Buying a new boiler is a major investment that requires careful consideration of the costs involved. With energy bills rising, many homeowners are wondering – is it cheaper to get a new boiler?
This article compares the average cost of new boilers like combi, system and conventional to the expense of repairing and maintaining an old, inefficient boiler.
We’ll look at boiler installation costs, potential energy savings, and financial assistance available to help make an informed decision. Comparing boiler brands and accounting for long term energy bill savings will also factor into determining if upgrading your boiler is the most cost effective option.
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Average Cost of a New Boiler
The average price of a new boiler depends on the type you choose:
| Boiler Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Combi | £500 – £3,000 |
| System | £500 – £2,500 |
| Conventional | £500 – £2,750 |
Combi boilers are the most popular choice in the UK. They provide instant hot water on demand and don’t require a storage tank.
System boilers have a hot water cylinder and are better suited for homes with high demand.
Conventional boilers need a hot water cylinder and cold water storage tank, taking up more space.
There are budget, mid-range and premium models available within each boiler type:
| Boiler Type | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combi | £500-£900 | £900-£2,100 | £2,100-£3,000 |
| System | £500-£900 | £900-£2,000 | £2,000-£2,500 |
| Conventional | £500-£900 | £900-£2,000 | £2,000-£2,750 |
Installation costs also impact the total replacement cost. Simple swaps are cheapest while complex installs like converting from a conventional to combi boiler are more expensive.
Location plays a role too – London installs typically cost more. Comparing installer quotes is key to finding the best deal.
Boiler brands like Worcester Bosch, Viessmann and Ideal range in price depending on features and efficiency. Checking warranty length is also important for long term peace of mind.
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Cost of Repairing an Old Boiler vs New Boiler Replacement
When an old boiler starts having issues, some homeowners consider trying to limp it along with repairs instead of replacing it. However, this is often a false economy.
Repairing an inefficient G-rated boiler can seem cheaper in the moment, but continually fixing problems as they arise ends up costing more over time compared to investing in a new energy efficient boiler.
Some common boiler issues and average repair costs:
- Leaking water from boiler – £80-£250
- Faulty burner/pilot light – £150-£500
- Noisy boiler/banging noises – £80-£250
- Faulty pump – £250-£600
- Broken thermostat – £150-£400
- General servicing – £80-£250
As a boiler ages past 10-15 years, problems become more frequent. You could easily spend £500-£1000 annually on maintenance and repairs.
Replacing with a new A-rated combi boiler costs £2000-£3000 including professional installation. But this one-time investment is paid back over 5-10 years from energy savings.
For example, upgrading from a G-rated gas boiler to an A-rated model in a semi-detached house could save around £380 per year on energy bills according to Energy Saving Trust estimates.
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Additional benefits of upgrading include:
- More reliable hot water and heating
- Quieter and smaller boiler
- Improved safety with modern technology
- Increased home value
- Reduced carbon footprint
A new boiler comes with a lengthier warranty too – often 7-10 years, covering parts and labor. Compare this to paying repair call out fees each time an old boiler breaks down.
Homeowners worried about the upfront cost of a new boiler have some options to finance the replacement through methods like credit cards, loans, or the Energy Company Obligation scheme.
With energy prices soaring, an upgraded efficient boiler is a smart investment. The long term savings and reduced stress of unpredictable breakdowns make the case for new boiler replacement very compelling vs trying to limp along on repairs.
Energy Efficiency Savings from Upgrading to a New A-Rated Boiler
One of the biggest financial benefits of installing a new boiler is the energy efficiency savings you can achieve.
Upgrading from an outdated boiler rated F or G to a modern A-rated condensing combi boiler can reduce your gas usage significantly. This translates into lower heating bills.
According to the Energy Saving Trust:
- Replacing a G-rated gas boiler with an A-rated model could save about £580 per year for a detached house.
- For a semi-detached home, the savings are around £380 annually.
- Flats could save approximately £150 per year.
