Home > HVAC > Heating & Furnaces

How Much Does Boiler Replacement Cost?

Average National Cost $3,700 - $12,000
More than 730 people have received a free quote in the last 60 days.
Please enter valid zip
Get My Quote
Enter details in under 3 minutes.
Advertisement

Updated On

March 4, 2025

Why You Can Trust Us

Today’s Homeowner exists to help you maintain or improve your home safely and effectively. We uphold strict editorial standards and carefully vet the advice and resources referenced in our articles. Click below to learn more about our review process and how we earn money.

Learn More

Replacing a boiler costs between $3,700 and $12,000, with most homeowners paying around $5,900. Small homes fall at the lower end, while larger two-story homes with high-efficiency systems reach the higher end.

When your boiler starts failing, you’ll notice uneven heating, odd noises, or higher energy bills. Repairs can help with minor issues, but replacing an old boiler will improve the heating in your home and reduce monthly costs. Most boilers last 15-20 years with proper maintenance. If yours is getting close to this age, replacing it now prevents emergency repairs in cold weather.

Home size primarily drives the cost— a 1,500-square-foot house needs a smaller boiler than a 3,000-square-foot home. Brand choice, fuel type, and efficiency ratings also impact pricing.

In this guide, we’ll break down boiler replacement costs using our expertise and data from RSMeans — a trusted construction materials database used by top-rated HVAC contractors — to give you the most accurate information possible.

Advertisement
Get HVAC Estimates in Just 30 Seconds
Then connect with local experts to get the help you need.
Please enter valid zip
Compare Quotes

Key Takeaways

  • Expect to pay between pay between $3,700 and $12,000 for a new boiler in your home.
  • The most common types are electric, gas, and wood boilers.
  • We don't recommend handling your boiler installation yourself, since it's complicated process.

Average Cost to Replace Your Boiler

On average, new boilers cost $5,900, but you can expect to pay between $3,700 and $12,000 depending on the type of boiler you choose, its size, and its efficiency.

These costs are for the boiler itself and don’t include labor costs of $935 to $2,110 and demolition costs of $820 to $2,650. If your boiler replacement project is complicated or you have a large boiler to dispose of, the total boiler replacement cost can exceed $12,000.

Low Boiler CostAverage Boiler CostHigh Boiler Cost
$3,700$5,900$12,000
Cost data include the unit, labor, and demolition, if applicable. All cost data in this article were gathered from RSMeans construction materials and labor database and bids from top contractors.

How Do Costs Differ By Boiler Fuel Type?

The type of boiler you install is a major factor in its total cost.

Fuel SourceLow CostHigh Cost
Electric$1,800$8,000
Gas/Propane$2,800$9,000
Oil$4,800$9,000
Wood$7,000$16,000

Electric Boiler

The price range for electric boiler replacement is between $1,800 and $8,000 for the boiler and installation. Electric boilers are the most energy-efficient type available. Unlike other boilers that lose heat during energy conversion, electric boilers convert 100% of the fuel source into usable energy for your home. However, because electricity is more expensive than natural gas and electric boilers are slow to heat, they may not be the best option for large homes requiring significant heating capacity.

Gas or Propane Boiler

As the least expensive type to run, gas boilers are a popular option. These boilers cost between $2,800 and $9,000 but will likely reduce your energy bills. As with oil boilers, gas boiler systems rely on the combustion of carbon-based fuel in the presence of oxygen to produce steam that provides the heat.

Oil Boiler

The national average cost for an oil boiler is between $4,800 and $9,000. An oil boiler heats your home by using oil to heat water. These boilers can be a great option for homes in rural areas because they don’t require access to a main power grid or gas supply.

Wood Boiler

If you live in a heavily wooded area and have access to significant amounts of timber, then a wood boiler may be your best choice. As the name suggests, wood boilers heat water by burning wood and can be cost-effective if you can rely on free wood to heat your home. These boilers can cost $7,000 to $16,000 on average.

