What Is the Cost of a New Gas Boiler in Ireland?

By Cormac Breen

Content Manager

Cormac is Selectra.ie's energy expert along with being the chief content and editorial manager for the website. His aim is to help find the best deal for you and your home energy needs so that you save money on your annual bills. His knowledge and experience of the Irish energy market allows him to offer the best advice and insight into current prices, emerging trends and overall energy saving tips.

A new gas boiler will cost between €2,000 and €4,000 depending on the make and model. Gas boilers work by heating water that is then used as part of your central heating system or as a source of hot water for baths, showers, and radiators. It is recommended that you have your gas boiler serviced once a year to keep it working efficiently. Always use an RGII Registered Gas Installer when having any work done on your gas boiler.

How Much Does a New Gas Boiler in Ireland?

A new gas boiler in Ireland will typically cost between €2,000 and €4,000. The gas boiler price depends on the following variables:

• The manufacturer
• The boiler model
• The capacity of the boiler

The size of your home will dictate the size of boiler you need and thereby its cost. Below, you'll find a comparison of the estimated price of a gas boiler based on its size:

Source: Gasworks.ie

As we can see from the table above, for smaller homes and apartments, a 18kw gas boiler would be sufficient while for larger homes, it would be better to invest in a larger boiler bigger than 20kw.

How Do I Know if I Need a New Boiler?

It's not always obvious when it's time to replace your boiler.

While an annual service is crucial, there are several key signs that your existing unit may be reaching the end of its life and that a replacement is a more cost-effective solution than ongoing repairs.

Look out for these common warning signs:

• Your Boiler is Old: Most gas boilers have a lifespan of 10-15 years. If your boiler is older than this, its efficiency will have diminished significantly, and it's more likely to suffer from frequent and costly breakdowns.
• Frequent Breakdowns: If you find yourself calling a repair technician more than once a year, the combined cost of call-out fees and parts can quickly add up. At a certain point, it becomes cheaper to invest in a new, reliable boiler with a long warranty.
• Rising Energy Bills: An old or inefficient boiler has to work harder to heat your home. This directly translates to higher gas consumption and an increase in your monthly energy bills. A new, A-rated condensing boiler can be over 90% efficient, potentially saving you hundreds of euros a year.
• Loud and Unusual Noises: While a low hum is normal, sounds like banging, gurgling, or whistling indicate an internal issue. This could be due to kettling (a build-up of limescale), a failing pump, or other mechanical problems.
• The Pilot Light is Yellow: A healthy pilot light should be a crisp blue flame. A yellow or orange flame can be a sign of incomplete combustion, which could be releasing dangerous carbon monoxide. If you see a yellow flame, turn off your boiler immediately and contact an RGII Registered Gas Installer.
• Your Home Isn't Heating Evenly: If some radiators are cold or if your home is taking a long time to heat up, it's a clear sign your boiler is struggling to keep up with demand.

What Is the Best Gas Boiler on the Market?

Given that the individual expectations, and budget, of someone purchasing a new gas boiler will be different, it's difficult to give a definitive recommendation as to which is the best boiler available on the market.

What we can advise is the factors to take into consideration before buying a new boiler. By having an idea of this, you will be better placed to compare what is available on the market.

Factors to consider include:

1. Budget
   With prices starting from just above €2,000 and rising to €3,000+, your budget will largely dictate which boiler you choose.
2. The length of warranty
   Boilers can be expensive to service and replacement parts can take time to source, so by purchasing a boiler with a good warranty period you can offset these possible future costs.
3. Boiler efficiency
   It's important to buy a boiler with a high efficiency rating, otherwise you will be losing money on any energy wasted by the boiler.
4. The size of your home
   The size of your home will determine its heating needs. The bigger your home, the bigger a boiler you'll need. If you are living in a smaller property, a smaller, cheaper boiler might be sufficient.

Below you will find an overview table of some popular gas boiler brands and their estimated price range:

How to Choose the Right Size (kW) Gas Boiler

Choosing a boiler with the correct heating output (measured in kilowatts or kW) is crucial for both efficiency and comfort.

A boiler that is too small won't heat your home adequately, while one that is too large will cycle on and off more frequently, leading to wasted energy and a shorter lifespan.

Here are the key factors to consider:

• Size of Your Home: The number of bedrooms and bathrooms is a good starting point. A larger house with more rooms and radiators will naturally require a higher kW output.
• Number of Radiators: A simple rule of thumb is to allow for approximately 1.5 kW for every radiator in your home. This is a basic estimate, but it gives you a good idea.
• Hot Water Demand: Do you have multiple showers and baths that are used at the same time? If so, you'll need a boiler with a higher hot water output, particularly if you are considering a combi boiler.
• Insulation and Heat Loss: A well-insulated home (with good wall, attic, and window insulation) will retain heat more effectively and may be able to manage with a slightly smaller boiler.

General Guide to Gas Boiler Sizing

*Note: This is a general guide. An RGII Registered Gas Installer can perform a detailed heat loss calculation to recommend the perfect size for your specific home.

What to Expect from a Gas Boiler Installation

Upgrading or replacing your gas boiler is a significant home improvement. Knowing the process in advance can help everything run smoothly.

