How much does a new boiler cost to install or replace?
How much does a new boiler cost to install or replace?
$2,200 – $7,000 standard-efficiency boiler cost
$4,000 – $10,000 high-efficiency boiler replacement cost
New boiler cost
Installing a new boiler costs $3,200 to $9,000 on average, depending on the system and fuel type, size, efficiency, brand, and labor. Residential boiler prices are $1,400 to $6,500 for the unit alone, plus $1,200 to $3,200 for replacement labor and fitting.
| House size (square foot) | Total replacement cost* |
|---|---|
| 1,200 – 2,000 | $2,200 – $5,700 |
| 2,000 – 2,800 | $2,400 – $6,200 |
| 2,800 – 3,600 | $3,000 – $7,100 |
| 3,600 – 4,000 | $3,200 – $7,300 |
*Prices are based on a standard-efficiency boiler.
In comparison, a high-efficiency boiler costs $4,000 to $10,000 installed and saves 10% to 20% on energy bills.
Average boiler installation cost
The following table shows the average cost to install a new boiler, including the unit and labor.
| National average cost | $6,100 |
| Minimum cost | $1,500 |
| Maximum cost | $12,000 |
| Average cost range | $3,200 to $9,000 |
* Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Alternatively, installing a new furnace costs $2,000 to $5,400.
Boiler installation labor and fitting cost
Boiler installation labor and fitting costs $1,200 to $3,200, depending on the system type, size, access, complexity, and HVAC connections. Plumbers charge $45 to $150 per hour to install a boiler.
Installing a boiler of the same size and model costs the least.
Upgrading to a larger or high-efficiency system, switching fuel types, connection or location changes, and system modifications cost the most.
Boiler replacement cost
Boiler replacement costs $2,200 to $7,000 for standard-efficiency models or $4,000 to $10,000 for high-efficiency models. Boiler replacement cost estimates include removing the old unit, wiring and plumbing connections, and sometimes a new hot water tank.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Old boiler removal | $200 – $500 |
| New boiler unit | $1,400 – $6,500 |
| Installation labor and fitting | $1,200 – $3,200 |
| Install condensation drain (high-efficiency models) | $200 – $600 |
| Permits | $50 – $250 |
| Propane tank installation* | $1,700 – $4,300 |
| Oil tank replacement* | $1,000 – $6,200 |
| Oil contamination soil test* | $600 – $2,100 |
| Hot-water heater / storage tank with installation* | $1,200 – $4,000 |
| Cost to fix leaking pipes* | $150 – $850 |
| Water heater storage tank repair* | $150 – $700 |
| Thermostat replacement cost* | $140 – $350 |
*Optional expenses depending on the job requirements.
A Manual J load calculation costs $200 to $500 to determine the boiler size needed.
Installing new plumbing pipes costs $450 to $1,800 for a new boiler connection.
Adding an HVAC zoning system costs $1,700 to $4,500 for room-by-room climate control.
Home radiators over 15 years old may also need to be replaced. Home radiators cost $250 to $500 each, depending on the size.
Boiler removal cost
Boiler removal costs $200 to $500 with disposal, depending on the fuel type, size, and accessibility. The removal cost increases for units that weigh more than 200 lbs. or are in areas with limited access.
Costs to change boiler type
The cost to change the boiler type depends on the current heating system setup and the connection and ventilation requirements. The following costs may apply:
A new natural gas line hookup to the house costs $0 to $2,000, depending on if the gas company provides free installs.
Gas line installation costs $12 to $25 per linear foot from the house to the boiler.
Chimney liner installation costs $1,500 to $4,000 to direct gas exhaust out of the flue.
Old fuel tank removal costs $400 to $3,400.
Installing a new oil tank costs $1,200 to $4,600.
Installing a natural gas to propane conversion kit costs $150 to $500.
Installing a new propane tank costs $1,700 to $4,300.
Boiler replacement vs. repair
Boiler repairs cost $200 to $600. Replace a boiler when the unit is older than 15 years. Old boilers malfunction more and have reduced energy efficiency. Replacing an outdated boiler is typically cheaper than multiple repairs.
Residential boiler prices by fuel type
Residential boiler prices are $1,400 to $6,500 for the unit alone, depending on the fuel type. Each fuel type has different operating costs to run. Changing to a new fuel source incurs additional costs.
| Fuel type | Unit price | Total cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| Gas | $1,400 – $5,600 | $4,000 – $9,000 |
| Propane | $1,800 – $4,000 | $2,800 – $7,500 |
| Oil | $1,700 – $6,500 | $3,300 – $9,000 |
| Electric | $1,000 – $6,000 | $1,800 – $8,000 |
| Wood | $5,000 – $13,000 | $7,000 – $16,000 |
Gas boiler cost
A gas boiler replacement costs $4,000 to $9,000. A new gas boiler costs $1,400 to $5,600 for the unit alone, depending on the size. Gas boilers are the most popular and need connections to a natural gas line, plumbing, vents, and a condensation drain.
