How Much Does a New Gas Boiler Cost to Install?

Installing Gas Boiler in Your Homes

Gas boilers are among the most popular choices for home heating due to their cost efficiency and reliability. They use natural gas or propane to heat water, which then provides warmth to your home through radiators, baseboards, or radiant floor systems. Whether you need a new boiler system or are considering a gas boiler replacement, understanding the costs and benefits can help you make an informed decision.

How Much Does a Gas Boiler Installation Cost?

The cost of a new gas boiler installation varies depending on factors like the size of your home, the boiler’s efficiency, and installation complexity. Here’s a breakdown of common costs:

• Gas Boiler Cost: $1,500 to $5,000 for the unit itself
• Installation Cost: $3,000 to $7,000, depending on labor and additional requirements
• Cost of New Gas Boiler and Installation: $4,349 to $7,989 on average
• Gas Boiler Replacement Cost: Similar to new installations, with potential additional costs for removing the old unit

HVAC Replacement Cost Calculator

Take Me There

Gas vs. Electric Boilers

Gas vs. Electricity Costs

• Gas typically costs less per BTU than electric boilers.
• Efficiency varies by fuel type (propane, natural gas, etc.).
• Upfront gas boiler installation is higher, but long-term operation may be cheaper.
• According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average cost of residential electricity was about 13 cents per KWh. That means for $1 you would get about 7.69 KWh of electricity or enough to produce 26,253 BTUs of power at 100% efficiency.

BTU Comparisons

• According to the EIA residential propane prices were an average of $2.36 per gallon, buying you 38,559 BTUs at 100% efficacy and 30,847 BTUs at 80% efficiency for every dollar you spend.
• Electric boilers are usually around 99% efficient but still produce fewer BTUs per dollar spent.
• Even an 80% efficient propane system often outperforms electric in BTUs per dollar.

Regional Rate Variations

• Electricity rates differ widely, from expensive in Hawaii to cheaper in Washington.
• Higher electricity rates can quickly negate the benefits of electric boilers.
• Gas lines aren’t always available, so local infrastructure plays a big role in decision-making.

Alternative Options & Considerations

• In areas without gas lines, steam or oil boilers with reserve tanks may be viable.
• Radiator type and overall system design also affect heating efficiency and comfort.
• Use a local HVAC replacement cost calculator to compare installation and operating costs.

Keep in mind that 13 cents per KWh of electricity is the average throughout the country, many areas such as Hawaii with an average of 29.87 center per KWh or New York at 18.44 cents per KWh, are more expensive to run electric boilers in. Yet there are some more affordable locations as well like Washington or Louisiana where it would make sense to run on electricity. For homeowners in areas where it is not possible to run a gas line through your home, it may make sense to install a steam water boiler with radiators in each room throughout your home or even an oil boiler with a reserve tank.

If you also need to replace radiators throughout your home it may be helpful to know the different types of home heating radiators you can install.

Find Local Pros

How Does a Gas Boiler Work?

If you have ever worked with a gas stove in your home or out camping, or even used a gas grill it should be pretty easy to visualize how a gas boiler works. A gas boiler is essentially a water tank mounted over top of a massive heat element. The gas is fed into a burner and ignited by an electric sparker. Once a flame is formed it is maintained to heat the water tank above it to the desired temperature. When the water reaches the proper temperature, an electric pump moves it out of the tank and through a series of pipes that run through the home to a set of radiators. This cools the water down until it reaches the end of the cycle and ends up back in the boiler to be heated again. A local boiler and radiator installer near you will be able to tell you which system is best for your home as well as the associated installation costs depending on your specific HVAC installation project.

Usually a boiler is connected to an electronic thermostat that tells it when to turn on and off. When the temperature of your home drops to a low enough level, the boiler fires on and begins the cycle again. This is true across the board for most of the different boiler heating unit types.

Types of Gas Boilers

Standard Gas Boilers

Standard gas boilers are designed for homes with existing radiators or baseboard heating systems.

• Advantages: Reliable and easy to maintain.
• Best For: Homes with traditional heating setups.

Condensing Gas Boilers

Condensing boilers use advanced technology to recover heat from exhaust gases, making them more efficient.

• Advantages: Up to 98% efficiency, reduced energy bills.
• Best For: Environmentally conscious homeowners.

Combination (Combi) Gas Boilers

Combi boilers provide both heating and hot water from a single unit, saving space and installation costs.

• Advantages: Compact, eliminates the need for a separate water heater.
• Best For: Smaller homes or apartments.

Gas Boiler Heat Capacity

Since gas produces more heat during combustion than an electric heating element can, it is possible to heat water up faster and to heat a larger quantity of it using a gas boiler than it is with an electric model. That means you can heat your home faster, or heat a larger home with a gas boiler where an electric boiler simply might not have enough power in some instances.

Gas Boiler Installation Process

• Assessment: A professional evaluates your home’s heating needs and determines the best boiler type and size.
• Preparation: The old boiler is removed, and the area is prepared for the new system.
• Installation: The new gas boiler is installed and connected to your heating system and gas line.
• Testing: The system is tested to ensure proper operation and safety.
• Instruction: The installer provides guidance on using and maintaining the boiler.

Gas Boiler Maintenance Tips

Gas boilers have many more moving parts than electric boilers do. There is the igniter, there is a fan to keep fresh oxygen flowing into the unit, and several sensitive sections that all have to be maintained. Even though gas burns relatively cleanly, there are still components that will have to be cleaned regularly to keep everything running effectively. A gas boiler will have to be maintained more often than an electric one.

• Annual Inspections: Schedule yearly professional maintenance to ensure efficiency and safety.
• Check for Leaks: Regularly inspect gas lines and connections for signs of leaks.
• Clean Components: Keep the burners and heat exchanger clean to maintain efficiency.
• Monitor Pressure: Ensure the system’s pressure remains within the recommended range.
• Bleed Radiators: Release trapped air to improve heating performance.

While a gas boiler will likely cost you more money to have installed and will take a bit more work to keep running, it will probably save you money over time.