These figures will vary based on your home’s size, boiler type, and energy usage. But they demonstrate the scale of potential savings available.
Your current boiler’s efficiency rating determines your baseline energy usage and bills:
- G-rated boilers are less than 70% efficient.
- A-rated boilers are over 90% efficient.
More heat is captured and used with an efficient boiler, rather than wasted.
An A-rated condensing combi boiler also provides hot water instantly when needed. Older boilers with storage tanks constantly reheat water, using energy even when you don’t need it.
Other savings come from:
- New heating controls like smart thermostats that better regulate temperature.
- More accurate sizing to your home’s requirements.
- Less heat loss from improved insulation.
- Ongoing warranty and services to maintain peak efficiency.
Choosing a market leading brand like Worcester Bosch or Viessmann ensures optimal performance and reliability from your new boiler.
You’ll also reduce your carbon footprint by using less gas or oil. This is better for the environment and may help you get a higher price when selling your home.
While the upfront cost of a new efficient boiler is substantial, the long term energy savings make it a worthwhile investment financially and environmentally. The numbers show it’s possible to recoup the installation cost within 5-10 years.
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Additional Costs to Factor into a New Boiler Installation
When budgeting for a new boiler, the upfront price of the actual boiler unit is only part of the total replacement cost. Additional parts and labor associated with installing the new boiler should be accounted for.
Here are some common extra expenses to expect:
- Installation labor – £600-£1500 depending on complexity
- Boiler flue kit – £100-£600 for venting exhaust gases
- Plume management kit – £90-£150 to divert emissions away from windows
- Gas pipe upgrades – £200-£500 if old iron/lead pipes need replacing
- Heating controls like thermostats – £100-£350
- Boiler filter – £100-£150 for protecting the system
- Chemical flush – £100-£150 for cleaning out sludge
- Moving the boiler – £200-£500 if relocating it to a new spot
- Vertical flue – £300-£600 if exiting through the roof
Labor is the biggest additional expense, ranging from £600 for a basic combi swap to over £1000 for complex conversions. Always get multiple installer quotes to find the best local rate.
Flue kits are mandatory for exhaust venting. Vertical flues cost more but may be required based on boiler position.
Upgrading old gas pipes for safety and efficiency is recommended. Unlike some installers, Heatable provides this for free.
Heating controls like smart thermostats provide convenience and help save energy. Models range from basic to advanced WiFi-enabled systems.
A magnetic filter protects the boiler from debris damage and should be included for a few hundred pounds.
Factor in these additional parts and labor fees when budgeting for your new boiler. The total installation cost may be £1000-£2000 above the boiler’s purchase price.
Getting multiple installer quotes allows you to find the best deal and prepare for all these ancillary costs. This allows you to fully understand the total investment for a boiler replacement.
Financial Assistance Available for New Boiler Installation
The upfront investment for a new boiler may seem daunting to some homeowners. Fortunately, there are a few options for financial assistance to help cover the cost of a new boiler:
Government Boiler Grants
The UK government offers some boiler grants and initiatives that can subsidize the expense of upgrading your boiler:
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme – Provides up to £5000 towards new biomass boilers or heat pumps. Eligible for England and Wales households.
- ECO Scheme – Offers new boiler subsidies and insulation upgrades for low income households.
- Warmer Homes Scheme – Fully funds boiler replacements and energy efficiency improvements for qualifying homeowners in Scotland.
- Boiler Replacement Scheme – £400-1000 vouchers to replace boilers for low-income households in Northern Ireland.
Check eligibility requirements to see if you qualify for these boiler grants and vouchers. They can cover a significant portion of your new boiler installation cost.
Green Home Finance Schemes
Your local council may offer green home improvement loans at low interest rates. These finance energy efficient upgrades like installing a new A-rated combi boiler or insulation.
Loans are repaid through your energy bill payments. Instalments are structured so monthly savings exceed the repayment amount. This means you pay less overall even while repaying the loan.
