I live in Massachusetts. Plumbers usually charge $80-125 per hour for general work (such as installing a water line to a refrigerator).

We are considering updating our heating system by having a new boiler installed. The units themselves aren't too expensive, but it seems that plumbers (or general HVAC contractors) want THOUSANDS of dollars to install them, even though it only takes a day (or less).

Does anybody know why plumbers charge SO MUCH MORE for this type of job?

Thanks much.

One reason is a boiler are not sold that often. A quality boiler will almost last 3 to 4 times long as a gas forced air furnace.

Proper boiler install takes a bit more knowledge than forced air and they are heavier to work with.

As far as unit costs are concerned most good boilers cost a contractor 3 to 4 times what a gas forced air furnace costs. I have no idea where you got your prices at but a new Knight or other high efficiency boiler is around 2500.00 dealer cost and gas forced air furnace around 750.00.