The average cost to replace a boiler is $5,909
Installing a new boiler costs $5,909 on average, with most prices ranging between $3,602 and $8,447.
Final costs depend on boiler type, size, brand, fuel type, and additional factors.
High-efficiency boilers (90%+ AFUE) can save 10% to 20% on energy bills but cost between $6,000 and $11,000.
Replacing an old boiler improves energy efficiency and can increase home value.
Hiring HVAC professionals is necessary, with labor costs ranging from $100 to $250 per hour.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Boiler installation or replacement costs $5,909 on average, with prices ranging between $580 and $12,000. Standard-efficiency models (80% to 89% AFUE) cost $3,000 to $6,000, while high-efficiency models (90%+ AFUE) run between $6,000 and $11,000. Factors like the boiler's brand, BTU rating, and type significantly affect your final cost. It’s essential to hire an HVAC professional to ensure proper installation, long-term efficiency, and compliance with local building codes.
Boiler replacement costs range from $4,000 to $9,000 for a gas boiler and $6,000 to $11,000 for a high-efficiency model. Factors like the boiler's type, size, brand, and additional considerations like taxes, insurance, and warranties influence your final cost.
Different boiler types fall within the $3,602 to $8,446 range. Depending on the system, boilers can heat your home, provide hot water, or both. The system's design affects how it heats, distributes, and stores water or steam.
Boiler Type | Average Cost Range |
---|---|
Standard (conventional) | $2,200–$7,000 |
Combination | $2,600–$7,000 |
System | $3,000–$6,000 |
High-efficiency | $6,000–$11,000 |
Standard boilers, also known as conventional boilers, cost between $2,200 and $7,000. They rapidly heat water in pipes running through the tank and send hot water to taps as needed. These systems are popular in larger homes, buildings with floor heating systems, and for large-scale functions.
Combination boilers cost between $2,600 and $7,000. These compact, wall-mounted units don't have storage tanks, so they deliver central heating and on-demand hot water without taking up much space. However, they're best for small homes or spaces because of their limited heating capacity.
System boilers range from $3,000 to $6,000. Also called sealed systems, they feature a closed loop that keeps water contained, enabling more consistent pressure and efficiency.
High-efficiency boilers cost between $6,000 and $11,000 to install, but they can save you 10% to 20% on your energy bills. These boilers have an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of 90% or higher, meaning they convert over 90% of the fuel into heat. Most are tankless, though some models include a hot water storage tank.
To ensure your boiler runs efficiently, it's important to match it to your home's heating load. The size of your home directly affects the size (or power) of the boiler you need.
Boiler size refers to its heating capacity, measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) or kilowatts (kW). Higher BTU and kW ratings mean higher energy production and higher replacement costs.
Other factors may also influence your home’s heating demand and boiler size requirements, such as the age of your home, local climate, insulation quality, and the number of doors and windows. For example, see how climate zones impact typical heating capacity ratings:
Year-round humidity and heat: 18 to 35 BTUs per sq. ft.
Moderate heat and mild winters: 25 to 40 BTUs per sq. ft.
Moderate heat and cold winters: 35 to 50 BTUs per sq. ft.
Constantly frigid temperatures: 40 to 60 BTUs per sq. ft.
BTUs don’t have a single unit cost, but your home’s size, local climate, and other factors can help identify a cost range.
Home Size (Sq. Ft.) | BTUs Required | Cost Range |
---|---|---|
1,000 | 30,000–45,000 | $4,000–$6,200 |
1,500 | 45,000–68,000 | 4,500–$6,800 |
2,000 | 60,000–90,000 | $5,100–$7,800 |
2,500 | 75,000–113,000 | $5,600–$8,600 |
3,000 | 90,000–135,000 | $6,100–$10,000 |
A brand doesn’t necessarily affect technological specifications for a boiler, but its reputation for engineering and build quality, warranty offerings, and customer service may correlate with higher costs.
For instance, premium brands offer superior energy efficiency, customer support, longevity, and other benefits over budget-friendly options. Affordable brands have lower upfront costs, sometimes 10% to 20% lower than premium units, but still offer key features and conveniences.
Hiring a heating contractor to install your boiler will cost $100 to $250 for an initial assessment, plus $100 to $250 per hour for installation labor.
