United Kingdom calculator
Heating & Cooling System Replacement Cost Calculator
Estimate the cost to replace your home's heating and cooling system in the UK. Whole-home refrigerated air conditioning is uncommon here, so the typical project is an air-source heat pump or a new boiler. Adjust the conditioned area (m²), system type, efficiency tier, and whether ductwork is added to see an itemised low–high range.
How this calculator is built
Unit costs with sources
This model cites 4 sources for its line-item cost and regional labour inputs.
Regional labour adjustment
The region table applies local labour indexes only to labour-heavy line items.
Published methodology
The methodology page lists the formula, size drivers, labour model, and source links.
How this estimate is calculated
The model prices 8 project line items from published cost inputs. Quantities are driven by your conditioned home area, system type, efficiency tier, and whether ductwork is added. The selected scope and finish adjust those inputs, then the regional index changes only each line's labour share; material prices remain national.
The itemised midpoint is shown as a ±22% planning range. It is not a contractor quote: access, design choices, permits, availability, and site conditions can move the final price.
VAT
The calculator applies the configured standard UK VAT rate of 20% to its renovation estimate and shows the VAT-inclusive total. Some projects or properties can qualify for different treatment, so confirm the rate and any exemptions on each contractor quote.
How firm these costs are
The national renovation model is assembled from the public cost guides cited for its individual inputs, then calibrated against a cited market range. Individual line prices are planning allocations rather than live quotes; compare the result with itemised quotes from qualified contractors before budgeting.
Estimate your project
Change the default inputs to match your scope. The breakdown updates by line item.
Heating System Replacement Cost by region: typical ranges
Each range applies that region's labour index to the labour-share line items of the default project; materials stay at national prices. Select a region for its full local breakdown and calculator.
| Region | Typical range | Labour index | Permit |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Midlands | £12,284–£19,214 | 95% | Likely |
| East of England | £12,284–£19,214 | 95% | Likely |
| London | £13,289–£20,786 | 112% | Likely |
| North East | £12,284–£19,214 | 95% | Likely |
| North West | £12,343–£19,306 | 96% | Likely |
| Scotland | £12,580–£19,676 | 100% | Likely |
| South East | £12,816–£20,046 | 104% | Likely |
| South West | £13,230–£20,694 | 111% | Likely |
| Wales | £12,462–£19,491 | 98% | Likely |
| West Midlands | £12,284–£19,214 | 95% | Likely |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | £12,225–£19,121 | 94% | Likely |
Common questions
How much does it cost to replace a heating system in the UK?
An air-to-water air-source heat pump — the like-for-like replacement for a whole-home central heating system — averages roughly £14,000–£15,000 supplied and installed before any grant, per Checkatrade, so our estimate adds the standard 20% VAT on top to show the headline consumer bill. A straight gas-boiler swap is much cheaper (a combi averages around £3,000 all-in), and a smaller air-to-air unit less again. Use the calculator above for a range matched to your home, system type, and efficiency tier.
Heat pump or new boiler — which should I choose?
If your boiler has simply failed, a like-for-like gas or electric boiler is the cheapest fix — pick 'Boiler only' to price the heating unit on its own. If you're moving off fossil fuels, an air-source heat pump (the 'Whole-home heat pump' option here) costs more up front but can draw a Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant of up to £7,500 and runs more efficiently. Whole-home refrigerated AC is rare in the UK; choose an air conditioning split unit only if cooling a room or two is the goal.
Which efficiency tier should I choose?
Standard efficiency is the budget choice; high-efficiency is the durable mid-grade that lowers running costs (for a heat pump, a higher SCOP; for a boiler, a higher ErP rating); premium variable-output equipment sits at the top for comfort and the deepest savings. UK homes mostly need heating rather than cooling, so prioritise the heating efficiency that suits your insulation and radiators — the calculator scales the estimate accordingly.