How Does Boiler Size Affect Boiler Replacement Pricing?

The larger the boiler, the more expensive it is, and larger houses require larger boilers because there is more space to heat. Your boiler must be able to regulate the temperature in several rooms and zones.

To estimate the size of the boiler you need, consider your square footage and the appropriate number of BTUs (British thermal units) in your location:

  • 20 BTU to 30 BTU: Hot climates (Florida, Texas, and other Gulf Coast states)
  • 25 BTU to 35 BTU: Warm climates (California and Southeast states)
  • 30 BTU to 45 BTU: Moderate climates (Lower Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states)
  • 45 BTU to 55 BTU: Cold climates (Mountain regions)
  • 50 BTU to 60 BTU: Freezing climates (Upper Midwest and Northeast)

Whereas larger boilers that can heat 3,000 square feet (sq. ft.) or more can start at $9,500 per unit, smaller boilers for homes that are 1,500 sq. ft. or less might cost $3,700 per unit or less, as shown below.

Home SizeAverage Costs
1,000 sq. ft.$3,700 – $6,500
1,500 sq. ft.$3,600 – $7,000
2,000 sq. ft.$4,800 – $7,500
2,500 sq. ft.$5,250 – $7,600
3,000 sq. ft.$6,300 – $12,000

If you live in a newer, well-insulated, energy-efficient home, you may get by with a smaller boiler. However, if you live in an older home without energy-efficient windows and good wall insulation, you may have to buy a more-expensive larger boiler. An HVAC technician can help you determine the right size for your home.


Which Factors Impact Boiler Replacement Cost Estimates?

The boiler prices cited above reflect national averages, but in some cases, costs may be significantly higher. Certain factors can drive up the cost of your boiler, but upgrades may be worthwhile. Boiler installation costs are most impacted by the following:

Brand

As indicated in the table below, the brand of boiler you choose can impact your total cost. Some brands, like Bryant and Burnham, offer cheaper boiler models, whereas others, such as Lennox and Weil-McLain, are more expensive.

Boiler BrandAverage Cost
Bryant$2,000 – $5,000
Bosch$2,200 – $5,000
Burnham$1,700 – $5,700
Crown$2,200 – $5,000
Lennox$2,200 – $7,200
Navien$2,000 – $5,000
Peerless$1,800 – $4,800
Utica$2,000 – $6,300
Viessman$1,700 – $8,000
Weil-McLain$1,750 – $7,800
Williamson$1,800 – $6,000

The cost difference between brands is also why you should get multiple quotes from local HVAC installers. Each has its own set of brand partners and may offer you better pricing if it carries a less expensive brand.

Condensing Vs. Non-condensing Boilers

Non-condensing boilers are a more traditional boiler type. They have a heat exchange chamber that uses gas or oil to heat the water. During this process, excess moisture and gasses are released through the flue, meaning energy is lost. These boilers are more affordable at $1,700 to $5,200 for the unit.

Condensing boilers have larger heat exchangers that cool the exhaust gasses before they can escape, resulting in condensation. This allows the boiler to reuse the gas and heat your home more efficiently. Condensing boilers are more expensive at an average of $2,200 to $7,200 per unit, as shown below.

Condensing/Non-condensing BoilerAverage Cost
Non-condensing$1,700 – $5,200
Condensing$2,200 – $7,200
An HVAC contractor will be able to advise you on which type of boiler will be best for your home.

Efficiency

Boiler efficiency is measured by an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating. This percentage tells us how much energy is converted into usable heat and how much is lost during the conversion process. Most new boilers will have an AFUE rating of 80% or higher, but high-efficiency models have AFUE ratings of 90% or more.

