The easier way to book quality trades

Download app

There’s a big difference between replacing a boiler and installing a full central heating system for the first time.

A new central heating installation is one of those jobs that can quickly become more involved once floors come up, pipework gets rerouted, or older parts of the system need upgrading too.

If you’re renovating a property, converting a bungalow, replacing outdated heating, or installing heating in a home that’s never had it before, it helps to understand where the costs actually come from before you start getting quotes.

This guide walks you through typical central heating installation costs in the UK, including gas, oil and electric heating systems, along with what affects the final price and the extra costs homeowners often don’t see coming.

How much does central heating installation cost?

As a rough guide, central heating installation costs range from around £3,790 for an electric heating system to around £6,150 for an oil central heating installation.

Gas central heating installation costs typically sit around £5,250 on average.

The final cost can vary quite a bit depending on the size of your home, how many radiators you need, how much pipework is involved, and whether there’s already an existing heating system in place.

When comparing quotes, check whether the price includes the boiler, radiators/heaters, pipework, controls and installation labour. Some quotes only cover part of the system.

For example, if you need heat distribution pipework, budget around:

• £790 for a small house (100m²)

• £1,650 for a medium-sized house (150m²)

Get central heating installation quotes near you

For an accurate cost, it’s worth getting quotes from a few checked local heating engineers.

A written quote should explain:

• What type of heating system is being installed

• Whether the boiler is included

• How many radiators/heaters are included

• Whether pipework and controls are included

• Whether removal of the old system is included

• What work is excluded

Find experienced central heating engineers working in your local area and start comparing quotes for your project.

Central heating installation costs at a glance

• Gas central heating installation: Around £5,250

• Oil central heating installation: Around £6,150

• Electric central heating installation: Around £3,790

• Distribution pipework for small house (100m²): Around £790

• Distribution pipework for medium house (150m²): Around £1,650

• Gas central heating installation for 2-bed bungalow: Around £5,200

• Central heating installation for 4-bed two-storey house: Around £5,000

• Oil-fired boiler only (supply + installation): Around £3,000

When might you need a new central heating installation?

Not every project involves replacing an existing boiler. Sometimes you’re installing a completely new central heating system from scratch. This might be the case if you're:

• Renovating an older property

• Converting a property that previously relied on electric heaters or solid fuel

• Building an extension

• Converting a loft or garage

• Replacing an outdated heating setup

• Plumbing and heating a self-build property

Types of central heating systems and installation costs

The type of heating system you choose has a major impact on installation costs, running costs and future maintenance.

Below, we’ve broken down the most common types of central heating installation (gas, electric and oil) and what homeowners can typically expect to pay.

Gas central heating installation cost

Gas central heating is still the most common heating system in UK homes.

Mains gas powers a condensing boiler, which heats water for your radiators and hot water taps.

• Typical gas central heating installation cost: around £5,250

• Typical range: £4,500–£6,000

Many homeowners choose gas central heating because:

• Gas boilers are generally efficient

• Running costs are usually lower than electric heating

• Replacement parts and engineers are generally easy to find

• There’s no fuel storage required if you’re connected to mains gas

However, there are drawbacks too:

• Installing a full system from scratch can be expensive

• Boilers require regular servicing

• Gas prices fluctuate

• Gas is a fossil fuel, so it's not the most eco-friendly option

How much is a new boiler?

If you’re specifically researching boiler replacement costs, it’s worth reading our dedicated guide to the cost of a new boiler, which covers gas, oil and electric boilers in more detail.

Oil central heating installation cost

Oil central heating is commonly found in properties that aren’t connected to the mains gas network.

Heating oil powers the boiler, which then heats the radiators and hot water.

