Main Boilers: Prices, Reviews and Boiler Ranges

Main Boilers: A Complete Guide to Their Prices, Reviews, Warranties And a Lot More

Main Heating is part of Baxi Heating and boasts a great range of cost-effective, energy-efficient gas boilers. Depending on the type of boiler you need for your home, you should expect to pay between £515-£830 for a Main boiler. 

As part of the Baxi Group, Main promotes social, economic and environmental sustainability. This is mirrored by their A-rated boilers which can deliver 92% ErP together with modern controls that enable homeowners to take more control over their heating settings and energy use. 

Main Heating offers three main types of boilers;  combi, system and heat-only solutions. The type of boiler that is best suited for your home will largely be determined by how much space you can offer up to install a new energy-efficient boiler, your access to the national gas grid and the heating demands of the property. 

But don’t worry, in this article, we will explain everything you need to look for in a boiler and help you to determine whether Main boilers are a good choice for your home. 

We also provide you with price comparison quotes to help you find the best deals for a new boiler in your local area. No matter which brand boiler you prefer, you should always shop around and get a few quotes from different local installers and national companies. 

And that’s precisely what Boiler Prices helps you to do! Simply click this ‘get a quote’ link and answer the questions on the form. Local boiler suppliers in your area will be in touch with a no-obligation-to-buy quote. It’s free to use. 

Make sure you ask for fixed-price quotes that include the cost of both the boiler and the installation, then you can compare prices and find the most attractive quote.

Aim of the content of this article?

The content Boiler Prices publishes is intended to help UK homeowners find the right boiler for their home at the best price. We explain everything you need to consider when buying the right boiler for your home and give you the lowdown on every brand in the UK.

This article, features Main Heating, a Warwick-based boiler manufacturer which is part of the Baxi Group. Will Main be the leading contender for your new boiler? 

To help you decide we have researched the UK boilers market to discover what consumers have to say about Main boilers. We also cultivated the views and experiences of frontline professionals in the energy consumer industry. 

Taking all the information we could find, we deliver a verdict and a round-up of what you can expect from a Main Heating boiler. 

By the time you finish reading this page, you will know:

• The different types of energy-efficient boilers Main manufactures so that you can decide which type of boiler serves your heating and hot water needs
• How many kW do you need to comfortably heat your home and meet your real-time hot water demands
• The cost, models and efficiency of Main boilers 
• The boiler specifications and dimensions that can be installed in your home (which type of boiler is best for you)
• Boiler comparisons that fall into the same price point and star rating as Main so you can broaden your search easily

Main Heating: Part of the Baxi Group

Main Heating doesn’t appear to have any history, at least not one they have shared on the internet. What we can tell you is that they are a division of the Baxi Group and manufacture “budget-friendly” boilers. 

Baxi is also a boiler manufacturer – and one of some distinction. The Baxi brand was established over 150 years ago and has built a credible reputation as a reliable manufacturer of high-quality energy-efficient boilers. 

Read that again. Baxi is also a boiler manufacturer. 

So why has this distinguished company created a “subsidiary” under a different name to manufacture “budget-friendly” boilers? 

Shall we take a closer look? 

Before we get into our expose of Main Heating, let’s address 

Considerations when buying a Main Heating Boiler

To help you decide which boiler brand is best for your home, we take a look at what Main Heating boilers offer.

Energy-Efficiency

Main Heating boilers have been awarded a SEBDUK A-rating. The qualification for this award is at least 92%. This means that Main Heating boilers only lose 8% of the heat they generate. This is standard for all energy-efficient boilers in the UK. 

Main doesn’t actually state the energy efficiency they achieve so we will assume they are on the bottom rung. 

Dimensions

New energy-efficient boilers are designed to be compact. This is ideal for small homes that only have room to install a boiler unit that can function with water tanks and cylinders. 

According to heating engineers, Main’s Eco Compact Combi is one of the easiest to install and parts are readily available. This can help to reduce labour costs and the time it takes for repair parts to arrive. 

