Oil Boiler Installation Cost

Written by Kane Hughes
Kane Hughes
Writer
I have been an avid DIY'er for the last eight years now. I combine this with content writing experience to deliver quality content readable by all.
15th April, 2026
Edited by Samantha Jones
Samantha Jones
Editor-in-Chief
I have a degree in English & Writing. I have been working as a content developer for three years now and have also been freelance writing for three years. I have been focusing my freelance writing within the home improvement and DIY sector.
How we get our data
We gather our data from real quotes given by UK tradespeople to UK homeowners on the MyJobQuote platform.
At a Glance
  • The average new oil boiler cost (installed) is around £2,450 in the UK.
  • Most new oil boiler installations take 1 to 2 days to complete.
In this guide:
  • New oil boiler installation costs in 2026, by type and brand.
  • How long the job takes and what's involved in installing a new oil boiler.
  • How to find a heating engineer using MyJobQuote.

Looking into how much an oil boiler installation costs in the UK?

In 2026, the average cost of an oil boiler replacement is £2,450. However, oil boiler costs are impacted by factors such as the size of the boiler, how complex your central heating system is to work, and your location in the UK.

In this oil boiler cost guide, we cover everything that you need to know. This includes typical oil boiler prices in the UK, how much a heating engineer will charge for installing an oil boiler, and much more!

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oil boiler being installed by a heating engineer

Average Oil Boiler Replacement Cost:

Depending on the complexity of the job, it usually takes: 1 – 2 days

£2,450

How Much Is a New Oil Boiler?

Installing an oil boiler can cost anywhere between £1,620 to £3,150. This price depends on:

  • The type and size of oil boiler
  • The OFTEC-registered engineer’s daily rate
  • The complexity of the installation (whether it's a like-for-like swap, or a brand new installation)

Oil boilers are popular in off-grid properties where a standard gas connection isn't available.

Modern oil boilers will not only make your bills cheaper due to improved efficiency, but they'll also make your heating more effective.

Can an oil boiler be used off grid?

"The oil boiler will need a power supply and you will need the oil delivered into a tank on your property."

Oil Boiler Installation Prices

To start with, let's look at the total supply and installation costs for 3 different types of oil boiler:

Oil Boiler Model Total Estimated Cost
Firebird Envirogreen Kitchen C26 Internal Regular Oil Boiler £1,620 - £2,220
Grant VortexBlue Kitchen/Utility 36kW Regular Oil Boiler £2,300 - £2,900
Worcester Bosch Greenstar Heatslave II 25 Combi £2,550 - £3,150
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Oil Boiler Supply Costs

Here are the individual oil boiler supply costs for the Firebird, Grant, and Worcester Bosch models for easy comparison:

Oil Boiler Model Supply Cost
Firebird Envirogreen Kitchen C26 Internal Regular Oil Boiler £1,420
Grant VortexBlue Kitchen/Utility 36kW Regular Oil Boiler £2,100
Worcester Bosch Greenstar Heatslave II 25 Combi £2,350
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Oil Boiler Labour Costs

Let's break down the total installation costs: Oil boiler technicians charge between £200 and £400 per day.

Here are some estimated labour costs for a like-for-like oil boiler swap, as well as converting from another heating system:

Job Description Duration Labour Cost
Like-for-like oil boiler replacement 1 – 2 days £200 - £800
Brand new oil boiler installation 3 - 4 days £600 - £1,600
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Additional Oil Boiler Installation Costs

Installing a new boiler can come with some additional costs depending on the condition of your existing system.

It's worth factoring in these costs when budgeting.

