Here’s your comprehensive guide on all you need to know about a UK boiler service and how much you can expect to pay in 2023…
If it’s been a while, or you’ve never had to pay out for one before, you’re probably wondering how much a boiler service will set you back in 2023, with costs for everything soaring right now. The truth is. the price of a UK boiler service varies depending on a variety of factors. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about boiler service costs here in the UK, in 2023.
What is a boiler service?
If you’re unfamiliar with what a boiler service involves, here’s the lowdown – a boiler service is a thorough check carried out by a registered central heating engineer to ensure your boiler is working safely and efficiently.
Why is a boiler service important?
In short, very important. In fact, experts recommend a boiler service every 12 months as a minimum.
First off and most importantly, you need to be sure that your boiler is safe – a faulty boiler could be leaking carbon monoxide, which could result in serious illness or even death. An annual service will give you peace of mind that everything is in good working order.
Secondly, a healthy boiler will be working much more efficiently, saving you money on those ever-increasing energy bills. It’ll also increase the lifespan of your boiler.
Not to mention that missing out on regular services may mean minor issues go unnoticed, resulting in you having to pay out way more than you would have otherwise. Or worst-case scenario, you’ll need to replace the boiler altogether, usually at a hefty cost. Regular boiler servicing will keep fees down in the long run.
Many manufacturers will require an annual service to maintain a valid warranty, so make sure you’re clear on the rules of yours. Some warranties last as long as 10 years, so it’s well worth keeping your paperwork up to date for this reason, too.
What a boiler service involves
The exact method a heating engineer will use to service a boiler will depend on the type – gas, electric or oil – but each will include the following…
- Exterior inspection
This is a visual external check for any signs of wear and tear, damage, or leaks.
- Interior inspection
A check of the boiler’s main internal components to ensure they’re in good condition and working order, and that dirt and debris hasn’t built up (this is especially important for keeping oil boilers running efficiently).
- Emissions check
A crucial check for leaks and obstructions to ensure no harmful emissions are being released.
- Pressure check
This ensures that your taps and radiators are heating up to the level they should.
- Boiler ‘on’
Your engineer will check to see if everything is working as it should when your boiler is fired up.
- Report completion
Once the check is complete, your engineer will write up a report listing any faults (if applicable), plus outlining handy advice about what you can do to keep your boiler ticking over healthily.
So, now that we’ve covered the importance of a regular boiler service and what happens during, just how much should you expect to pay for one? Well, the average cost of a boiler service in the UK is £80, but this will vary depending on the type of boiler you have, your geographical location and the company you use. National providers are pricier than local ones, which is helpful to know.
Below, we’ve listed price estimates for the different types of boiler. These prices are for guidance only, and it’s always a good idea to get a choice of quotes from a variety of local plumbers in your area, to make sure you have the most competitive price.
The cost of a UK boiler service
Gas boiler service cost
The most common type of gas boiler is a combination boiler (combi). To get this type of boiler serviced will range between £80 and £120, with the average at £100.
Oil boiler service
An oil boiler service typically costs between £55 and £105, averaging around £80.
Electric boiler service
An electric boiler (the UK’s most popular) will cost between £62 and £98, and again, around £80 on average. These tend to be the easiest boilers to check, as they have fewer working parts and are usually easier to access. They’re also less prone to breakdown, as a result.
Commercial boiler service
A commercial boiler service for non-residential properties costs around £95 on average.
Boiler service legalities
If you’re a landlord, by law you must service the boiler of any tenants once per year, or you could risk huge fines.
Gas boilers must be checked by Gas Safe registered engineers (previously referred to as CORGI), while oil boilers need to be checked by OFTEC registered engineers.
Homeowners are not obligated to have an annual boiler service, but we’d recommend doing so for the reasons we talked through earlier.
Boiler insurance cover versus one-off annual checks
Instead of paying a one-off boiler service fee each year, you can get boiler cover and pay monthly instead.
These policies range between £100 and £200 per year and will cover the annual service fee and usually any boiler repairs, as well as a timely response (such as an emergency callout) if you suddenly find yourself without a working boiler.
If your boiler is 10 years old or more, it may be a good idea to cover yourself with insurance instead of relying on an annual boiler service. You can often add boiler service onto your home insurance policy rather than taking out a new (often more expensive) individual one, so it’s worth speaking to your provider for more information.
How to save money on your boiler service
Be sure to get a choice of quotes for comparison so you don’t end up paying over the odds. You’ll want to get upfront quotes to review and agree on, too, so you don’t get stung after the service.
How to find a reputable trader for your boiler service
You’ll need a certified central heating engineer to carry out your boiler service safely and effectively. Here are some watchouts…
- Make sure your trader has the relevant credentials – that means being Gas Safe or OFTEC registered, depending on whether your boiler is gas or oil-powered. All tradesmen on Rezigo have been vetted to ensure they have the correct certifications
- Book a trader who’s been thoroughly vetted and comes with great reviews – on Rezigo you can see reviews from previous customers.
- Getting a variety of quotes for comparison is always a good idea, and always agree a price upfront. When you post your job on Rezigo, you’ll get up to 5 quotes from different local plumbers so you can choose the one that’s right for you.
FAQs
How often should you have your boiler serviced?
In an ideal world, you’d have your boiler serviced every 12 months if you’re a homeowner. Landlords must arrange for a boiler service for tenants annually by law.
When is the best time to get a boiler serviced?
We’d recommend getting a boiler service carried out before the colder months set in. Not only will this give you time to address any concerns that come out of it, but it means you’ll have less time to wait, as engineers are unsurprisingly at their busiest during the winter months.
How long does a boiler service take?
A boiler service usually takes around 30 minutes to one hour to complete, depending on the condition, age, and type of boiler you have. Combination boilers tend to take the least amount of time, thanks to less parts and better accessibility.
What’s the difference between a gas and oil boiler?
Gas boilers are connected to fuel via gas mains, whereas oil boilers are powered by an onsite oil tank. Typically, these need to be filled a few times a year, depending on how large a home is.
In summary
- You should have a boiler service once a year
- ONLY a certified central heating engineer should carry this out
- Costs vary, but on average a boiler service will cost £80 in the UK in 2023
- Use Rezigo to save time shopping around for a reputable, competitively priced engineer to save on boiler service costs
Call on Rezigo for help with your next boiler service
We’ve got thousands of vetted traders ready to help with your household to-dos – including certified heating engineers. Get a quote for a UK boiler service with us and we’ll give you up to three to compare, absolutely FREE. Click here to get started.