A boiler service is one of the most important measures to take when it comes to looking after your new boiler.
After diving into a large financial investment like a brand-new boiler, many people wonder what they can do to protect their new purchase.
Boiler servicing helps you gain a longer-lasting boiler, and make sure it is as energy efficient and safe as possible throughout its lifespan.
Most homeowners aren’t aware of a boiler service’s importance, so here at EasyBoilers, we are going to take a deeper look into regular servicing and the importance of everything that comes with it.
Get a Fixed Price >What is an annual boiler service?
To put it simply, a boiler service is some tests, checks, and clean-ups performed on your boiler by a Gas-Safe qualified boiler engineer.
This is to make sure that your boiler is running efficiently and correctly, as well as finding potential problems your boiler may have, that are better to be addressed sooner rather than later.
What does boiler service include?
A Gas Safe registered engineer will have a checklist of certain things to check during the service, this will include all the correct steps they will need to take to complete your boiler service.
For your service certificate to be checked off as completed, below are some measures the engineer will usually take within a boiler service.
Visual Inspection
An engineer usually begins by overseeing the whole system and looking out for any signs of damage, faults, or corrosion on the boiler.
With their expertise, they will be able to see if any problems need addressing visually.
boiler casing removal
Once the Gas Safe engineer has completed the visual check, they will then remove the casing from the boiler, to perform a more in-depth check of the boiler’s insides.
This will include things like the burner, heat exchanger, and other elements in terms of importance when it comes to the boiler’s performance.
Flue check
The engineer will check your flue as well, this is to make sure that it is fitted properly and no blockages are occurring within it.
Pressure checks
Your gas pressure will also be checked, this will make sure that your radiators and taps will be powered and heated to the right level.
Additional checks
The engineer will then complete some additional checks, these will include pipework, boiler parts, and controls as well as safety devices checked to make sure they are in working order.
What is not included in a boiler service?
Some things are not included as part of your routine annual boiler service.
For example tasks such as bleeding radiators, pipe unblocking, or even a deep clean of your central heating system.
Regular boiler service does not mean the engineer will necessarily fix any problems with the boiler in the service but rather address any issues that may be apparent. If you have a boiler cover, breakdowns may be included, but it’s important to see if they are included in your policy.
Get a Fixed Price >Who is required to complete a boiler service?
Only a Gas Safe registered engineer can complete a boiler service. This is because they are fully qualified, and have expertise in the field, along with the correct training and skills to complete your service to a safe and satisfactory standard.
The Gas Safe registered engineer will then give you a boiler service report containing details and confirmation of all of the checks they have completed throughout the service.
Attempting to service your boiler can not just be highly dangerous, but also is illegal to try and complete a gas boiler service without the necessary qualifications as per the Gas Safety Regulations (1998).
How do I know if I need a boiler service?
Lack of Servicing
If you have had your boiler for many years, and have not yet had a service you are certainly due one.
This will give you peace of mind for preparing your boiler for the winter dawning ahead, to avoid your boiler breaking in the future in the cold weather. If your boiler is older and hasn’t been serviced for a few years it can pose some more serious risks of a boiler not serviced down the line, and keeping your boiler in tip-top condition.
Leaking Boiler
If you are experiencing your boiler leaking water could be a serious sign that a more serious problem is approaching, so it is important to get a service booked so the heating engineer can address any issues so you can take action as soon as possible.
Efficiency Problems
If your boiler isn’t operating as efficiently as it was when it was first purchased, it’s vital to get it addressed. With energy costs rising in the UK, any problem related to energy efficiency should be rectified.
Pros and cons of boiler servicing
Pros
- Maintain your boiler warranty
- Extended lifespan of boiler
- Keep energy costs low
- Improved energy efficiency
- Peace of mind for winter
- Save money on future repairs
Cons
- Initial Cost
- Servicing may always not be necessary
- Limited service providers
How often should you get boiler service?
