How Much Does a Boiler Service Cost in UK

If you list essential items you need to have in your home, the boiler will be among the top ones. You would hardly find a home without a boiler, even in the less cold parts of the UK.

Regular maintenance and periodic servicing of a boiler is the most important factor for its trouble-free performance during the peak winter season. The most common type of boiler used these days is a gas boiler, whereas oil and electrical boilers are also used in different localities. The electric boilers do not require as much servicing as a gas or an oil boiler will.

Despite that, gas and oil boilers are more efficient than electrical boilers. So, suppose you have a gas boiler installed in your home, and you probably must have one. In that case, you need to take care of its periodic servicing and regular maintenance for optimum performance and safety for your family and property.

Boiler Servicing - Legal Requirements

Under the provisions of the relevant laws, boiler servicing is not a legal requirement for homeowners. But if you are a landlord, the law requires you to install the boilers in your rented-out properties and regularly service.

However, whether you are a homeowner or a landlord, you must conduct boiler servicing. It will ensure the safety of your home and tenants and facilitate uninterrupted heating and hot water supply. Non-servicing of a gas boiler can also be a health hazard, as it may cause the emission of harmful gases such as carbon monoxide.

Boiler Servicing – Authorized Person

Under the prevailing laws in the UK, only a gas safety engineer registered with a gas safe register is authorized to service a gas boiler. The gas safe register is responsible for registering qualified gas engineers working on gas appliances in the UK. They maintain a comprehensive list of such engineers and publish their credentials on their official website. Anyone can search for a suitable gas-safe engineer for servicing a boiler.

So, don't put your boiler at risk; always get it serviced by a registered gas safety engineer listed on the official website of the gas safe register.

When a Boiler Needs Service?

Under normal circumstances, a boiler should be serviced annually. Ideally, the annual service should be done during the summer days. If possible, just a few weeks before the onset of winter. Servicing a boiler in the summer may be relatively less expensive. There's every possibility of getting a lesser quote than during the peak winter season.

More importantly, the families may face interruptions in heating and supply of hot water if the boiler is serviced during the winter season. Apart from the scheduled annual service, your boiler may also need an inspection or service in case of any unexpected happenings such as:

1. Leakage of gas, caught on the gas leak detector installed on your property.
2. Boiler flame is abnormal, such as yellow in color or irregular in burning.
3. If the pilot lights go off repeatedly
4. If you notice abnormal smoke stains on or around the boiler.
5. When water pressure often drops.
6. When the boiler often overheats.
7. When there’s no hot water supply while the boiler is still running.
8. If you notice leakage of water from the boiler.
9. When you observe any abnormality in the performance of your boiler.

Consequences of Non-servicing of a Boiler

• Violation of the law if you are a landlord.
• Increased gas and electricity bills.
• Generation of carbon monoxide, which may prove fatal.
• Boiler breakdown, right in the peak season, causing huge trouble for the residents.
• Increased repair or parts replacement cost.
• Insurance coverage may go invalid if the boiler is not serviced annually.

What is Included in a Boiler Service?

Boiler service is a complete inspection of the main boiler and its other components. Though it may vary on a case-to-case basis, a boiler service should normally include the following steps.

Visual Survey

An overall visual inspection by the engineer to ascertain whether there's visible damage to the boiler or any of its components, whether there's a need to clean various parts of the boiler, or if there are any signs of corrosion that might need special attention.

Checking the Internal Parts

After the visual inspection, the boiler's casing is removed to check the internal parts for any possible damage or leakage.

Checking the Control Panel

The boilers have a control panel comprising various operational controls, switches, and different safety and control devices. These must be thoroughly checked to see if they are working as expected.

Checking the Flue

Check the flue for any obstruction that may result in poor ventilation. Cleaning of the flue is also a part of the boiler service, as is cleaning other parts.

Checking Other Parts of the Boiler

A comprehensive inspection and service of all boiler parts, including electric wiring, gas connections, leakage of water or gas, control devices, seals, and checking of gas and water pressure, all are included in the boiler service.

Documenting the Tests and Checks

The engineer will record the complete details of every test and check performed on the boiler, including boiler pressure. You need to keep this record stored safely for future reference.

Test Run

Once the service is done successfully, it is advisable to test the boiler in the presence of the engineer to see whether it functions as expected.

How Much Does a Boiler Service Costs UK

The cost of boiler service depends on various factors.

• Type of Boiler – Different boilers need different service package sets. Some may cost less as compared to the other types. For example, a combi boiler service should cost less than others. Similarly, the boiler service cost will be higher for a gas boiler than an oil boiler.
• Age of Boiler – How old your boiler is yet another important factor that decides how much it will cost you for annual service. The old models will cost more based on the quantum of work required. There is every likelihood that you may need to replace or repair some of the components of an older boiler. This will increase the overall cost of service. The newer ones will cost less.
• Season – If you want to get your boiler serviced in the peak winter season, the cost will be at its highest. Alternatively, you may get the same done at a much lesser cost during the summer. So, the cost of service also varies with the season.
• Location and address – The service cost of a boiler also depends on where you live. If you reside in a big city like London, the boiler service cost would be much higher. The service cost will also vary with the location of your home, where the boiler is installed, though it may not vary considerably.

Average Service Cost of a Gas Boiler

Based on other factors such as season, city, and location, you may have to pay £80 to £130. On average, you may expect a cost of £100 for a complete gas boiler service. This is a one-time service cost. The service should include a complete inspection of the boiler and its components, checking various controls, and checking for leaks and boiler pressure.

Average Service Cost of an Oil Boiler

If you have an oil boiler, you may have to pay less for a one-time service. It may range from £70 to £110, with the average cost around £95. Regular service is essential for oil boilers, as the energy efficiency of such boilers largely depends on their effective and timely service. If not done regularly, you may have to spend more in the shape of fuel costs.

Average Service Cost of an Electric Combi Boiler

The annual service cost of an electric combi boiler is relatively less than that of a gas or oil boiler. It may cost you somewhere from £60 to £100. On average, it may cost you around £85. The low service cost of electric combi boilers may be due to less chance of breakdown than the gas or oil boiler.

Important

The service cost of boilers does not include repair or replacement parts. However, some good firms may offer you to do minor repair work within the service cost package. But major repair work is often charged separately.

Conclusion

A boiler is essential for every home, especially in the colder parts of the world, such as the UK. You would normally expect an uninterrupted boiler to function during winter, as you cannot compromise on heating and hot water supply. But this can only be achieved if you pay due attention to the maintenance and servicing of your boiler.

Hence, getting your boiler serviced well before the onset of winter is highly recommended. The best time to do so might be in the summer or a few weeks before the start of the winter season. This may also save you on the cost of boiler service. So, if you have not yet serviced your boiler, get it done now; the winter is approaching fast.