How Much Does it Cost to Install a Boiler in Vancouver?

We’ll go over 4 factors that impact the cost of your installation.

Looking to replace your boiler? Price is probably top of mind for you.

The cost to install a boiler in the Vancouver area runs around $13,999, but you could pay anywhere from $9,499 to over $19,999.

That’s a huge range, we know.

That’s because boiler installation costs usually depend on the 5 factors below:

• Size of your boiler
• Number of heating zones in your home
• Condition of current flue system
• Efficiency of the unit
• Company you hire

We’ll go over how each of these factors impact your boiler installation cost.

Need a quote to install a boiler in your home? Call us at 604-283-2383 or schedule an appointment online.

One of our plumbers will come talk with you about your heating needs and give you an in-home estimate—all for free.

Factors that impact your boiler installation cost

Factor #1: Size

How it impacts price: The larger your boiler, the more you’ll pay for it upfront.

Boilers are sized in BTUs (British Thermal Units), a measurement of heat produced in a single hour (energy needed to heat 1 pound of water by 1°F). So, “bigger” boilers aren’t necessarily larger in size. They have a higher BTU output, which simply means they can produce more heat.

Sizing a boiler for your home is a complex process, but it’s important to get it right. Getting a boiler that’s too large or small for your needs will result in:

• High monthly energy bills
• Shortened boiler lifespan
• Frequent system repairs

Because finding the right boiler size is so complex, you’ll want to leave it to a professional. They’ll find the exact size you need and can recommend which type to get based on your heating preferences.

Factor #2: Number of heating zones in your home

How it impacts price: The more heating zones you have in your home, the more you’ll pay for your boiler installation.

Many homes utilize “zoning” functionality in their homes. Zoning refers to adding individual controllers onto each radiator for precise temperature control from room to room.

For example, a home with 3 different “zones” means that you can set different temperatures for the living room, kitchen and upstairs bedrooms. You may have a zoned system now and not even realize it. Ask your installation tech whether or not your system is zoned (and how many zones you have).

Factor #3: Condition of the current flue system

How it impacts price: If your boiler flue system is improperly sized or was poorly installed, it will need to be replaced, which will increase the overall cost.

All boilers have a “flue system”, which is basically a pipe that attaches to the boiler and connects to an outside wall or chimney. The flue system’s job is to push dangerous gases (created during the heating process) out of the home.

Ideally, the flue system wouldn’t have to be replaced with a new boiler. However, if the flue was sized improperly or installed poorly to begin with, the flue may need to be replaced—and this will add to your overall boiler installation price.

Factor #4: Efficiency

How it impacts price: High-efficiency boilers cost more to install than standard ones, but less to operate each month.

Boiler efficiency is measured by its AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating, which measures how well a boiler converts fuel into heat.

Let’s say you have a boiler with an AFUE rating of 85%. That means for every dollar you spend on heating, 85 cents of that goes toward actual heat, while 15 cents is wasted in the heating process.

In terms of efficiency, you can essentially buy 2 types of boilers:

• Non-condensing (standard): These boilers allow heat from water vapor to escape outdoors (and go to waste) via the exhaust vent. Non-condensing boilers usually have AFUE ratings of 80%–85%.
• Condensing (high-efficiency): These boilers capture heat from the water vapor, which is wasted in non-condensing boilers, and use it to preheat water entering the boiler. Condensing boilers typically have AFUE ratings of 90%–99%.

Factor #5: Plumber

How it impacts price: You’ll pay more for better-quality plumbers.

But don’t let higher labor costs keep you from going with a quality plumber.

See, a quality plumber will have the skills and experience to install your boiler right, so your warranty stays valid and your plumbing and gas up to code.

Going with a cheap, unqualified plumber could result in improper installation, voiding your warranty and violating Vancouver plumbing codes. This would result in expensive repairs in the future.

To avoid any problems from the start, we recommend making sure the plumber:

• Gives you a written price quote before any work begins
• Factory certified (Trained and certified from the factory to install and maintain the unit)
• Guarantees their work
• Is insured and has a valid gas fitting license
• Has good online reviews (Yelp, Google and the Better Business Bureau)

Need a boiler installation estimate in Vancouver?

We’ll send a plumber to talk with you about your heating needs to find the right boiler for your home. Then, you’ll get multiple system options, along with upfront pricing for each.