Central Heating Installation

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Central Heating Installation

A new central heating system is one of the most important buying decisions you can make. At Boilerhut, we are here to provide you with all the information and rough costs for installing central heating in your home or property. Whether it’s a gas central heating installation, oil, LPG or Air Source Heat Pump we’re here to help.

On this page we’ll discuss:

What is central heating installation?
What does central heating installation include?
The central heating installation process
Approximate costs for different sized properties
Boilerhut Case Study
Timescales involved
Considerations
Frequently asked questions

What is central heating installation?

A new central heating system is one of the most important buying decisions you can make.

Here at Boilerhut we can quote and fully install central heating systems alongside different types of boilers, air source heat pumps and PV solar panels.

Rather than just installing a boiler, central heating installation refers to the installation of all associated components necessary for a central heating system.

You might require central heating installation if you are building a new property, undertaking a property redevelopment, or changing the type of heating system in your home from electric storage heating or another older system.

Whether it’s gas central heating installation, or LPG central heating or oil central heating, we can help. We only work with high-efficiency A-rated and great quality boiler brands. So you’re safe in our hands.

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Quick links and more information…

Removal and replacement of back boilers >

Different types of boilers available today >

How to control your heating >

Different fuel types for boilers in the UK >

What does installing central heating include?

We will supply and install everything that is required for a full central heating system. However, the components that are required will depend on the type of boiler you are having installed. Below, we have detailed everything we will provide for each type of boiler installation.

Supply and install of the following	Combi boiler and central heating installation	System boiler and central heating installation	Conventional boiler and central heating installation
A-rated condensing combi boiler	Yes	Yes	Yes
Horizontal or vertical flue	Yes	Yes	Yes
Magnetic filter	Yes	Yes	Yes
Hard water filter	If you live in a medium to hard water area	If you live in a medium to hard water area	If you live in a medium to hard water area
Boiler controls	Yes	Yes	Yes
Expansion vessel	Yes	Yes	Yes
Pipework installation	Yes	Yes	Yes
Radiator installation	Yes	Yes	Yes
Hot water cylinder installation	No	Yes	Yes
Header tank installation	No	No	Yes
Central heating pump	No	Not Required	Yes
Weather compensation sensor	Yes, where possible	Yes, where possible	Yes, where possible

In addition to the above, we will also provide the following as part of every central heating installation that we undertake:

Chemical/power flush and MagnaCleanse system flushes
Boiler commissioning and benchmarking
Extended warranty registration
Expert handover and induction on boiler, controls, and best usage
Building regulations notification and certification

What does installing central heating include?

We will supply and install everything that is required for a full central heating system. However, the components that are required will depend on the type of boiler you are having installed. We’ll try and detail everything we will provide central heating installation with the following three types of boiler: combi boilers; system boilers; conventional boilers.

All central heating installations, no matter the boiler, will include:

A-rated condensing combi boiler
Horizontal or vertical flue
Magnetic filter
Hard water filter (if you live in a medium or hard water area)
Boiler controls
Expansion vessel
Pipework installation
Radiator installation

Other bits:

Hot water cylinders are required for system and conventional boilers and not for combi boilers.
Header tanks are required for conventional boilers, not for system or combi boilers.
Central heating pumps are required for conventional boiler systems and not for combi or system boilers.
Weather compensation sensors can be used depending on the model of the boiler and are not dependent on the boiler type.

In addition to the above, we will also provide the following as part of every central heating installation that we undertake:

Chemical/power flush and MagnaCleanse system flushes
Boiler commissioning and benchmarking
Extended warranty registration
Expert handover and induction on boiler, controls, and best usage
Building regulations notification and certification

The central heating installation process

At Boilerhut, we follow set procedures to ensure that each installation is undertaken to the highest standards. The central heating installation process will usually take place in the following order:

Installation of the radiators in rooms around the property – The radiators will be sited first so that the engineer can see where the pipework should connect to. Once this has been done, the radiators will be fixed in place using brackets drilled into the wall.
The pipework will be laid – At Boilerhut, we utilise copper pipes. These will be laid around your property and will be connected to the various outlets, water tanks (where relevant), radiators, and boiler that make up your central heating system. This can be a time-consuming job, especially where the flooring needs to be taken up.
The new boiler will be installed – We will shut off the water and gas (if relevant), in order to undertake the installation of the boiler.
Setting up the heating system – We will make sure that all of the vents on the radiators are closed and then fill the heating system with water. We will then vent the radiators to rid them of excess air. The boiler will then be switched on to warm up the water and we will use the radiator valves to balance the hot water flow around the system.

How much does central heating installation cost?

So, how much does central heating cost to install? The average central heating installation cost into a 3-4 bedroom house is £6,500 – £7,900. For a 2 bed house, the average cost of this will be £5,200 – £5,900. Remember, this is an approximate whole-house central heating installation price. This is NOT just a boiler replacement or installation.