Propane boiler cost
Replacing a propane boiler costs $2,800 to $7,500. Liquid propane boiler prices are $1,800 to $4,000 for the unit alone. Propane costs more than natural gas but burns more efficiently.
Converting a natural gas boiler to propane costs $150 to $500 on average.
Installing a new propane tank costs $1,200 to $4,500, while renting a tank costs $50 to $200 per year.
Oil boiler cost to replace
A standard-efficiency oil boiler costs $3,300 to $7,200 to replace, depending on the system type and size. Replacing a high-efficiency oil boiler costs $6,300 to $9,000.
New oil boiler prices are $1,700 to $6,500 for the unit alone.
An oil tank replacement costs $1,000 to $6,200.
Most oil boilers have energy efficiency AFUE ratings of up to 87%.
Oil boilers are most popular in the Northeastern U.S.
Oil boilers require the most maintenance of all fuel types.
Electric boiler prices
An electric boiler replacement costs $1,800 to $8,000. New electric boiler prices are $1,000 to $6,000 for the unit alone. Electric boilers convert 99% of the electricity into heat but have the highest running costs of all types.
Electric panel upgrades cost $1,400 to $2,800 to install high-powered boilers.
Best for climates with short moderate winters
Ideal for backup heating in colder climates
Does not require a chimney flue or additional vents
Outdoor wood boiler prices
The cost of an outdoor wood boiler is $7,000 to $16,000 installed, depending on the size and chimney flue type. Outdoor oil boiler prices are $5,000 to $13,000 for the unit alone.
Outdoor wood boilers can dramatically reduce heating costs, and large systems can supply hot water to your home, garage, pool, or spa.
Home boiler replacement cost by system type
Home boiler replacement costs depend on the system type, efficiency, and heating needs:
| System type | Unit price | Total replacement cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard / conventional boiler | $1,200 – $5,000 | $2,200 – $7,000 |
| Combi-boiler | $1,700 – $3,500 | $6,000 – $10,000 |
| High-efficiency boiler | $1,900 – $7,000 | $4,000 – $10,000 |
Conventional new boiler system cost
A conventional sealed-system boiler replacement costs $2,200 to $7,000 including labor or $1,200 to $5,000 for the unit alone. Standard boilers have an 80% to 89% energy efficiency rating.
Most basic boilers provide both heating and hot water through separate insulated hot-water storage tanks (sold separately).
Heats water quickly
Common in large buildings
Combi boiler installation cost
A combi boiler installation costs $6,000 to $10,000. A new combi boiler costs $1,700 to $3,500 for the unit alone. These small, wall-mounted units are ideal for apartments and small houses. A combination boiler provides tankless home heating and hot water on demand.
Combi boilers have more connections, piping, parts, and often wall-mounting with special vents, making them more complex and expensive to install.
High-efficiency boiler prices
A high-efficiency boiler costs $4,000 to $10,000 installed and saves 10% to 20% on energy bills. The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating is the percentage of fuel converted into heating. High-efficiency boilers have an AFUE of 90+.
| Boiler type | AFUE rating | Unit prices | Total replacement cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard efficiency | 80% – 89% | $1,200 – $5,000 | $2,200 – $7,000 |
| High-efficiency | 90% – 95%+ | $1,900 – $7,000 | $4,000 – $10,000 |
*Installation prices vary according to the vents, hot water tanks, and connections needed.
All boilers lose energy efficiency over time as the unit ages.
Many high-efficiency boilers are tankless systems, while others need an attached hot-water storage tank.
Steam vs. hot water boiler prices
A hot water boiler costs $1,200 to $4,000 for the unit alone, is more energy-efficient, and is easier to control.
Steam boiler prices are $1,800 to $6,000, produce higher temperatures, and are common in older homes and commercial settings.
| Boiler type | Average unit price* |
|---|---|
| Hot water | $1,200 – $4,000 |
| Steam | $1,800 – $6,000 |
| Condensing | $1,900 – $7,000 |
| Non-condensing | $1,200 – $5,000 |
*Material prices only based on top-selling home boiler sizes.
Condensing vs. non-condensing hydronic boilers
A new condensing boiler costs $1,900 to $7,000, while non-condensing boilers cost $1,200 to $5,000 for the unit alone. A condensing boiler reclaims exhaust fumes to reduce external heat loss through vents, which increases the boiler’s energy efficiency.
| Condensing boiler | Non-condensing boiler |
|---|---|
|
|
New boiler cost estimate by brand
New boiler estimates also depend on the brand:
| Brand | Boiler unit price* | Total installed cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Buderus | $1,700 – $4,400 | $2,900 – $7,600 |
| Bosch | $1,900 – $4,200 | $3,100 – $7,400 |
| Burnham | $1,700 – $5,500 | $2,900 – $8,700 |
| Crown | $1,800 – $5,000 | $3,000 – $8,200 |
| Lennox | $1,700 – $6,500 | $2,900 – $9,700 |
| Navien | $2,000 – $5,000 | $3,200 – $8,200 |
| Peerless | $2,000 – $6,000 | $3,200 – $9,200 |
| Utica | $1,200 – $7,400 | $2,400 – $10,600 |
| Westinghouse | $2,500 – $2,700 | $3,700 – $5,900 |
*For residential boilers up to 200,000 BTU.
