heating method already in place, the new central heating system can be very disruptive. The floors might be fully concrete and ceiling gaps may not have enough space for pipes to go through. You may need to box in many of the pipe runs along the house.
A gas combi boiler is likely to be the best option for an old house in terms of efficiency. To make the most efficient use of your boiler, you may want to look at wall and roof insulation of the house. If old radiators are already in the property, they are likely to be filled with sludge built up over time with rust in the metal interiors.
How disruptive is installing central heating?
It can be quite disruptive for the 3 days of installing central heating and one day either side to move furniture around for space needed. But good planning by the installer working with you can greatly minimise disruption if you work together. Expect restricted access and noise during the work.
During the installation work, the gas supply is turned off when the gas pipe is being fitted, and this means the gas cooker and hob, gas fire or any other gas appliances in the house won’t work for that time. But this is will be for a few hours rather than days. The water is also turned off, at least the supply to the boiler. This means no hot water until the new boiler is up and running.
The installers will need access to every room in the house and any loft space if necessary. You should remove items around the boiler and discuss with the installer where furniture needs to be moved around to. You will not have access to hot water while the new boiler is being fitted.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
Most companies can get a home survey booked within a couple of days. The installation date will depend on the availability of a boiler and engineers. Summer is a better time to get it done quicker.
It is also done quicker if you accept the terms and conditions on your quote and either make an upfront payment or accept the terms and conditions of your finance agreement early.
Operating Your Central Heating System
Once your new central heating system is installed, follow these tips to use it effectively:
- Set thermostat – Find the lowest comfortable temperature and keep it there. Around 18°C is recommended for most rooms.
- Use programmable controls – Set timers to automatically adjust temperature during different times of day when area is occupied or not.
- Open/close valves – Open valves fully in rooms you want heated. Close them in unused rooms to save energy.
- Bleed radiators – Bleeding releases trapped air affecting heat output. Open valves with radiator cold until water comes out.
- Balance radiators – Use lockshield valves to evenly balance hot water flow to each radiator based on need.
- Check boiler pressure – Ensure pressure gauge stays in the green. Top up water if needed.
- Keep radiators clear – Don’t block radiators with furniture that traps heat. Leave space for airflow.
- Service annually – Professional servicing keeps your boiler working safely and efficiently.
- Upgrade controls – Smart thermostats like Nest optimize temperature and can be controlled remotely via wifi.
- Insulate home – Improve insulation to retain heat better. Options include loft insulation, wall cavity insulation, and double glazing.
Learning how to use your central heating properly maximizes comfort and efficiency while reducing energy usage and costs. Maintain your system well so it operates effectively for many years.
Central Heating Maintenance Tips
Follow these tips to keep it running efficiently for years:
- Bleed radiators – This removes trapped air that can reduce heat output. Open valves with radiators cold until water sprays out.
- Clean filters – Clogged filters block water flow. Clean or replace regularly per your boiler’s instructions.
- Flush heating system – A powerflush cleans out sludge and corrosion annually. Prices start around £80-£150.
- Check radiator valves – Make sure radiator valves are open and not stuck. Replace old manual valves with thermostatic radiator valves.
- Insulate pipes – Prevent heat loss by insulating exposed pipes. Lagging wraps cost around £5 per meter.
- Set thermostat – Find the lowest comfortable temperature setting and stick to it. Lowering by 1°C could save 5% on bills.
- Service annually – Boiler servicing by a professional (around £80-£100) keeps it running safely and efficiently.
- Check pressure gauge – Ensure the pressure stays in the green area. Top up water if needed.
- Upgrade controls – Smart thermostats like Nest learn patterns and help save energy.
- Check for leaks – Dripping valves or radiators indicate problems needing repair.
With regular maintenance, your central heating system can provide cozy and affordable warmth for over 15 years.
FAQs
How much does it cost to install central heating?
The average price is £3000-£5000 for a 3-4 bedroom house. Costs vary based on property size, components chosen, and complexity of install. Get multiple quotes.
How long does it take to install central heating?
The installation process takes 1-5 days depending on property size. Removing old systems adds 1 day. Boiler swaps take 4-6 hours.
What does central heating installation involve?
Key steps include removing old system, installing new boiler, laying pipes, mounting radiators, setting up controls, and testing.
Should I choose a combi, system, or regular boiler?
Combi boilers are best for smaller homes. System boilers work well in larger homes with more bathrooms. Regular boilers require more tanks but can meet high demand.
How can I save money on installation costs?
Get quotes from several local installers. Look for discounts on early booking or prepayment. DIY removal of old systems also saves on labor costs.
When should I schedule central heating installation?
Summer is ideal, when demand is lower than winter. Installers may offer better deals and availability as well.
How disruptive is the installation process?
Expect 1-5 days of noise and restricted access in rooms. No hot water during boiler swap. Work with installer to minimize impact.
Research properly and plan ahead to get your new central heating system installed affordably and efficiently.
Related Articles:
- Who Can Install My Boiler? Regulations You Should Know
- When To Replace Your Boiler: Look for These Signs
*The information in this article should be used for general guidance only and not as financial advice. Full details are on the disclaimer page. Always discuss your requirements with a competent and suitably qualified professional before undertaking any work.