How Long Does it Take to Install a New Boiler?


Installing a new boiler isn’t always as simple as a quick swap. Depending on the scenario, it may be necessary to place your boiler in a new location, upgrade to a new system, or change from an outdated model to a new combi. For these reasons, the time it takes to install a new boiler depends on your situation.

If you want to replace your current boiler with the same type of new boiler, it will only take a few hours to do. If you want to put your new boiler in another location and it’s the same type as your old boiler, it will take one to two days to complete the job.

The reason a boiler installation takes longer when you want to put the new boiler in a different location is that there’s more work involved. New pipework will need to be put in and new electric power and thermostat cables must be connected. It’s possible that there’s also some structural work to like the need to go through a brick wall for the flue and overflow.

Changing Fuel Type Requires More Time

If you’re having a new boiler installed and are changing the type of fuel you use, there’s more work to do. Therefore it’s going to take a couple of days for the installation to be done. If you’ll be changing from a gas system to a new electric boiler, there will surely be extra plumbing and electrical work to do.

Combi Boilers Don’t Take Long to Install

The most commonly fitted boilers in the UK are combi boilers. A combi or combination boiler is a hybrid appliance that operates as both a central heating unit and a high-efficiency water heater.

A combi boiler can be installed in around 5 hours if you’re swapping a pre-existing combi boiler for a new one and want it installed in the same spot. However, if you’re replacing an outdated traditional boiler with a new combi boiler, it’s going to take around two days to complete the installation.

Powerflushing Requires Two to Four Hours

It’s a good idea to have a power flush carried out when you have a new boiler installed. This work involves flushing the system with a chemical solution that removes unwanted deposits to keep the new system working well. Power flushing adds about two to four hours to the installation time.

Adding a Smart Thermostat Takes More Time

A smart thermostat allows you to control your heating system remotely via a smartphone app. If you choose to have a smart thermostat installed at the time you have your new boiler put it, it will add about an hour to the installation time.

Always Ask for a Quote and Time Estimate

As you can see, the time it takes to install a new boiler can vary greatly. This is why it’s important to get an accurate quote from the company you use. The quote should include both the estimated price and length of time it will take to install your new boiler.