The cost of installing central heating

Central heating is undoubtedly costly and yet entirely essential for you to be comfortable in your home. Find out how much it costs to install central heating here.

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heating system

Most modern houses come with central heating already installed however it is possible that you need to either install a new central heating system or update your current one to a more efficient and modern version. Central heating usually consists of a large heater and a series of radiators throughout the house which emit heat. The size of the heater you need will depend on the size of the house and the amount of radiators you need will depend on the size and amount of rooms you have.

Types of central heating

There are three main types of central heating. The first is gas which comes through a pipe into the house and is then burnt in the heater. The heat is then distributed throughout the radiators in the house. Oil heaters, however, use tank-stored oil which is heated and like gas heating, distributed through the house. The final type of central heating is lesser-known but gradually being taken up more commonly. It is known as district heating and is not available everywhere, but is considered quite eco-friendly. A central heating plant heats water which is then pumped to your home through insulated pipes. This hot water is used to heat your home. District heating requires no heater in your home, so removes the expense of buying and maintaining one.

Benefits of oil central heating

First and foremost for many, oil is a very efficient fuel. It gives you the highest return of energy out of any of the heating fuels. Secondly, it is a good choice if your home is in a rural area or not connected to the gas mains.

Benefits of gas central heating

Although oil is the cheapest fuel, it is expensive to store it. Gas costs a little more, but won’t incur costs from installing a tank or transporting the fuel to your home. Another benefit from this is the convenience of not needing to take delivery of fuel. Gas is also more environmentally friendly than oil heating, producing less carbon emissions as well as being cleaner.

Cost of installing central heating

As mentioned before, the size of the heater and the number of radiators you need will be specific to your home. If you are upgrading your home from stove-heating this will be a big job but will be worth it in terms of convenience and reduced fuel bills. If old devices have to be removed this will increase costs because of the extra labour involved. A plumber will usually set you back approximately £25 an hour. Installation in an average two-storey house with two bedrooms, assuming it does not yet have any central heating, will cost about £3,000 for a gas heating system or £3,500 for an oil system. This is a rough price guide, though, and you should compare quotes across the market to find the best price for you. Make sure you compare at least three quotes before deciding which professional to do the work.

JB