How Much Does Central Heating Cost?
As we know, central heating systems are vital for maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient home, especially in the UK, where nice weather seems to be rare.
Not only does central heating provide comfort, but it protects our homes from structural damage caused by cold weather through things like frozen pipes. However, upgrading a central heating system presents quite a significant investment.
This is why it is crucial to understand each of the factors relating to cost variance and how each system differs to ensure that homeowners can make an informed decision.
As such, the cost of a central heating system varies widely based on quite a few factors. Key considerations include the type of central heating system being installed, such as traditional gas boilers or heat pumps, the size and layout of the property, and many more factors.
Labour costs alone must be considered, and these costs will fluctuate depending on the region of your property and the complexity of the installation. Furthermore, any additional features like smart thermostats, insulation and radiators must be factored into the final price.
On average, the overall cost of installing a new central heating system can range between around £3,000 and £7,000. This estimated cost typically covers the cost of the unit itself, the necessary components for the installation, and the installation itself.
However, for larger homes, prices may exceed this range. Additionally, high-end systems, or when extensive modifications to existing infrastructure are required, the cost will once again be in the higher ranges. Homeowners should also account for ongoing maintenance and potential future repairs when assessing the overall cost of ownership.
In this guide, we’ll delve deeper into each aspect of this rather substantial project and provide key information and guidance for each important step.
Central Heating Prices
| Type | Supply only Low | Supply only High | Installation Cost Low | Installation Cost High | Average Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combi Boilers | £500 | £2,500 | £500 | £1,500 | £2,250 |
| System Boilers | £1,000 | £2,500 | £1,000 | £2,000 | £3,000 |
| Conventional Boilers | £1,500 | £3,000 | £1,500 | £3,000 | £4,500 |
| Underfloor Heating | £25 per m2 | £40 per m2 | £30 per m2 | £50 per m2 | £73 per m2 |
| Renewable Options | |||||
| Air Source Heat Pump | £5,000 | £10,000 | £5,000 | £10,000 | £15,000 |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | £10,000 | £18,000 | £10,000 | £12,000 | £25,000 |
| Biomass Boilers | £4,000 | £10,000 | £2,000 | £4,000 | £10,000 |
What are the Supply Costs for Central Heating Systems?
When you look at the supply costs for central heating systems independently, and without the cost of installation included, you can see that they vary quite greatly depending on their quality, efficiency, and brand reputation.
Boilers are the main component of the system and are generally available in three distinct types.
Combi boilers are compact and efficient, costing between £500 and £2,500 depending on their efficiency rating, size (kW output) and whether they have features like smart controls. System boilers range from £1,000 to £2,500, with higher prices for larger capacity units or units from premium brands.
Conventional boilers, which are often used in older systems, tend to cost between £1,500 and £3,000, mainly due to their larger size.
Radiators, of course, essential for distributing heat around the home, typically cost between £50 and £500 each. A few price-impacting factors, such as material, size, style, and heat output (measured in BTUs or British Thermal Units), influence the price.
Thermostats range from £20 for basic manual models to £300 and even more for advanced smart thermostats like Nest or Hive. These types of thermostats will provide enhanced energy control and monitoring features.
Piping is another critical component and costs £2 to £10 per meter. Copper pipes are more expensive than plastic PEX pipes, but they are also more durable, making them a better long-term investment.
For underfloor heating, the pipes themselves cost £25 to £40 per square meter, with water-based systems generally being more expensive than electric ones due to material and installation complexity.
Storing hot water is achieved through water cylinders, which vary in price from £200 to £1,500 depending on their size and quality, as well as whether they are vented or unvented.
There are several factors that influence the overall cost of central heating components. Quality is the main driver, while budget options will have a lower initial outlay. Their lifespans are much lower and tend to be less energy efficient, costing you more energy consumption.
Premium products, on the other hand, will be more efficient and powerful and will give you fewer headaches when it comes to maintenance and repair in the long run.
Efficiency will be a word you see throughout any discussion surrounding central heating, and as such, this impacts the cost of units. High-efficiency systems, which are systems rated A or better, typically come with higher purchase prices but significantly lower energy consumption, which means long-term savings.
Brand value also impacts cost, with well-known names like Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, and Viessmann charging a little more for their proven reliability but also offering longer warranties and great after-sales services.
