How Much Does Boiler Replacement Cost? (2023 Guide)

Boiler replacement costs $7,398 on average, but the price can range from $1,200 to $16,000. Although a good boiler lasts 15 to 20 years, it will need to be replaced eventually. When that happens, you’ll need to consider your home’s size, which type of boiler you want, and which fuel you want to use. Modern boilers can be nearly 99% efficient, saving you money on heating costs.

Boilers heat homes by pushing hot water or steam through radiators, baseboard heaters, or other radiant heat systems. They may get their power from gas, heating oil, electricity, or even wood. We’ll go over the various types of boilers available and their average costs below.

 

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Average Boiler Replacement Cost

The average cost to replace a residential boiler is $7,398, but the price can range from $1,200 to $16,000 depending on the following factors.

• Boiler type: Different boiler systems store and heat water in different ways, making them more or less complex to install. Complicated installations cost more.
• Fuel type: Boilers most commonly run on natural gas, propane, or heating oil, though some run on electricity or even wood. These all have varying costs.
• Home size: The larger your home, the larger a boiler you’ll need to heat it.

Cost by Boiler Type

Boilers can be classified based on the number of storage tanks they use and how they heat the water in the system. In general, boilers are either conventional, system, or combination boilers. Conventional and system boilers create heat using either hot water or steam.

Boilers are also classified as either condensing or noncondensing. Different types of boilers are better suited to different functions, and many are available in both standard and high-efficiency models. We’ll go over the differences between boiler types in detail below.

Conventional Boilers

Conventional boilers store water in two separate tanks: one for the heated water and one for the cold water yet to be heated. They’re large and complicated to install, but are excellent for large homes because they can hold and heat so much water. Conventional boilers heat water for radiators but not for faucets, so you’ll need a separate water heater. Conventional boilers usually cost between $2,200 and $7,000.

Combination Boilers

A combination or combi boiler combines the functions of a boiler and a water heater. Instead of putting hot water in a storage tank, these boilers heat water as it comes through the unit, which means combi boilers are smaller and more energy-efficient. However, they can’t heat as much water at a time as a conventional unit or produce it as quickly. This makes them best suited to small homes and apartments.

Combi boilers are more expensive than conventional boilers at $2,000 to $10,000, but less expensive than purchasing both a conventional boiler and water heater separately.

System Boilers

A system boiler is sort of a midpoint between a conventional and combi boiler. System boilers heat water as it enters the boiler unit and store it in a single tank to use for both heating and water supply. They take up less space than traditional boilers but can handle a higher water output than combi boilers. Their price point also represents a midpoint between conventional and combi boilers, usually falling between $3,000 and $5,500.

Hot Water Boilers

Hot water boilers heat water to a temperature between 140 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit, then pipe it through a home’s radiator system. Because these boilers operate at a lower temperature than other types, they’re more energy-efficient and can sometimes provide a home’s usable hot water supply in addition to heating it. Hot water boilers cost $1,200 to $8,000.

Steam Boilers

Steam boilers heat water past 212 degrees Fahrenheit until it becomes steam, which is then sent throughout the home’s radiator system. Steam boilers are larger than hot water boilers, making them more appropriate for larger homes and other buildings. They can also produce more heat than hot water boilers, but they’re less energy-efficient and more expensive, usually costing $2,500 to $9,000.

Noncondensing and Condensing Boilers

Standard boilers are noncondensing, which means they must vent excess heat from the fuel they burn. Condensing boilers use this exhaust heat as part of their functioning, making them high-efficiency boilers. They’re also a bit more expensive. Noncondensing boilers range from $1,500 to $5,000, whereas condensing boilers cost $1,900 to $7,000. Condensing boilers cost less to operate, saving you money on energy bills long term.

Type of Boiler	Unit Price
Hot water	$1,200–$8,000
Noncondensing	$1,500–$5,000
Condensing	$1,900–$7,000
Combi	$2,000–$10,000
Conventional	$2,200–$7,000
Steam	$2,500–$9,000
System	$3,000–$5,500

Cost by Fuel Type

The type of fuel the boiler uses to produce heat also affects price. This determines not only the new boiler cost, but also the price to run it.

Electric Boilers

Boilers that run on electricity are usually smaller and less powerful than other types. They’re highly energy-efficient and don’t waste heat exhaust, but they take a relatively long time to heat up and require a high power input. Because of this, they’re typically only used in warm climates. They may also be used to heat only part of a home or as a supplemental heating system. These boilers cost $1,800 to $8,000 depending on size.

Gas and Propane Boilers

Boilers can also run on natural gas, either by being hooked up to a municipal gas line or by using a self-contained propane tank. Both options work similarly, but propane boilers are a little less expensive at $2,800 to $7,500, whereas natural gas boiler costs are $4,000 to $10,000. Both options require access to plumbing and vents and will be more cost-effective if you already have a gas main in place.

Oil Boilers

Heating oil isn’t as popular as it once was, thanks to rising costs and concerns about clean energy. However, many older boilers run on oil, and you can still find these models for sale in some parts of the United States, usually the northeast. These boilers are more expensive to install, usually costing $4,800 to $9,000, because you’ll also need to have a tank put in to hold the fuel oil.

Wood Boilers

Boilers that burn wood for heat aren’t common, but they do exist. These boilers typically sit outside the home, so they’re usually used in rural environments and can be quite cost-effective if you have access to a supply of firewood. However, they’re expensive to install at $7,000 to $16,000.

