What Are the Central Heating Installation Costs in 2020? What Are the Central Heating Installation Costs in 2020? Central heating really is the ultimate luxury, and it’s definitely one we’ve come to expect as standard within our homes. The costs of installing central heating will vary considerably, depending on whether you’re renovating an existing system, or putting a heating system into a new build. For the majority of us, it’s all about replacing a tired and inefficient central heating system. If you’re fed up of relying on an old gas boiler, or fancy upgrading from those ancient Economy 7 heaters, then the first thing you’ll need to think about is the costs. However, you can’t think of this as simply the cost of the switch. You also need to think long term and consider the energy efficiency of the system you’re installing. By future-proofing your energy supply and keeping energy charges to a minimum, you’ll make the greatest savings over time. Cost of Upgrading a Gas Boiler The majority of UK homes are powered by a gas boiler, and rather than change the whole system, many homeowners will choose to simply upgrade the existing boiler. This can make sense as it’s the quickest option, but long term could be the wrong decision as gas boilers are slowly being phased out. Indeed, from 2025 gas heating will be banned in new build homes, in a bid to meet UK climate goals. It’s also been suggested that by 2035, no boilers burning fossil fuels should be installed into homes. If you do decide to go ahead and upgrade, then the final cost will depend on the complexity of the installation. If you’re replacing the boiler with the same type (combi/condensing/conventional) then it can be done in a few hours. However, you’ll need a Gas Safe registered engineer to oversee the installation, and if you are moving to a new type of boiler, the process can take up to 2 days to complete. There are cost-saving benefits to be gained from upgrading to a more energy-efficient model. According to the Energy Saving Trust, you could save up to £340 a year, meaning the cost of the boiler would have been paid off in under 5 years. If you’re replacing an existing boiler with an A-rated condensing boiler, the cost (excluding radiators) is on average £2,300. Installing a Brand New Gas Heating System Over time, we’ll see less and less new gas-fired central heating systems installed in homes, as the Government moves toward its net zero climate target. However, if this is something you’re considering then there are many issues to consider, including: Boiler size Boiler location Number and position of radiators Hot water tank Location of pipework Again, this is a job for specialists, and will typically require the services of two Gas Safe registered engineers. Depending on whether it’s a new build, and whether an existing home is lived in or empty, the job can take up to a week to complete. The average cost of installing a gas-fired central heating system is between £3,000 and £4,000. Going Low Carbon Another option is to go low carbon and install a heat pump or biomass system. Heat pumps extract heat from outside your home, transferring it to heating and hot water circuits in the home. The low-carbon biomass system is wood-fuelled and burns wood pellets, logs or chips. This heating system will heat single rooms, so isn’t a central heating system, but can be used with a back boiler to supply hot water to the property. While there are clear benefits to going low carbon, the cost of installing low-carbon heating can be prohibitive and runs at £4,800 in a new home and a staggering £26,300 in an existing property. Cost of Installing an Electric Heating System There are many ways in which you can use electricity to heat your home, but homeowners and developers primarily install electric radiators and/or underfloor heating. The beauty of an all-electric radiator system is that it’s so energy efficient. Practically all of the energy used is converted to heat, in the room where the heat is needed. Also, each unit runs independently of each other, so if one radiator fails, you’ll still have heating elsewhere in the home. There’s also no need to annually service an all-electric heating system, meaning lower maintenance charges. Another significant benefit is that there’s no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, meaning an all-round safer system for you and your family. Furthermore, electric radiators are easy to install and often won’t even require an electrician, just a power socket and simple tools to attach the radiator to the wall. The cost per radiator can be as low as £175, meaning minimal outlay for homeowners. Underfloor heating is definitely a more expensive option, and the final cost will depend on whether it’s a new build or a renovation, but the final fee, including contractor costs, can reach £4,500. Benefits of Electricity Over Gas Traditionally, homeowners and developers have avoided installing electric heating systems, this is because electric heating was viewed as expensive to run, and inefficient. However, times have changed. There are now many reasons why electric heaters are superior to their natural gas alternatives. These include: Electric radiators are 100% efficient. Electric radiators work independently from each other, this means there’s no need to transport heat around home and nearly 100% of the energy used is converted to heat. Electric heating provides energy savings. Superior 24/7programming, and WiFi connectivity, meaning you’ll have the heat where and when you want it and won’t waste money heating empty rooms or an empty house. Electric heating is the cleanest energy choice. The burning of fossil fuels is known to have a devastating impact on the environment and is one of the highest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in the UK. So it’s time to move away from gas heating systems. In contrast, more and more of our electricity is now generated from renewable energy, such as solar, hydro and wind sources. This makes electricity the most eco- and environmentally-friendly choice to power our homes and industries. Electricity won’t run out. We all know that there’s a finite supply of fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas. In contrast, electricity can be generated from sources that are in constant supply, such as the sun and wind, meaning it will never run out and can be relied upon into the next century and beyond. We hope this article has helped you determine the best central heating system for your home or business. If you’re interested in making the leap to an all-electric system then please get in touch. We offer friendly, obligation-free advice and straightforward pricing so you can understand and stay in control of your budget. Email us at enquiries@electricheatingexpert.co.uk or call us on 01252 560770 to find out more.
