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 |  | Standard Gas Boiler: $2,500-$5,000 |  | Standard Oil Boiler: $3,000-$6,500 |  | High-Efficiency Boiler: $6,000-$9,000+ |
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Unlike a furnace that heats and distributes air, a boiler heats and distributes water, sending it through pipes as steam to radiators, or as hot water to baseboard heaters, radiant floor systems, snowmelt systems, pool heaters or to a fan coil unit that then heats air. Boilers are typically fueled by gas or oil.
Typical costs: | - Installing a standard boiler (80%-85% annual fuel utilization efficiency) typically costs about $2,500-$5,000 for a gas-fired model and $3,000-$6,500 for an oil-fired unit (generally used in areas without municipal gas lines). CostHelper readers report paying $3,650-$7,800 for a replacement boiler, including installation, at an average cost of $5,150.
- Installing a high-efficiency boiler (90%-99% AFUE for gas, 90% for oil) typically costs about $6,000-$9,000 or more for either gas or oil models, depending on: the AFUE (amount of fuel converted into usable heat) rating; convenience features like an electronic timer or a weather compensator that prevents the unit from operating on warmer days; or whether it's a "combi" model that uses both a conventional boiler supplying heat to radiators and a water heater in one compact unit.
- Replacing an old oil-fired boiler with a gas model can cost thousands of dollars more than replacing one oil-fired unit with another, because of the need to install new gas lines and to update the existing fittings, valves, piping system and other parts to work with the new boiler. For example, a property owner[1] in Spokane, WA, was quoted $7,387 to replace a failing 20-year-old oil-fired boiler with a standard-efficiency gas unit, or $11,669 for a high-efficiency gas boiler.
Related articles: Central Heating, Radiant Floor Heating
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What should be included: | - Installing a replacement boiler can take up to a week or more, and complications could leave the household without heat overnight. Estimates should include removing and disposing of the old unit, as well as all required piping, re-wiring, fittings or other needed parts or repairs.
- A heating system with too much or too little capacity will not run properly and make the home uncomfortable. The contractor should calculate the actual need.
- Do-it-yourself boiler installation is typically not recommended, and many local building codes require that the installation be done or at least signed off by a licensed contractor.
Additional costs: | - A building/mechanical permit is usually required to replace a boiler. Fees are typically about $50-$300, but can cost more in some locations. Many contractors include getting the proper permits and inspections as part of the installation process, but might bill for these fees separately.
- Replacing aging, leaking or inadequate ductwork typically costs about $35-$55 a linear foot for labor and materials, or $1,000 -$5,000 or more for a single-family home, depending on the length and type of ducts.
- Older ductwork might contain asbestos, creating unpredictable additional costs for asbestos removal.
- Removing an old fuel oil tank from the basement can cost $500-$1,500 or more depending on the complexity; removing an abandoned underground oil tank starts around $1,500-$3,000 or more, depending on complexity.
Discounts: | - Check whether there are low-cost loans, rebates or tax credits available for installing an energy-efficient boiler. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Energy Efficiency keeps track of energy-efficiency incentives[2] from utilities and from local, state and federal agencies.
- A new boiler might not be needed or it might be possible to buy a smaller (and less expensive) unit if the overall energy efficiency of the house is improved by projects such as finding and sealing any air leaks, adding insulation or upgrading/replacing inefficient doors and windows. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy offers detailed guidelines[3] to improve overall household energy efficiency.
Shopping for a boiler: | - The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy has guidelines for deciding when to replace[4] an old heating system, and the Environmental Protection Agency lists tips for hiring a heating and cooling contractor[5] .
- Referrals are available from the North American Technician Excellence certification program[6] and the Air Conditioning Contractors of America[7] .
- Request and check references; ask about length and type of experience; and be sure they are properly bonded, insured and licensed.
