
If you live in Burlington, Oakville, or Hamilton, you should be used to the freezing cold in these areas, especially during the snowy winters. Boilers are the best and most cost-effective way to keep you and your family warm. Boilers are the most energy-efficient heating system; they bring warmth into your home, use less fuel, and are easy to maintain, unlike other heating systems.
If you are considering installing a new boiler in your home or your boiler has served you for over 15 years, and as a result, has become inefficient, you certainly need a new boiler installation.
This article will cover the estimated cost of installing a new boiler in Oakville and the surrounding areas in 2023, depending on factors such as the size of your home, the boiler type, heat exchanger type, source of fuel, your personal preference, and others. This will help you make an informed decision when installing a new boiler or replacing the old one in your home.
Factors That Affect Boiler Installation Costs
- Type of Boiler: The type of boiler has a significant impact on the cost of boiler installation. Traditional floor-mounted options such as floor-mounted power vented and atmospheric floor-mounted cast iron for instance, are less efficient and cost less than high-efficiency floor-mounted boilers. A high-efficiency wall-hung boiler, on the other hand, is the most expensive but it offers the highest efficiency. It is best suited for small homes with less space because it is hung on the wall.
- Different Heat Exchangers: The type of heat exchanger is another main factor to consider. Firetube is less expensive than water tube and commonly used for smaller buildings. Water tube is more efficient because the water is surrounded by heated gasses rather than the other way around. A cast iron section heat exchanger is the most expensive and most efficient because it is made of cast iron. This makes it have a longer lifespan than the rest.
- Source of Fuel: There are mainly oil boilers, natural gas, or propane. Natural gas is more efficient than oil and costs less, but getting a propane tank is a better option if natural gas is not in your area. It is easier and less expensive than having the utility company come in and run a line from the nearest gas main.
- New Installation or Modifying/Updating the Existing Boiler: Installation services come in different ways. It could be a new installation, an upgrade of the existing boiler for energy rebates, a change from a floor-mounted to a wall-hung unit to free up floor space, or to relocate the new boiler etc. All these have varying costs.
- Size of the Home: The size of the home will affect the cost as the boiler’s BTU input will be higher. The more BTUs, the higher the cost of the boiler, because piping will be larger, which means the materials will cost more. Large houses take longer to come in and out of the house during the installation. Also, bigger circulators are also more expensive than smaller circulators. Longer distances to radiators, baseboard heaters, and in-floor heating require more GPM (gallons per minute)
- Individual Preference: Building owners and homeowners have diverse expectations when it comes to home improvement projects such as boiler replacement. While some prioritize cost-effectiveness and seek the most affordable option, others may not be as concerned with cost. Every individual has unique decision-making criteria and financial options. Some prefer to finance their project and make no payments for a year, while others have saved up or prefer to use a line of credit to minimize interest charges.
How Much Does a New Residential Boiler Cost?
The cost of a new residential boiler varies based on several factors such as the size of the house, changing from a floor-mounted system to a wall-hung one, the condition of existing piping (e.g. rust), the replacement of circulators, the need for re-piping or relocation, venting locations, and the specific makes and models involved.
Residential Boiler Estimated Costs by House Size
Home Size (sq. ft.) |
Estimated Cost |
1,000 sq. ft. |
$5,000 – $6,500 |
1,500 sq. ft. |
$5,000 – $6,500 |
2,000 sq. ft. |
$8,500 – $10,000 |
2,500 sq. ft. |
$8,500 – $12,000 |
3,000 sq. ft. |
$9,000 – $15,000 |
Residential Boiler Estimated Costs By System Type
- Combi Boiler: A combination or combi boiler is a boiler type that provides both hot water and central heating in one compact unit. Hence, it does not require storage tanks, it is highly efficient, and can provide hot water on demand
- Standard Boiler: Standard boilers, on the other hand, require an additional cold water tank, hot water tank, and expansion tank. When you need hot water, the cold water tank collects water from the mains and transfers it to the hot water tank to heat it. The expansion tank collects excess water from the hot water tank.
- High-Efficiency Boilers: These types of boilers have an AFUE rating of 90% and above, which means that only 10% of water escapes. They cost more than other types, but they have a longer lifespan and can save homeowners 30% or above on their heating bill.
Here is the estimated cost for each type below:
System Type |
Estimated Cost |
Combination or Combi boiler |
$8,500 – $11,000 |
Standard Boiler |
$7,500 – $9,500 |
High-Efficiency Boilers |
$9,000 – $12,000 |
Residential Boiler Estimated Costs by Brand
Since boilers come in different makes and models, the price may vary. See the estimated costs below.
Brands |
Estimated Cost |
Bradford White |
$5,000 – $6,500 |
NTI |
$8,500 – $10,000 |
Lochinvar |
$8,500 – $10,000 |
WeilMclain |
$9,500 – $12,000 |
IBC Boilers |
$8,500 – $10,000 |
Bosch |
$8,500 – $10,000 |
Final Thoughts
The estimated cost to replace a boiler ranges from $5,000 to $9,000. The price may vary depending on the brand, the size, and the type (combi, standard, or high-efficiency boilers).
We advise hiring professionals and licensed HVAC contractors to handle your boiler installation. Our licensed engineers at MDM Mechanical will ensure that your boiler is installed correctly and meet the standard set by the government.
Are you considering new boiler installation and replacement services in Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton, Stoney Creek, and surrounding areas? Contact MDM Mechanical today!