Skip to content 
Installing central heating in your 3-bedroom house costs quite a bit. But it is worth the investment, especially if one is looking forward to a warm and pleasant living environment. Of course, this is very important in those cold UK winters. When estimating how much such a unit can cost for a 3-bedroom house, keep in mind there are lots more than just the boiler to consider in costs. To that, one will want to add radiators, controls, pipework, and labour.
In the UK, the average estimate for installing central heating cost in a 3-bedroom house would cost between £6,000 and £8,000. These costs can vary depending on the type of system, materials involved, and who is doing the installation. Now, let us break this down to give you an idea of what to expect:
Cost to Install Central Heating in a 3-Bedroom House
Generally speaking, the cost to install central heating in a 3-bedroom house can fall anywhere between £6,000 to £8,000. But where does all that money go? Let’s break it down:
- New Boiler: Just the boiler itself can cost anywhere from £1,000 to £2,500, depending on the kind you get.
- Radiators: A three-bedroom house may need nine radiators in total, costing between £3,000 and £3,500 for supply and installation.
- Pipework: This, if new pipes are needed, can add another £800-£1,000 to the cost
- Water tank: Some systems will require a water tank, adding another £600 to £700 for extra cost.
- Miscellaneous parts and labour: Other small parts and labour can add to approximately £150 to £ 200.
Central Heating Cost for a 3-Bedroom House: An Approximation
Parts | Potential Cost |
New boiler (supply & install) | £1,200 – £2,500 |
9 radiators (supply & install) | £3,200 – £3,500 |
Water tank (supply & install) | £650 – £700 |
Pipework (supply & install) | £800 – £1,000 |
Miscellaneous parts & labour | £150 – £300 |
Total Cost | £6,000 – £8,000 |
Note that these prices are estimates based on an engineer’s charge-out rate of approximately £200 per day plus £100 for additional operatives.
What Does Central Heating Installation in a 3 Bedroom Home Involve?
Setting up the central heating in a 3 bedroom home requires forethought and several steps to get everything running properly. Here’s what happens:
- System Drain and Removal: The system is first drained and removed, including the old boiler, radiators, and any pipework that might be replaced.
- Installing the New Boiler: Fitting the new boiler comes next. The size and type of boiler you need are governed by the size of your house and your demands for hot water.
- Fitting Radiators and Pipework: The new radiators and pipes are fitted around the house. Pipework installation can be a bigger job especially if installed completely new.
- Testing and Balancing: Everything is installed, the system is filled up, and then the whole thing gets tested thoroughly. The radiators will be balanced to ensure that the buildup of heat in every room is just right.
- Controls Installation: Finally, you need controls for your new heating system. You may be allowed to get away with a simple wall thermostat, but many nowadays are going for smart thermostats giving them better control, coupled with energy-saving advantages.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Central Heating for a 3-Bedroom House
The total cost of the installation of central heating in a 3-bedroom house can vary broadly depending on several factors. Key factors determining the final price:
1. Fuel Type: Gas, Oil, LPG, Electricity, or Biomass?
The type of fuel to be used is going to have a big influence on both the installation and running costs. A quick look at some of the most common options:
Fuel Type | Boiler Cost | Running Cost (per year) |
Gas | £600–£3,500 | £91 |
Oil | £1,000–£4,500 | £500–£600 |
LPG | £1,000–£3,500 | £500–£600 |
Electric | £900–£3,500 | £500–£1,500 |
Biomass | £4,000–£21,000 | £500–£1,500 |
- The most popular fuel option in the UK is gas, since it is pretty cheap, whilst also producing CO₂, which contributes to climate change.
- Biomass boilers burn organic matter and, therefore, are considered much ‘greener’.
- Electric boilers can also be pretty compact and function very efficiently, even more so with green supplies such as solar panels.
2. Boiler Type: Combi, System, or Conventional Boiler?
The main types of boilers are three in total. Each of these serves a different purpose, and the cost of each is also dissimilar:
- Combi Boilers: These are compact and ideal for homes with limited space. They don’t require a hot water cylinder. The cost of Combi boilers ranges from £ 500 to £ 2000.
- System Boilers: These require a cylinder of hot water and are best suited in homes with more than one bathroom. Coming in prices ranging from £500 to £2,500.
- Conventional Boilers: These are perfect for larger-sized homes where the demand for water is on the high side. Conventional boilers are those whose prices range in value from an average of £500 to £2,750.
3. Boiler Size
The size of your boiler is a measure of kW and dictates the extent of power it is able to deliver with your central heating system. A poorly sized boiler will mean this is either going to struggle to heat your home or waste energy by being too powerful.
Number of Radiators | Combi Boiler (kW) | System Boiler (kW) | Conventional Boiler (kW) |
Up to 10 | 24-27 kW | 9-18 kW | 9-18 kW |
10-15 | 28-34 kW | 18-26 kW | 18-26 kW |
15-20 | 35-42 kW | 27-40 kW | 27-40 kW |
4. Radiators and Pipework
The amount of radiators and the pipework complexity will be other factors that will influence your costs. More radiators mean more materials and labour. The replacement or installation of new pipework will also drive up the price, especially if your home needs a lot of new lines.
5. Hot Water Cylinders: Vented vs Unvented
Adding it all up, this equates to the installation or upgrading of a hot water cylinder. Vented cylinders depend on gravity to feed the water, while unvented cylinders are connected directly to the mains with much stronger pressure.
