Do you want to know the cost of replacing your central heating system?
Central heating is mainly made up of the boiler, pipes and radiators. This means that it requires a lot of work and material.
We’ll examine the range of costs for central heating installations, including Electric Combi Boiler Installation in London, based on common scenarios and other factors.
Central Heating Installation Costs
Costs for installing a central heating system (CHS), will depend mainly on the size and location of your home.
In the next section, we will discuss these other factors in greater detail.
In general, installing a CHS for a bungalow with one bed and five radiators will cost between PS2,000 and PS2,600. Prices can reach PS2,700-PS3,300 for two-bed houses with six radiators.
Installing nine radiators in a house with three bedrooms will cost between PS3,500 and PS4,000.
For a four-bed home with ten radiators and a CHS, you would pay approximately PS3,500-PS4,500. A five-bed home with twelve radiators will likely cost between PS4,000-PS5,000.
The Cost of Installing Central Heating
Now we’ll look at some more factors that influence the cost of central heating installation in your home.
Types of Boilers
There are three main categories of boilers: combi, system, and regular. The boiler’s function determines the categories.
The combi boiler is the most affordable option, while regular and system boilers can be more expensive. There are many options for each type of boiler.
Fuel type can also be used to categorize boilers. Electric boilers are generally cheaper to install than gas or oil systems. The brand and quality will influence the price of a boiler.
Size and Types of Radiators
Radiators are another important element in a central heating systems.
Radiators for central heating usually cost between PS20 to PS100.
Complexity of Installation
The cost will be determined by how easy an installer finds it to install a CHS. The more complicated the job, the longer the process will take. This will result in a higher labour cost.
If appliances or furniture have to be moved, it will take longer.
Where You Live
The cost of labour can vary widely across. Your overall bill could be affected by this.
In the south-east of England, (especially London), qualified central heating installers tend to charge more on average. In Scotland and Northern England, however, the cost of labour tends to be lower.
Additional Cost Factors
Other factors that could influence the cost of a CHS system include:
- Size of the rooms
- Wireless vs Traditional Controls
- The Pipework:
How to Choose the Right Boiler For You
In the previous section, we’ve discussed the different types of boilers.
We will now look more closely at these examples. First, we will start with the main categories, and then move on to the various options for fuel types.
Combi Boilers
Combi boilers are the most common type of boiler in London homes. These boilers are a combination of a central heating system and highly efficient hot water. The boilers are compact and housed in one unit.
Combi boilers are notable for the fact that they do not require a separate tank to store hot water and can supply it directly to radiators and taps.
System Boilers
A system boiler is a good choice for properties that have a high demand for heating and hot water (e.g. homes with more than two bathrooms). System boilers require a lot of space.
The hot water tank/cylinder, which houses a system boiler, also requires a lot of space.
System boilers are able to provide hot water continuously because they have a separate hot water facility. Installation of a system boiler can cost anywhere between PS1,300 and PS4,300.
Regular Boilers
Installing a boiler that only provides heat (also known as a heat-only boiler) will cost between PS2,600 and PS4,300. The cost of installing a heat-only boiler will range from PS2,600 to €4,300.
Normal boilers only generate hot water to heat central heating. The boilers do not produce hot water to be used for bathing, showering or other purposes.
Heat-only boilers have a cold water tank in the attic that is used to supply cold water to the boiler.
To ensure that you can use hot water every day, a hot water storage tank is required. Installing a regular boiler should only be done as a replacement for an older boiler.
Gas Boilers
Natural gas boilers are by far the most popular option when it comes to choosing the type of boiler based on the fuel.
In 2021, 77% UK households will use central heating to heat their homes. Another 10% will use gas-fired fixed heaters. Gas boilers cost around PS0.04/kWh.
Gas boilers are also available in a variety of models, giving you a wider selection.
Oil Boilers
Oil boilers are a less popular choice, with only one in 20 UK households having one. Oil boilers have the advantage of being smaller and quieter.
Oil boilers are more expensive, costing around PS0.07/kWh and worse for the environment.
Electric Boilers
Electric boilers, while generally cheaper to install, are more costly to operate than their oil and gas counterparts. About 7% of UK homes used electric boilers in 2021.
Electric boilers are available in a much smaller number than gas boilers.
Central Heating: Keeping your Costs Down
You can reduce your central heating bills in a number of ways, whether you are installing a new system or running one that has been installed.
Installing Quality Installation
To begin with, you should keep your eye on the type of radiators that you prefer before having a CHS fitted.
You can save money on the installation by purchasing them early.
The same logic is applied to the purchase of a boiler. Installing a boiler is best left to a professional. CHS installations are no different.
It is also a good idea to move any furniture or appliances before the installers arrive. This will make their work easier.
You’ll spend less on labour if they install your CHS quickly.
Cost of Running
You can save money on your energy bill in many ways. You could install a boiler with high efficiency.
Some boilers are equipped with energy-saving technologies. Modulation technology, for example, allows boilers to reduce their output when the heating demand is low.
Gas boilers are the most cost-effective option. Electric boilers cost about three times more to operate, but there is a caveat.
Electric boilers are about half the energy of gas boilers to achieve the same result. The difference may not be as pronounced as first appears.
Central Heating Installation: Last Thoughts
After you have decided everything, it is time to find a professional or company to do the work.
A CHS is installed by a professional who has been trained (or multiple professionals who are qualified).
You should take your time to find the best person for the job. Multiple quotes are a great way to find the best deals in your area.
You don’t wish to compromise the quality of your installation, so, if you can, look at any online reviews or ratings that these CHS installers may have received (such as their website, social media pages, etc., if applicable).
This guide will be a good read for anyone looking to buy a gas boiler or even an oil one. If you are set on purchasing an electric heater, we also have a guide.