Many people are aware they need to get their boiler serviced, but if you find yourself asking “How often do I need to have my boiler serviced?” Well, It is recommended to get a boiler service at least once a year.
An annual boiler service helps avoid any risks or problems arising with the boiler and will also make sure your boiler performs to the best standard it can, as well as giving you a piece of mind that your boiler is running smoothly, and to a safe standard.
Boiler service to maintain warranty
All new boilers come with a warranty given by the manufacturer, this can save you a lot of money down the line in breakdown repairs, the only thing the manufacturers require you to do to maintain this warranty is get a yearly boiler service.
If you forget to service your boiler you are at high risk of invalidating the warranty given, to save yourself costs down the line, remember to book your annual service.
If you find yourself wondering,” Is my boiler still under warranty?” You can check by getting in contact with the manufacturers, who usually have warranty checkers and helpful customer service teams.
How long does a gas boiler service take?
How long does it take to service a boiler? Well, depending on what boiler you have, a normal boiler service will usually take about half an hour to complete. Well, that is the case for combi boilers; regular boilers can usually take longer stretching to an hour and a half to check all components.
Similarly, system boilers will take usually around an hour, this is mainly due to the separate hot water tank being in a different location, which usually takes up more time.
What is a boiler service plan?
Boiler service plans are an option that lets you spread the cost of your annual boiler service, monthly. It is useful as it means you don’t have to pay a large amount up front, at the time.
Some service plans also come with annual reminders, so you don’t forget to book your service and invalidate the manufacturer’s warranty.
A service plan differs from a boiler cover/ boiler insurance plan, as it just covers your annual service. If you want a greater layer of protection for your boiler, then a cover plan might be the better option to choose.
Cover plans usually cover parts, labour, and depending on which plan you get even your radiators, pipework, and more, however, boiler cover plans usually have a greater cost per month. It’s also important to check that an annual boiler service is included in any boiler cover packages you decide to look at.
Boiler service cost
You may find yourself asking “How much is a boiler service?” Well, boiler service costs can depend on certain factors, like the location of your home as well as the type and age of your boiler. For example, a gas boiler service is usually cheaper and quicker to complete than an oil boiler service.
The normal cost of a boiler service will fall between £80 to £120, although this usually depends on boiler type, location, and service provider.
The boiler’s age can also be a factor that affects the cost because a replacement boiler and parts can be more difficult to get hold of.
| Boiler Type | Service Duration (hours) | Service Cost (£) |
| Gas boiler | 30m to 1h | £90 to £120 |
| Electric boiler | 45m to 1h | £60 to £100 |
| Oil boiler | 1.5 to 2h | £110 to £150 |
| Back boiler | 1 to 2h | £90 to £150 |
| LPG boiler | 1.5 to 2h | £100 to £130 |
Boiler service vs service plans cost
One-off service £100
Annual one-off boiler service, maintaining your boiler warranty for the time being, if you would prefer to pay annually.
Boiler service plan £8.99 a month
Peace of mind knowing that you will be reminded yearly when your service is due, as well as keeping your manufacturer’s warranty valid. Also getting to pay a direct debit instead of one large cost upfront.
Boiler cover £13.99 a month
Access to an emergency 24/7 helpline, as well as getting your boiler and controls, and carbon monoxide testing. A free annual boiler service yearly and a boiler replacement contribution.
Boiler and heating £21.99 a month
Full central heating system covered, along with a free annual boiler service.
Complete home insurance £26.99 a month
Complete home cover usually includes your full central heating system, electrics, gas pipes, drainage, roofing and security, pest removal, and lost keys. All of this including your boiler service.
Get a Fixed Price >What’s the cost of a boiler service near me?
Getting your boiler serviced annually in the UK varies in cost, for example, getting an annual boiler service in London is going to be more expensive than one in Manchester.
A gas boiler service cost in London would be between £120 to £135, whereas a service in Manchester would be £80 to £100 due to how much plumber rates vary depending on your area.
