Boiler Service Cost

How Much Is a Boiler Service?

The cost of a boiler service depends on the type of boiler and whether the service is a one-off or an annual service. A one-off service will normally cost more as it is not part of a regular contract. Different companies or installers will offer different types of service cover for your boiler, and your location within the UK will also impact the cost.

Typically, the average boiler service cost will be around £70 to £120, but this will depend on the particular plan you have in place for your boiler maintenance. Most annual boiler services are part of insurance coverage for your boiler that protects you against unexpected costs should it suffer a fault or breakdown.

The average one-off boiler service price is between £90 to £130, depending on which company you use.

An emergency or last-minute boiler service cost may be a lot higher. This does not cover any repairs or replacement parts that may be needed.

The cost of servicing a boiler will depend on a number of factors: the type of boiler, or rather the type of fuel that the boiler runs on, such as gas, oil, electricity, etc., the age and condition of the boiler, and where you live in the UK.

The boiler size will also impact the average boiler service cost, although this does not relate to the boiler's physical size, but rather the kilowatt output. Different types of boilers will have different ranges of output, so again, the type of fuel powering your boiler will be a significant factor.

Boiler Service Prices

Below are the average boiler service price points depending on the type of fuel that powers them.

Additional Boiler Service Costs

There may be other jobs that you want to carry out at the same time as you are having your boiler serviced.

Power Flushing

Power flushing involves cleaning the pipework and radiators of your central heating system with a special machine and chemicals.

This process removes sludge and debris whilst adding scale inhibitor and sealant to the interior of the heating pipework. The average power flush cost for a central heating system is between £300 and £500.

Radiator Replacement

You may decide to swap your traditional radiators for a more modern or designer look, or simply replace a faulty radiator with a new one. Replacing like-for-like will not generally be very expensive or time-consuming, but if you are changing the radiator's size and style, it will invariably cost more.

The typical new radiator cost will be between £150 and £250, depending on the type of radiator, as well as your location within the UK.

Smart Thermostat Installation

Combining a boiler service with installing a new smart thermostat could save money on labour costs. It may also ensure there are no compatibility issues between your boiler and the new thermostat.

On average, the smart thermostat installation cost will be around £450. This will depend on the brand of thermostat you choose, as well as the costs of labour.

Gas Safety Certificate

If you are a landlord, you will need to provide a gas safety certificate to your tenants once a year. The gas safety certificate cost is around £70 to £80.

The check is not just done on a gas boiler but also on any gas appliance, e.g., gas cooker, oven, hob, or fire. It tests the pressure, gas tightness, safety measures and flue flow.

Labour Cost for Boiler Service and Timeframes

The average boiler service cost will mostly be the labour of the plumber or heating engineer who carries it out. Depending on the type, age, condition, and location of the boiler, these costs will vary.

How Much Does a Heating Engineer Charge?

Heating engineer prices will depend on the amount of work that needs to be done, including any additional or optional tasks.

There are several checks that a plumber or heating engineer will carry out as part of a boiler service. These will vary depending on the type of boiler being serviced; for example, the storage tank for an oil boiler will need to be checked as well as the boiler itself.

For a typical gas boiler service, a heating engineer will check that the controls are working correctly (e.g., the ignition switch).

Then the cover will be removed, and the internal components and electrical connections checked. The water and gas pipework will be inspected and checked for signs of leaks or corrosion. Flue gases will be tested, and the gas rate and pressure measured.

All safety devices will be inspected, and a carbon monoxide check will be done. The heating engineer will normally clean all the boiler parts that need to be cleaned to work properly and efficiently.

All of these checks are part of the servicing and make up the majority of the price you pay for your boiler to be serviced. Any repairs will not be included in the boiler service cost, and anything that needs to be fixed will usually be charged as extra work.

How Long Does a Service Take?

The length of time a boiler service takes will depend partly on the type of boiler you have:

Older boilers may take longer if regular services have been missed over time. Carbon build-up on components on an older boiler will take longer to clean.

Repairs are not normally included in the boiler servicing cost. If repairs are needed and parts are not readily at hand, the heating engineer may need to return to carry them out. This will prolong the timeframe for the service to be completed.

What Factors Impact Boiler Service Costs?

There are several considerations that you need to take into account, and which will influence the boiler service cost. These include:

• Your Location - Where you live is one of the biggest factors in the boiler service price. Prices in London and the South East will be higher due to the higher cost of living. If your property is in a very rural location, you may also be charged more to cover travel time and fuel.
• Ease of Access - If a boiler has been installed in a tight or difficult-to-reach space, the heating engineer may charge more for the inconvenience. This may be the case with older conventional boilers.
• Time of Year - It is typically cheaper to have a boiler service done in the summer when the heating engineers and plumbers are less busy. If you wait until winter, it will be more expensive as this is normally the busiest time of year for both plumbers and heating engineers.
• Type of Boiler - The type of boiler that you are having serviced will be a cost affecting factor. Different fuel types, such as gas, oil, or LPG, will need specific servicing.
• Size of Boiler - Boilers come in different kilowatt outputs and, as such, may require a different approach to servicing.
• Age of Boiler -This will affect the cost of servicing. An aged conventional boiler will need more time and attention to be checked, compared to a relatively new combination boiler.
• Boiler Condition -The cost of servicing a boiler that has been neglected in terms of maintenance will probably be higher than average. If the boiler has not been regularly maintained, it may develop faults that will need to be rectified during a service.
• Type of Service -The boiler servicing cost will depend on whether it is a one-off service or part of an annual contract. Most boiler installers or manufacturers offer an annual insurance contract that includes regular servicing.

