How Much Does It Cost to Install or Replace a Boiler?

Imagine waking up on one of the coldest days of the year to find your boiler has quit working. Boilers are extremely efficient and run in the background, so they often don't get a lot of attention until a serious issue develops. The average lifespan of a boiler is between 15 and 20 years, but like all appliances, it won’t last forever. If your boiler frequently needs repairs or is more than 15 years old, it may be time to think about a replacement.

This May Also Interest You: 4 Signs Your Boiler Needs to Be Repaired or Replaced

The average boiler replacement cost varies depending on the type of system you choose and who installs it. This guide will walk you through the replacement decision process, including the early warning signs your older boiler is failing and factors to consider to help you make an informed choice.

What Are Some Signs You Need a New Boiler?

If you’re like many homeowners, you may hold off replacing household equipment until it’s absolutely necessary. In some instances, a repair might keep your boiler going another season. However, if you notice several of the following issues, having a new boiler installed may be the best option.

• Advancing age. If your boiler is approaching the end of its expected lifespan, it needs repeated repairs and your heating bills are increasing every year, it may be time to invest in new equipment. As boilers age, they tend to become less reliable and consume more fuel to generate the same amount of heat.

• High repair estimate. Maintenance and repairs are necessary with any type of heating equipment. However, if the latest repair estimate is more than half the cost of a new boiler, you should consider purchasing a new system.

• Strange noises. Boilers make various sounds during normal operation, but new or loud noises could be a bad sign. Banging, clanking or whistling sounds could indicate a serious problem.

• Pooling water or leaks. Leaks are usually a sign of failing valves or seals. Ignoring the issue can lead to corrosion and water damage in your home.

• Yellow flame. When your boiler is operating properly, the flame should be blue. A yellow flame is a warning sign of incomplete fuel combustion and could indicate the boiler is producing carbon monoxide. You should turn the unit off immediately and contact a professional.

• Slow heating. If your radiators take forever to give off heat or the water coming from your faucets is slow to warm up, it's a sign the efficiency and heating capabilities of your boiler are in decline.

What Is the Average Boiler Replacement Cost?

Based on pricing data from HomeGuide, the average cost to replace a standard-efficiency boiler is between $2,200 and $7,000 (CAD 3,091 and CAD 9,834). High-efficiency boilers cost between $4,000 and $10,000 (CAD 5,619 and CAD 14,048). On average, homeowners spend $6,100 (CAD 8,569) for a new boiler installation.

The total amount you pay when replacing a boiler includes the cost of the system and installation labor charges. Average labor costs range from $1,200 to $3,200 (CAD 1,686 to CAD 4,495), but this amount can vary depending on how much your contractor charges per hour.

Other costs associated with a new boiler installation can include:

• New plumbing pipes and connections. Having new plumbing pipes and connections installed can cost between $450 and $1,800 (CAD 632 and CAD 2,529), and it may be necessary if the existing ones are leaking, damaged or incompatible with your new boiler.

• New radiators. If your existing radiators are more than 15 years old, you may want to upgrade to improve heating efficiency. Installing new radiators can cost between $250 and $500 (CAD 351 and CAD 702).

How Much Does a New Boiler Cost?

The average boiler replacement cost depends on several factors, including the type, brand and model you choose, its efficiency rating and fuel type and whether you opt for standard or smart controls.

Boiler Installation Costs by Type

There are several types of boilers to choose from. The technology each type uses to heat your home affects the cost.

Conventional Boiler Installation Cost

A conventional or standard boiler uses a heat exchanger to warm water, then stores the water in a large, insulated cylinder until needed. These boilers work well for large families that use a lot of hot water, but they tend to be the least efficient due to heat loss from the tank. Average prices for conventional boilers range from $1,200 to $5,000 (CAD 1,686 to CAD 7,024).

Combi Boiler Installation Price

Also known as combination boilers, these compact systems are ideal for smaller spaces and work best in homes with excellent water pressure and low hot water demands. They don't have a tank and heat water on an as-needed basis. Combi-boilers cost between $1,700 and $3,500 (CAD 2,388 and CAD 4,917).

High-Efficiency Boiler Installation Cost

These boilers use a condensing process to utilize the heat created from fuel combustion more effectively. They also feature an internal circulating pump instead of an external pump. Prices for high-efficiency boilers range from $1,900 to $7,000 (CAD 2,669 to CAD 9,834).

Boiler Installation Costs by Brand and Model

Boilers are available from several manufacturers, and each brand has different models to choose from. Prices can vary significantly on the models offered by a brand.

For example, Utica boilers start at $1,200 (CAD 1,685) and go up to $7,400 (CAD 10,396). Prices for Peerless boilers range between $2,000 and $6,000 (CAD 2,809 and CAD 8,427), while Bosch models cost between $1,900 and $4,200 (CAD 2,669 and CAD 5,899). Prices for Westinghouse boilers are more consistent, ranging from $2,500 to $2,700 (CAD 3,512 to CAD 3,793).

More Related Articles:

• How Much Does Boiler Repair Cost?

• How Much Does Heating Oil Cost?

• Why Am I Using So Much Heating Oil? Here’s How to Reduce Your Consumption

• How Does Heating Your Home With Oil Work — and Who’s Still Using It?

• How Often Does a Boiler Need to Be Serviced?

Boiler Costs by Fuel Type

Boilers may run on various types of fuel. The type you choose can make a difference in the long-term operating expenses and the average cost of a new boiler, including installation.

Natural Gas Boiler Installation Cost

This is often considered the most reliable fuel source for boilers but requires a connection to a natural gas line. Gas boilers typically cost between $4,000 and $9,000 (CAD 5,619 and CAD 12,643).

Propane Boiler Installation Cost

These operate similarly to natural gas boilers, but the fuel is stored in a tank on your property. Propane is generally more expensive than natural gas. This type of boiler costs between $2,800 and $7,500 (CAD 3,933 and CAD 10,536).

Oil Boiler Installation Cost

This is a common fuel choice in areas without access to natural gas lines. Oil boilers are very durable but can be more expensive to install and operate than other options. The average cost to replace a high-efficiency oil boiler is $3,300 to $9,000 (CAD 4,636 to CAD 12,643).

Electric Boiler Installation Cost

These boilers are one of the least expensive options to install, and they don’t require a connection to a fuel line. Electric boilers cost between $1,800 and $8,000 to replace (CAD 2,529 and CAD 11,238).

Additional Boiler Heating System Installation Cost Factors

Smart Controls

Choosing heating system features such as a smart thermostat can help reduce your heating costs by 8% a year. However, smart thermostats can cost between $100 and $300 (CAD 140 and CAD 421), which is considerably more than the basic programmable model price of around $20 (CAD 28).

Efficiency Rating

Boilers are assigned an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating by the U.S. Department of Energy. The rating is a measurement of heat output compared to fuel consumption, and boilers with higher AFUE ratings are more efficient and more expensive. Standard boilers have efficiency ratings of 80% to 89%, while high-efficiency models have ratings of 90% or above.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.