Boilers don’t make great dinner‑party conversation, but they do have a knack of failing at the exact moment you need them most. And if you’ve been looking at replacement boiler quotes, you’ll have noticed the same thing many homeowners do: the costs involved are rarely just the price of the unit itself.
The good news is that boiler costs are actually more straightforward than they first appear. Once you understand what you’re buying (combi, system or regular), what’s included in the installation, and which upgrades are optional versus essential, you can compare like‑for‑like quotes and avoid paying for things you don’t need.
Keep reading for our guide to the boiler price ranges that are typical in 2026. You’ll find out all you need to know, including what pushes costs up, when a replacement is the sensible call, and how schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme work if you’re considering a heat pump rather than another gas boiler.
How much does a new boiler cost?
A boiler’s sticker price depends on three things: the type of boiler, its output (kW), and the brand/warranty level.
Most UK homes replacing a boiler in 2026 will be choosing between:
- Combi boilers (combination) delivering hot water on demand without a hot‑water cylinder – they’re common in smaller and mid‑size homes
- System boilers that work with a hot‑water cylinder and can be better for households using lots of hot water at once
- Regular (heat‑only) boilers: typically used in older systems with a hot‑water cylinder and a cold‑water tank
Typical boiler‑only price ranges in 2026
These are indicative ranges for the boiler unit itself (excluding installation):
- Budget models: around £600-£1,100
- Mid‑range models: around £1,100-£2,000
- Premium models: around £2,000-£3,500+
Combi boilers tend to sit in the middle of these ranges, while higher output units and premium brands push the price up.
What makes a boiler more expensive?
- Higher output (kW): larger homes or those with higher hot‑water demand often need a higher‑output boiler
- Longer warranties: some manufacturers offer extended warranties when installed by an approved engineer
- Controls and features: compatibility with smart controls, better modulation, and higher efficiency at part load can add cost
- Brand and parts availability: some brands command higher prices for perceived reliability, support networks and warranty packages
A quick note on boiler sizing
It’s tempting to go bigger just in case, but oversizing can be counterproductive. A larger boiler often costs more up front and can run less efficiently if it’s constantly cycling on and off. A good installer will size the boiler to your home’s heating load and hot water needs – and explain their recommendation.
How much does boiler installation cost?
Installation costs vary because some jobs are genuinely straightforward, and some quietly turn into small plumbing projects.
A like‑for‑like swap (replacing a combi with a combi in the same location, using existing pipework) is usually the simplest route. Costs rise when you change boiler type, move the boiler, or upgrade parts of the heating system.
Typical installation cost ranges in 2026
As a broad guide:
- Straight swap, same location: roughly £800-£1,500 for installation labour and standard materials
- More complex installations: roughly £1,500-£3,000+ where system changes, relocations or extra pipework are needed
That’s before you add any optional extras, and those are what can make quotes look wildly different.
What pushes boiler installation costs up?
- Moving the boiler (for example, from the kitchen to the loft)
- Changing boiler type (such as regular to combi), which may involve removing tanks/cylinders or adding new components
- Upgrading the flue or condensate route, especially if access is tricky
- System cleaning: a powerflush or chemical cleanse can be recommended when changing a boiler
- Controls upgrades: smart thermostats, thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), or zoning
- Access issues: scaffolding, flue access or boxing in the boiler
What should a good boiler quote include?
Boiler quotes can be hard to compare because different installers include different defaults. When you’re gathering quotes, it’s worth checking:
- Boiler make/model and output (kW)
- Warranty length and what’s required to keep it valid
- What system cleaning is included (if any)
- Controls included (thermostat, TRVs, smart controls)
- Removal and disposal of the old boiler
- Any building work needed (boxing in, plastering, etc)
- Commissioning, paperwork and Building Regulations sign-off
UK 2026 prices guide
The fairest way to compare boiler prices is to look at boiler‑only and typical installed costs side‑by‑side. The ranges below are indicative for a standard combi boiler replacement. It’s worth noting that your quote may be higher if you need a relocation, system conversion, extra pipework or remedial work.