Boilers cost anywhere from $3,000 to $16,000, but prices vary by fuel type. These figures account for upfront installation costs, but fuel type can also impact long-term fuel supplies, maintenance, and repairs costs.
Fuel Type | Unit & Installation Cost |
---|---|
Oil | $4,800–$9,000 |
Propane | $2,800–$7,500 |
Gas | $4,000–$9,000 |
Electric | $1,800–$8,000 |
Wood | $7,000–$16,000 |
Oil boilers cost $4,800 to $9,000. Fueling with oil continues to become more costly, and installing oil appliances in your home may require installing an oil tank. These units can be high maintenance but run at a higher temperature than other boilers, offering similarly increased efficiency.
Oil boiler replacements are most common in old homes with pre-existing oil tank installations, areas where gas is less accessible, or where other fuel types are less economical.
A propane boiler replacement costs between $2,800 and $7,500. While propane is more costly than natural gas, it burns more efficiently.
Gas boiler replacements cost $4,000 to $9,000. A gas boiler requires a gas line for your home and needs access to plumbing and vents. High-efficiency units also need access to a condensation drain.
Electric boilers are the least expensive to replace than other types, starting from $1,800, but some models can cost $8,000 or more. While they operate efficiently and with minimal energy waste, converting almost all the electricity into heat, they’re slow to do so. They’re most cost-effective for homes with limited square footage or in moderate climates.
Outdoor wood boilers cost $7,000 to $16,000. These systems are often reserved for rural homes with limited grid or utility access. If wood suitable for burning is free or inexpensive, outdoor wood boilers can offer high heat with low operating costs.
Deciding between repairing or replacing your boiler depends on what's most cost-effective in the long run. Boiler repairs cost between $190 and $670, though sometimes they can be as much as $1,500. Since replacements can be 10 times more expensive, minor repairs are often preferred, especially if your system is in good condition and not too old.
Installing a new boiler can increase your home's value, especially in regions where boilers are common. Upgrading to a new model enhances safety, efficiency, and functionality, making your home more appealing to potential buyers. New boilers also offer higher efficiency and reliability, which can lead to a good return on investment.
Replacing a boiler is a significant investment, but you can streamline costs without sacrificing safety, quality, or efficiency. Here are some tips:
Look into tax incentives and rebates for energy-efficient boilers to offset upfront costs.
Choose the right-sized boiler for your home to maximize efficiency and reduce wear.
Bundle services with other HVAC needs like ductwork cleaning or AC repair.
Get detailed estimates from contractors to compare services closely.
To get an accurate estimate for your boiler replacement, reach out to local boiler professionals. Comparing quotes helps you find the best solution for your budget and needs.
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Boilers generate heat by warming water or producing steam that flows through radiators, baseboard heaters, or underfloor systems to warm your home. In contrast, furnaces produce heated air distributed through a duct system across the dwelling. This distinct heating method determines system design, installation requirements, and energy distribution efficiency, ultimately impacting overall performance.
While both a water heater and a boiler heat water, they have different operations and functions. A boiler heats your home by pushing water or steam through the system. A water heater only heats potable water for faucets, showers, and appliances. Certain boilers, such as combi-boilers, can perform both functions.
Plumbers can install boilers under local codes. However, the process required the certified expertise of HVAC technicians to ensure safety and regulatory compliance. For gas boilers, a specialized gas plumber handles the fuel line connections to secure the system. This professional approach guarantees optimal performance and long-lasting, building code-compliant installations.
Boilers can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years, at which point they require replacement. If your boiler is frequently breaking down or losing performance, consider replacing it. Faulty boilers can lose efficiency and drive up your utility bills. As they degrade, they become less reliable. Some breakdowns, such as broken seals or valves, may result in extensive water damage or other hazards.
Replacing a boiler takes between four hours and three days. The installation duration depends on factors such as the need for additional gas line installation and whether the installation involves switching boiler systems. Replacing a boiler in the same system may be completed in as little as four to six hours, whereas converting systems extend the process.
Relocating a boiler to a new area within your home is not recommended. Boilers are installed in specific locations adjacent to essential pipes and radiators. Moving a boiler requires extensive reconfiguration of the delivery system and incurs substantially higher costs, making the process complex and expensive. This solution is far less practical than replacing the boiler in its original location.