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CostHelper News
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7 Lesser-Known Discounts for the 50+ Crowd
As they age, members of the Baby Boomer generation don't like to admit that they're senior citizens, but they love getting discounts. It's kind of a quandary, because some of the best deals available are reduced prices for older folks. || Posted October 21 2013
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7 Ways to Stretch Your Reduced Food Budget
End of the year budgets are tight for everyone, especially in this economy.It's especially hard for the millions of Americans who depend on government programs like food stamps to help make ends meet. || Posted November 11 2013
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: Jack Matthew Bruner in Florham Park, NJ. | Posted: June 6th, 2018 12:06PM |
| Gas or Oil: Gas | Brand: NTI |
| Model: | Installer: Pipe Works |
Replaced a 67 year old Percoflash boiler for heat and domestic hot water with NTI combi boiler all in one day! Way to go fellows! |
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| Posted by: Tammmi in Chicago, IL. | Posted: October 23rd, 2017 06:10AM |
| Gas or Oil: Gas | Brand: |
My 38 year old boiler died. Received a quote on 4 boilers over the weekend. 2 Crown brand($4700 & $6400) & 2 Carrier brand($6700 & $8300). Was hoping to hear from someone that received a better deal. Thanks! |
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| Posted by: G E in Golden, CO. | Posted: January 22nd, 2017 04:01PM |
| Gas or Oil: Gas | Brand: Teledyne Laars |
| Model: 160k btu | Installer: |
M7 12-year-old Laars boiler recently began leaking through cracks in the heat exchanger. Called 4 plumbers and got bids ranging from $8600 to $5200. All 4 were not fans of the Laars copper exchanger unit I had. After research chose a Slant/Fin 140k btu model. Installed in 7 hours (2 people working. New installation looks beautiful!Seems to perform well. So far, so good, but need to watch gas consumption. |
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| Posted by: Flingwing in Newtown, CT. | Posted: May 22nd, 2016 03:05AM |
| Model: Slant Fin Eutectic EC-10 Serries | Installer: Self |
I installed a Slant Fin EC-15 5 section cast iron oil-fired boiler. I've had it in for 18 months. I can't say enough good things about this boiler. It has reduced by oil bill by 200 gallons a year. It is well built and easily serviced. I also installed a stainless steel chimney liner and split the system up into four zones. The house is level load it for heat super comfortable and no problems at all. |
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| Posted by: Womanrobbed in New york, NY. | Posted: October 22nd, 2015 06:10PM |
| Gas or Oil: Gas | Brand: Burnham |
Need some quotes and advice about pricing. Boiler is dated. |
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| Posted by: L.Scherer in Morrison, CO. | Posted: October 18th, 2015 07:10AM |
| Gas or Oil: Gas | Brand: Intllihot |
| Model: Residential combin | Installer: Golden West Plumbing |
Fairly certain we got a bit ripped off here, based on the comments & prices above. Although it could be par for the Colorado mountain area, based on our other estimated for repair. They pulled out the old water heater and associated cast iron boiler, which had a fair amount of corrosion, but had been working fine. Took 5 days (plus whatever time it will take to correctly re-wire the thermostats to the correct zones!) , installed a new Intellihot Combi unit with 5 zones -which were already intact - and hauled off the old boiler and piping. Also replaced all 5 thermostats and controllers with all new, same model. This also included adding a gas pipe run for the grill out back ($30 worth of parts, 30 min of extra labor if I had done it myself) |
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| Posted by: Misha Mouse in Denver, CO. | Posted: March 17th, 2015 10:03AM |
| Gas or Oil: Gas | Brand: Laars |
| Model: EBP 175 | Installer: Lawrence |
The unit is less than 8 years old in the past 8 years we have replaced the following. Igniter x 2$80, Heat Exchanger $300, Flow valve two times at $125 Honey well master flow valve $180. Flow pump $ 600