Bathrooms	Radiators	Bedrooms	Average cost
1	Up to 10	1-2	£5,900
1-2	Up to 15	3-4	£7,900
2+	Up to 20	4+	£9,800

➔ 1 bathroom, up to 10 radiators, 1-2 bedrooms: average cost £5,900.

➔ 1-2 bathrooms, up to 15 radiators, 3-4 bedrooms: average cost £7,900.

➔ 2+ bathrooms, up to 20 radiators, 4+ bedrooms: average cost £9,800.

This cost is an estimate. The final cost will depend on a number of factors including; boiler location, brand, fuel type, pipework, heating controls, required flue or pump, system economy and wether you are converting to natural gas from LPG to oil.

To get the most accurate quote please fill in the online quote and we’ll call you back to go through a couple more questions and your preferences to give you a full and final price. Or please feel free to call: 029 2009 9898.

More detailed breakdown of costs

Below we have broken down the costs involved with each part of the central heating installation based on the size of the property.

Costs for a 1-2 Bedroom Property

This breakdown is based on the central heating installation of a combi boiler and 8 radiators…

SUPPLY AND INSTALL OF:	AVERAGE COST
A brand new A-rated condensing combi boiler	£800 – £1,500
A horizontal or vertical flue	£90 – £750
A magnetic filter	£90
A hard water filter	£30
A choice of boiler controls	£50 – £300
An expansion vessel	£80 – £200
Complete pipework installation	£1,000 – £2,000
Radiator installation	£960
Labour charge	£1,600
Average Total	£4,700
Average install time	2 days

Costs for a 3-4 Bedroom Property

The breakdown below is based on the installation of a storage combi boiler and 12 radiators.

SUPPLY AND INSTALL OF:	AVERAGE COST
A brand new A-rated condensing combi boiler	£900 – £1,600
A horizontal or vertical flue	£90 – £750
A magnetic filter	£90
A hard water filter	£30
A choice of boiler controls	£50 – £300
An expansion vessel	£80 – £200
Complete pipework installation	£1,200 – £2,500
Radiator installation	£1,560
Labour charge	£1,700
Average Total	£5,700
Average install time	2 days

Costs for a 4+ Bedroom Property

The below breakdown is based on the installation of a conventional boiler, 16 radiators and all the tanks required.

SUPPLY AND INSTALL OF:	AVERAGE COST
A brand new A-rated condensing combi boiler	£1,00 – £1,700
A horizontal or vertical flue	£90 – £750
A magnetic filter	£90
A hard water filter	£30
A choice of boiler controls	£50 – £300
An expansion vessel	£80 – £200
Complete pipework installation	£1,920 – £3,000
Radiator installation	£2,080
Hot water cylinder installation	£700 – £3,000
Heder tank installation	£250 – £500
Central heating pump	£200 – £300
Labour charge	£2,000 – £2,400
Average Total	£8,400
Average install time	2 days

A recent full central heating installation

In the video, you will be able to see a recent full central heating installation that we undertook in a property development in Cyncoed, Cardiff.

See the full case study here >

The property which was formerly a doctors surgery was being redeveloped into a day nursery and required an upgraded heating system to meet building regulations.

To this property, we installed the complete pipework, all new radiators, and an Ariston Clas ONE combi boiler.

How long will it take to install a new central heating system?

On average, it will take 2 heating engineers between 2-5 days to install a full central heating system. Installation times will vary depending on the size of your property and whether or not you are currently living in the property. If you are living in the property, the heating engineers will need to work around you so the installation will take longer.

Below you will find the typical installation times for various installation scenarios:

1 Bed Flat
Installation of a combi boiler and five radiators into a one-bedroom flat with one bathroom.
Average installation time: 2 days
3 Bed Semi-Detached Property
Installation of a combi boiler and eight radiators into a three-bedroom semi-detached house with one bathroom.
Average installation time: 2 – 3 days
3 Bed, 3-Storey Terrace Property
Installation of a combi boiler and 10 radiators into a three-bedroom three-story terrace house with two bathrooms
Average installation time: 2 – 3 days
4 Bed Detached Property
Installation of a system boiler and 15 radiators into a four-bedroom detached house with two bathrooms
Average installation time: 3 – 4 days

Things to consider

Your boiler budget
The price of boilers varies widely depending on the make and model. This will have the greatest impact on your overall budget. We’re an approved Viessmann partner and will recommend them when they suit the new central heating system. We love their super high efficiency, great customer service and a patented stainless steel heat exchanger – which doesn’t lose efficiency over time like aluminium exchangers.

Get a central heating quote now >
The pipework required
The layout of your home and necessary pipework will have an impact on the cost of your central heating installation (i.e. either copper or plastic and pipe sizes selected). We will always go with industry standard installation methods where possible.
Where will your boiler be installed?
Typical installation locations include kitchens, utility rooms (if trying to fit the new boiler into a cabinet, dimensions are vital), airing cupboards and garages.
Boiler fuel type
Is your property connected to the gas mains network? If no, you will have to consider an alternative option such as an oil boiler or an LPG boiler. These alternatives may require tank installations or secure places for bottles of LPG.

