How Much Does It Cost to Install or Replace a Boiler?

Boiler Replacement Cost

Replacing a standard gas boiler costs about $4,000, and a high-efficiency model costs about $7,500. This cost estimate usually includes removing and disposing of the old unit and all necessary lines and wiring needed for the new system to run properly.

Removal and Disposal

You can expect to pay between $200 and $500 to remove and dispose of an old boiler. The cost depends on the accessibility of the boiler, fuel type, and size. Units that weigh over 200 pounds or units in hard-to-reach areas cost more.

Changing Boiler Types

Gas boilers are the most common and efficient on the market. If you have gas running to your home, it might make sense to make the switch. Costs depend on your current heating setup, connection, and ventilation and may include:

• Gas line hookup: $500–$2,000. A contractor will have to hook up the gas lines between the meter and your house.

• Gas-fired equipment: Up to $5,000 less than oil-fired equipment

• Gas delivery requires piping directly to your home. Oil gets delivered by truck.

• Gas line installation costs $2,500 on average. If you don’t already have a gas hookup, your local utility company will have to install one. They may offer a discount to win you over as a customer.

• Chimney Liner: $1,500–$4,000. Your chimney will most likely need a new liner to accommodate the gas boiler exhaust.

• Old tank removal: $500–$3,500. Buried tanks need excavation, and their removal costs are higher than easily accessible tanks.

• New oil tank installation: $1,600–$6,000.

• New natural gas to propane conversion kit: $150–$500.

• New propane tank installation: $1,700–$4,300.

Repair vs. Replace

Most boiler issues come down to weighing the costs and benefits of repair versus replacement. Boiler repairs cost between $200 and $600 on average vs. a new install costing ten times as much.

Follow the $5,000 rule to determine if you should repair or replace it. Multiply the cost of repairs by the number of years you’ve owned the boiler. If it exceeds the price of a new install, or $5,000, replace it. If it’s less, then do the repair.

There are a few things you should consider when making your decision. If this is your first repair, your boiler may not need replacing. If your boiler provides comfort at appropriate levels and you’ve been maintaining your home’s insulation and seals at doors and windows, then there’s probably no need to replace it. Also, professionals recommend a yearly inspection; consider replacing your system if an inspection uncovers multiple issues.

Boiler Costs by Fuel Type

Boilers cost anywhere from $3,000 to $16,000 to install, but prices vary by type.

Oil Boilers 

Oil boilers cost $4,800 to $6,700. They run slightly higher than most gas furnaces because you’ll need an oil supply tank installed. Oil, which was once affordable, has grown increasingly expensive. The oil tank itself occasionally needs replacing, raising the lifetime ownership cost. You might save enough in lower heating costs to convert to a gas or electric boiler.

Propane Boiler

The cost for a new propane boiler, with labor, generally runs between $2,800 and $7,500. Propane, while it costs more than natural gas, burns more efficiently. If you install a new propane tank, you can expect to pay between $1,700 and $4,300, while renting a tank runs between $50 to $200 per year.

Gas Boiler 

Gas boiler replacements usually cost $4,000 to $9,000 on average. A gas boiler requires a gas line for your home and needs access to plumbing and vents. With high-efficiency units, you will also need access to a condensation drain.

Electric Boiler 

Electric boilers tend to run a bit cheaper than other types at $1,800 to $8,000. While they’re extremely energy efficient, converting almost all the electricity into heat, they’re slow to do so. While they might be efficient, space-saving units with no flue needed, they have severe drawbacks. They’re only valuable for smaller homes or those in more moderate climates since they don’t generate as much heat as quickly as gas or wood.

Outdoor Wood Boiler

Outdoor wood boilers cost $7,000 to $16,000 for residential customers. Aptly named, they burn wood outside the house to heat water and circulate it throughout your home. These are excellent off-grid systems.

Boiler Prices by Type

If you have a boiler installed or replaced, you might pay anywhere between $3,500 to $11,000. On average, homeowners tend to pay $5,500, and these prices are highly dependent on the type of boiler you choose.

You have three main options, which come in both standard and high-efficiency models:

• Standard boiler, which only heats the home.

• Combi boiler, which heats the house and water for faucets and showers.

• System boiler, which does the same as a combi boiler but also uses a tank to keep water hot for larger homes.

Combi Boiler 

A combi boiler costs $6,000 to $10,000 on average to purchase and install. This small, wall-mounted unit doesn’t have a storage tank, making it an excellent solution for small apartments and studios. Think of a tankless water heater combined with a tankless boiler. It heats both the home and water for faucets and showers. But the space savings without the tank also means it works better in moderate climates with low water demands. It’s not a good idea for large homes.