Counting the $80 per hour plumber fee to the specially trained Laars boiler person $1200 to install this UNIT, plus the repair labor cost what a piece of engineering work this boiler was. Good riddance. Do not buy this EBP Boiler |
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| Posted by: Madeleine in NWCT, CT. | Posted: March 16th, 2015 01:03PM |
| Gas or Oil: OIL | Brand: |
| Model: | Installer: THOMPSTON |
Oil boiler for a 3700 sqft house c1897 with 5 fireplaces and 9' ceilings, original steam radiators. Estimate was for the boiler + installation + removal + line chimney ... no new oil tanks or asbestos abatement. Other quote was with new tanks + asbestos abatement + heating 900 sqft 3rd floor ... came in at under $15,000. |
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| Posted by: Paul's in Boston, MA. | Posted: February 22nd, 2015 09:02AM |
| Gas or Oil: Gas | Brand: Navien |
| Model: Navien ch 240 | Installer: |
Converted from oil to gas 2 years ago
Installed a navien ch 240 combi boiler
First floor is cast iron radiators
Second floor is forced hot air with hydro unit in attic
Up until January 15 worked ok , when temp fell under 10 degrees code came up as flame loss error , plumber came out blamed gas pressure , had national grid but in a bigger meter , same , he reduce heat capacity and water .still no good again came out changed gas pressure and air pressure sensors , no good , change board and flame sensor . Still no good . Now he says we have to change unit I have to pay upfront for it and pay another installation cost . Navien will reimburse for the unit but nit fir the labor cost . My wife and kids had to stay in hotel cold nights and paid plumber $ 750 for something he couldn't fix . Now want to change to newer navien with gas sensor but reading up on it says the same prob when it gets below a certain temp outside . A
Any suggestions / ideas greatly appreciate . |
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| Posted by: tazz in norwalk, CT. | Posted: December 24th, 2014 09:12AM |
| Gas or Oil: gas | Brand: burnham |
| Model: H-7-60 series 0ne | Installer: |
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| Posted by: a user in flemington, NJ. | Posted: November 23rd, 2014 02:11PM |
| Model: slantfin se70 | Installer: local plumber |
New boiler was 1800. 3200 for fittings and labor seems high for 8 hr job. Quoted sight unseen at 5k. Fought for 300 back as he didnt change any valves and even used the same expansion tank. |
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| Posted by: Apu in Dover, NH. | Posted: November 7th, 2014 05:11AM |
| Gas or Oil: Oil | Brand: Energy Kenetics |
| Model: System 2000 | Installer: Pillar oil and heating |
Got a quote for a new system 2000 boiler with install for $7500. This included removing the old system, changing out the piping and upgrading the piping where needed (2 areas). This does not include adding zones or adding a tank for domestic hot water |
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| Posted by: Ken Kimball in West Springfield, MA. | Posted: October 29th, 2014 12:10PM |
| Gas or Oil: Gas | Brand: |
| Model: | Installer: Wright Choice |
After the $2200 to remove asbestos and ancient snowman boiler, have replaced 2 of the same in my rental properties- different brands, but newer high efficiency models are definitely worth the effort |
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| Posted by: wanted to believe what I was told. in Fraser, CO. | Posted: November 15th, 2013 09:11PM |
| Gas or Oil: Gas | Brand: |
| Model: QV9 | Installer: |
I purchased a new build condo, and the bonus was the high efficiency water/in floor heat system. Biggest load of BS I have ever been fed. THE BOILER SUCKS and its now toast/wish it could have failed to this extreme ealier. Quoted $6000 for new? FU!! |
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| Posted by: A. R. B. in Coatesville, PA. | Posted: October 31st, 2013 07:10PM |
| Gas or Oil: GAS | Brand: weil mclain |
I'm getting quotes from $12,500 down to $3900.
All are saying basically same installation methods.