• Typical oil central heating installation cost: around £6,150

• Typical range: £5,000–£7,300

For an average 3-bedroom semi-detached house with around 10 radiators of varying sizes, this cost typically includes:

• New boiler: around £2,000

• Pipework and radiators: around £2,000

• Labour: around £1,000

Benefits of oil central heating include:

• High fuel efficiency

• Ability to buy oil when prices are lower

• Suitable for off-grid properties

Potential drawbacks include:

• Oil prices can fluctuate

• You need space for oil storage

• Installation costs can be higher

• Modern condensing boilers are much more efficient

• Deliveries may occasionally be affected by weather or location (leaving you without fuel)

Oil central heating boiler cost

If you only need a new oil-fired boiler, costs are closer to around £3,000 for supply and installation.

Electric central heating installation cost

Electric central heating is another option for homes without access to mains gas.

The most common setup uses storage heaters, which store cheaper overnight electricity and release heat during the day.

• Typical electric central heating installation cost: around £3,790

• Typical range: £3,230–£4,350

Many newer electric heating systems now include:

• Programmable timers

• Wi-Fi controls

• Thermostats

• High heat-retention storage heaters

Electric heating can work well because:

• Installation is often cheaper

• Systems need relatively little maintenance

• No gas connection is required

But there are disadvantages:

• Electricity is often more expensive than gas

• Heat may need careful timing and management (you could face delays and a cold house if your heating hasn’t been switched on)

• Storage heaters work well for some homes, but they don’t suit everyone’s routine or heating habits

Central heating installation cost by property size

The size and layout of your property will impact the overall installation cost you're quoted.

Smaller homes generally need fewer radiators and shorter pipe runs, while larger properties often involve more labour, more materials and more complex installation work.

Central heating installation cost for a 2-bed bungalow

For a typical 2-bed bungalow, installing gas central heating costs around £5,200.

That usually includes:

• Gas boiler (supply + installation): around £1,000–£1,800

• Radiators and installation: around £900+

• Pipework and installation: around £250+

It’s sensible to keep extra budget aside for:

• Additional pipework

• Upgrades to older systems

• Extra fittings and valves

• Unexpected remedial work

Central heating installation cost for a 4-bedroom house

For a 4-bed two-storey house, central heating installation costs are around £5,000 on average.

Typical costs include:

• Boiler and installation: around £1,300–£2,000

• Around 10 radiators (including installation): around £1,500

• Pipework supply and installation: around £1,000

• Water tank: around £220

Larger homes often involve:

• Longer pipe runs

• More radiators

• More labour time

• Greater access challenges

That’s why costs can rise quite quickly in bigger properties.

What affects central heating installation costs?

No two heating installations are exactly the same. The main factors that can affect the price include:

• Property size: Larger homes need bigger boilers, more radiators, more pipework and more labour time

• Number of radiators: Very large rooms may need multiple radiators, increasing material and labour costs

• Pipework requirements: Installing pipework throughout a property can add significantly to the total cost, particularly in older homes

• Boiler type and brand: Different boiler makes and models vary hugely in price

• Property access: Older homes, concrete floors, awkward layouts and restricted access can all increase labour time

• Existing heating infrastructure: Installing heating into a property that has never had central heating before is usually more expensive than replacing an existing system

• Location: Heating installation costs are often higher in London and major cities

On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.

Additional costs to budget for

The installation itself is only part of the overall project cost. You may also need to budget for:

• Removing the old heating system

• Upgrading controls or thermostats

• Pipe boxing or concealment

• Flooring repairs

• Plastering and decorating

• Access equipment

• Waste disposal

• Parking charges

• Additional radiators

• Water tanks

• System flushing

What should be included in a central heating installation quote?

When you receive your quote for central heating installation, check that it details:

• Boiler supply and installation

• Number of radiators included

• Pipework

• Controls and thermostats

• Labour

• Removal of old equipment

• Testing and commissioning

• VAT, if applicable

• What’s excluded

How long does central heating installation take?

The time needed to install central heating depends on the size and complexity of the project.

As a rough guide:

• Installing central heating in a new 2-bed house: around 2–3 days

• Full system installation in larger homes: often longer

• Boiler-only replacement: usually much quicker

Your engineer should give you a realistic timeline once they’ve assessed your property.

