Boiler Replacement Cost in Billings, Montana
Expect to pay $6,500 to $14,800 for boiler replacement in Billings, MT. Most homeowners end up near $11,100, depending on the equipment tier and how much of the old setup can be reused.
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Billings Weather and HVAC Load
Billings logs 6,753 heating degree days and 662 cooling degree days in a normal year, based on the closest NOAA weather station. Heating is the bigger job here, and furnaces and heat pumps in Billings put in far more hours than the air conditioner. On average, Billings gets 142 freezing nights and 32 days above 90°F per year. Snowfall averages about 57 inches. For a 2,000 sq ft house, this climate points to a heating load somewhere near 70,000 BTU/h. Treat that as a starting number. A Manual J calculation will move it up or down based on insulation and windows.
| Heating degree days / year | 6,753 |
|---|---|
| Cooling degree days / year | 662 |
| Nights at or below 32°F | 142 |
| Days above 90°F | 32 |
| Average low / high | 37°F / 59.4°F |
Billings Housing Stock
Half the homes in Billings were built before 1979 (Census ACS median), so the typical house is about 47 years old. A lot of these homes are on their second or third system by now. The ductwork is usually original, and leaky joints are common. Owners live in 64.8% of occupied homes, roughly 33,000 households. Homes here have a median value of $311,800 and households a median income of $71,855. Those two numbers drive the labor adjustment in our estimate.
Yellowstone County had 21 hail days and 32 days with damaging thunderstorm winds from 2020 through 2025, according to NOAA storm records. The largest hail reported was 2.75 inches across. Hail flattens the thin aluminum fins on condenser coils and cuts airflow. After a big storm, take a look at the outdoor unit; homeowners insurance often covers the damage. In Billings, 18.4% of residents are 65 or older. For older adults, a house with no heat in January or no AC during a heat wave is a medical risk. Mention it when you call, since many companies put those calls first.
When Replacement Makes Sense
- Fuel bills keep going up
- The pilot or ignition keeps failing
- Some radiators stay cold
- The boiler is 20 to 30 years old or more
What Moves the Price
- A new chimney liner or venting
- Fuel type: gas, oil or propane
- Condensing or non-condensing boiler
- A combi boiler that also makes your hot water
- Pumps, zone valves and the piping around the boiler
We raised the national figures about 18% for Billings using local income, home values and the equipment size this climate needs. Real bids can still come in outside the range, so collect three written quotes.
What the Quote Should Cover
- Removing the old boiler
- Startup and safety tests
- The new boiler and the piping around it
- Venting and fuel hookups
- Flushing and refilling the system
Montana Permits, Efficiency Rules and Rebates
Montana falls in the DOE's North region. New split central air conditioners must meet at least 13.4 SEER2, and heat pumps sold anywhere in the U.S. need 14.3 SEER2 and 7.5 HSPF2. Equipment replacements in Billings generally need a mechanical permit, and a reputable contractor will pull it for you. Ask for their Montana license or registration number and a certificate of insurance with the quote. The federal 25C tax credit ended for equipment installed after December 31, 2025, so incentives now come mostly from utilities and state programs. Check your electric and gas utility's rebate page before you pick equipment.
Before You Hire
- Ask for a heat-loss calculation. A lot of old boilers are much bigger than the house needs.
- A combi boiler frees up space and replaces your water heater.
- Ask your gas or oil company about rebates on condensing boilers.
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Boiler Replacement Questions from Billings Homeowners
How much is boiler replacement in Billings?
Plan on $6,500 to $14,800, with most jobs near $11,100. Equipment efficiency, house size and the condition of the ducts and wiring decide where your quote falls.
When is the best time to schedule boiler replacement in Billings?
Between late spring and early fall. Billings averages 142 freezing nights a year, and heating calls spike from November through February.
Can I replace a boiler with a heat pump?
Yes, with an air-to-water heat pump or a ductless system. The radiators may need upgrading, because heat pumps run cooler water than boilers.
How long does a boiler last?
A cast-iron boiler can last 25 to 35 years. A modern condensing boiler usually lasts 15 to 20 with yearly service.
Boiler Replacement Near Billings
- Bozeman $7,900 to $17,900
- Missoula $6,900 to $15,600
- Great Falls $6,100 to $13,900
- Butte $6,100 to $13,800
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-year estimates 2019-2023 and 2024 population estimates; NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020, station Billings Logan International Airport; NOAA Storm Events Database 2020-2025, Yellowstone County. Prices are our estimates, not contractor quotes. Updated 2026.