Boilers that run off the gas mains will need to go somewhere that a mains pipe can get to. In most cases this is almost anywhere but there could be issues with thick walls or drainage etc that need to be considered.
The most suitable boiler type for your property
Will a combi, (storage combi boiler) a system boiler or a conventional boiler be best suited to your heating and hot water needs. If you’re not sure, give us a ring and we’ll go through the different options available to you for your home or property.
The flooring you have in your property
To install pipework, we may need to take up the flooring in your property. Depending on the flooring type, this can have an impact on the time it takes to complete the installation. For instance, laying pipework underneath solid flooring which has already been laid is virtually impossible and is not advised. It should be noted that taking up laminate flooring can be damaging to the panels and these may not go back down in the same way.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need planning permission for central heating?

Planning permission is not usually required for central heating installation, providing the installation isn’t being undertaken in a listed building. If your property is listed and you are unsure whether you will need permission, it is worth checking with your local planning authority.

What is a sealed heating system?

A sealed heating system is a contained loop not exposed to the open air, typically pressurised to around 1 bar. Favoured for its efficiency, sealed systems also reduce common issues like airlocks and system contamination. Combi boilers are a sealed system, as are most new system boiler set-ups.

What is a gravity or open vented system?

Traditional open vent systems are open to the atmosphere and use a feed and expansion tank to regulate pressure and accommodate system expansion, a hallmark of older heating setups.

What size boiler do I need?

Selecting a boiler that matches your property’s heat loss and emitter types (like radiators) is critical to avoid under heating or inefficiency due to short cycling. When discussing your needs, Boilerhut engineers will ensure that all radiators, hot taps and showers are taken into account to ensure that you have the right size boiler.

It’s important to note, that a bigger boiler isn’t always better. If power, in kW (kilowatts) is too high you won’t be running efficiently and will be using more fuel to do the same job a smaller boiler could easily handle. Why pay 50p when you can pay 25p?!

Do I need a magnetic filter?

Magnetic filters are crucial for a clean heating system, trapping both magnetic (rust, steel) and non-magnetic (limescale and dirt) particles, thus protecting the whole system including the boiler’s heat exchanger. This helps improve your boiler lifespan.

Is central heating installation messy?

The process of fitting a new central heating system, or updating an existing one, typically involves a certain level of upheaval in your property. Expect this short-term inconvenience to last for several days. During this period, you may need to remove or lift carpets and be prepared for some dust and debris on your floors and surfaces.

Is installing gas central heating a big job?

Yes. The expense associated with installing central heating in your home encompasses the purchase and installation of essential components such as the boiler, heating controls, an intricate network of pipework, and radiators. For some systems, a water tank may also be necessary. The installation process is quite labor-intensive and involves integrating these elements into your home’s infrastructure.

The overall cost is influenced by the scale and complexity of the installation, which in turn is often a function of your home’s size; larger homes require more extensive pipework and a greater number of radiators to achieve a uniform distribution of heat. Consequently, as the scope of the project increases with the size of the property, so does the financial outlay required to ensure a fully functioning central heating system. It is also worth considering that higher quality or more advanced systems, while potentially more costly upfront, can offer greater efficiency and cost savings over time.

Is it difficult to install central heating yourself?

Yes. It’s complicated and required understanding of the boiler and the property. There are lots of legal regulations that you need to understand to ensure the system is safe and installed correctly.

Installing central heating requires skill and understanding due to connections to gas and water mains and an interconnected network of heating and hot water pipes. The complexity also increases with the project’s size and the extent of existing system replacement. Please be aware, only Gas Safe registered engineers are allowed to work with gas pipes and boilers.

Components:

Boiler: Choose a boiler suitable for your property’s needs. Options include conventional, combi, system, biomass, and liquid petroleum gas boilers.
Radiators: The number, style, and size of radiators affect installation complexity and cost.
Control System: Options range from smart thermostats to traditional heating controls, impacting system efficiency and cost.
Additional Parts: Depending on the boiler type, you may need filters, thermostats, cleaning solutions, hot water pipes, etc.
Tools: Ensure you have the necessary tools for installation.

Installation Steps:

Step 1: Create a map of the new system, considering boiler placement and radiator positioning.
Step 2: Install radiators, ensuring proper valve installation and maintenance space.
Step 3: Lay pipes connecting radiators to the boiler, using copper piping recommended.
Step 4: Set up the control system following manufacturer instructions.
Step 5: Fit the boiler, turning off hot water and gas during installation. A gas-safe registered engineer must handle the gas connection.
Step 6: Commission the system by flooding it with water, activating the heating pump, and balancing the radiators.

Which central heating system is best?

Heating systems aren’t a single thing; they’re boilers, radiators, piping, hot water tanks (sometimes), filters and controllers.

The best central heating installations are systems that are perfect for your home. They heat your home well and provide the perfect hot water flow to your taps and showers.

We’re a 5* rated installer based in Cardiff who operate across the UK. If you are considering a new central heating installation, get a no-obligation quote online now and we’ll contact you back to discuss all the intricacies to ensure you have a full, final and correct quote.