Boiler Replacement Cost & When to Replace
A new boiler runs €3,000–€8,000 installed. Here are the warning signs, the cost by type and efficiency, and how to avoid an oversized, short-cycling unit.
Updated July 10, 2026 · 6 min read
A boiler is easy to ignore until it’s blowing cold air in January. Most units last 15–20 years, and replacing yours before it dies — rather than during a cold snap — means better pricing, more choices, and no emergency markup.
Here’s what a boiler replacement costs in 2026, the signs it’s time, and how to choose the right unit.
Signs it’s time to replace
A few of these together mean start planning:
- Age over 15 years.
- Rising heating bills as efficiency drops.
- Frequent repairs, or a repair quote that’s a big fraction of a new unit.
- Uneven heating, short-cycling, or constant running.
- Yellow (instead of blue) burner flame, or any carbon-monoxide detector alarm — treat this as an emergency.
2026 boiler costs
Priced by fuel type and efficiency (AFUE rating):
- Gas boiler, standard efficiency (80% AFUE): €3,000–€5,500 installed.
- Gas boiler, high efficiency (90–97% AFUE): €4,500–€8,000 installed.
- Electric boiler: €2,500–€5,000 installed (higher running cost in many areas).
- Heat pump (as a boiler alternative): €6,000–€16,000 often rebate-eligible.
Sizing and efficiency
Bigger is not better. An oversized boiler short-cycles — blasting on and off — which wastes fuel, wears parts, and leaves rooms unevenly heated. A good installer runs a load calculation for your home’s size, insulation and climate rather than just matching the old unit.
Higher AFUE means more of your fuel becomes heat: a 96% unit wastes only 4%, versus 20% for an 80% unit. In cold climates the fuel savings can pay back the price difference; in mild climates the payback is slower.
Heating & cooling costs in Ireland
Figures are in euro, and Irish homes are heated with boilers and radiators rather than ducted forced air. Oil-fired and gas central heating are both common, and air-source heat pumps are growing quickly with SEAI grant support and a strong retrofit push. Home air conditioning is rare.
Gas work must be done by an RGII installer, and heat-pump installs should follow the relevant standards to qualify for grants. Right-sizing to the home and its insulation level is essential — the national retrofit programme often pairs a heat pump with upgraded insulation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does boiler installation take?
A straightforward like-for-like swap is usually done in a day. Switching fuel types or efficiency levels (which can change venting) may take longer.
Should I replace the AC at the same time?
If your AC is also near the end of its life, replacing both together often saves on labour and ensures the system is properly matched for efficiency.
Are there rebates for a high-efficiency boiler?
Often yes — high-efficiency gas boilers and especially heat pumps frequently qualify for utility rebates and federal tax credits in 2026. Ask your installer to itemize current incentives.
What’s AFUE?
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency — the percentage of fuel converted to usable heat. Higher is more efficient; 80% is standard, 90–97% is high-efficiency.
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