Performance Output in kW

Determining the ideal boiler for your home can be perplexing, especially concerning energy output. This complexity arises because the required kW output differs between system boilers and combi boilers. 

Mains Combi boilers are available in 25kW and 30 kW which is only suitable for small homes. The system boiler can deliver an 18kW output which will heat a three-bedroomed home.

If you’re off-grid, a heat-only boiler is the best option. Main has four options which suit all size homes, ranging from 15kW to 30kW. It should be noted that a heat-only boiler requires additional space for hot and cold water tanks. 

Ease and Cost of Installation

The accessibility of the installation site together with any complexities in installing a particular boiler can impact labour costs. According to gas-safe engineers, Main boilers are one of the easiest to fit and components are readily available in the UK. 

This all means that installation costs, servicing and maintenance tasks are less likely to be stacked up by labour charges. The cost of professional gas-safe installers should be factored into the cost of your new boilers — and bear in mind installation costs are never included in the price shown for the boiler. 

Although Boiler Prices is not able to provide specific rates for every boiler installation provider, we can say the average installation cost for a new energy-efficient boiler in the UK is between £1,100 – £1,800. It could easily be the case that Main gas boiler prices could save you hundreds of pounds over boilers that are more difficult to install.

To find out exactly how much you should expect to pay to install a new Main boiler in your home, take advantage of the Boiler Prices ‘get a quote’ feature. 

Our convenient features give you access to a wide range of suppliers and installers in your area that competes for prices. We give you the three best options and you can choose whichever quote you prefer — and there’s no obligation to buy. Therefore, there’s nothing to lose by generating a selection of the best quotes. 

Get your free quote now by clicking the link and filling out the question form.

Warranty

Every boiler manufactured by Main Heating comes with a warranty. The duration of the warranty varies between 3 to 5 years, depending on the type and model you choose. To ensure eligibility for warranty coverage, it’s essential to adhere to the terms and conditions outlined by Main.Failure to adhere to the terms and conditions will render the warranty invalid after 12 months.

Main Combi Boilers: Compact, Efficient, and Cost-Saving

Since combi boilers don’t require any water storage tanks or cylinders, they are the most popular boiler type among UK households. 

So, if you have limited space or a home with just one bathroom and where hot water is not in high demand, the Main Combi boiler could be the perfect boiler for you. 

Not only are Main combi boilers highly efficient but they’re compact and can fit inside a standard kitchen cupboard. They’re also available in a choice of sizes (kW outputs) and come with a 5-year manufacturer-backed warranty. 

The cost will depend on which size of boiler you require, and you can expect to pay between £515 and £540 to purchase a Main combi boiler.  

Note: the prices listed below are the purchase prices for the boiler only. They do not include installation costs.

COMBI GAS BOILER SERIES	SIZES	SIZE OF HOME	PRICE
Eco Compact Combi	25 – 30kW	Small to medium-sized homes with one bathroom.	£515 – £540

   

Main System Boilers: Easy installation, efficient heating, and customisable options

System boilers are often found in homes with more than one bathroom, mainly because they can handle high hot water demand with ease. If you purchase a Main system boiler, you’ll need a separate cylinder to store your hot water and to satisfy your hot water needs. 

One of the great things about Main system boilers is that they are compact, like the combi boilers, and can fit neatly inside a cupboard. They’re also available in a range of outputs and will cost you anything from £680 to £700, depending on the size of the boiler you require.

Note: the prices listed below are the purchase prices for the boiler only. They do not include installation costs.

SYSTEM GAS BOILER SERIES	SIZES	SIZE OF HOME	PRICE
Eco Compact System	15 – 18kW	Small to medium-sized homes with multiple bathrooms.	£620 – £700

Main Heat Only Boilers: Versatility, Efficiency, and Reliability

Although not the most efficient type of boiler, regular boilers are suitable for homes with a traditional heating and hot water system and where there are multiple bathrooms. Regular boilers are also known as conventional or heat-only boilers, and they require both a hot water storage cylinder in the airing cupboard and a cold water storage tank in the loft. Main regular (or ‘heat’) boilers are ideal for larger homes with more than one bathroom and where water pressure is low. Available in four different outputs, a Main regular boiler can set you back anything between £720 and £830.