Bear in mind that extra repairs are generally not included in the boiler service cost. If important repairs need to be carried out, this could increase how much you need to pay to make the boiler safe.

What Does a Boiler Service Entail?

The process of servicing a boiler will depend on the fuel type, gas, oil, or LPG, but some elements will be the same or very similar.

It is not a legal requirement to have your boiler serviced unless you are a landlord. The warranty on your boiler or any insurance cover will normally be contingent on an annual service being carried out.

Servicing Different Types of Boiler

The above breakdown of a boiler service relates to a gas boiler, as these tend to be the most common in people's homes.

However, there are other boilers on the market, such as oil, LPG, and biomass. The process for servicing these boilers will be slightly different.

Oil Boiler Service

An oil boiler will also need an annual service, and this should be carried out by an OFTEC registered engineer. OFTEC is the Oil Firing Technical Association, which recognises installers who are competent to maintain and service many solid fuel systems.

The servicing of an oil boiler will be relatively similar to that of a gas boiler. A visual inspection of the boiler will be undertaken, and then the internal components will be checked and cleaned. An oil-fired boiler will typically take a couple of hours to service due to the additional cleaning that needs to be done.

The storage tank for the oil is also inspected during a service to ensure it is safe and fit for purpose.

LPG Boiler Service

An LPG boiler is similar to a natural gas boiler and will burn relatively clean. Still, it also needs to be regularly serviced by a qualified Gas Safe engineer for safety reasons and maintenance.

An LPG boiler service will take around an hour, and this should also include an inspection of the tank where the liquified petroleum gas is stored on your property.

Biomass Boiler Service

A biomass boiler will also need to be serviced regularly, typically once a year as with other kinds of boiler.

Usually, you'll need an engineer certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) to carry out servicing on a biomass boiler, and it will usually take a couple of hours, as there is more cleaning to be done than on a gas boiler due to the build-up of ash.

Benefits of Having Your Boiler Serviced

When you're considering the typical annual boiler service cost, you may wonder whether it's worth the money.

Here are some key benefits of getting your boiler serviced regularly:

• Safety - Toxic gases can be released by a faulty boiler. The most dangerous carbon monoxide: a colourless, odourless by-product that can be lethal. Annual servicing can help reduce the possibility of a fatal leak.
• Lower Running Costs - Ensuring your boiler is running efficiently can help you save money. Service engineers will optimise the operation of your boiler in a number of ways, including removing deposits from inside the system.
• Fewer Repairs - Major boiler faults can be expensive and hugely inconvenient. Regular servicing will alleviate some of these problems by catching warning signs early and addressing them before they worsen.
• Extended Boiler Lifespan - A side effect of spotting faults early and preventing major problems is that the boiler is likely to remain in good operating condition for longer.
• Warranty Terms - Your boiler's warranty may require you to arrange annual servicing. A valid warranty can save you from some hefty expenses in the event of major problems, and since boiler warranties tend to cover you for a good number of years, it's worth respecting their terms if possible.
• Legal Obligations - If you're a landlord, you're legally required to obtain a Gas Safety Certificate for your property, which involves boiler inspection, and it should be made available to the tenant.

In purely financial terms, when you set the annual boiler service price against the typical boiler installation cost of between £2,000 and £3,000, it's worth keeping your existing boiler in good condition for as long as possible.

DIY Boiler Service

A boiler service is one of those jobs that is strictly for a qualified professional and should not be attempted as a DIY job.

According to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), any work done on a gas boiler must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

The same applies to LPG boilers. Oil boilers should be serviced by an OFTEC heating engineer, while biomass boilers should be serviced by an engineer registered with the MCS.

The dangers of attempting a DIY boiler service include:

• Causing damage to your property.
• Accidentally releasing dangerous emissions such as carbon monoxide.
• Reducing the safety and efficiency of your boiler.
• Invalidating your boiler's warranty.

Overall, the risks associated with attempting a boiler service yourself far outweigh the boiler service cost itself.

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Types of Boiler Service

Every boiler should be serviced on a regular basis to keep it working efficiently and effectively. This reduces the chances of breakdown, expensive repairs, and keeps running costs low if the boiler is working at its maximum capacity.

