Gas Boiler Service: What, Why and How Much Does it Cost?
On a chilly day, the last thing you want is to be caught off guard and discover your boiler isn't heating your house. Fortunately, by performing an annual gas boiler service, you can help avoid this from happening.
You'll want to schedule a gas boiler service appointment with a Gas Safe registered engineer before summer ends as it's the best time to catch any issues before putting your boiler to work in the winter. Even if it seems to be working without any problems, your gas boiler needs a service every year because not all problems are visible from the outside.
So, if you have a gas boiler that you rely on in the winter, you'll want to stick around to find out what a gas boiler service is, why you need one, and how much it costs.
What is a gas boiler service?
A gas boiler service is a set of checks and tests that a Gas Safe registered engineer carries out on a gas boiler to ensure its working efficiently and is safe to operate. A gas boiler service is something that can only be done by a qualified engineer on the Gas Safe Register and cannot be done by homeowners.
When you hire a Gas Safe registered engineer to service your gas boiler, they will check the outside casing, internal components, the flue, and the pipes for any signs of issues. They also inspect the boiler for leaks and take pressure readings.
At the end of a gas boiler service, the engineer should give you a boiler service certificate. This is given as proof that the service was carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer and that it is safe to operate.
When booking a gas boiler service, you should be aware that prices differ depending on your boiler and where you live. We highly recommend comparing the prices of several local Gas Safe registered engineers to ensure you get the best price. We can help you get up to 3 free boiler service quotes, so you can compare and save.
Difference between annual and one-off service
When you're looking to have your gas boiler serviced, it's important to know what your options are for this recurring service. Depending on the manufacturer and model of your boiler and your household needs, you can opt for two different options: an annual service or a one-off service.
Annual services, also known as boiler insurance cover, operate on a similar basis to other insurances in which you commit to it for a set period of time and during that time you're covered for services if your boiler breaks down. While one-off services are paid each time you get the boiler serviced or repaired.
The advantage of getting a boiler cover policy is that they can cover more than just a gas boiler service. They can help you with repairs for central heating, plumbing and drainage, and electrical wiring.
You can decide if you want to get a boiler cover plan for the boiler and controls or for the whole heating system. In both cases, call-outs, parts, and labour are usually included. Boiler maintenance inspection and servicing are also included, but, if not, you can add them at an additional cost.
Although a boiler cover requires more regular payments than a one-off service, it could save you money in the long run on repair costs. It can also give you peace of mind that a Gas Safe registered engineer can assess and fix your boiler quickly if it breaks down.
What does a gas boiler service include?
Gas boilers must be serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer which means they are on the official list of people legally authorised and qualified to work with gas appliances. The engineer will assess the safety, reliability and efficiency of the boiler including:
- A visual inspection of the boiler.
The engineer will check for any signs of corrosion or leaking. They also check for a blue pilot flame as a yellow or orange flame suggests the boiler is not burning its fuel correctly which can be a safety risk. - The removal of the outer casing
They will check and clean the internal parts such as the heat exchanger, burner, main injector, safety devices and spark probe. - Flue check
Ensuring flue terminals are free of obstruction and safely installed. They will also make sure that seals, water and gas pipework are all undamaged. - Operation and control
All the operations and controls will be tested for corrected operation. The engineer will take readings of the gas pressure and flow settings, ensuring that they’re set at the correct level. - Boiler fired up
To finish, the engineer should put the boiler into operation so that they can check the boiler runs smoothly and that there are no issues with temperature controls. - Boiler service certificate
Once the gas safe boiler service is complete you'll receive a service report telling you everything the engineer has done and any issues they encountered. The certificate includes the engineer’s and company’s names, as well as the address and Gas Safe number.
How long does a gas boiler check take?
A thorough Gas Safe boiler service should last no less than 30 minutes but this will vary slightly depending on the type, brand, and model of the boiler. If the engineer comes across any issues which need extra attention, it could take longer.
To find out more about boiler services for your gas boiler, simply choose your brand from the below table:
Gas boiler service cost
Prices for a one-off Gas Safe boiler service vary depending on your location and boiler model, but you can expect the price to range between £60 to £100 for standard efficiency boilers and between £80 to £160 for higher efficiency condensing boilers. Boiler covers come in varying package sizes that change depending on how much repairs are covered. For instance, a boiler cover that includes a British Gas boiler service can cost anywhere from £204 to £312 a year.
But on average, according to a 2021 Which? survey, people pay £86 for a one-off service and £297 a year for a boiler cover package.
When deciding between a one-off gas boiler service or a boiler cover package, it is important to consider that the average boiler repair cost for common issues is £196. So, as long as your boiler doesn't break down more than once every two years, you can expect to save £113 per year by choosing to pay for one-off services and repairs, rather than boiler cover.