Note: the prices listed below are the purchase prices for the boiler only. They do not include installation costs.

REGULAR GAS BOILER SERIES	SIZES	SIZE OF HOME	PRICE
Eco Compact Heat	15-30kW	Medium to large-sized homes with multiple bathrooms.	£720 – £830

Living with your Main boiler

Main boilers can develop problems and sometimes need a qualified engineer to carry out repairs, regardless of their type. Getting your boiler serviced annually is the best way to minimise issues and ensure any faults are put right before becoming costly problems. 

If you’re experiencing a problem with your Main boiler or want to know more about typical issues, you can read our guide to Common Main Boiler Problems and Repairs. 

Our helpful guide includes information on the most frequent boiler issues and what you need to do next when any of them occur.

When a Main boiler develops a problem, a fault code usually appears on the display panel to let you know it needs some attention. As some fault codes do not indicate a potentially dangerous issue, you might be able to resolve the problem and clear the fault code yourself. 

That said, most Main fault codes will require you to contact a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. If your boiler is displaying a fault code, our guide to Main Boiler Errors and Fault Codes should help you find out the meaning of the code and what to do next. 

Main Boiler Warranties

If you choose to get a combi, system or heat-only Main boiler installed, it will come with a 5-year parts and labour warranty. You must follow several steps to ensure your Main boiler warranty remains valid, including registering your appliance within 30 days of installation. 

The warranty protects you against the cost of repairs but will be limited to only 12 months if you fail to meet the warranty conditions. Our guide to the Main Boiler Warranty explains what it covers and includes information on the terms and conditions and how to register your Main Heating boiler.

Main Boiler Controls

Main is part of Baxi heating, and its boilers are compatible with a range of Baxi controls and accessories, such as smart thermostats, mechanical timers and on-wall outdoor sensors. 

The optional boiler controls developed by Baxi make it easier for you to control and manage your central heating system, and some can even help to save you money on your energy bills. We’ve created a guide that covers the different types of Main Boiler Controls available and explains how each control works and the advantages of using them. 

Main Boiler Cover and Breakdown Options

Main Heating offers the same breakdown cover as the rest of the Baxi Group which is on hand to respond to customers round-the-clock. Emergency assistance is just a call away in case of a breakdown – apparently.  Consumer reviews suggest otherwise. More on that later. 

The comprehensive Baxi boiler cover plans include coverage for repair costs, encompassing both parts and labour expenses, thereby shielding customers from unexpected and costly bills. Moreover, many of these plans incorporate an annual boiler service, providing regular maintenance to uphold the heating system’s performance at its best.

Main Boiler Surveys and Reviews

The best way to cut through the wall of marketing which is always sympathetic to brands is to look at what consumers say. And Main don’t get a big thumbs up from customers. At all. 

As a matter of fact, there are only three ratings on the company’s Trustpilot account. And all three have left a one out of five rating. The message is unreliable boilers and poor customer service. 

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves here though. There are only three reviews to work with and that’s not a sample size you can use to judge a company. The first message was left in 2022 and two in 2024. So, presumably not many customers. 

There is no date provided for the dawning of Main Heating, and the company is not registered on companies House. At this point, we’re not even sure it exists other than it is listed as a division of Baxi Group. Clearly, Baxi are using Main Heating to sell its budget-friendly boilers. 

There may be a valid reason for that, but Baxi boilers prices range from £568 – £1,200. Some of its less expensive fall into the same price bracket as Main Heating. So why not ship Main Heating boilers under the trusted Baxi brand? 