As shown below, standard boilers with between 80% and 89% AFUE cost between $3,700 and $9,500 for boiler installation, but you will pay more on energy bills each month. If you live in a moderate or warm climate, you can get by with these less efficient units because you’ll use your boiler less. But if you live in colder or freezing climates, it’s worth paying for the more efficient radiant heating systems with 90% AFUE or higher or getting an ENERGY STAR-certified boiler. These high-efficiency models typically cost between $6,200 and $12,000. Gas boilers that are ENERGY-STAR certified and have an AFUE of at least 95% qualify for the federal tax credit for HVAC equipment.

Efficiency RatingAverage Cost
Standard boiler (80% – 89% AFUE)$3,700 – $9,500
High-Efficiency boiler (90%+ AFUE)$6,200 – $12,000

System Type

The boiler model and type play a significant role in the overall cost. Conventional or standard boilers are often more affordable than combination boilers and system boilers. Still, many homeowners opt for the latter two because they are better suited for larger homes and can be more energy efficient.

The best type of boiler for your home may depend on your existing boiler system, budget, and home size, so ask your HVAC technician if you are unsure which is best for you. Types of boilers that are often installed in residential homes include:

  • Standard or conventional boiler: Standard boilers heat your home using either hot water or steam. Unlike other boilers, conventional boilers can’t provide potable water, so you must install a separate water heater. This does make conventional boilers more affordable at $2,500 to $6,500.
  • System boiler: System boiler heat can be used for home heating and water heating. These boilers average $3,000 to $6,500 and have a storage tank for hot water reserves.
  • Combination boiler: Combination boilers, commonly referred to as combi boilers, are both hot water heaters and heating systems. Unlike system boilers, combi boilers are tankless and only heat water when needed. This makes combi boilers the most energy-efficient but does make them more expensive at $3,000 to $7,000 for basic boiler models.

Average costs by boiler type are shown below.

Type of BoilerAverage Cost
Standard or conventional$2,500 – $6,500
System boiler$3,000 – $6,500
Combination boiler$3,000 – $7,000
Steam boiler$2,500 – $9,000
Hot water boiler$1,500 – $8,000

Additional Factors

The boiler and labor are only two components of the total cost of boiler installation. You may need to pay for old boiler removal, permits, new gas lines, and more when you replace your boiler. Here are some of the additional HVAC installation costs that can increase the cost of your boiler replacement project:

  • Demolition: If you need to remove your old boiler, you can expect to pay an average of between $950 and $2,500.
  • Ductwork: You may need to fix leaks in your ductwork or install new ductwork. Ductwork replacement costs between $15 and $50 per linear foot, so your replacement total will depend on how much needs to be replaced or installed.
  • Emergency repairs and replacement: If your boiler breaks down unexpectedly, you may need to pay emergency boiler repair fees to have a technician come to your home as quickly as possible. These service call fees typically cost between $50 and $150.
  • Gas lines: If you need to install new gas lines or switch from one fuel type to another, you may need to pay between $350 and $2,500, depending on the extent of the replacement. You may also need to hire plumbers to complete the installation.
  • Residential hookup: Residential boiler hookup is often necessary for new installations and permits and can cost between $250 and $600.
  • Permits: In some states, you must get a permit for your HVAC installation project and pass an inspection. These permits typically cost between $50 and $350.
  • Updated thermostat: If you have an outdated thermostat and install a new one, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $400.

Professional vs. DIY Boiler Replacement

If you find that your boiler is not heating your home as well as it used to, if you hear rattling or booming noises, or if your energy bills are skyrocketing, it’s probably time to replace the boiler. However, this job is for professional HVAC technicians, not DIY dabblers.

Doing Boiler Replacement Yourself

Installing a boiler is a complex project that requires the combined expertise of HVAC technicians, plumbers, and even electricians. These professionals will make sure your new boiler is the right size for your home, that it’s installed correctly so it can operate efficiently, and that it’s connected safely.

Today’s Homeowner Tip

In many states, you’ll need a license to install HVAC equipment and may have to pass an inspection before you can hook up and turn on your heating system. Working with a top HVAC installer can also help you take advantage of local rebates.

