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 Cost in Ireland?
| Size of Home | Boiler Size | Average Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|
| One to Two Bedrooms | 15-18 kW | €2,500 |
| Two to Three Bedrooms | 18-24 kW | €2,800 |
| Four to Five Bedrooms | 30 kW | €3,000 |
For smaller homes and apartments, an 18kW gas boiler would be sufficient while for larger homes, it would be better to invest in a boiler bigger than 20kW.
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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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Rising Energy Bills: An old or inefficient boiler has to work harder to heat your home. A new, A-rated condensing boiler can be over 90% efficient, potentially saving you hundreds of euros a year.
- Loud and Unusual Noises: Sounds like banging, gurgling, or whistling indicate an internal issue such as 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?
Factors to consider include:
- Budget: With prices starting from just above €2,000 and rising to €3,000+, your budget will largely dictate which boiler you choose.
- The length of warranty: Boilers can be expensive to service and replacement parts can take time to source.
- Boiler efficiency: It's important to buy a boiler with a high efficiency rating.
- The size of your home: The bigger your home, the bigger a boiler you'll need.
Gas Boiler Brand Comparison
| Brand | Estimated Price Range (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Worcester Bosch | €2,500 - €3,500 |
| Vaillant | €2,500 - €3,500 |
| Viessmann | €3,000 - €4,000 |
| Ideal | €2,000 - €3,000 |
| Baxi | €2,000 - €3,000 |
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.
General Guide to Gas Boiler Sizing
| Size of Home | Number of Bedrooms | Boiler Size (kW) | Best Boiler Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment | 1-2 | 15-24 kW | Combi or System |
| Small to Medium House | 2-3 | 24-28 kW | Combi or System |
| Medium to Large House | 3-4 | 28-34 kW | System or Regular |
| Large House | 4+ | 34 kW+ | System or Regular |
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.
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What to Expect From a Gas Boiler Installation
- 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.
- The Installation Day: The installation process usually takes just one to two days. This involves draining the system, removal of the old boiler, new boiler installation, system flush, and refilling and testing.
- Commissioning and Certification: The installer will commission the boiler and provide you with a Declaration of Conformance (BCI Certificate).
- Post-Installation: Your installer will explain the new boiler's controls and advise on the importance of your annual service to maintain the warranty.
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.
| Boiler | Price | Cost per day | Will Be Phased Out? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | €600 - €1,200 | €12 to €20 | No |
| Gas | €1,500 - €3,500 | €10 to €16 | Yes |
| Oil | €3,000 - €3,500 | €13 to €22 | Yes |
The average annual gas bill in Ireland is €1,257.75 on a standard meter.
Are Heat Pumps a Good Alternative to Gas Boilers?
| Feature | Gas Boiler | Heat Pump |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | €2,000 - €4,000 | €10,000 - €16,000+ (before grants) |
| Running Cost | €1,200+ per year | €800+ per year |
| Efficiency | Up to 94% | 300%+ (3-4 units of heat per 1 unit electricity) |
| Grants | No | Yes, SEAI grants up to €6,500 |
| Fuel | Natural Gas | Electricity |
| Installation | Quick and simple (1-2 days) | More complex, requires insulation upgrades |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years | 15-20 years |
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.
A gas boiler service must be carried out by a Registered Gas Installer (RGI). To find one in your area, you can use the RGII official website.
Need a Boiler Service or Upgrade?
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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.
There are three main types of gas boilers available in Ireland:
- 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 as they do not need a tank to store the hot water.
- 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 the most common type of gas boiler in Ireland.
- 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, making it less bulky and less expensive to install.
What Is a Condensing Gas Boiler?
A condensing boiler works by condensing water vapour in exhaust gases to recover latent heat that would be otherwise lost, making them highly efficient. All gas boilers are, by law, condensing boilers.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Gas Boilers?
Advantages
- Natural gas is cheaper than electricity meaning lower energy bills.
- Modern condensing gas boilers are highly efficient.
- Wide availability and easy to install.
- Faster to heat up water than electricity and can be used in conjunction with smart temperature controls.
Disadvantages
- Require yearly servicing by a qualified technician.
- Are subject to fluctuating gas prices.
- Can pose a safety issue due to the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Often people living in rural areas don't have access to the gas network.