System Boiler 

System boilers cost $3,000 to $5,500 on average to install. Also called sealed-system boilers maintain hot water in a storage tank to ensure fast delivery to multiple taps and heat the home. They work well in most average and large-sized homes.

Standard Boiler

A standard boiler costs $2,200 to $7,000 on average. Standard boilers are also known as conventional boilers, and they heat water rapidly in the pipes that run through the tank and send hot water to taps as necessary. Larger homes and buildings most often use standard models, and these units are also popular for floor heating systems and other larger-scale tasks.

High-Efficiency Boiler

High-efficiency boilers cost between $4,000 and $10,000 for installation. These units usually save 10% to 20% on energy bills. High-efficiency boilers have an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of 90+, meaning that the boilers convert more than 90% of the fuel into heating. Most high-efficiency boilers are tankless, but some need a hot water storage tank.

Steam vs. Hot Water Boiler Pricing

Steam boilers cost between $3,500 and $8,000, while a hot water boiler runs from $1,200 to $4,000. Steam carries and transfers heat better, making it the better option for colder climates and homes without much insulation. Steam boilers produce more heat faster than almost any other heating system.

Condensing vs. Non-Condensing Boilers

The cost for a new condensing boiler is $1,900 to $7,000, on average. Non-condensing boilers are more budget-friendly, from $1,500 to $5,000, but they are less energy efficient because they do not reclaim exhaust fumes to reduce external heat loss as condensing boilers do.

Boiler Costs by Brand

Boiler Installation Labor Cost

You’ll need to allocate a good portion of your budget to labor, about $1,500 to $2,500. You'll usually hire an HVAC professional for this job, although it may vary by location. HVAC professionals charge $75 to $125 an hour, with some companies charging up to $200 an hour. Expect labor to come in at a flat rate, with two technicians completing the job in a few hours.

DIY vs. Hire a Professional

You shouldn't install a boiler yourself, and you might damage the boiler or cause water damage to your floors and basement with improper hookups. A licensed HVAC professional can install it quickly and correctly. They also carry insurance, so you're covered in the rare case something goes awry. If you want a boiler, find a boiler installer near you for free quotes.

Plus, you'll typically get a better deal buying from your installer. Some installers won't put in a unit they don't supply, and others charge extra. They mark them up from wholesale by about 30% to cover some of their overhead, like insurance, vehicles, and travel expenses.

FAQs

What is the difference between a boiler and a furnace?

The difference between a boiler and a furnace lies in how it heats the air.

• A boiler first heats water which travels through the home in pipes and through radiators to give off heat.

• A furnace heats coils and pushes air over the heated metal and throughout ductwork in your home.

What is the difference between water heaters and boilers?

While both a water heater and boiler heat water, they do it differently and for different purposes.

• A boiler heats your home. The boiler pushes water or steam through a closed-loop system or pipes and radiators that release heat in your home. You can outfit it with an indirect water heater or heat exchanger to also heat water for personal and appliance use. This makes it a combi-boiler.

• A water heater only heats potable water for use at faucets, showers, and appliances. It does not heat your home.

• A combi-boiler does both. It heats your home and heats water for use in bathrooms and kitchens.

Can a plumber install a boiler?

In many places, plumbers can install boilers. Usually, HVAC technicians install boilers.

When should you replace your boiler?

Replace your boiler every 15 years. Also, consider replacing an older low-efficiency model with a high efficiency that reduces both your utility bill and carbon emissions.

How does a boiler work?

A boiler works by heating water as it runs through a series of metal pipes. It then pushes the water throughout pipes in the home, either to radiators or in-floor pipes, which then give off heat.

How long do boilers last?

Boilers can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years. If you're constantly repairing it or noticing it isn't heating the home, consider replacing it.

How big of a boiler do I need?

To determine the size of boiler you need, use the Simple or Manual J calculation methods. To figure out the simple calculation, multiply the total square footage of your home by:

• Warm Climate: 30–40

• Moderate Climate: 40–50

• Mountain States and Colder Climates: 50–60

• Frigid Northern Climates: 60–70

Manual J calculations usually require software to determine the size of boiler you need for your home. This type of calculation factors in all details of your home, including foundation type, roof type, roof color, insulation values, windows, exterior doors, house location, and other factors. A contractor may include it in their estimate, but you can also have it done independently for around $100.

How much does it cost to add a zone to a boiler system?

Adding a second zone to an existing boiler system costs $1,700 to $2,800 plus $350 to $500 per added zone. This involves extra wiring and hookups as well as cutting open walls, running electrical, and even sweating copper.