Maybe the damning judgement of poor boilers and poor customer service has something to do with that decision. Yet according to Which? “83% are happy with their purchase, while 9% are outright dissatisfied (and 8% don’t have an opinion).” 

It is conceivable that Main Heating does have a largely happy customer base. The satisfied customers just haven’t left a review on the company’s Trustpilot page. That’s not unusual unless a business encourages its customers to leave reviews. Disgruntled customers on the other hand don’t need any encouragement to leave a review. 

On the other hand, Which? also states that satisfaction rates among Main Heating customers are in the “lowest tier of other brands scored by customers.” 

Is 83% in the lowest tier? 

The same Which? survey states that Baxi, the mother company of Main Heating has a customer satisfaction rate of 85%: 

“Baxi boiler owners have high rates of satisfaction: 85% are satisfied with their boiler, with 40% of all owners describing themselves as ‘very satisfied’.” 

Moreover, the Which? survey reveals Biasi boilers, for example, earned a customer rating of 68% which is four out of five. That’s not the lowest tier.

In other words, the Which? survey for Main Heating is sympathetic to say the least. Or a typo? We’re knocking that of our final verdict score.

Which? Score

The latest Which? survey reveals that engineers quite like Main gas boilers as they gave the brand a 3-star recommendation and believe the boilers are fairly easy to fix and service. However, customers gave Main boilers only 2 stars, which is a little worrying to say the least. The overall Which brand score for Main boilers is 48% and while this is much lower than some leading brands, such as like Worcester Bosch, it isn’t the worst score we’ve ever seen. 

Below, you can find the brand data results for Main gas boilers, which we sourced from the Which? website.  

Main Gas Overall Score

All scores in the table are based on a Which? test conducted in May 2024.

How do Main Heating boilers compare with other boiler brands?

The lack of information with regard to specifications and customer reviews makes it difficult to compare Main Heating boilers with other boiler brands. 

Main heating are pitched as a budget boiler brand. Their most expensive boiler is £830. The Eco Compact Heat. The established and recommended Baxi EcoBlue Heat is only £910. 

From the evidence, it would be better to pay the extra £80 and purchase a proven boiler than an unknown quantity. 

Trustpilot reviews also show the company’s customer service is non-existent and the 5-year warranty was not honoured despite the boiler being 2 years old. What we don’t know is whether the warranty was registered. Main Heating hasn’t responded to the review. 

The key selling point for Main Heating is that they design straightforward boilers that are easy to install and use. That’s not the selling point you should be looking for. Reliability and energy efficiency are more important. 

We can’t say with any certainty that Main Heating delivers on these key performance metrics. 

Boiler Prices Verdict on the Main Boilers: 1/5

Main Heating feels like the ghost of the UK heating industry. Other than a website, three reviews and several pieces of promotional marketing content – supposedly written by independent commentators – there is very little for us to work with and provide a boiler verdict. 

In all honesty, we can only base our verdict on the specifications given by Main Heating and the three reviews in Trustpilot, all of which only award one out of a possible five. 

Customers are not happy – despite the dodgy article on Which? wants you to believe. The 83% of customers that are alleged to be satisfied with their Main boiler is clearly a fabrication or an error given the writer also states satisfaction rates among Main customers are in the lowest tier. 

This cannot be true if Baxi has a customer satisfaction score of 85% which, according to Which? Is ‘Very Satisfied.’ We are discounting the Which? survey in our scoring.

Main Heating offers a five-year warranty which is not bad for a budget boiler. Most economically friendly boilers only come with a 2-year warranty. However, one of the three customers says the company did not honour the warranty. 

We can’t say for certain that the warranty in question was valid, but we can’t say it wasn’t either. Thus we don’t feel as though Main can be awarded any points for offering a superior warranty compared it its competitors. 

The solitary point we do offer is for the A-rating energy-efficiency which is, we think, 92%. To be honest, we’re being generous in awarding a point for that given this is industry standard and the lowest A-rating ErP offered by SEBDUK. They go up to A***. 

