The Best Budget Boilers on the Market in 2025
Finding a reliable boiler that doesn’t break the bank can be tricky. We’ve researched the top budget boilers currently available and compared their prices, features, and usability from our own professional experience. If you’re in Birmingham, Afterglow Plumbing & Heating Limited can help with expert installation.
Here’s our top 3 budget boilers:
1. Main Eco Compact 25kW – Our Favourite
Price: £718.47 (boiler only)
Warranty: 5 years
Type: Combi Boiler
Features:
- Cupboard-fit design, perfect for small spaces
- Lightweight at 29.5kg
- Energy Saving Trust endorsed
- Compatible with smart thermostats
Our Review:
At Afterglow Plumbing & Heating Limited, we’ve installed the Main Eco Compact in multiple homes across Birmingham, and it consistently impresses us. Its ease of installation saves time on-site, and its reliable performance makes it an excellent choice for small to medium homes.
“We’ve fitted the Main Eco Compact in several properties this year, and it’s one of the most straightforward, dependable boilers we’ve worked with. Ideal for landlords or anyone on a budget.” – Afterglow Plumbing & Heating Limited
2. Worcester Bosch Greenstar 1000 24kW
Price: £808.33 (boiler only)
Warranty: 5 years (with filter installation)
Type: Combi Boiler
Features:
- Compact, lightweight design
- ErP A-rated efficiency
- Quiet operation
- Excellent reliability
Our Review:
The Greenstar 1000 is a reliable mid-range option for homeowners who want peace of mind. From our installations, it’s quiet, efficient, and highly dependable, making it one of our go-to choices for small to medium-sized properties.
“The Worcester 1000 is a great balance of performance and value. Our clients love how quiet it is, and we’ve never had any issues with reliability.” – Afterglow Plumbing & Heating Limited
3. Glow-worm Micracom 24kW
Price: £765.59 (boiler only)
Warranty: 2 years
Type: Combi Boiler
Features:
- Compact and ideal for small spaces
- Stainless steel heat exchanger
- User-friendly interface
Our Review:
The Glow-worm Micracom is perfect for tight spaces where every inch counts. We’ve installed it in several flats and small homes across Birmingham, and it’s easy to maintain while still delivering solid performance.
“For compact spaces, the Micracom is a brilliant choice. Installation is straightforward, and maintenance is simple—perfect for flats or small homes.” – Afterglow Plumbing & Heating Limited
Which Budget Boiler Should You Choose?
If you want the best combination of affordability and reliability, our favourite is the Main Eco Compact. For slightly higher budgets, the Worcester Bosch Greenstar 1000 offers exceptional performance. And if space is tight, the Glow-worm Micracom is ideal.
For professional installation in Birmingham, trust Afterglow Plumbing & Heating Limited to handle your boiler safely and efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the best budget boiler for a small home?
From our experience, the Main Eco Compact 25kW is perfect for small homes or flats. It’s lightweight, easy to install, and reliable, making it an excellent budget-friendly option.
2. How much does a budget boiler cost?
The prices we’ve listed are boiler-only costs from suppliers:
- Main Eco Compact 25kW – £718.47
- Worcester Bosch Greenstar 1000 – £808.33
- Glow-worm Micracom 24kW – £765.59
Installation costs will vary depending on your home and plumbing requirements.
3. How long do budget boilers last?
With proper maintenance, all three boilers can last 10–15 years, though warranty periods vary:
- Main Eco Compact – 5 years
- Worcester Bosch Greenstar 1000 – 5 years
- Glow-worm Micracom – 2 years
4. Can I install these boilers myself?
No a gas safe registered engineer should install the boiler. We strongly recommend professional installation. Incorrect installation can be dangerous and may void warranties. Afterglow Plumbing & Heating Limited provides safe and certified installations in Birmingham.
5. Which boiler is easiest to maintain?
All three are relatively low-maintenance, but in our experience, the Main Eco Compact and Glow-worm Micracom are the easiest to service in tight spaces due to their compact designs.
What’s Involved in Replacing a Boiler
Replacing a boiler isn’t just swapping the old unit for a new one. At Afterglow Plumbing & Heating Limited, we follow a careful process to ensure your new boiler runs efficiently and safely. Here’s what’s typically involved:
1. Draining Down the System
Before removing the old boiler, the heating system needs to be drained to prevent leaks and water damage. This ensures a safe working environment and prepares the system for the new boiler.
2. Removing the Old Boiler
Once drained, the old boiler is carefully disconnected and removed. This includes detaching all water and gas pipes, the flue, and any attached controls.
3. Flushing the Heating System
It’s essential to flush the system to remove sludge, rust, and debris. This improves efficiency and prevents future problems in your new boiler.
4. Installing a Condense Pipe (If Needed)
Modern condensing boilers require a condense pipe to safely drain water created during heating. If your old boiler didn’t have one, we install this pipe correctly, ensuring it meets building regulations.
5. Connecting Pipes and Radiators
All water and gas pipes are connected to the new boiler. We also check radiator valves, and if needed, upgrade them to modern, efficient models to improve heat control throughout the home.
6. Installing a New Flue
Every new boiler needs a proper flue. Sometimes this involves installing a vertical flue to the roof, especially if there’s no existing horizontal route. We ensure your flue is compliant with safety regulations.
7. Installing a New Thermostat
A modern thermostat helps control your heating efficiently. We install and configure the thermostat so your new boiler works optimally with your home’s heating system.
8. Filling, Pressurising, and Testing
Once everything is connected, the system is filled, pressurised, and tested to ensure there are no leaks and the boiler operates safely.
9. Commissioning and User Guidance
Finally, we commission the boiler, check all settings, and walk you through how to use it. This ensures you know how to control your heating efficiently and safely.
Tip: Replacing a boiler is more than just the unit itself. Proper installation, including pipework, flue, and system flushing, is crucial to get maximum efficiency and avoid problems down the line.
