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Last updated: 4 October 2022
Cost of upgrading warm air heating
In this guide, we'll look at the cost of upgrading warm air heating systems. This includes installing a more modern warm air heating system or replacing it altogether with a gas or electric central heating system.
Warm air heating systems use a boiler to send heated air around your home through a system of pipes and vents. These are usually hidden underneath floorboards and around the bottom of walls.
This type of heating system was really popular in the 1960s and 1970s but is now considered to be quite outdated.
Warm air heating was replaced by more advanced boiler technology, teamed with water-filled radiator systems, also known as a central heating system. However, you may still find warm air heating systems in some older homes.
Warm air heating replacement cost
As warm air heating has largely fallen out of favour, not many providers still offer these systems. You may be better replacing your system with a gas-fired boiler and radiator system, or even an electric heating system.
| Cost provided item | Price range - low | Price range - high | Average UK cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upgrade existing warm air heating system | £750 | £5,250 | £3,000 |
| Installing new gas combo boiler and system pipework | £4,750 | £6,750 | £5,750 |
| Installing new gas combo boiler and radiators | £8,420 | £11,820 | £10,120 |
| Installing new electric central heating system | £3,810 | £4,930 | £4,370 |
| Last updated: May 2024 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |||
If you do like your warm air system but want something more up-to-date, you can expect to pay around £3,000 on average for a more modern warm air boiler.
But if a new installation is needed, the cost of upgrading warm air heating across the whole system could add up to around £5,250.
These costs cover the new boiler, radiators, pipework and labour. However, the cost also depends on the size of your home. It will also depend on whether your system is powered by gas, or an air source heat pump or ground source heat pump.
Cost of gas central heating installation
If you want to replace your warm air heating system, a popular option is a gas-fired boiler and water-filled radiators. This can cost between **£5,750**and£10,120.
The cost can vary depending on the size of your home and the number of radiators. Plus, whether you have a combi or condensing boiler, and whether or not you have a water tank fitted.
Cost of electric heating system replacement
Another option for upgrading your heating system is electric storage heaters. These are a suitable option for homes that aren’t connected to the gas grid.
You can expect to pay on average £4,370 to install a full electric heating system from scratch.
Of course, the cost as always depends on the size of your home. But remember that running costs with electric systems do tend to be higher than gas-powered heating systems.
FAQs
Are there any other options for replacing my warm air heating system?
An alternative option we haven't covered here is oil-fired heating systems. This is another suitable option for homes that aren't connected to the main gas grid. Oil heating systems use an oil-fired boiler to provide both central heating and hot water. Another option is solar and battery storage. The power generated by solar panels and stored in batteries can be used to operate heat pumps or electric heating systems.
How long does it take to install a new heating system?
Depending on the replacement heating system you've chosen, installation can take around three to five days.
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