Cylinder Type | Cost (Incl. Installation) |
Vented | £400 – £900 |
Unvented | £400 – £1,300 |
6. Smart Heating Controls: Are They Worth the Investment?
Modern controls on heating, and particularly advanced thermostats, may favour energy use management more effectively. Although they cost more to buy, they may be able to save you money in the future. Here’s an overview:
Heating Control Type | Cost (incl. installation) |
Room thermostat | £100–£170 |
Smart thermostat | £140–£410 |
Thermostatic radiator valve | £8–£150 |
Smart radiator valve | £70–£250 |
7. Boiler Brands
The boiler brand you choose also affects the final cost. Here’s a quick overview of prices:
Brand | Combi Boiler | System Boiler | Conventional Boiler |
Baxi | £610 – £1,300 | £740 – £1,000 | £700 – £1000 |
Ideal | £970– £1,350 | £850 – £1,400 | £750 – £2,700 |
Vaillant | £900 – £1,800 | £900 – £2,700 | £800 – £1,500 |
Viessmann | £900 – £3,500 | £1000 – £1,600 | £850 – £1,200 |
Worcester Bosch | £730 – £2,500 | £900 – £3,800 | £800 – £2,300 |
8. Labour Costs of Central Heating
Lastly, do not forget labour: the local engineer will generally be cheaper than a national installer but make sure you have a detailed quote showing all of the installation costs, including any labour elements.
How Much Can You Save with a New Central Heating System?
While installing a new central heating in your 3 bedroom house can cost anywhere between £6,000 and £8,000, the savings you’ll make over time can more than offset the initial outlay. New boilers are significantly more efficient than their older models, with condensing boilers achieving a modern average efficiency of over 92%. This boost in EPC rating can save hundreds of pounds on your energy bills each year.
A well-insulated home really makes a huge difference. For example, if your walls, windows, or roofs are not well insulated, all these means that the escaping heat will make the boiler work harder. Thus increasing energy consumption and costs. With good insulation, you won’t need to repeatedly heat your home; this keeps daily energy expenses manageable.
Grants to Help Cover the Cost of Central Heating Installation
ECO4 Scheme
ECO4 is a scheme intended to help low-income families with home energy efficiency improvements by paying the cost. If eligible, this may be where one gets first time central heating grants and other energy-saving measures that could help you cut your heating costs.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
This scheme accreditor grants toward the installation cost of low-carbon heating installs – including heat pumps – in homes. It is a great opportunity to upgrade to a more eco-friendly system while saving some money on installation.
How Long Does it Take to Install Central Heating in 3 Bedroom House?
The time taken for central heating installations in a 3-bed house depends on whether it is either a brand-new system or upgrades. Here’s a rough guide to how long different installations may take:
Full Central System Installation
A new central heating system in an average 3-bedroom house would realistically take about 3 to 5 days to install. This of course would include a boiler, radiators, and pipework around the house.
Boiler Replacement
This can commonly be completed in 1 to 2 days if you are simply replacing an old boiler with a new one of similar size.
Installation or Upgrade of Radiator
Additional radiators or replacement radiators usually take a day each to fit, depending on access or any modification to the existing pipework.
How to Find the Right Central Heating Installer Near You
Choosing the right installer will mean that your new central heating system operates safely and efficiently. You must look for experienced professionals who have the Gas Safe registration that guarantees quality installation as well as meeting the legal requirements.
And here, we might be the right fit for you to go that extra mile in assisting you with governmental grants such as the ECO Scheme, which could ultimately minimise most costs drastically. We have experience in taking these applications as smoothly as possible through to successful completion, ensuring you gain the maximum possible financial benefit.
The Bottom Line
Fitting a new central heating system in a 3-bedroom house can feel like quite an expensive affair, but it’s an investment that pays in comfort and reduced energy bills. Whether upgrading from an old boiler or putting in heating for the first time, it’s important to get the right setup.
And don’t forget – if you’re eligible for an ECO4 grant, you might get your first time central heating system installed for free. Stay warm, save money, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from an efficient, modern heating system.
Frequently Asked Questions
This may seem a good way of cutting costs, but DIY central heating installation is definitely not recommended. There is a need for professional skills in plumbing and gas work to install the boilers and pipework. Poor installation poses safety hazards, and you should always get the professionals so it may put your mind at ease.
Central heating installation often requires lifting carpets or floorboards to either reach pipework or to lay the new radiators. There is little one can do to avoid some disruption, but planning will help reduce mess. Ensure access to work areas is readily available so that engineers can work efficiently and finish the installation as quickly as possible.
An average annual gas bill for a 3-bedroom house is about £2,0. This is very much a rough estimate – as of July 2023 – but the actual cost will depend on the quality of insulation, type of boiler fitted, EPC rating improvements, etc.
Older homes may have special needs and require that accommodations be made for a heating installation. The structural limitations could impose alternative pipe routing or specialised equipment may be required. It is important to speak with a Gas Safe registered engineer about the specific design entailed in the central heating system and possible additional costs before work is initiated.
There are various different government grants available, and a few schemes to help alleviate the cost of installing central heating. This may include the ECO4 scheme, which enables financial assistance in upgrading to energy-efficient heating systems, making access to high-quality installations easier.
