A Navien NHB-80 boiler typically costs about $1,700-$2,800 for the unit, while a complete replacement installation commonly totals $5,500-$10,000. Final pricing depends on local labor rates, venting and piping changes, removal of the old boiler, and whether the NHB-80 is available through a distributor.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NHB-80 boiler only | $1,700 | $2,250 | $2,800 | Equipment price; availability varies |
| Installed replacement | $5,500 | $7,500 | $10,000 | Standard swap with typical venting |
| Complex installation | $8,000 | $10,000 | $12,500 | May include piping, vent, or electrical changes |
| Service labor | $100/hr | $145/hr | $200/hr | Repair or diagnostic work, before parts |
What an NHB-80 replacement usually costs
The NHB-80 is a wall-mounted, gas-fired condensing boiler rated at approximately 80,000 BTU per hour. A like-for-like replacement in a home with compatible gas, water, vent, and condensate connections often falls near the average installed price; converting from another boiler type can cost substantially more.
Budget roughly $5,500-$10,000 for a standard installed replacement, not just the boiler. The estimate assumes ordinary access, standard-grade materials, and no major chimney, gas-line, or hydronic-system reconstruction. A contractor may recommend a different current model if the NHB-80 is no longer readily stocked.
Assumptions: U.S. residential project, standard access, existing hydronic distribution, and no major code corrections.
How equipment, venting, and labor shape the quote
In an installed quote, the appliance is only one part of the bill. Ask whether the price includes commissioning, controls, removal, and startup testing, since an equipment-only price will not cover those tasks.
| Quote item | Typical price | What it covers | Common change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiler equipment | $1,700-$2,800 | NHB-80 unit and standard package | Limited stock or replacement model |
| Installation labor | $1,800-$3,500 | Removal, mounting, connections, startup | Extra piping or difficult access |
| Venting and condensate | $400-$1,400 | PVC vent, intake, drain, fittings | Longer route or changed termination |
| Permits and inspection | $100-$500 | Local permit and required inspection | Municipal fees and code scope |
| Old-unit removal | $150-$600 | Disconnection and disposal | Heavy unit or difficult carry-out |
At a typical $100-$200 per hour, 12-20 labor hours would equal $1,200-$4,000 before considering travel, overhead, or bundled installation pricing.
Why 80,000 BTU capacity and vent length matter
Boiler capacity should match the building’s calculated heat loss, not simply the size of the old appliance. An 80,000-BTU unit may be oversized for a tightly insulated home or insufficient for a larger, drafty property; changing capacity can require a different model and alter the equipment quote.
Venting also affects cost. A short, accessible PVC run may stay near $400-$700 for materials and labor, while a 25-40-foot route, multiple elbows, or a new wall or roof termination can push vent work above $1,000. Gas supply below the manufacturer’s required input capacity may need pipe upgrades, commonly adding $300-$1,200.
Confirm the heat-loss calculation, gas-line capacity, and vent route before accepting a model-specific quote. Existing radiators or piping may also need flushing or correction if sludge, leaks, or poor circulation are found.
Keep the NHB-80 installation scope controlled
Request an itemized quote that separates the boiler, labor, venting, permit, disposal, and any piping or control upgrades. This makes it easier to compare contractors and identify whether a low bid excludes required commissioning or code work.
Retaining compatible venting and connections can reduce labor, but only when the installer confirms they meet the boiler’s instructions and local code. Avoid approving unrelated system upgrades without a stated reason, while budgeting for safety or code corrections that are genuinely required.
Keep the scope to a verified replacement, and price optional upgrades separately. Comparing two or three written bids for the same model and included work is more useful than comparing headline totals alone.
How contractor rates vary across U.S. markets
Prices in high-cost metro areas and regions with limited boiler specialists can run about 10%-25% above the national midpoint. Smaller markets may be 5%-15% lower, although travel charges or fewer qualified installers can offset the difference.
Labor demand, permit rules, and local heating-season workload matter as much as state averages. Quotes obtained during cold-weather emergencies may include rush charges of $150-$500 or higher, especially when temporary heat or after-hours service is needed.
When removal or system repairs add expense
Old boiler removal commonly adds $150-$600 when it is not included in the installation package. A difficult basement exit, asbestos-containing materials, or separate hazardous-material work can increase the bill; those conditions should be assessed and priced independently.
Hydronic repairs can also widen the estimate. Replacing a circulator may add $300-$900, while expansion-tank or air-separator work can add roughly $200-$700 per item. A system flush may cost $300-$800, depending on the number of zones and the condition of the water.
Compare an NHB-80 with current replacement boilers
Because the NHB-80 may have limited or discontinued availability, compare its delivered price and parts support with a current 80,000-BTU-class condensing boiler. A similar replacement unit may cost about $2,000-$3,500 before installation, with the complete job often landing around $6,000-$11,000.
Keeping an existing boiler through a repair can cost less when the fault is isolated: diagnostic visits often run $100-$250, and common repairs may total $250-$1,200 including parts and labor. A major heat-exchanger or control failure can make replacement more economical, depending on age, parts access, and repair warranty.
Which quote details help lower the final price
Schedule nonemergency work outside peak cold-weather demand when possible, and provide photos of the boiler, vent, piping, and access path before the site visit. Clear information can reduce repeat visits and help contractors quote the same scope.
Ask whether compatible controls, pumps, and vent components can remain in service, but do not reuse parts that fail inspection or manufacturer requirements. Check whether the quote includes startup, combustion testing, warranty registration, and disposal; exclusions can turn an apparently cheaper bid into a higher final expense.
The most reliable savings come from matching capacity correctly and comparing complete, equivalent installation scopes. Confirm the model number, labor warranty, included permits, and the price for any work that could be added after removal.