Boiler Service Cost

Written by

Becky Mckay

Last updated

17 April 2024

Our boilers keep our homes safe and warm all year round, but what happens when they stop working? This can cause chaos! With loss of hot water and sky-high repair costs, there is a simple way to avoid this – with a regular boiler service. 

Just as we would ensure our car is MOT’d or our phones are fully charged and protected, our boilers also need regular care and attention. A yearly boiler service can fix any issues, prevent breakdowns, help us avoid health risks and even save us money! 

A boiler service can cost anywhere from £60 – £180, but this can vary depending on your boiler type and other factors. 

In this article, we’ll answer all of your boiler service queries, such as the typical cost for each boiler type, what might influence boiler service costs, tips for budgeting your next service and why it’s so crucial that we take care of our boilers regularly. 

Why are regular boiler services so important?

Regular boiler services can help keep your boiler in top condition by avoiding breakdowns. It can extend the life of your boiler and even save you money – not only by preventing repairs but also improving your boiler’s efficiency.  There are several key reasons why you should service your boiler: 

Your safety

The main reason to keep your boiler properly maintained is for your safety. For example, if you own a gas boiler, there is a potential risk of gas leaks from carbon monoxide. This can be potentially fatal if it’s not identified and remedied quickly. A boiler can produce carbon monoxide if it is not burning fuel correctly. This is something regular servicing can identify and fix before any problems occur.

Fact Box:

If you smell gas in your home, leave the property immediately. Call the National Gas Emergency line on 0800 111 999 to report the incident. Do not re-enter the property and await advice from the emergency services.

Performance and longevity

Having your boiler routinely checked ensures that all its parts are working correctly or can be adjusted to improve performance before further issues arise. This keeps your boiler in top condition and can increase its lifespan. 

Efficiency and savings

If your boiler stays in top condition, it’s likely to be more efficient at heating your home than a boiler needing repairs. The more efficiently it performs, the less fuel it is likely to waste, resulting in cost savings on your energy bills. You will also save on any one-off repair fees you would encounter with breakdowns – or in the worst cases, a full boiler replacement. 

Keep your manufacturer guarantee/warranty valid

For most boiler brands, offering a warranty or guarantee usually comes with the condition that you have yearly services undertaken. It is highly recommended that you do this, as a manufacturer’s protection often means you can access free repairs for any issues or breakdowns. Without this protection, you could end up paying hundreds of pounds just to keep your home running.

How often do you need a boiler service?

Unless your boiler is under a warranty that requires an annual service to remain valid, it’s really up to you. However, servicing your boiler every 12 months is recommended to keep it running safely.

Consider servicing your boiler before the winter months when you will likely need your boiler the most! Around summer or autumn-time is best. 

Legally, you only need to worry about obligations if you’re a landlord – as it’s their responsibility to carry out a gas safety check on their property’s boilers every 12 months.

Long-term benefits of servicing your boiler

As we’ve seen, many positive reasons exist for servicing your boiler. Here are some of the key reasons to remember.

The average cost of a boiler service

The cost of servicing a boiler can vary depending on a few factors, such as the boiler type you own, the provider you choose and whether you have a boiler service plan. Costs can also fluctuate depending on where you live, what your specific boiler needs and even subtle things, like how easy your boiler is to access. 

As a guideline, a one-off gas-boiler service will cost around £80 – £100. 

We’ve detailed some average cost estimates below to help you understand how much your service may cost based on your circumstances. We highly recommend obtaining multiple quotes for your service so that you can compare and find the best deal for your budget.

Service cost by boiler type 

Depending on the boiler type, location and provider you choose, your price could vary from our estimates. It is particularly important to note that extra charges may be added if new parts or certifications are needed.

In addition, if you have a gas or LPG boiler, your service should be conducted by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You should look for an OFTEC-registered engineer if you have an oil boiler. These professional bodies ensure engineers are compliant and legally qualified to work with these respective fuels.

What affects the cost of a boiler service?

As well as the type of boiler you have, several other factors can increase the cost of the service. 

The fuel type can mean a longer service is required. For example, an oil or biomass boiler will need a more complex set of checks, which can take much longer than a gas boiler. In addition, you will need a specialised engineer for your boiler type, which can alter the costs. 

Additional maintenance can add to the overall price, as extra parts and time might be needed. This can also be impacted by the age of your boiler and whether it is in a particularly hard-to-reach location.

Whether you pay for your services on a one-off basis or through a service plan will also make a difference. Choosing a national firm or a local company as your service provider can also impact the overall cost.

What is included in a boiler service?

A boiler service typically includes a set of checks and tests to ensure that all parts of your boiler system are working correctly. These checks can include:

Your engineer will likely undertake a visual inspection of your system and then move on to check the internal components. They will see if everything is in good condition and test each working part to ensure it is performing correctly. 

An engineer might carry out additional checks and maintenance, such as a magnetic filter clean. You should ensure that this has been included in the quoted cost before it is undertaken to avoid any unexpected charges. 

The engineer should also issue a report at the end of the service for your records, which may include a Gas Safe Certificate. This isn’t a requirement, but it is advisable to keep this for your records if you have a warranty to maintain (it is a legal obligation for landlords).

Tips for saving money on your boiler service

You can pay for a boiler service in two ways: A one-off upfront payment or through a monthly service cover plan. 

How you pay for your boiler service depends entirely on your circumstances. Paying upfront will require you to have the funds to pay around £100 for your service. However, if you have a money plan, you could pay around £8 – £20 per month instead. 

Of course, payments for a cover plan will vary depending on the provider, but you could shop around for the best deal. Each policy will also include varying degrees of cover. Some may include repairs or parts, but others won’t, so it’s worth comparing policies.

Remember – servicing your boiler can ultimately help you save money in the long run. Regular servicing ensures that your boiler operates at its peak efficiency, reducing energy waste and lowering fuel bills. It can also prevent major breakdowns and unexpected repair or replacement costs.

Choosing a boiler service provider

Trying to find a boiler engineer to undertake a service for you can be overwhelming. The most important thing to remember is that whether you have a gas or oil boiler, you must choose a qualified engineer who can safely deal with your boiler type. 

For gas boilers, you need a Gas Safe registered engineer; for oil boilers, you need an OFTEC engineer. Each type of boiler will require slightly different tests and checks, so it’s good to know that your service is being carried out by the most qualified person. 

Tracking down the right service provider with the right experience, who’s reliable and widely trusted, can be a challenge. Searching the internet for reviews and waiting days for callbacks or quotes can be frustrating – leading many people to avoid a service altogether – but it doesn’t have to be that way! 

In just a few seconds, you can complete our simple form and get connected with up to 4 qualified engineers from your local area. Our network of installers are registered, trusted and highly recommended professionals who can offer you free, no-obligation quotes.

It’s completely risk-free, takes less than a minute, and you can simply wait for the quotes to come to you. Soon, you’ll be comparing the best prices for a boiler service and can choose the right one for you – so why wait? Make sure your boiler is safe and sound by clicking the link below.

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