The cost of fitting a new central heating system in the UK can cost between £3,500 and £7,000 in 2025. The figure, however, depends on so many things. They range from the boiler itself, the size of your home, and the number of radiators or segments that need to be fitted.
But if you qualify for a first-time central heating grant, then nothing will be the cost to you of having the entire system fitted. Therefore, if you’re wondering, “What is a central heating system going to cost me in 2025?”, the answer may be nothing, depending on your situation.
Average Cost of Installing Central Heating in the UK
The cost of having a brand-new central heating system installed in the UK is usually between £3,500 and £7,000. All that varies on:
- What boiler you have and how big
- How many radiators you’ve got
- How your property is configured and how big it is
- Whether you’re replacing one or having a new one installed first time
- What labour costs are locally
If it’s replacing an old system, it will be somewhat less expensive. But if it’s the first central heating installation, it will be at the top end of the range. And if it’s a house that doesn’t already have pipework, it will be even more expensive.
What Does Central Heating Installation Involve?
Getting a central heating system installed is a major move towards making your house more cosy and energy-efficient. So what exactly happens when it is installed?
Here’s what typically happens:
- Home Survey: An engineer measures the size, insulation, and current heating installation of your home. He also recommends the right system to you.
- Boiler Choice: You can choose a combi, system, or conventional boiler based on your hot water requirements and house.
- Pipework & Radiators: When fitting central heating for the first time, you have to fit new pipework and radiators throughout your property.
- Boiler Installation: The boiler is installed near a flue or outside wall and connected to the gas and water supplies.
- Thermostat & Controls: Timers and thermostats are installed to assist in controlling your heating effectively.
- Safety Inspections: The installer checks the system, demonstrates how it operates, and makes certain that all runs safely.
Central Heating Installation Cost: 3-Bedroom House
The average cost is between £3,500 and £6,000 to install central heating in a 3-bed UK property in 2025. The house type will need a replacement boiler, multiple radiators, pipework inside the dwelling, and sometimes a hot water cylinder.
And don’t forget to add in labour charges and small items like valves, thermostats, and fittings. It does add up.
The following is a rough outline of how your money is spent:
| Item | Estimated Cost (Supply & Install) |
|---|---|
| New boiler | £9,50 – £2,000 |
| 9 radiators | £1,600 – £2,200 |
| Water tank (if needed) | £400 – £600 |
| Pipework | £350 – £800 |
| Labour & misc. parts | £200 – £400 |
| Total Cost | £3,500 – £6,000 |
Prices will also differ based on the boiler you go for (system vs. combi), radiator quality, and pipework complexity. The labour costs also vary based on your location — places such as London cost more.
Central Heating Installation Cost: 4-Bedroom House
If you reside in a 4-bedroom home, the cost of central heating installation will obviously be higher. This is because of the increased space and the number of radiators you’ll require. The average price range in 2025 usually runs between £5,500 and £8,500.
Here’s what’s normally in that price:
| Item | Estimated Cost (Supply & Install) |
|---|---|
| New boiler | £1,400 – £2,500 |
| 11–12 radiators | £2,400 – £3,500 |
| Water tank (if needed) | £600 – £750 |
| Pipework | £800 – £1,200 |
| Labour & misc. parts | £300 – £550 |
| Total Cost | £5,500 – £8,500 |
Cost of New Central Heating System UK Per Square Foot
When it comes to central heating, the size of your home plays a big role that how much you will pay. A large house requires more radiator, more pipework, more powerful boilers and more labor to set everything.
Here is a common idea:
- Small house (about 100 square meters): The possibility of the entire central heating installation will be between £3,500 to £5,000. It will cover boilers, radiators, pipework, labour and essentials.
- Medium house (about 150 square meters): The price usually increases from £5,000 to £7,500.
- Large homes (200 square meters+): This design will be £7,000 to £10,000+ depending on the requirement of insulation and boiler.
To give you an idea, per square foot (about 10.76 square feet = 1 m²):
You’re at £32–£50 per m², or about £3–£5 per square foot, as a rough overall average for a totally new central heating system.
Remember, the pipework alone will cost:
- Approx. £790 for 100 m²
- Up to £1,650 for 150 m²
These are a better idea, especially if you’re putting a new house up or just refitting.
New Central Heating System Cost Calculator UK
Confused when it comes to how much you’re going to be paying for your new heating system? Although there’s no fixed cost for everyone, here is how to calculate the cost of the new central heating on what we’ve discussed so far:
Step 1: Know Your Home Type
For a small flat or 1 to 2 bedroom house (up to 100 m²), you would expect a figure of between £3,000 to £5,000.
In the same way, for a 3-bedroom house (100–130 m²), you should expect a range of £3,500 to £6,000. And for a 4-bedroom house (130–160+ m²), you should expect a range of £5,500 to £8,500.