Fuel Type	Price with Installation
Electricity	$1,800–$8,000
Propane	$2,800–$7,500
Natural gas	$4,000–$10,000
Oil	$4,800–$9,000
Wood	$7,000–$16,000

Cost by Home Size

Boiler size is determined by the square footage of the space you need to heat. Size is measured in terms of BTU, or British thermal units. You’ll need a system that provides 30 to 45 BTU for every square foot of space depending on the climate where you live. Naturally, boiler prices increase based on the unit’s size and power.

Home Size (Square Feet)	Boiler Capacity (BTU)	Price
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

 

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Additional Cost Considerations

The above factors have the biggest influence on boiler installation prices, but a few other considerations should be taken into account.

Boiler Brand

Some manufacturers charge more than others for their products. However, most boiler brands sell a variety of sizes and models ranging from budget options to top-of-the-line.

Brand	Unit Price
Burnham	$1,200–$5,500
Crown	$1,700–$4,500
Peerless	$1,700–$5,000
Navin	$1,800–$4,500
Utica	$1,800–$6,000
Lennox	$1,800–$6,700
Bosch	$2,000–$4,500

Changing the Fuel Type

It’s possible to convert your existing boiler to run on a different fuel source. Natural gas and propane boilers are the easiest to convert into the other since the fuel is so similar. A kit only costs about $150 to $500, though you’ll have to pay $1,700 to $4,300 to install a propane tank if you’re converting from municipal gas. 

Many homeowners with oil boilers are choosing to convert them to gas boilers to take advantage of a less expensive fuel. For this, you may need to pay for a gas line installation or hook-up and a chimney liner to protect your flue from exhaust. This may cost several thousand dollars, but your overall heating costs should decline with the new system.

Energy Efficiency

The U.S. Department of Energy measures heating systems’ efficiency with an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating. This rating is determined by dividing the amount of fuel provided to the heating system by the amount of heat it produces. For example, a system with an AFUE of 85% turns 85% of the energy it consumes into usable heat, and the other 15% is wasted as exhaust.

Old, drafty boilers could have AFUE scores as low as 55% to 70%. Nowadays, boilers are required to have a rating of at least 80%, and high-efficiency boilers can be rated as high as 98.5%. These high-efficiency boilers are typically electric, but gas and propane boilers can reach about 95% efficiency. Anything over 90% is considered high-efficiency, and you’ll typically pay more for these boilers up-front. However, you’ll save money on your heating bill over time since a greater portion of fuel is converted into heat.

New vs. Existing Installation

If you’re installing a new boiler that’s approximately the same size and fuel type as the old boiler, you’ll pay less for labor than you would to install a different model. Large fuel or storage tanks and large boiler units may require extra infrastructure, increasing installation costs.

 

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Boiler Repair vs. Replacement

Sometimes, all your boiler needs is a new thermostat or heat exchanger to keep operating smoothly. Boiler repair is almost always less expensive than boiler replacement. The national average cost to repair a boiler is about $391, compared to about $8,000 for replacement. However, a boiler will need more frequent repairs as it ages, and the cost often increases. If you multiply your boiler’s age by the cost of the repair and the resulting number is greater than $5,000, it’s time to consider replacement.

 

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Professional vs. DIY Boiler Replacement

Boiler installation and replacement are not do-it-yourself (DIY) jobs. In fact, many states require that boilers be installed by a licensed professional contractor to meet building codes.

Professional Boiler Replacement

Boilers are large, complex pieces of machinery that are integral to your home’s HVAC system. They often connect to gas lines or electrical systems, which may require the service of licensed plumbers or electricians. HVAC technicians typically charge $75 to $200 per hour, but this is well worth the cost to get the job done properly and prevent damage to your home during installation or operation. You may also be able to get a discount on the material costs by purchasing your new boiler from a professional installer.

DIY Boiler Replacement

Attempting to replace or install a boiler yourself is a bad idea and is even illegal in some places. Licensed technicians have the training and experience to do the job quickly and efficiently, and they carry insurance to protect both them and you. In addition to the fuel boilers use, boiler systems hold a great deal of water, and any kind of leak or spillage could cause substantial damage to your home. For all these reasons, it’s imperative that you hire a licensed contractor to install your boiler.

 

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How to Save on Boiler Replacement

Though you’ll need to hire a professional, you can still keep costs low by following these tips.

• Choose the size and fuel type that are right for your home’s square footage and climate. Buying a boiler that’s too large will cost more up-front and in continued operating costs.
• If possible, have your boiler installed in the off-season when the weather is mild and HVAC contractors are less in demand.
• Keep up with boiler maintenance to prolong the life span of your existing unit. A boiler needs annual inspections and servicing.
• Opt for boiler repair over replacement when possible.
• Check for state or local tax rebates or other incentives for installing a boiler with a high efficiency rating.
• Look for boilers with long-term warranties.
• Get at least three quotes from local HVAC contractors to find the best deal.

 

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Our Recommendation

Boiler replacement is a costly project, ranging from $1,200 to $16,000 depending on the factors listed in this article. You must hire an experienced, licensed professional to do the job correctly, protect your safety, and preserve the integrity of your home. When possible, opt for a condensing, high-efficiency boiler to save energy and money throughout winter. We recommend requesting multiple quotes and having the job done before the weather turns cold to minimize costs.

 

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