How Often Should I Service My Boiler?
If you know that you should have your boiler serviced but are asking yourself ‘how often should I service my boiler?’ then we have the answer. To ensure that it’s running safely and efficiently, your boiler should be serviced as often as once a year. Not having your boiler serviced could lead to faults, higher energy bills and your warranty ending early.
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How often should I service my boiler?
Gas and oil boilers should be serviced once a year. This annual service is an opportunity for a qualified heating engineer to look over the unit and make sure it's running as well as possible. This will give you the peace of mind that your heating system is running safely and efficiently.
If you are a landlord then having the boiler and flue system serviced annually in the properties you rent out is a legal requirement.
Electric boilers don't need the same level of servicing as gas and oil boilers but it's still a good idea to have them looked over when possible.
Who should service a boiler?
A boiler must be serviced by a fully-qualified heating engineer, the qualification they should hold will depend on the type of boiler that needs a service.
Gas boilers
A Gas Safe Registered engineer is the only person qualified to service a gas boiler. Find out more in our guide to gas boiler services.
Oil boilers
An oil boiler must be serviced by an OFTEC-registered engineer and you can find out more in our guide to oil boiler services.
When the respective heating engineer arrives at your home to carry out the boiler service, you should always ask to see their engineer license ID before they get to work. At Boiler Guide, we check that our network of heating engineers all hold the necessary qualifications.
We can help you find certified heating engineers for exactly what you need. Use our service and get free quotes from heating engineers near you.
When should I have my boiler serviced?
Your boiler should be serviced once every 12 months. Other than that, there’s no right or wrong time. While you can have your boiler serviced at any time of the year, we highly recommend arranging one during the summer.
Having your boilers serviced in the summer, is a great idea for a number of reasons:
- Installers often have more free time in their diaries and you might even find that their rates are lower than during the winter months
- Be confident that your boiler is in the best possible condition ahead of the cold winter months
Is it time to get your boiler serviced? With our service we can provide you with quotes from Gas Safe, and OFTEC registered engineers that can give you the best deal.
Why should I have my boiler serviced?
As we've already mentioned, by having a fully-qualified heating engineer assess your boiler once a year, you'll have the peace of mind that it's running safely. It will also give you the confidence that it's running as efficiently as possible, helping to keep your energy bills to a minimum.
Additionally, a boiler service is also essential to keep the boiler warranty valid. Without a warranty covering your boiler, should it run into a fault and need repairing, you won't be able to call on the manufacturer. So, it should be well within your interest to have your boiler serviced in line with the terms and conditions attached to your boiler warranty.
Should you choose not to have your boiler serviced annually, you're risking the following:
- A rise in your energy bills
- Carbon monoxide leak
- A fault that could lead to a boiler breakdown
- Face having to pay a repair bill that could have been avoided
Find out where in the UK boilers are most likely to break down in Boilers on the Blink.
What does a boiler service involve?
A thorough boiler service should last for at least 30 minutes as the heating engineer does the following:
- The boiler service will begin with the engineer taking a look for any signs of corrosion or leaking as well as checking the flame
- Next, they will remove the boiler casing to check the components inside and clean where necessary
- They will check the flue terminals to ensure they aren't blocked
- Check that the gas pressure is correct
- Towards the end of the service the engineer will fire up the boiler to check performance as it operates
While all of the above should happen during a boiler service, your engineer may have a different process. It's also worth noting that the time it takes could be extended if they come across a fault. Find out more about what to expect during a boiler service in What Does a Boiler Service Involve?
How much will a boiler service cost?
Boiler service costs will vary depending on a number of factors but you can typically expect to pay between £60 and £90. Although for anyone living in London this can total up to £160.
- Boiler fuel
- Type of boiler (combi, system or regular)
- Manufacturer and model
- Where the boiler has been installed
- Where you live
- The rates charged by the installer
Time to book your annual boiler service
To find the best price for a boiler service we highly recommend comparing quotes from several engineers. And the simplest way to get the best deal is by letting us do the work. We'll get you free quotes from up to 3 heating engineers who carry out boiler services in your local area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a boiler need servicing every year?
Yes. To make sure that your boiler is in good working condition an annual service is needed. The service gives you the assurance that your boiler is working right and that you don't pay too much for your heating.
What happens if you don't service your boiler?
If you don't service your boiler you risk an untimely ending for your unit, a potential rise in energy bills, a carbon monoxide leak and potentially having to pay a repair bill that could have been avoided.
What does a full boiler service include?
A boiler service will usually last around 30 minutes, during this the engineer will look for corrosion or leaking, check the flue terminals and the gas pressure, and lastly, the engineer will check the performance of the boiler.
Can I service my own boiler?
Only registered professionals can service your boiler. For a gas boiler, it must be a Gas Safe Registered engineer, for oil boilers, it has to be an OFTEC Registered engineer.