But if your boiler is prone to failures, then boiler cover would be more economical for you. No matter which option you go with, a one-off service or boiler cover, these prices are estimates. They can tell you how much you can expect to pay for servicing a gas boiler service so you don't get overcharged.
To maximise on these savings we recommend comparing several prices for local gas boiler services that can help advise on your particular situation. This way allows you to choose the best deal for you. We can help you take the first step by providing you with up to 3 free boiler service quotes from Gas Safe registered engineers near you.
Do I need to service my gas boiler every year?
In short, yes. In some cases, you are legally required to have your gas boiler serviced annually. However, even if your gas boiler isn't legally required to have annual servicing or seems to be working without any problems, it is still important to have regular boiler services.
Not only is a regular, annual gas boiler service essential to ensure that any developing issues are discovered and dealt with quickly, but it's also essential for safety, energy efficiency, validating manufacturer warranties, and ensuring you get the most out of the life of your boiler.
Boiler faults often worsen if ignored, so not having a regular service could lead to you spending hundreds of pounds on a repair or even thousands on replacing the whole gas boiler. Consider the fact that only 3 in 10 boilers that are serviced annually need a repair in their first 6 years. Meanwhile, if your boiler is serviced only every 2 to 5 years, then 6 in 10 boilers will need a repair.
Because getting a boiler service every year is highly recommended and sometimes legally required, you have to start thinking ahead as the average lifespan of a boiler ranges from 10 to 15 years. You need to consider whether committing to a boiler cover package or one-off services is better for you.
Getting boiler cover means that your boiler will be more reliable as it's serviced regularly and will be less likely to break down during the crucial winter months. And even if it does fail, you are covered for the repair.
While boiler cover may be more reliable, having one-off services may be cheaper as you aren't locked into a supplier and can choose the best gas safe registered engineer for you. This also means that if your boiler is prone to failures, you are liable for all the costs.
Gas boiler service for landlords
If you're a landlord, under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, you are responsible for the safety of your tenants. Legally, a landlord differs from a homeowner as landlords rent the property they own to tenants. Whereas, homeowners typically live on the property they own.
As a landlord, you need to ensure the safety of gas appliances (including gas boilers), fittings, and flues. This includes getting an annual Gas Safe boiler service. You are also legally required to get a certificate after boiler services and to keep a record of the Gas Safety Certificates for any other gas appliance not owned by the tenant.
Gas boiler service for tenants
As a tenant, you are not legally responsible for getting the gas boiler serviced every year. However, you are responsible for the daily maintenance and upkeep of the gas appliances on the property and to report any issues promptly.
It is good to know what the landlord or tenant’s responsibility is for the boiler. For instance, the landlord is not obligated to provide any gas safety inspections on any gas appliances owned by the tenant.
Find local gas boiler service engineers
If you're wondering "how can I find a local gas boiler service engineer near me?", look no further. In addition to there being national boiler service companies, you can also find local gas boiler service engineers at excellent prices.
It's important that you find a heating engineer that's on the Gas Safe registry as only qualified engineers are legally authorised to conduct boiler inspections. The best way to find qualified boiler and gas services is by comparing them and the quotes they offer. But to find the best deal, it takes time.
Luckily, we've made it easy for you with our easy to use Gas Safe engineer quoting service that helps you compare gas boiler service quotes from heating engineers near you.
FAQ
How often should a gas boiler be serviced?
Boiler engineers highly recommend that gas boilers should be serviced once a year. Having an annual boiler service helps you keep your home safe and your boiler running efficiently. Also, landlords and tenants have different boiler responsibilities. If you are a landlord, then having an annual boiler service is a legal requirement.
Do I need to service my gas boiler every year?
You should have regular gas boiler services every year. The best time to service your gas boiler every year is the end of summer. However, it is only legally required for landlords who rent out their property to provide gas boiler services. If you are a tenant, you still have the duty to properly care for your boiler and any other gas appliances you own on the property.
Is it a legal requirement to have a gas boiler serviced?
Having your gas boiler serviced is only legally required if you are a landlord renting out your property. As a tenant, annual boiler services in the UK are not your responsibility, however, you do have a duty to care for your gas boiler and notify your landlord of any issues. You are also responsible for any other gas appliances you own on the property.
What is involved in a gas boiler service?
During a gas boiler service, a Gas Safe registered engineer will inspect your boiler, both inside and outside, to make sure it is running efficiently and safely. By the end of your gas boiler service, you should get a boiler service certificate indicating that your boiler is safe to use. Read more about what a gas boiler service includes.
Does a gas safety check involve radiators?
According to Gas Safe Regulations established in 1998, a Gas Safe registered engineer will check all gas appliances, including all the radiators during a gas safety check. However, this is usually just a visual inspection and not a check to test them individually. Testing individual appliances only occurs when any of the readings measured warrant it.