Gas Boiler Service Cost

The majority of homeowners have gas boilers, particularly in urban areas.

A gas boiler service will ensure the boiler is working safely and efficiently. It will also check that there are no leaks of carbon monoxide into your home and may highlight any small issues that can be addressed early, potentially saving you money in the long run.

Your boiler's warranty or home insurance cover may require you to have an annual boiler service. If this is not carried out, it could render the warranty or insurance cover invalid. In addition, a qualified Gas Safe engineer will need to carry out the service.

The typical gas boiler service cost is usually between £70 and £120. There are annual contracts available, so you could spread your payments out over the year and pay as little as £7 per month for boiler cover.

Oil Boiler Service Cost

An oil boiler is more likely to be found in rural or remote areas where access to piped natural gas is limited.

As with a gas boiler, servicing your oil boiler will check its safe and working as efficiently as possible. It may also be required as part of a warranty.

The cost of an oil-fired boiler service is higher than for a gas boiler as there is more work involved.

The oil boiler service price is typically between £80 to £180, and this will depend on the age, condition, and previous maintenance of the boiler as well as your location in the UK.

The cost of servicing an oil boiler will also usually include checking the tank where oil is stored to ensure it is secure.

LPG Boiler Service Cost

Liquefied petroleum gas is an alternative to natural gas for those who are not close to a natural gas pipeline or choose to use LPG to fuel their boiler.

Servicing an LPG boiler will ensure it's working correctly and efficiently. The regular check will help meet any requirements of the warranty or your insurance cover to maintain the boiler properly.

The cost of servicing an LPG boiler is usually more expensive than that of a natural gas boiler, as the service includes the inspection of the LPG storage tank to ensure it is safe and fit for purpose.

The typical LPG boiler service cost will be around £80 to £120. This depends on location, age and condition of the boiler and previous regular maintenance.

Biomass Boiler Service Cost

A biomass boiler runs on non-fossil fuel sources such as wood pellets, wood chips or logs.

Regular servicing of a biomass boiler will ensure it runs efficiently and prevent the system from getting clogged up with ash.

Some of the automatically fed biomass boilers, such as pellet boilers, have a separate hopper to hold the pellets. This automatic feeding system will need to be inspected and cleaned, adding to the overall annual boiler service cost.

Warranties on any boiler will normally stipulate that a qualified person carries out at least an annual service to remain valid. In addition, if you received the Renewable Heat Incentive (closed to new entrants in 2022), you are required to carry out a regular service of the biomass boiler in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

The typical biomass boiler servicing cost is around £180 to £200, depending on the type of biomass boiler and your location.

Electric Boiler Service Cost

An electric boiler does not have as many moving parts as a gas, oil, LPG, or biomass boiler and therefore does not require regular servicing.

However, check your manufacturer's warranty to see what servicing they recommend to maintain the boiler in good condition, such as an annual check. An electric boiler service cost would typically be £60 to £80.

Building Regulations for Servicing a Boiler

There are no specific Building Regulations for servicing a boiler. However, Approved Document J of the Building Regulations outlines the requirements for the installation of a new boiler or replacing an existing system.

Planning Permission for Servicing a Boiler

No planning permission is required for servicing a boiler. The same is true for installing or replacing a boiler if all the work is internal, unless you live in a listed building.

In this case, you should contact your local authority and confirm what is required before you proceed.

FAQs

How to Find and Hire a Boiler Service Specialist

As the servicing of a boiler cannot be done as a DIY job, it will be necessary to find a boiler service specialist to carry out the work.

Consider the following points when choosing your boiler specialist:

• Your heating engineer should have some form of insurance for working in your home. The most common form is public liability insurance and they should be able to produce evidence on request.
• Different heating engineers may have different areas of expertise. Ensure you're working with someone who has experience with your type of boiler.
• Gas and LPG boilers should only be serviced by Gas Safe registered heating engineers or plumbers. Engineers working on oil boilers should be registered with OFTEC, while MCS is the register for biomass boilers.
• Accreditation with organisations such as the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) is a sign of a reputable and qualified heating engineer or plumber. Other accreditation schemes are equally as valid.

You can check the Gas Safe Register for details of any plumber or heating engineer that you are considering hiring.

Those heating engineers who are registered with OFTEC or as part of the Microgeneration Scheme can be checked through their respective websites.

Sources

https://www.planningportal.co.uk/applications/building-control-applications/building-control/approved-documents/part-j-combustion-appliances-and-fuel-storage-systems/approved-document-j
https://www.planningportal.co.uk/applications/building-control-applications/building-control/approved-documents/part-j-combustion-appliances-and-fuel-storage-systems/approved-document-j
https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/boilers-and-heating/building-regulations
https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/find-an-engineer-or-check-the-register/
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-programmes/domestic-rhi
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-and-social-schemes/feed-tariffs-fit
https://www.edfenergy.com/heating/advice/gas-boiler-servicing
https://www.ciphe.org.uk/
https://aphc.co.uk/