So, why buy a Main boiler? 

Main combi, system and regular boilers are designed to fit into small spaces, like inside a kitchen cupboard, and they’re an attractive option if you need a new boiler and you’re on a tight budget. 

But don’t forget, you still need to get the boiler installed by a qualified engineer and this will increase the overall cost. We have to admit, the 5-year warranty isn’t the best and you will find better with other brands that are proven to manufacture reliable boilers.

Having said that, you will most likely need to spend quite a bit more on a boiler that is backed by a longer warranty. If you don’t want to spend more than £900 on a boiler, you may want to risk installing a boiler with a five-year guarantee rather than a 2-year warranty. Make sure you register the warranty within 30 days though otherwise, it will not be valid after 12 months.

Main Boiler Range

Feel free to use our table below to compare Main boiler models, efficiency ratings, typical prices and more.

MODEL	TYPE	DIMENSIONS	MAX FLOW RATE	OUTPUT	EFFICIENCY RATING	TYPICAL PRICE
Eco Compact Combi 25	Combi	H – 700 mm W – 390 mm D – 285 mm	10.2	25kW	A – 90% AND ABOVE	£515
Eco Compact Combi 30	Combi	H – 700 mm W – 390 mm D – 285 mm	12.2	30kW	A – 90% AND ABOVE	£540
Eco Compact System 15	System	H – 700 mm W – 390 mm D – 285 mm	N/A	15kW	A – 90% AND ABOVE	£620
Eco Compact System 18	System	H – 700 mm W – 390 mm D – 285 mm	N/A	18kW	A – 90% AND ABOVE	£700
Eco Compact Heat 15	Regular	H – 625 mm W – 370 mm D – 270 mm	N/A	15kW	A – 90% AND ABOVE	£720
Eco Compact Heat 18	Regular	H – 625 mm W – 370 mm D – 270 mm	N/A	18kW	A – 90% AND ABOVE	£760
Eco Compact Heat 24	Regular	H – 625 mm W – 370 mm D – 270 mm	N/A	24kW	A – 90% AND ABOVE	£795
Eco Compact Heat 30	Regular	H – 625 mm W – 370 mm D – 270 mm	N/A	30kW	A – 90% AND ABOVE	£830

Why You Can Trust Boilers Prices

Boiler Prices were established in 2013 to help you identify the best boiler for your home and to get access to the most affordable boiler quotes from a central location without having to waste time shopping around. Our service is fast, efficient and effective. We source the best quotes offered by national installers and local boiler installers. 

But it’s all very well and good reading the information we publish on our website, but how do you know you can trust the advice we provide? 

Well, first and foremost, we want to assure you that Boiler Prices does not have any direct affiliation with Main Heating or any other boiler manufacturer. The information we present is 100% unbiased, impartial and given to the best of our knowledge. 

Moreover, we source our information from customer feedback, and recognised review websites (like Which? and Energy Savings Trust etc) together with gas-safe engineers and other professionals working in the energy and heating sector. 

We appreciate that UK homeowners want to know if these new energy-efficient boilers are reliable, efficient and available for a good price. Boiler Prices not only step in to provide information you can trust, but we also save you hours of time having to research the extensive boiler market.

For the best and most cost-effective boiler prices, you will have to do some shopping around. We recommend getting a quote from a national installer and a local boiler installer to see which gives you the best price. When you use Boiler Prices as your platform to look for boiler prices this is what we provide you with as a matter of course.

Boiler Prices have been providing UK homeowners with trustworthy information and boiler price comparisons since 2013. Not only that but our founder, Duncan Cumming has over a decade of experience in the boiler industry working directly with consumers. He is fully aware that reliable information needs to be improved in the boiler market and knows the questions homeowners want answered. 

All these factors make Boiler Prices the most trusted source of information about energy-efficient boilers – because we provide up-to-date and accurate information together with honest appraisals that say it how it is.

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