Don't know how to make a decision. Why is there such a disparity in pricing? |
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| Posted by: a user in Vernon, CT. | Posted: January 29th, 2013 11:01AM |
| Gas or Oil: Oil | Brand: Lennox |
Just received a quote of $5,700 (boiler, parts and labor) to install a Lennox new boiler with a tankless water heater coil. I called a local company to check the specs on the boiler and found out it is a $2,000 boiler. $3K-plus for removal and installation seems a bit excessive for a 7 hour job! |
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| Posted by: N Geoffrey in Levittown, NY. | Posted: December 1st, 2012 05:12PM |
| Gas or Oil: Oil | Brand: Sears |
| Model: | Installer: Sears |
Just got an estimate of 11250 to install a 17500 btu oil boiler! What a ripoff |
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| Posted by: Indiana homeowner in Frankfort, IN. | Posted: August 28th, 2012 11:08AM |
We replaced a 41 year old Bryant operating cast-iron hot water boiler with a larger size Bryant Energy Star boiler, condensate type. The old system struggled to heat the zone with copper baseboard radiators, but was good for zone with the large old cast iron radiators. The new boiler heats all zones well, runs less, and reduced gas usage by about 30% per year, allowing for year-to year temperature variations. Other than 2 leaks due to loose fittings by the manufacturer that were repaired under warantee, and change to a larger expansion tank, the the installation went well. We were very pleased with the results, and the sealed system for combustion and exhaust air, have reduced drafts in a large older home. |
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| Posted by: a user in Acton, MA. | Posted: July 5th, 2012 12:07PM |
95% efficient lochinvir include all piping, fitting ... got 1500 tax rebate, so total is 6300 |
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| Posted by: Suzmom in AIRMONT, NY. | Posted: March 27th, 2012 09:03AM |
burned itself out. was spitting carbon monoxide. 2 days to replace, new fittings, piping, etc. removed old boiler from house, left in driveway for garbage removal. Pennco model, utility co inspector was impressed with carbon monoxide reading of 0-1. |
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| Posted by: dee d in east hartford, CT. | Posted: March 1st, 2011 06:03PM |
Replace 45 year old boiler the new one is very quiet.Made by carrier hope gas bill alot cheaper |
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| Posted by: Jeff Pusateri in Avalon, PA. | Posted: January 10th, 2011 10:01AM |
After the boiler stopped functioning we called a heating/cooling company to see what was wrong. They determined that due to the age of the boiler is was not repairable and were prepared to give us an estimate for replacement. I called another plumbing company and they arrived and replaced the thermocoupler and the boiler is now functioning. |
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| Posted by: AnneZ in Detroit, MI. | Posted: December 8th, 2010 06:12AM |
Price is to include near boiler piping, re-wiring, 7 steam vents with controls, auto water feed, connect water feed to hot water, re-pitch pipes, thermostat, chimney liner, gas vent to chimney with an auto chimney vent to keep heat in the house, re-connect to gas line, etc.
My boiler is a mess and was not piped in properly. As a result, I did not get heat to some rooms, the water did not drain properly back to the boiler and the gas bill for keeping my heat at 68F was pretty high. I am assured the re-pipe will make my gas usage more efficient. I had other estimates at a much lower price, but they never showed after they were approved for a grant. I ended up calling Reckingers. They are much higher than the other guys, but they will do the job right and save me money in the long run. Plus, I do believe they will show up to do the job. |
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| Posted by: carlos quiroha in allentown, PA. | Posted: November 2nd, 2010 10:11AM |
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| Posted by: msmerc in wilkes-barre, PA. | Posted: December 30th, 2009 08:12AM |
I know its after the fact, but was this a good price for my boiler?
the above price included removal of boiler, installing an automatic water feeder and vents, all gas and elec supplies,return piping,header piping,venting,control wiring and t-stat.labor and taxes 10 yr warranty on boiler castings,2 yrs on other parts and 1 year labor. peerless gas fire steamed boiler model 63 038TDG SP, 118,000 BTU INPUT
Thanks |
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External Resources: | - www.diychatroom.com/f17/boiler-installation-am-i-being-gouged-36914/
- www.dsireusa.org/
- www.aceee.org/consumer/building-envelope#audit
- www.aceee.org/consumer/heating
- www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_contractors_10tips
- www.hvacradvice.com/
- www.acca.org/consumer/find-a-contractor/
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