Step 2: Break Down the Main Costs
To estimate more accurately, use this rough pricing guide:
| Item | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| New boiler (supply & install) | £1,200 – £2,500 |
| Radiators (per radiator) | £250 – £300 |
| Pipework (full home) | £600 – £1,200 |
| Water tank (if required) | £550 – £750 |
| Labour & extras | £200 – £500 |
If you know approximately how many radiators you are going to need, multiply that by the cost per radiator. Add boiler cost, pipework, and add-ons later.
Step 3: Use Size-Based Estimations
A simple method is to estimate your price using floor area. The UK average for the cost per square metre for a new central heating installation is around £35–£50.
Therefore:
100 m² house = £3,500 – £5,000
150 m² house = £5,000 – £7,500
200 m² house = £7,000 – £10,000+
Factors Affecting the Price of a New Central Heating System?
The fuel type, boiler type, house size, and even your location can all differ in what you pay. Let’s break it down to the bone:
1. Fuel Type
How much fuel your system uses is an important cost factor. Gas is most common in the UK because it’s readily available and usually cheaper to run.
Some of the most common fuels are:
- Gas: Less expensive to run, though you’ll need a gas connection.
- Oil: Used for off-grid systems; held in a tank, and costs can quickly inflate.
- Electric: Easy to fit but pricey to run in the long term.
- Biomass: More environmentally friendly, but expensive boilers, and need space for fuel storage.
2. Boiler Type
There are three boiler types most popular in the UK: combi, system, and regular (traditional). They all suit a different type of property and come with their own cost.
- Combi boilers are perfect for a small house with one bathroom. They’re tiny and warm water straight away, so you don’t need a tank. Combi boilers cost around £1,200.
- System boilers are fantastic for medium-sized to large homes. They come with a hot water cylinder, so they’re ideal for homes with high hot water usage. System boilers cost around £2,200.
- Regular boilers are best for homes that already have this type of setup. They use both a hot water cylinder and a cold water tank. Regular boilers are around £3,000
3. Boiler Size (Power Rating)
Bigger houses take more energy to heat all the rooms and provide enough hot water. A boiler’s power is measured in kilowatts (kW) – the bigger the kW, the more powerful it is.
A rough guide on the number of radiators:
- Up to 10 radiators: 18–27kW (combi), 9–18kW (system or regular)
- 10–15 radiators: 28–34kW (combi), 18–26kW (system or regular)
- 15–20 radiators: 35–43kW (combi), 26–40kW (system or regular)
4. Installation Complexity
How tricky the job is can also impact the price. If it’s a straight swap – for example, replacing a combi boiler with another combi in the same spot – that’s easier and cheaper.
But if you’re switching from a regular to a combi, or moving the boiler to a different location, you’ll pay more. It takes more time, more parts, and more labour.
5. Pipework & Radiators
Old or incorrect pipework may need to be replaced, especially if your new system operates at a higher pressure. This will cost an additional £800£ to 1,000. Removing or adding new radiators also contributes to the bill.
6. Smart Heating Controls
If you want to upgrade your heating system with smart thermostats and radiator valves, it’s a good idea. They give you more control over your energy use and can save you money in the long term.
But they are more expensive:
- Regular thermostats: £35–£70
- Programmable thermostats: £75–£150
- Smart thermostats: £150–£280
7. Boiler Brands
Not all boilers are the same. Some are top of the range and durable, while others are cheap.
For example:
- Budget: Baxi, Ideal
- Mid-range: Vaillant, Viessmann
- Premium: Worcester Bosch
There’s a significant price range even within the same make, depending on the model and spec.
8. Labour Charges
Where you are within the UK affects labour charges. Installers usually quote between £300 to £500 per day.
It could only take 1 day to replace a basic boiler, while a new full system might take 3 to 5 days, depending on whether or not more pipework or a hot water cylinder is needed. So that labour alone might set you back from a few hundred to a couple of thousand.
How Much Can You Save with a New Central Heating System?
Installing a new central heating system can lead to very significant fuel bill savings. Savings are greater if you already have older or less efficient systems, like electric room heaters or open fires.
Under the ECO4 scheme, fuel-poor families are eligible for a government grant to install central heating. The grant covers homes that have never had a central heating system before. If you qualify, you could receive a full system free of charge.
Finding the Right Central Heating Installer Near You
Choosing a reliable installer is essential to guarantee that your new central heating system is properly installed and secure.
ECO Energy Packs assists with both technical installation and grant applications. We can help you in checking your eligibility, applying on your behalf, and organizing the installation for you.
FAQs
Usually 2-5 days with two engineers. It will take longer if done when you live in the house. Summer is the best time to do it as it’s less disruptive and generally less expensive.
To heat a typical 3-bedroom UK home will be between £1,200 and £1,800 annually. But it will depend on insulation, energy prices, and system efficiency.
It will be between £160 and £470, labour and materials, to change a like-for-like radiator. The cost will depend on the size and number of radiators.
Yes. Through the ECO4 scheme, the First Time Central Heating Grant helps fit central heating to eligible households. And if you’re on certain government benefits, you’re even more likely to be eligible.