The size and capacity of the central heating system will influence prices. Larger homes simply require more powerful boilers along with more radiators and longer piping, all of which increase costs.
What are the Additional Costs of Installing Central Heating?
We have taken a look at supply-only costs associated with installing a new central heating system, but what about the long list of additional costs that can be attributed to the project?
Now, not all of these costs will be applicable to every project, as every installation and home is unique. However, it is likely that some of them will apply, so it is important to be well-informed.
Removing Old Heating Systems
If you are replacing an older central heating system, you will need to remove it first. Now, most of the time, this will be included in the cost provided by your installer; however, you should always check to ensure this is the case.
If it isn’t included, you can expect to pay anywhere from £300 to £1,500 for this removal. Of course, the exact amount depends on the size and complexity of the existing unit, but with so many aspects of the system, you will need professional removal and disposal.
Upgrading Pipework
If you live in an older home, you may have outdated or undersized pipework that isn't compatible with modern systems. If this is the case, you will have to have this replaced and upgraded at the cost of between £2-£10 per metre.
This depends on the amount of pipework and the material that you are replacing it with, as copper pipes are more expensive than plastic, but they are significantly more durable.
Installing Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats are becoming very commonplace in the modern home, and for good reason. For a reasonably small investment, you can make your heating system much more efficient, which ultimately leads to massive savings on energy bills. Models cost between £50-£300+.
Insulating the Property for Maximum Efficiency
Insulation is the best way of maximising your home’s thermal efficiency. The best heating system in the world will struggle to keep a warm temperature if the heat escapes at various points around the home.
As such, investment into insulation is crucial if necessary. The cost of loft insulation ranges from £300 to £500, while cavity wall insulation costs £400 to £1,500, depending on the size of the property.
If solid wall insulation is needed, this is significantly more expensive, ranging from £7,000 to £13,000, and draught-proofing windows and doors add an additional £200 to £400 to the overall cost.
Tradesmen Costs for Installing Central Heating
Hiring true professionals to install your central heating is crucial to receiving a complete and efficient system.
The cost of labour for plumbers and heating engineers will range from around £40-£60 per hour or, on a day rate, £250 to £300 per day, but this will depend on the complexity of the job and the location on it.
Larger or more complex installations will require additional time and potentially specialist equipment and will, therefore, hike the price.
It cannot be overstated how important it is to hire qualified Gas Safe registered engineers when installing gas boilers or any gas-powered heating system.
These registered professionals ensure the work complies with UK safety regulations. Not only is this a legal requirement, but it will also ensure the safety of the inhabitants of the home.
How Long Does It Take to Install Central Heating?
The total time that it takes to install central heating depends on several factors, including the type of system, the overall size of the property and the complexity of the installation, driven by the unit and any additional features.
A full system installation in an average 3-bedroom semi-detached would take between 3-5 days. This process involves a full replacement or fresh installation of a new boiler, radiators and pipework throughout. Of course, for larger homes, this time will increase.
For simpler boiler replacements, the work is much quicker and completed in around 1-2 days, provided that the pipework does not need any modifications.
This is a really popular option for homeowners who want to take advantage of a new system without changing the rest of the central heating system. The installation of underfloor heating takes around 2-4 days per room, depending on the system type.
The upgrading or replacing of radiators and pipework revolves around the removal of old components before installing the new products - this actually presents the bulk of the installation time, and for a whole house, this alone takes 2-4 days.
Several factors influence how long specifically an installation will take, such as the size of the home, the complexity of the heating system, and the accessibility of areas requiring work.
Of course, hard-to-reach spaces or accessibility challenges will also extend timelines. And as discussed, adding modern features like underfloor heating or smart heating controls will increase installation time.
The timeframes provided are estimates; ensure that you consult with your installer to get a more accurate idea based on your property and system needs. Proper planning and professional installation can ensure the work is completed efficiently, safely, and to a high standard.
Types of Central Heating Systems
As you may have deduced from this guide so far, there are actually quite a few different central heating systems on offer. Selecting the correct system depends on many factors, such as property size, location and budget, not to mention any energy efficiency goals.
Below is a breakdown of the main types of central heating systems:
Gas Central Heating
As one of the most common types of central heating in the UK, gas central heating uses a gas boiler to heat water, which is then circulated through radiators and pipework.
Cost: Supply and installation costs range from £2,000 to £4,000.