Typical UK boiler price ranges in 2026 (boiler‑only and installed)
Brand |
Typical boiler‑only price range (combi) |
Typical installed price range (straight swap) |
Warranty (typical available) |
Best for |
Notes |
Worcester Bosch |
£1,400-£3,000 |
£2,300-£4,500 |
5-10 yrs |
Premium, wide installer network |
Often paired with extended warranties via accredited installers |
Vaillant |
£1,300-£2,800 |
£2,200-£4,300 |
5-10 yrs |
Reliability, efficiency |
Strong reputation; pricing tends to sit mid‑to‑premium |
Ideal |
£900-£1,900 |
£1,800-£3,400 |
2-10 yrs |
Value, broad range |
Often competitive on price for like‑for‑like swaps |
Viessmann |
£1,200-£2,600 |
£2,100-£4,100 |
5-10 yrs |
Build quality, premium features |
Popular on efficiency; quote variance can be wider |
Baxi |
£800-£1,700 |
£1,700-£3,200 |
2-7 yrs |
Budget to mid‑range |
Common in UK homes; often competitive installed pricing |
Alpha |
£700-£1,500 |
£1,600-£3,000 |
2-7 yrs |
Budget replacements |
Can be a cost‑effective route for smaller homes |
Glow‑worm |
£700-£1,400 |
£1,600-£2,900 |
2-7 yrs |
Budget, simple swaps |
Typically sits at the more affordable end of the market |
Potterton |
£800-£1,600 |
£1,700-£3,100 |
2-7 yrs |
Budget to mid‑range |
Part of the Baxi group; availability can vary by model |
Indicative ranges for 2026. Installed prices assume a straightforward swap in the same location with standard flue and basic materials. Always get multiple quotes.
Why do installed prices vary so much?
Two homeowners can buy the same boiler model and end up with very different totals. The difference is usually the job around it – for example, pipework that needs updating, flue routing, access, whether the system needs cleaning, and what controls are included.
If a quote looks unusually cheap, check whether it excludes essentials like system treatment, a thermostat upgrade, or disposal. If it looks unusually expensive, ask what work is driving the cost. Sometimes it’s justified, sometimes it’s simply a more generous nice-to-haves list.
When should I replace my boiler?
There’s no magic age when every boiler should be replaced. Plenty of systems run reliably well beyond a decade, and some can cause issues much earlier.
A useful way to think about it is this: replace the unit when your boiler is no longer reliable, economical to repair, or suitable for how you use your home.
Signs that boiler replacement is worth considering
- Repeat breakdowns or the same fault returning every winter
- Rising repair bills, especially if parts are becoming hard to source
- Poor performance: inconsistent hot water, radiators that won’t heat evenly, persistent pressure drops
- Efficiency and comfort issues: long warm‑up times, noisy operation, or struggling to meet demand
Replace vs repair: a simple rule of thumb
If your boiler is older and a repair is expensive, it’s worth asking your engineer two questions:
- Is this likely to be a one‑off fix, or the start of repeated faults?
- Are parts readily available for this model?
If you’re facing a major repair – or you’ve already paid for multiple call‑outs in a short period – boiler replacement often becomes the low‑stress option, even if it costs more up front.
Are there boiler grants in the UK?
This is where things can get confusing, because “boiler grants” is often used as a catch‑all phrase.
Some support schemes help eligible households improve heating efficiency and reduce bills, which can include upgrades to heating systems. But the most prominent national grant for heating upgrades is not for a new gas boiler.
The key distinction
- If you’re replacing a gas boiler with another gas boiler, you may find support depends on your circumstances and the scheme you’re eligible for
- If you’re replacing a fossil‑fuel system with a low‑carbon alternative (like a heat pump), the Boiler Upgrade Scheme may help with the upfront cost
Because eligibility and availability can vary across the UK, it’s worth checking official guidance and, where relevant, your local authority or devolved nation’s schemes.
How to apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
If you’re looking at a heat pump rather than a new gas boiler, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is designed to reduce the upfront cost.
The practical process is usually simpler than people expect, but the key detail is that you typically don’t apply directly as a homeowner in the way you might for other grants. In most cases, it’s handled through your installer.
Step 1: Check if BUS is relevant for you
The scheme supports certain low‑carbon heating systems, such as air source or ground source heat pumps (and, in some cases, biomass boilers), rather than like‑for‑like gas boiler replacements.
Step 2: Confirm basic eligibility
Eligibility rules can change over time, so check the current criteria carefully. In general, you’ll want to confirm:
- Your location (the scheme has applied to England and Wales)
- Your property type and existing heating system
- Any efficiency prerequisites (for example, whether insulation standards need to be met first)
Step 3: Find an MCS‑certified installer
Choose an installer certified for heat pump installations and experienced in the grant process. This is also where you’ll start to see whether your home is a good candidate; not every property is an easy heat pump fit without wider upgrades.
Step 4: Get a survey and quote
A proper survey should cover heat loss, radiator sizing, hot‑water requirements and how the system will be controlled. It’s the difference between a heat pump that quietly saves money and one that leaves you disappointed.
Step 5: The installer applies and the grant is applied to your quote
In many cases, the installer applies for the BUS voucher and the grant is reflected in the quote you receive, reducing what you pay.
Step 6: Installation, commissioning and paperwork
After installation, you should receive commissioning documentation and guidance on how to run the system efficiently. Heat pumps are not “fit and forget” in the same way as a boiler – settings matter.
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