Boiler labour vs unit cost — where the money actually goes
This is the question people don’t usually ask out loud — but they should. You get a boiler quote, see a big number, and immediately wonder: “Is this mostly the boiler… or mostly labour?”
I’m Abdul, Gas Safe registered (ID 626557). I install boilers across London every week. This page isn’t here to sell you anything — it’s here so you can spot fair pricing, lazy pricing, and dangerous shortcuts before you agree to a job.
The boiler unit itself is often the smaller part of the story. What protects your home, your warranty, and your heating system long-term is the labour, planning, and installation work around it.
Why people fixate on the boiler price (and why that’s risky)
It’s easy to Google a boiler model and see a number. That gives a false sense of certainty. I’ve been to jobs where the customer knew the boiler price to the pound — but had no idea whether the gas pipe was undersized, the system was full of sludge, or the flue route even met regulations.
A cheap boiler installed badly will cost you more than a properly installed mid-range one. Every time.
What “labour” actually includes (it’s not just time)
System preparation
Draining, flushing if required, protecting floors, isolating correctly, and making sure old components don’t contaminate the new boiler. This is invisible work — but it’s the reason new boilers last.
Gas, water & heating compliance
Correct gas pipe sizing, pressure checks, safe condensate routing, ventilation rules, and flue clearances. None of this shows on Instagram — all of it matters.
Flue planning and execution
Straight flues are simple. London properties rarely are. Labour increases when flues need extensions, rerouting, or careful positioning around windows and neighbouring properties.
Commissioning & setup
Setting the boiler correctly, balancing the system, registering the warranty, and testing everything properly. This is where rushed installs quietly fail.
When a “cheap install” should make you nervous
There are three red flags I see again and again:
1. “It’s just a straight swap” — without anyone checking pipe sizes, flue position, or system condition.
2. No mention of filters, flushing, or commissioning.
3. No paperwork discussion at all.
If labour is suspiciously low, something has been skipped. And what gets skipped usually shows up later as breakdowns, noise, pressure issues, or warranty arguments.
How this ties into London installs specifically
In London, labour varies more because installs vary more. Access, parking, building rules, and flue routes all affect the work involved. That’s why London quotes can look higher even when the boiler model is identical.
If you want the full context on why London changes the equation, start here: why London boiler installs cost more .
Want a quote that explains itself?
If you’re near Stratford, Forest Gate, or anywhere across East London and you’re comparing quotes, call us on 07727 154746. We’ll explain what’s boiler cost, what’s labour, and why — before you commit to anything.
You can also start with the main hub guide here: new boiler cost & installation guide .
FAQs — honest answers, not sales lines
Is labour really more important than the boiler itself?
In most cases, yes. The boiler matters, but the installation quality determines safety, efficiency, noise levels, and lifespan.
Why do two quotes with the same boiler differ so much?
One may include proper preparation, compliance work, and commissioning. The other may be assuming a best-case scenario and skipping steps.
Can I save money by buying my own boiler?
Sometimes, but it can complicate warranties and responsibility. If something fails, manufacturers often ask who supplied and installed it.
Is it normal not to see a labour breakdown?
It’s common — but you should still be told what’s included. If an installer can’t explain the work, that’s a warning sign.
What should I ask before accepting a boiler quote?
Ask how the flue will be run, whether the system will be flushed, how commissioning is handled, and how warranty registration works.
Understanding the cost is how you avoid regret later
A boiler lasts years. A bad install causes problems fast. If you want us to look at your setup properly, get in touch.
Call ARA Services