Landlord boiler service
A landlord boiler service is an essential task, as the landlord is responsible for ensuring that the boiler is working safely for tenants to use and that it performs as efficiently as possible, giving both the landlords and tenants contentment with their heating system.
Landlord boiler service cost
The cost of a boiler service for Landlords is usually more expensive, this is due to them receiving their annual Gas Safety certificate for the boiler and any other gas appliances, so they can comply with the correct Gas-safe regulations. The average cost of a Landlord boiler service falls between £120 and £150.
Landlord boiler service benefits
Legal compliance
The UK law requires landlords to get an annual Gas Safety check on all gas appliances, flues, and pipework on their properties, and provide a Gas Safety Certificate to their tenants.
Tenant safety
Regular boiler servicing helps prevent the risk of carbon monoxide leaks, making sure of the safety of their tenants.
Boiler efficiency
A regularly serviced, well-looked-after boiler operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and lowering your tenants’ utility and energy bills.
Increased Lifespan
A regular service will increase the life of your boiler, preventing costly breakdowns and replacements further down the line.
Landlord Boiler Cover
To avoid the high cost of boiler breakdowns and repairs, landlords could consider getting boiler cover. This will give their tenants a boiler service yearly, with added benefits depending on which plan they end up choosing.
Is getting my boiler serviced worth it?
If you have read this far, and are still wondering “Is a boiler service worth it” the answer is yes, for various reasons. Well, despite saving you money further down the line, getting your boiler serviced will also:
- Guarantee the safety of your boiler.
- It will improve the efficiency of your boiler.
- Regularly servicing the boiler will help spot potential issues before they get worse or lead to any boiler breakdowns.
- Keep your warranty agreement valid, in case of a manufacturer callout.
Are there any grants available for boiler servicing?
There are grants available in the UK to help with boiler servicing. The most common one is the Government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme.
This scheme can provide funding to households for energy efficiency improvements, including boiler servicing and repairs, particularly for low-income households or those in vulnerable situations.
Additionally, some local authorities and energy companies may offer their grants or schemes to assist with boiler servicing costs. It’s worth checking with your local council or energy provider to see if there are any available grants available in your area.
LPG and Back boiler services
Not all Gas Safe engineers are qualified to service LPG boilers. LPG boiler service requires specific training and certification due to the differences in handling and safety compared to gas boilers or oil boilers.
Engineers need to be Gas Safe registered and have additional qualifications for working with LPG. This ensures they have the necessary knowledge and skills to safely service and maintain LPG boilers.
Back boilers are an older type of boiler that were most popular in the 70’s and 80’s, and some people still have them today. You can get and are still advised to get a yearly service for a back boiler, however, it may take 1-2 hours for completion.
Get a Fixed Price >Is it possible to get a free boiler service?
Some energy suppliers in the UK offer free boiler servicing as part of their customer loyalty programs or as incentives for switching to their services.
Certain government schemes can provide free boiler servicing for eligible households, mainly those considered vulnerable or on low incomes.
It’s worth checking with your energy supplier or local authorities to see if you qualify for any such schemes or if they offer any promotions that include free boiler servicing.
FAQ’S
Are there any specific signs that indicate a boiler needs servicing?
If your boiler is operating at a poor efficiency, your home is taking too long to heat up, or If any leaks or strange noises are coming from your boiler. Or it can be as simple as a lack of servicing in the past, or if the boiler is older.
What are the potential consequences of forgetting to service a boiler?
Some potential risks can be your energy efficiency decreasing, or it could lead to a build-up of dirt and debris which could increase the risk of things like leaking and even carbon monoxide poisoning.
Is it possible to perform any basic servicing checks on a boiler myself?
It is required that qualified Gas Safe registered engineers complete a boiler service, homeowners should simply remember to book a boiler service yearly or set up a service plan to save money in the long term.
What if my boiler has a fault?
If your boiler is experiencing a fault, it’s important to get a boiler service booked as soon as you can. Although repair costs are not typically covered in a normal boiler service, it’s necessary so the qualified engineer can address any issues before they escalate.
