Guide
Boiler replacement cost: a 2026 guide
What a new boiler costs, by fuel and type, and the extras that can add to the bill.
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Average installed cost
HomeGuide puts the national average at $6,100, with most jobs between $3,200 and $9,000, a low of $1,500 and a high of $12,000. The unit alone runs $1,400 to $6,500, plus $1,200 to $3,200 for labor and fitting.[source]
By fuel type
| Fuel | Unit | Installed |
|---|---|---|
| Gas | $1,400 to $5,600 | $4,000 to $9,000 |
| Propane | $1,800 to $4,000 | $2,800 to $7,500 |
| Oil | $1,700 to $6,500 | $3,300 to $9,000 |
| Electric | $1,000 to $6,000 | $1,800 to $8,000 |
By system type
HomeGuide lists standard boilers at $2,200 to $7,000 installed, combi boilers at $6,000 to $10,000, and high-efficiency boilers at $4,000 to $10,000. As units, hot water boilers run $1,200 to $4,000 and steam boilers $1,800 to $6,000.[source]
Extras to budget for
- Old boiler removal: $200 to $500
- Condensate drain for high-efficiency models: $200 to $600
- Permits: $50 to $250
- Chimney liner: $1,500 to $4,000
- Manual J load calculation: $200 to $500
- Thermostat replacement: $140 to $350
All ranges from HomeGuide.[source]
About this guide. Written by Call Now Plumbing, a referral line operated by Get Called LLC, from the public sources listed on our sources page, checked Nov 3, 2026. It has not been reviewed by a licensed heating contractor. For advice on your system, ask the company you reach.
What makes a replacement in an old Utica house more involved
Census estimates put about half of Utica homes as built before 1940.[source] Replacing a boiler in a house that old often means more than swapping the box. The old boiler may be large and heavy cast iron that has to be broken apart to remove. There may be asbestos insulation on old pipes, which has to be handled by licensed abatement contractors before work starts. The chimney may need a liner if the new boiler still vents into it, or the old chimney may be left unused if the new boiler vents out the side wall.
Ask each installer what their price includes: removal and disposal of the old boiler, permits, venting, a new expansion tank and relief valve, new near-boiler piping, controls, and startup. Two quotes that look far apart are often covering different scopes.
Steam replacement costs
A steam boiler replacement has its own considerations. The new boiler must be sized to the radiation in the house, and the near-boiler piping must follow the manufacturer's design to deliver dry steam. Shortcuts there cause banging and uneven heat for the life of the boiler.
Steam boilers are not condensing and will not reach the 90% AFUE that ENERGY STAR sets for gas boilers.[source] The efficiency gain in a steam replacement comes from proper sizing and piping, and from fixing vents and pressure settings at the same time.
Getting quotes
Get at least two quotes, three if you can. Ask each installer to do a heat loss calculation, or for steam, to measure the radiators. Ask what efficiency rating the proposed boiler has, what warranty it carries on the heat exchanger and parts, and who handles warranty claims.
Ask how long the installation will take and whether you will have heat during the work. Many replacements are done in a day or two, but steam and conversions can take longer. If the job is scheduled in winter, ask what they do to keep pipes from freezing while the system is down.
Rebates, programs and payment help
National Grid lists rebates for qualifying heating equipment.[source] NYSERDA's Comfort Home program supports insulation and air sealing that can reduce the size of the boiler you need, and EmPower+ helps income eligible households with energy upgrades.[source][source] For homeowners aged 60 or older who qualify for HEAP, the Heating Equipment Repair or Replacement benefit can pay up to $8,000 toward a replacement, paid to an approved vendor after approval.[source]
ENERGY STAR estimates the lifetime savings of a certified gas boiler at about $780, and of a certified oil boiler at about $200.[source] Those savings do not cover the cost of a new boiler on their own, but they matter when choosing between models.
Permits
Boiler replacements often involve gas, venting and electrical work that may need a permit. In Utica, ask the City of Utica Codes Department (opens in a new tab). Outside the city, ask the town or village codes office. Ask your installer whether the permit is in their price.
Questions to ask installers
- How did you size the boiler for this house?
- What efficiency rating does it have, and is it ENERGY STAR certified?
- What is the warranty on the heat exchanger, parts and labor?
- Does the price include removal, permits, venting, a new expansion tank and controls?
- Will the chimney still be used, and does it need a liner?
- Which rebates does this model qualify for?
- How long will the house be without heat?
Frequently asked
Is a combi boiler a good idea? A combi boiler makes heat and domestic hot water in one unit. It saves space but can struggle with high hot water demand in larger households. Ask how it would handle your usage.Can a new boiler use my old chimney? Non-condensing boilers often vent into a chimney, which may need a liner. Condensing boilers vent through plastic pipe instead. Ask the installer.Do I need to replace the radiators? Usually not, especially cast iron. They can last as long as the house.Removing an old boiler
Old cast iron boilers are heavy, and removal is part of the price. If there is any chance of asbestos insulation on the old boiler or pipes, it must be handled properly before demolition. Ask how the installer handles disposal and abatement, and whether either is in the price.
Rebates and incentives
Ask about utility and state efficiency programs before you choose a boiler. National Grid lists its energy saving programs online, and some carry rules about equipment and installers that must be met before installation.[source] Keep the receipts and model numbers.
Permits
Ask whether a permit is needed for the replacement in your city, town or village, and who pulls it.
Common questions
What size boiler do I need?
HomeGuide notes northern climates need about 50 or more BTUs per square foot, but exact sizing should come from a Manual J load calculation.[source]
Does a new boiler add to home value?
HomeGuide says not much in total value, though replacing a boiler over 20 years old in the Northeast makes a home more appealing to buyers.[source]
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