Central heating installation cost calculator

For a rough idea of what your project might cost before requesting quotes, use our central heating installation calculator.

You’ll need to think about property size and number of radiators, boiler type and pipework requirements, whether you’re replacing an existing system, and whether your property already has gas access.

Job Estimate Calculator

Get Started

Step 0/3

This calculator provides a guide price only, not a quote. For an accurate cost, ask a selection of checked local installers to assess the work and provide an itemised quote.

Can you install central heating yourself?

Installing a full central heating system is usually best left to a qualified heating engineer.

Heating installation involves a wide variety of skills including pressure testing, system balancing and pipework installation.

If your boiler uses gas, the installer must be Gas Safe registered. Oil boilers should be installed by engineers registered with OFTEC, and electric boilers may need both a heating engineer and a qualified electrician for the electrical connection. Poor installation can lead to leaks, boiler problems, safety and compliance issues, poor efficiency, and expensive repairs later, so it's always best to hire a professional.

Central heating installation cost checklist

• Are you replacing a system or installing one from scratch?

• Decide what type of heating system suits your property

• Ask whether the boiler is included in the quote

• Check how many radiators are included

• Ask whether pipework installation is included

• Confirm whether old equipment removal is included

• Ask what finishing work is excluded

• Compare a selection of itemised quotes

• Check the engineer is properly qualified and registered

• Get the full scope in writing before work starts

When should you speak to a heating engineer?

It’s worth speaking to a heating engineer if your current system is outdated, you’re renovating a property, converting a home without central heating, planning an extension, or if your existing heating no longer suits your property.

A good heating engineer can help you work out what size system your home actually needs, whether existing pipework can be reused, and where installation challenges could affect the overall cost.

Every Checkatrade job is backed by our £1,000 guarantee

Up to £1000. Eligibility criteria and T&C’s apply.

Find central heating engineers near you

Comparing quotes from local heating engineers is one of the best ways to understand what a fair installation price looks like in your area.

A good engineer should assess your property properly, explain the work clearly and provide a written quote before any work begins.

FAQs

How much does central heating installation cost in the UK?

Central heating installation costs range from around £3,790 for an electric system to around £6,150 for an oil system. Gas central heating installation costs around £5,250 on average.

How much does it cost to install gas central heating in a 3-bedroom house?

The average central heating installation cost for a 3 bedroom house depends on the layout, number of radiators and pipework requirements. As a guide, a full gas central heating installation is usually around £5,250 on average.

How much does it cost to install central heating in a house that doesn’t already have it?

Installing central heating from scratch is usually more expensive because new pipework, radiators and controls all need to be installed throughout the property.

Which central heating system is cheapest to run?

Gas is generally considered the cheapest mainstream heating system to run, although it isn’t available in every property.

Is oil central heating expensive to install?

Oil central heating systems are often more expensive to install than gas systems because they require oil storage and are commonly used in off-grid properties.

How long does central heating installation take?

Installing central heating in a smaller property may take around 2–3 days, while larger or more complex installations can take longer.

Can I install central heating myself?

Central heating installation is not generally a DIY task. It should be carried out by a qualified heating engineer. Gas boiler work must legally be completed by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

What affects central heating installation costs?

The biggest factors that affect the cost of installing central heating include property size, number of radiators, boiler type, pipework requirements, access, location and whether the property already has an existing heating system.

Who should install my new heating system?

It’s best to use a fully qualified, properly registered heating engineer, no matter which heating system you choose.

What other central heating options are available?

Oil, electricity and gas aren’t the only heating options out there. You can also look into renewable sources of energy to heat your home, such as solar panels, biomass heating and ground/air source heat pumps.

Checkatrade

Follow us

More Central Heating Articles

Cost to move a radiator

Gas installation cost guide

Boiler service costs in the UK (2026 price guide)

View all