What does heating and ventilation work cost in 2026?
A heating and ventilation engineer charges £50–90 an hour or £300–500 a day in 2026, with a call-out minimum of £70–150. The larger numbers are installations: £2,000–4,500 for a combi boiler swap, £9,000–16,000 for an air source heat pump before the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, and £4,000–9,000 for whole-house MVHR in a renovation.
Updated 15 September 2026
Gas, refrigerant and ventilation are separate competences
Anything touching gas must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer — the card has an expiry date and a list of what that person is actually qualified for, and it's worth looking at both. Air conditioning and heat pumps involve refrigerant, which requires F-Gas certification. Ventilation and MVHR commissioning is its own skill set again.
One firm may hold all three, but plenty don't. Matching the certification to the job is the single most useful check you can make before accepting a quote.
Typical heating and ventilation prices
Supplied and fitted. Excludes VAT unless stated.
| Job | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate | £50–90 |
| Call-out minimum | £70–150 |
| Combi boiler swap, like for like | £2,000–4,500 |
| System to combi conversion | £3,000–6,000 |
| Air source heat pump, whole house | £9,000–16,000 |
| Annual boiler service | £70–140 |
| Landlord gas safety certificate (CP12) | £60–120 |
| Bathroom extract fan, fitted | £150–400 |
| Whole-house MVHR system | £4,000–9,000 |
| Air conditioning, single split unit | £1,800–3,500 |
Grants, VAT and Part F
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme pays a grant towards an air source or ground source heat pump, claimed by an MCS-certified installer on your behalf rather than by you. If a company isn't MCS certified, the grant isn't available through them — that alone can be worth more than the difference between two quotes.
Energy-saving measures including heat pumps and insulation currently attract 0% VAT on installation in domestic properties, while a standard boiler replacement is charged at 20%. Make sure the quote applies the right rate.
Ventilation is covered by Building Regulations Part F, and any new extract fan or MVHR system should be commissioned and the airflow measured, with a certificate. Under Part L, a boiler replacement is notifiable and the Gas Safe engineer should register it so you receive a building regulations compliance certificate.
Getting the size right
Oversized boilers are the norm in British homes and they cycle inefficiently. Insist on a heat loss calculation rather than 'the same size as the old one', particularly before a heat pump, where correct sizing and radiator upgrades decide whether the system is cheap or expensive to run.
Compare warranties as well as price: manufacturer warranties on boilers run 2–12 years and are usually conditional on annual servicing by a registered engineer.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a new boiler cost?
£2,000–4,500 fitted for a like-for-like combi swap, and £3,000–6,000 if you're converting from a system boiler and cylinder.
What does an air source heat pump cost?
£9,000–16,000 installed before the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, which an MCS-certified installer claims on your behalf. Radiator upgrades may add to that.
Do I pay VAT on a heat pump?
Installation of qualifying energy-saving measures in homes is currently zero-rated, unlike a standard boiler replacement at 20%. Check the quote applies the correct rate.
How often should a boiler be serviced?
Annually, by a Gas Safe registered engineer, at £70–140. Most manufacturer warranties are void without it, and landlords need a CP12 certificate every year by law.
Describe the job and we'll match you with the right company — free for homeowners.