Pros
- Efficient and cost-effective
- Very low maintenance
Cons
- Dependent on gas supply, it is unsuitable for off-grid areas.
- Requires regular servicing
Oil Central Heating
Oil central heating systems use an oil-fired boiler to heat water, which is then distributed to radiators or underfloor heating systems.
Cost: Installation costs typically range from £3,000 to £5,000.
Pros
- Efficient for rural homes
Cons
- Requires a fuel storage tank
- Less environmentally friendly than gas and electric options.
Electric Heating
Electric central heating uses electricity to power radiators, boilers, or underfloor heating systems.
Cost: Installation costs range from £2,000 to £6,000, depending on the system type.
Pros
- Easy to install
- No need for gas or oil supplies
- Offers flexible control through programmable thermostats.
Cons
- Expensive running costs compared to gas or oil systems, especially in areas with higher electricity prices.
Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps extract heat from the outside air and transfer it into the property through a heating system.
Cost: Supply and installation typically cost £5,000 to £10,000.
Pros
- Energy-efficient,
- Low running costs
- Environmentally friendly.
- Eligible for government grants in some areas.
Cons
- Upfront costs can be high
- Less efficient in very cold temperatures.
Biomass Boilers
Biomass boilers burn organic materials like wood pellets, logs, or chips to generate heat for central heating.
Cost: Supply and installation costs range from £6,000 to £15,000.
Pros
- Renewable
- Environmentally friendly and cost-effective with appropriate fuel sources.
- Eligible for grants.
Cons
- Requires fuel storage space
- Maintenance can be more frequent than traditional gas or electric systems.
FAQs
Q: How long does a central heating system last?
A: The life cycle of a central heating system will vary depending on the type, the level of maintenance and the amount of usage. However, most systems will last around 15-20 years or more.
Gas boilers, with regular maintenance and servicing, will last up to 20 years, whereas oil boilers tend to fall 3-5 years below that mark. Electric heating systems are reduced again at anywhere between 10 and 20 years.
Air Source Heat Pumps will last 15 to 20 years, and with proper care, this could even extend to 25 years. Meanwhile, Ground Source Heat Pumps are among the longest-lasting options, with a lifespan of 25 to 30 years due to their durability and efficient design. Biomass Boilers can last 20 years or longer depending on servicing and fuel quality.
Q: Can I install central heating in an older property?
A: The simple answer is - yes, you can. However, there are caveats to this. Older homes present different challenges, such as date pipework, lack of insulation and potentially even access issues.
While it is certainly possible to have central heating systems installed, you may need to invest some money in preparing your home for the system to ensure that it works fully and is energy efficient.
Consulting with a qualified heating engineer or professional is crucial to assess your home's requirements and ensure the central heating system is properly installed and compliant with safety regulations.
Q: Do central heating installations require approval from building regulations?
A: Yes, there are some building regulations to be aware of.
Gas and oil boiler installations must comply with Gas Safety and Oil Safety Regulations, and only Gas Safe or OFTEC-registered engineers are legally allowed to carry out this work.
Renewable heating options like air-source heat pumps and ground-source heat pumps are also subject to these regulations. They must be installed correctly to ensure they operate efficiently and adhere to safety standards. However, this does not need to be done by someone on the gas safe register.
To avoid risks and ensure your central heating system is properly installed, always hire a certified and qualified heating professional to ensure that your installation meets Building Regulations, performs safely, and operates efficiently for years to come.
Q: Why are heat pumps worth the investment?
A: Heat pumps can certainly be considered a sound investment due to their superior energy efficiency and environmental benefits. As they use renewable energy sources to fuel the system rather than combustion, they are kinder to the environment and, therefore, more energy efficient. Over the long term, you will also see many benefits relating to bills with no longer a reliance on gas.
Q: What is the difference between an air-source heat pump and a ground-source heat pump?
The main difference between an air-source heat pump and a ground-source heat pump lies in the source of heat they use. An air source heat pump will extract heat from the outside, transferring it into the home. This makes it easier and cheaper to install, especially in properties with limited space.
Contrastingly, a ground source heat pump will extract heat from the ground through a network of buried pipes, which makes it highly efficient and stable throughout the year, regardless of air temperature outside.
While air-source heat pumps are more affordable to install, ground-source heat pumps have higher upfront costs but offer greater efficiency and longer-term performance due to the constant temperature of the ground.
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