Hiring a Professional for Boiler Replacement

The best way to have your new boiler installed safely and correctly is to have it done by an HVAC professional. You can easily contact an HVAC installer by clicking the button below and following these simple steps:

  1. Find local experts near you: Use the button below to be connected with the best local HVAC contractors in your area.
  2. Get several quotes: Gather at least two quotes so you can compare prices and boiler models.
  3. Explore recommendations: Ask the HVAC technicians which model, efficiency rating, and boiler size they recommend so you can ensure you have the right system for your home.
  4. Choose a boiler: Compare the quotes you’ve gathered and choose the best one based on your home and budget.
  5. Set up your boiler replacement: Set up a time for your HVAC crew to come to your home and install your new boiler.
Advertisement
Get HVAC Estimates in Just 30 Seconds
Then connect with local experts to get the help you need.
Please enter valid zip
Compare Quotes

Final Thoughts About Boiler Replacement Cost

On average, it costs between $3,700 and $12,000 to replace a boiler, excluding labor and old boiler disposal costs. The actual cost will depend on the brand chosen, the unit’s efficiency, the type of system, and the other factors we’ve explored in this article. We don’t recommend replacing your boiler yourself because your system must be properly set up — so contact a local professional installer to get quotes and choose the best boiler for your home.


FAQs About Boiler Replacement Cost

Are boilers expensive to replace?

Replacing your boiler costs between $3,700 and $12,000. The long-term energy savings will eventually offset this investment. A high-efficiency boiler cuts heating bills by 15-30% compared to older models. For boilers over 15 years old, the energy savings can cover the replacement cost within just 5-7 years.

How much is a boiler for a 2000 sq ft house?

A new boiler for a 2,000-square-foot house costs $5,000 to $8,000, including installation and materials. Home layout, insulation, and local climate will affect your final price. If you live in a cold region, you’ll need a larger unit. However, well-insulated homes can use smaller ones.

How often should a boiler be replaced?

Boilers last 15-20 years on average with the right maintenance. Plan for replacement at 15 years, even if it still works. Replace your boiler when you see rising energy bills, frequent breakdowns, uneven heating, banging noises, rust, leaks, or temperature control issues.

Is it worth replacing an old boiler?

Replacing your old boiler makes sense if it’s over 15 years old or its breaking down frequently. A new boiler can reduce your home’s energy bills by 15-30%, provide reliable heating, and reduce repair costs. You’ll gain better temperature control and home value. Tax credits and rebates can help make high-efficiency models more affordable. If your repair costs exceed $500 yearly or heating bills keep rising, replacement beats continued repairs.

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Jonathon Jachura

Jonathon Jachura

Contributor

Full Bio

Full Bio

Jonathon Jachura is a two-time homeowner with hands-on experience with HVAC, gutters, plumbing, lawn care, pest control, and other aspects of owning a home. He is passionate about home maintenance and finding the best services. His main goal is to educate others with crisp, concise descriptions that any homeowner can use. Jon uses his strong technical background to create engaging, easy-to-read, and informative guides. He does most of his home and lawn projects himself but hires professional companies for the “big things.” He knows what goes into finding the best service providers and contractors. Jon studied mechanical engineering at Purdue University in Indiana and worked in the HVAC industry for 12 years. Between his various home improvement projects, he enjoys the outdoors, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with his family.
avatar for Roxanne Downer

Roxanne Downer

Editor

Full Bio

Full Bio

Roxanne Downer is a commerce editor at Today’s Homeowner, where she tackles everything from foundation repair to solar panel installation. She brings more than 15 years of writing and editing experience to bear in her meticulous approach to ensuring accurate, up-to-date, and engaging content. She’s previously edited for outlets including MSN, Architectural Digest, and Better Homes & Gardens. An alumna of the University of Pennsylvania, Roxanne is now an Oklahoma homeowner, DIY enthusiast, and the proud parent of a playful pug.
Find Our Top Picks for HVAC Pros in Major Cities