  • Power Flush — A power flush costs around £400 and clears sludge and debris from the pipework before the new boiler goes in, protecting the system and helping to preserve your warranty. A magnetic filter is also worth adding at this stage to reduce future maintenance.
  • Oil Tank — If no oil tank is already in place, the cost will vary depending on the size of the tank and whether it's installed above or below ground.
  • Pipework Upgrades — Existing pipework may need updating to suit the new system, and your installer will assess what's needed during the initial survey.
  • Smart Thermostat — Upgrading your heating controls at the same time as a new boiler improves energy efficiency and helps manage your running costs. Smart thermostat installation costs around £265.
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Alternatives to Oil Boilers

Combi boiler costs are the lowest-priced heating alternative at around £2,750, but they might not be a feasible option if your home isn't connected to the natural gas network or gas grid.

Here are some viable off-grid heating options to choose from:

  • Biomass boilers cost £13,200 to install, offering a renewable energy solution using logs, coal, or pellets as fuel.
  • Air source heat pumps cost £8,000 to install, extracting heat from the air to provide heating and hot water.
  • LPG boilers cost around £4,000 to install and work in a similar way to oil, storing LPG in a tank on-site. They're worth considering for off-grid homes where oil isn't the preferred fuel type.

How often should an OFTEC technician service my oil boiler?

"You should have your oil boiler serviced annually. This should include a new nozzle and a new supply hose. Unless you fit a green coloured hose, which have a life expectancy of 2 years before being changed."

Key Things to Consider When Installing an Oil Boiler

  • Is an oil boiler the right choice? Oil boilers work the same as other fuelled boiler types, pumping hot water through radiators to heat the room. There are real benefits to choosing oil, particularly for off-grid properties where gas isn't an option.
  • Will it save you money? Oil boilers will not only reduce your energy bill, but will also help to reduce your carbon footprint too. You must consider that whilst your energy bills will be cheaper, it will cost you more to buy the oil boiler and install it compared to other boiler options.
  • Where should it be installed? Once you've decided on the type and size of the oil boiler you want, you will need to think about the best place to install it. Most boilers are fitted in a utility room or garage.
  • What about carbon monoxide? There is a risk of your oil boiler producing carbon monoxide, so it's extremely important to buy a carbon monoxide alarm for your new boiler.
  • Who can install the new boiler? You will need to hire a professional engineer to install your oil boiler. This means using an OFTEC-registered installer.
  • Will you need an oil storage tank? Unlike gas boilers, oil boilers require a fuel storage tank at your home. If you don't already have an oil tank, you'll need to factor in space for an oil storage tank, as there are rules around where it can be placed.

How efficient is the average oil boiler?

"90% plus on today's boilers. But they need to get set up correctly to achieve this."

Types of Oil Boiler

There are three main boiler types when it comes to oil, and what you choose will depend on your property size, hot water demand, and what you already have in place.

Oil Combi Boiler

An oil combi boiler heats water on demand and delivers both heating and hot water in a single unit. An oil combi boiler is a compact option for smaller homes, as there is no need for a hot water cylinder or cold water tank.

Pros

  • ✔ Saves space for smaller homes
  • ✔ Hot water on demand

Cons

  • ✖ Not ideal for homes with multiple bathrooms or high demand
  • ✖ May need pipework updates for a new boiler installation

Oil System Boiler

An oil system boiler works with a hot water cylinder but takes its water feed straight from the mains, so that no cold water storage tank is needed. Oil system boilers are suitable for larger homes where several taps or showers may run simultaneously.

Pros

  • ✔ Good hot water performance across multiple bathrooms
  • ✔ Cleaner pipework setup than a conventional unit

Cons

  • ✖ Requires more space for a separate hot water cylinder
  • ✖ Higher supply cost than an oil combi boiler

Conventional Oil Boiler

A conventional oil boiler, also known as a regular boiler, works with both a hot water cylinder and a cold water storage tank. This type of installation is common in older UK homes and is the most practical choice for a direct replacement.

Pros

  • ✔ Works well if a cylinder and a cold water tank are already fitted
  • ✔ Supplies hot water to multiple bathrooms at once

Cons

  • ✖ Requires the most space of all three boiler types
  • ✖ Less efficient than combi and system boilers in smaller homes

Can You Install an Oil Boiler Yourself?

You cannot install an oil boiler yourself unless you are an OFTEC-registered engineer.

