Cost of installing a thermal store
Winter seems to never end, and the bills keep on rising, but there is another way to save money and conserve energy this winter!
Most households have a central heating that heats and supplies water every time you need a bath, shower, or water to wash up. Although this is a convenient way to get hot water on demand, it is not the best option if you want to conserve energy or save money. That is where a thermal store can come in handy!
Thermal stores are cylinders or tanks that store hot water in your home, ready to use whenever you need it. By doing this, you will save energy since the hot water from your tap comes straight from the hot water stored in the thermal store.
If you’re looking to invest in a thermal store, then here is how much you will be expected to pay to install a thermal store in your home.
How much does it cost to install a thermal store?
Although a thermal store can save you money in the long run as it conserves energy, there can be a hefty upfront supply cost. On average, a standard thermal store can cost anywhere between £1000 to £2000, however different brands and features can impact the cost.
Below lists the costs of each type of thermal store available on the market:
| TYPE OF THERMAL STORE | AVERAGE COST |
| Unvented Thermal Store | £1000 to £1800 |
| Vented Thermal Store | £1200 to £2000 |
| Electric | £1000 to £1500 |
| Multi-fuel | £2000 to £4000 |
Labour costs and timescales
The labour cost of installing a thermal store will largely depend on the size and complexity of the job. As installing a thermal store can be quite complex as it is both heavy and hard to manoeuvre, this job will require two people.
There are two ways in which tradespeople price their job: per hour or per day. On average, specialists who install thermal stores tend to charge between £300 to £600 per day depending on whether they are a heating engineer or plumber who have different set prices per hour. If they charge per hour this can cost anywhere between £30 to £50 per hour. Do keep in mind that you may have to pay more for an extra tradesperson when installing a thermal store.
Like the cost, the more complex the installation, the longer the job will take. Installing a smaller thermal store can take between 1 – 2 days whereas larger systems can take even longer. However, this is an average timeframe as the type of house, whether it is a new build or older property, or if the specialist finds any problems with your existing mains water source, can increase the time it takes to install a thermal store. Rest assured, most issues are found during the initial quote so timeframes and costs will most likely be set from the start.
Cost factors
There are many factors that can impact the cost of installing a thermal store. Let’s take a look at some of these factors:
Size and type
Different houses and situations will require different sizes and types of thermal stores. Smaller houses with only 2 – 3 people, for example, will not use as much water as a larger household. This means that they will only need to purchase a smaller thermal store which will cost less in supply costs. For those with a larger family, it is better to choose a larger thermal store as although it will be a higher upfront cost, it will save you money in the long run.
The type of thermal store you choose will also impact the cost. Like everything, there are both budget and high-end models of thermal stores with both drastically varying in cost. It is best to choose a model to suit your budget, and if you are after further clarity, an engineer will be able to advise and help you decide on the right thermal store for your home and family.
Heating System
When installing a thermal store, your heating system may affect the cost. This mainly refers to older boilers which may be incompatible with newer thermal store models. This means that before a thermal store is installed, components of the boiler or thermal store may need to be changed for it to be installed. Some cases may require for a full boiler replacement. If the boiler cannot be used for the job, the heating engineer will advise you on what you will need to upgrade for a thermal store to be installed.
Location
Location is a big factor when it comes to calculating the total cost of a job. In different parts of the country, the average plumbing labour costs differ greatly. If you live in and around London and the Southeast of England, you are likely to pay more than those in the North.
Accessibility
Most thermal stores tend to be installed in lofts or small cupboards to keep it out of the way and hidden. This means that it is not always easy to access the place a thermal store will be installed. If the place where the store will be installed is harder to access or if the cupboard is quite small, it may take longer to install which will increase labour costs.
Additional Costs
Alongside installing a thermal store, other jobs involving energy or heating can also be completed at the same time. Some additional jobs and costs associated with a thermal store installation include:
New boilers
As previously mentioned, sometimes a new boiler may be required to install a thermal store to ensure compatibility. Other times, you may just want to update your boiler. The safety and peace of mind that comes with a high-quality, new boiler is well worth the investment. Not only are they more cost effective, but newer boilers can also save you money in terms of energy bills. Depending on the type, brand, and size of boiler you choose, the cost a new boiler can vary. However, a new boiler on average costs between £1500 to £3000 which includes both labour and supply costs.
Boiler service
When installing a thermal store, it may be handy to have your boiler serviced at the same time to make sure everything is in running order. The cost of servicing a boiler can vary depending on the heating engineer you choose and the boiler you have. The average cost of a boiler service will range between £80 to £120 and will include thorough checks such as:
- A visual examination of the boiler
- Check for any signs of damage such as leaky pipes or corrosion
- Check the controls, electrics, and the boiler’s vents
If any repairs need to be made to your boiler, then this will obviously cost more depending on what the issue is.
Solar panels
The main reason homeowners install a thermal store in their home is for renewable energy purposes. That is why installing solar panels may be the next job on your list. Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular in the UK because they are a cost-effective solution to make use of a free and renewable energy source. Photovoltaic panels can transform the energy provided by the sun into electricity that can be utilised in the home. Installing solar panels can cost anywhere between £5000 to £7500 depending on the size, type and quality of the panels that are installed.
Can I install a thermal store myself?
As this job involves working with both plumbing, electrics and in some cases gas boilers, it is much too complex and dangerous to be undertaken as a DIY project. Unless the job is done by a professional, there are far too many parts that could go wrong. In addition, if the boiler is damaged, gas leaks and other issues can occur. That is why a thermal store installation should only be completed by a qualified professional to ensure proper installation and that all safety measures are taken.
