Boiler services explained

A boiler service is similar to an MOT for a car. It’s an annual check by a qualified engineer to make sure everything is running as it should and efficiently. Servicing your boiler also helps spot any issues so they can be resolved before they become a problem.

If your boiler is under warranty, it’s likely you’ll need a service every year to keep its warranty valid.

A typical service involves a series of checks and general maintenance. It includes:

• An inspection to make sure everything is working safely.
• Checking your boiler’s controls (including heating controls) to make sure they’re working properly.
• Visual checks for any issues like leaks or corrosion to pipework.
• Cleaning any filter systems your central heating system has.
• Providing boiler safety and general advice of how to run your boiler efficiently (for example: whether you should turn your boiler’s flow temperature down)
• Giving you a certificate at the end to show the boiler has been serviced. The engineer might fill in the service record of your boiler manual instead.

A service can take around 40 minutes to an hour, but this depends on your boiler, its age and its condition.

We recommend getting a service every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

If you’re a landlord, you must get any boilers serviced every year by law. The same applies to any other gas equipment in your property.

As well as to maintain any warranty, getting a service is a good thing to do in general.

It makes sure your boiler is running properly and efficiently, making it cheaper to heat your home. It also helps extend the life span of your boiler by spotting and fixing issues before they cause problems.

An important part of a service is checking that the boiler is safe to use. An engineer will check to make sure there isn’t the risk of carbon monoxide leaking, for example. This gives you peace of mind that your boiler is running safely.

A one-off gas boiler service can cost around between £80 and £120, according to Checkatade. If the engineer identifies a problem, then it might cost more if you need extra work done or any spare parts.

You can also get boiler cover from some manufacturers or engineers. You might even have boiler cover as part of your home insurance policy. This is usually a fixed monthly payment that often covers boiler repairs throughout the year. It might also include an annual service but check the terms and conditions to make sure.

Gas boilers must be serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer. All gas businesses in the UK must be on the Gas Safe register by law.

Use the Gas Safe register’s ‘find and check’ tool to find a Gas Safe registered engineer near you. You can also use it to check whether a business is Gas Safe registered.

You can also look for local, qualified boiler engineers using Trustmark – a government-backed quality scheme.

We recommend getting at least three quotes. This will let you compare costs and find the best value for money.

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