If you’re replacing an old boiler, the engineer will have to come and assess the boiler and how to replace it, as well as help you decide what type of boiler is best for you, before they can give you an accurate quote.

If you have need to keep oil in an oil tank in your garden, how can this be done safely?

"I'd say it should be kept in a non corrosive container such as a PVC drum. The container should be placed in a protective enclosure."

By hiring an OFTEC-registered engineer to install your oil boiler, you will not only avoid potential damage, but you will save time and money.

Are there any repairs on an oil boiler I can undertake DIY?

"The simple answer is no. Even though oil boiler repairs are not regulated like gas services are, you are still burning a fossil fuel and, therefore, if the correct air/fuel ratios are not achieved, then excessive emissions may occur.

Whilst most boilers these days are room sealed to the atmosphere, part of the service/repair schedule is checking and identifying any defects within the case seals of the combustion area. If these are defective, then products of combustion can enter the room / or spurious air being drawn into the combustion chamber, which could affect the combustion fuel/air mix.

Other than the reasons above, there are various electrical issues to attend to and be aware of. In any event, to ensure that the appliance is burning correctly and to the manufacturer's specifications, you need a flue gas analyser to prove the performance."

Checklist: How To Find and Hire an OFTEC-registered Engineer in the UK

When installing a new oil boiler, it's critical for your safety to hire a registered OFTEC engineer to complete the fit.

Here's what we suggest when searching for your local engineer:

  • Are they qualified? Check the engineer's OFTEC-registered status, and look at their past jobs to see if they've got a track record for similar projects.
  • Are they insured? Confirm the engineer is insured, asking for proof of public liability insurance.
  • Are they offering you a written quote? Always request a written quote, including all aspects of the work, with a fully itemised cost breakdown so there are no hidden charges.
  • Can you check their past work? Look over their MyJobQuote profile to see your engineer's customer reviews, paying close attention to any comments on timekeeping, cleanliness on site, and overall quality.
  • Do they offer certification? Once the work has been completed, make sure you get an OFTEC compliance certificate to certify the work.

We recommend that you gather at least 3 quotes from different OFTEC-registered engineers near you to compare costs.

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FAQs

How Long Does a New Oil Boiler Typically Last?

Oil boilers typically last between 10 and 15 years when well-maintained and professionally installed. Ensuring you have regular OFTEC-registered engineer services will help prolong your boiler's lifespan.

What Is the Average Running Cost of an Oil Boiler per Year in the UK?

Annual oil boiler running costs for the UK are in the region of £900 to £1,800, depending on your usage and property size. This is based on average standard charges and running costs per kWh. Pairing your oil-fired boiler with smart thermostats can help to reduce your overall energy prices by optimising your usage.

Do I Need Planning Permission to Replace or Relocate an Oil Boiler?

You won't usually need planning permission to replace an oil boiler with a like-for-like upgrade, but for brand new oil boiler installations, or if you want to move your boiler to a new location, you may need to check with your local planning office first. Different regulations will apply to listed properties or those within conservation areas.

Are There Any Grants or Schemes Available for Oil Boiler Replacement in the UK?

There aren't government schemes available for installing oil boilers in the UK, but there are schemes for swapping fossil fuel systems with alternative heating systems, such as installing ground source heat pumps, or installing biomass boilers. These schemes are subject to change, though, so it's worth checking on an individual basis when you come to install your oil boiler.

Does Replacing an Old Oil Boiler Increase Property Value?

Installing an energy-efficient oil boiler in your property, installed by an OFTEC-registered engineer, has the potential to raise your home's value as it can positively affect your property's EPC rating, which is enticing for homebuyers.

Are Oil Boilers Cheaper to Run Than Gas Boilers?

Running costs for oil and gas boilers vary with current fuel prices, which fluctuate for both. Gas boilers are typically cheaper to run than oil, but oil is cheaper to run than electricity, making it cost-effective for home heating when you don't have a gas connection.

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