Boiler replacement FAQs
How much does a boiler cost to run per hour?
Running a gas boiler costs $1.00 to $1.40 per hour of usage, depending on the unit size, temperature settings, and local fuel prices.
Check the boiler’s manual and the U.S. Government Energy Guide label for model-specific data on fuel and energy usage.
What size boiler do I need?
Most homes need a boiler sized at 25 to 50 BTUs per square foot, depending on the building design, insulation efficiency, and heating needs.
Northern climates need 50+ BTUs per square foot
Southern climates need 20 to 35 BTUs per square foot
| Home square footage | BTUs needed |
|---|---|
| 1,200 – 1,600 | 30,000 – 80,000 |
| 1,600 – 2,000 | 40,000 – 100,000 |
| 2,000 – 2,400 | 50,000 – 120,000 |
| 2,400 – 2,800 | 60,000 – 140,000 |
| 2,800 – 3,200 | 70,000 – 160,000 |
| 3,200 – 3,600 | 80,000 – 180,000 |
| 3,600 – 4,000 | 90,000 – 200,000 |
For exact sizing, technicians conduct a Manual J calculation that accounts for the type of walls, insulation, roofing, windows, climate, and more.
Can a plumber install a boiler?
A plumber can install a boiler if they have HVAC certifications. Plumber hourly rates are $45 to $150 per hour, plus parts.
What is the difference between a boiler, furnace, and a water heater?
The differences between a boiler, furnace, and a water heater are:
A boiler heats water for appliances & indoor heating. The steam or hot water circulates through pipes to radiators or radiant-floor systems.
A furnace heats air and blows it through central air ducts for indoor heating.
A water heater heats water for indoor appliances only.
A combi-boiler heats water on demand for appliances & indoor heating without a water-storage tank. Combi boilers circulate hot water through pipes like a standard boiler.
When should I replace my boiler?
Replace a boiler over 15 years old when these warning signs appear:
Unusual energy-bill spikes
Frequent boiler repairs
Uncommonly loud noises coming from the boiler
Black soot buildup on oil boilers
Carbon monoxide detector alerts or a yellow pilot flame
Abnormal smells in the boiler room
Leaky boiler pipes
Corrosion anywhere on the boiler or its connections
Water heating up slower than normal
How long does a boiler last?
A boiler lasts 10 to 20 years on average or up to 30+ years for some cast-iron boilers. The boiler lifespan depends on the materials, system type, usage, local water quality, and maintenance frequency.
Does a new boiler add to house value?
A new boiler typically does not add much to the total house value. However, replacing a boiler more than 20 years old in the Northeastern U.S. does make a home more appealing to buyers.
How does a boiler work?
A boiler heating system works by boiling water that goes through pipes to steam radiators, baseboard radiators, or radiant floor systems. Boilers are ideal for homes without central air ducts because boilers don’t produce heated air like a furnace.
Can you install a boiler yourself?
You cannot install a boiler yourself in most states without a contractor’s license and HVAC credentials. Building departments typically won’t issue permits for HVAC work to unlicensed people due to the safety risks involved. States allowing DIY installs still require boiler inspections.
Getting boiler replacement quotes
Before hiring a plumber or boiler installer near you, be sure to:
Choose HVAC professionals with certifications from:
Compare at least three quotes from experienced installers.
Select licensed, insured, and bonded HVAC contractors.
Avoid choosing the lowest quotes that signal low-quality work.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Request copies of estimates, plan diagrams, heating-load calculations, equipment orders, permits, warranties, and contracts.
Verify the bids include material, labor, and equipment costs, plus the installation schedule.
Set up a payment schedule. Never pay in full upfront.
Questions to ask boiler installers
Which boiler model do you recommend for my home, and why?
Would it be more cost-effective to convert to another fuel type for my new boiler?
How many new boiler installations have you done, and can I see your references list?
Will you size my boiler using a Manual J heat-load calculation?
Which kind of boiler and brands have you installed the most?
Does my boiler system need a new hot water storage tank too?
What’s the most energy-efficient boiler you offer?
Can you add zoning capabilities for room-by-room climate control?
Is this boiler compatible with my existing thermostat, or will I need new wiring?
Are there any local boiler manufacturer rebates for this boiler?
Will your quote include removal and disposal of the old unit?
Should I expect any additional incidental costs?
How long will the boiler replacement take?
Will you pull all the installation permits needed?
How can I extend the boiler’s lifespan?
What does the warranty cover, and how long is it valid?
Did lime-scale buildup make the old boiler fail, and if so, how can I prevent it?
Do you sell a maintenance plan for my new boiler, and how much is it?
What’s the payment timeline?
Will I need new vents for this boiler to comply with building codes?