Payment Plans from Installers
Many boiler installation companies like Heatable offer payment plans to spread out the replacement cost over months or years interest-free.
This makes the expense more affordable by converting a large one-time payment into more manageable instalments.
This gives you a realistic idea of your out-of-pocket investment so you can make an informed decision about upgrading your boiler.
With some savvy financing, a new energy efficient boiler can be more affordable than you may think. Take advantage of assistance schemes and payment plans to invest in long-term home heating savings.
Conclusion – Is it Cheaper to Get a New Boiler?
Given the information presented, the answer seems clear – investing in a new energy efficient boiler is typically the more cost effective option compared to limping along on repairs for an old inefficient boiler.
While the upfront cost of a brand new A-rated combi boiler and professional installation is substantial at around £2000-£3000, this major investment pays off in the long run.
The significant energy bill savings of £150-£600 per year quickly offset the initial boiler replacement cost. Higher reliability also avoids unpredictable breakdown repair bills down the road.
Other perks like increased home value, reduced carbon footprint, and greater comfort and convenience further add value.
Meanwhile, repeatedly repairing an outdated G-rated boiler at £150-£500 a pop is like throwing money down the drain. And breakdowns always seem to happen at the worst times.
Homeowners worried about the new boiler price can take advantage of grants, finance schemes and payment plans to spread out the investment over time.
So while finding the money is understandable, the long term savings and benefits make investing in a new efficient boiler very worthwhile for most homeowners.
Getting multiple installer quotes allows you to find reputable professionals offering competitive rates on high quality boiler brands like Worcester Bosch or Viessmann.
Overall, the numbers show that upgrading to a new boiler is smarter and more affordable than you might think. For most homes, it’s undoubtedly the cheaper option compared to constant repairs.
After reviewing the costs and savings of a new energy efficient boiler replacement, you may be convinced it’s the wise investment for your home.
If you’re ready to move forward with upgrading your boiler, here are some tips:
- Use a boiler calculator to estimate costs based on your specific requirements
- Get at least 3 quotes from local installers to compare pricing
- Focus on quality over the lowest price – check reviews and opt for reputable brands like Worcester Bosch
- Consider any boiler grants or finance options to help with affordability
- Schedule the installation in the warmer months to avoid being without heat
- Register your new boiler to activate the warranty
- Sign up for annual boiler servicing to maintain efficiency
- Look into boiler insurance for added peace of mind
With a new A-rated boiler installed in your home, you’ll quickly start benefiting from lower energy bills, reduced carbon emissions, and reliable home heating comfort.
Investing in a new boiler is a smart way to save money, stay warm, and add value to your property this winter. Act now to find great deals on replacement!
How to Find the Best Boiler Deal
With so many options, it can be challenging to find the best boiler deal that balances affordability with quality. Here are some tips for shopping around:
- Get quotes from at least 3 local installers – compare their boiler brand offerings, warranties, and full installation pricing
- Look at both well-known brands like Worcester Bosch and Vaillant as well as lesser-known options to find deals
- Consider the kW output and features you need rather than paying for more than you require
- Don’t automatically choose the cheapest quote – make sure the installer is qualified and professional
- Ask what is included – some quotes leave out essentials like controls or filters resulting in added hidden costs
- Compare the cost of combi, system and conventional boilers to see which is most economical
- Calculate how long it will take to recoup the investment through energy savings
- Check eligibility for boiler grants and funding from government schemes
- Explore finance options like Green Home Finance loans and payment plans to spread out costs
- Time the installation in summer to avoid price hikes in winter demand periods
Doing your own research is key but you can also use a broker like Boiler Central to quickly compare quotes.
Focus on total cost of ownership rather than just the upfront price. A mid-range A-rated boiler with professional installation optimizes long term savings potential.
Spending a bit more for a quality installer and efficient boiler will pay dividends over years of reliable operation and lower heating bills. Shop around for the best deal but don’t sacrifice value.