Here’s a typical step-by-step guide to a gas boiler installation in Ireland:

1. 1. Initial Assessment: A qualified RGII Registered Gas Installer will visit your home to assess your current heating system, hot water needs, and the layout of your property. They will recommend the best boiler size and type for your home and provide a detailed quote.
2. 2. The Installation Day: The installation process usually takes just one to two days.
   • Draining the System: The installer will first drain your central heating system.
   • Removal: The old boiler and any associated pipework or tanks will be carefully removed.
   • New Boiler Installation: The new boiler will be fitted, along with new pipework and any required heating controls.
   • System Flush: The heating system will be flushed to remove any sludge or debris that could affect the new boiler’s efficiency.
   • Refilling and Testing: The system is refilled, and the installer will test the new boiler and controls to ensure everything is working correctly and safely.
3. 3. Commissioning and Certification: Once the installation is complete, the installer will commission the boiler and provide you with a Declaration of Conformance (BCI Certificate). This is a crucial document that certifies the work was carried out safely and to the required standards. You should keep this in a safe place, as you will need it for future reference or if you ever sell your home.
4. 4. Post-Installation: Your installer will explain the new boiler’s controls and answer any questions you have. They will also advise you on the importance of your annual service to maintain the warranty and ensure your boiler operates efficiently.

Are Gas Boilers More Expensive Than Oil or Electric?

Gas boilers are similar in cost to oil but given that electricity is always more expensive than either of the other two, it will always be the most expensive means of heating a home.

Having said that, there are several factors that impact on the total cost of heating a home regardless of which type of boiler you have, including:

1. The size of your home.
2. Number of occupants.
3. How well insulated it is.
4. Your average consumption.
5. How often you switch gas provider.

The following table gives a basic breakdown of the difference in price between the three types of boilers and which will be phased out completely in the future.

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Are Heat Pumps a Good Alternative to Gas Boilers?

With the government's plan to phase out fossil fuel boilers by 2025, many homeowners are considering a new heating system.

While gas boilers remain a popular and affordable option, it's worth comparing them to the main alternative: a heat pump.

Key Differences to Consider:

• Future-Proofing: Heat pumps are seen as a long-term, sustainable heating solution that aligns with national and international climate goals. Gas boilers, while still a viable option, are part of a fuel source that is being phased out.
• Home Insulation: For a heat pump to be truly efficient and cost-effective, your home must be well-insulated (SEAI recommends a BER rating of B2 or higher). If your home has poor insulation, a heat pump will cost a lot to run.
• Initial Investment: The upfront cost of a heat pump is significantly higher. However, SEAI grants help to reduce this cost, and the long-term savings on running costs can make it a worthwhile investment over time.

How Much Is a Gas Boiler Service?

The price for a full gas boiler service, which typically includes the call-out fee and basic work, can range from €80 to €120. This excludes the cost of any replacement parts or major repairs that may be needed.

There are several factors that can influence the cost of your boiler service, including:

• Labour costs.
• Replacement parts.
• Issues that arise during the service.

It is recommended to shop around for two or three quotes before choosing a service, as many operators will offer different rates.

A gas boiler service must be carried out by a Registered Gas Installer (RGI) to ensure that the work is carried out to a high standard of safety.

To find a Registered Gas Installer in your area, you can use the RGII offical website to search for an RGI in your county.

Often issues with your boiler can be fixed at home without the need for a full service such as bleeding your boiler.

How Does a Gas Boiler in Ireland Work?

A gas boiler works by burning gas in order to heat water, which is then pumped around your house as part of your home heating system, or for use as hot water in baths, showers, taps etc.

To use a gas boiler, you must be connected to the gas network and be in contract with a gas supplier.

Gas boilers are popular forms of heating homes, in particular urban areas, as historically, gas has often been cheaper gas is normally cheaper than both oil and electricity.

There are three main types of gas boilers available in Ireland:

1. Combi Gas Boiler
   The combi gas boiler has two functions: it heats your water for domestic use and also works as your central heating system. These gas boilers tend to be more compact than other types, as they do not need a tank to store the hot water.
2. Traditional Gas Boiler
   This type of boiler needs to have a separate cold water tank to feed it, as well as a cylinder to store the heated water. They are referred to as ‘regular’ as they are the most common type of gas boiler in Ireland and have been around for a long time.
3. System Gas Boiler
   A system gas boiler is similar to a regular gas boiler in that it still needs a separate cylinder to store the hot water. However, it does not need to be fed by a cold water tank. This makes it less bulky and less expensive to install versus a regular gas boiler.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Gas Boilers?

For those with access to the gas network, gas boilers offer an affordable and convenient means of heating their homes when compared to oil, electric, or biomass boilers.

Despite this, the fluctuating price of gas can make them more expensive and without regular servicing, their efficiency can diminish over time.

By Cormac Breen

Content Manager

Cormac is Selectra.ie's energy expert along with being the chief content and editorial manager for the website. His aim is to help find the best deal for you and your home energy needs so that you save money on your annual bills. His knowledge and experience of the Irish energy market allows him to offer the best advice and insight into current prices, emerging trends and overall energy saving tips.