A boiler is the heart of your home’s heating system, and just like any mechanical equipment, it needs regular maintenance to ensure it works efficiently and safely.
Now ask yourself this question; have I given my trusty boiler the TLC it deserves?
Yep, just like your car, or even your beloved furry pet, your boiler needs regular-taking-care-of to keep it purring (or should we say, humming!) along smoothly.
Regular boiler servicing not only prevents unexpected breakdowns but can also extend the lifespan of your product and reduce energy bills. However, as inflation bites and the cost of living goes up, one question that many people ask is, “How much does a boiler service cost in 2023?”
In this blog post, we’ll answer this question by discussing the various factors that influence the cost of a boiler service, provide the average cost of a boiler service in 2023 based on current market trends, and offer tips on how to save money on a boiler service. So, if you’d like to know the cost of a boiler service this year, keep reading!
What’s a boiler service?
A boiler service is an essential maintenance check carried out on a heating system to ensure that it’s working safely. The service typically includes an inspection of the boiler and the heating system parts by a Gas Safe engineer. It’s imperative that you check that the engineer is definitely Gas Safe registered.
The main aim of a boiler service is to detect and prevent any potential issues that could lead to costly breakdowns or even safety hazards.
During a boiler service, the engineer will inspect the entire heating system, including the boiler, pipework, and radiators. They’ll check for any signs of damage, corrosion or leaks, and identify any potential issues that could cause a breakdown. The engineer will also check that the boiler is operating at the correct pressure and temperature, and that all safety features, such as the carbon monoxide detector, are working correctly.
Regular boiler servicing is critical in ensuring that the boiler is operating efficiently, reducing energy costs, extending the life of the boiler and maintaining your boiler’s warranty. A poorly maintained boiler can lead to increased energy consumption and higher energy bills, and can even be dangerous. A faulty boiler can lead to carbon monoxide leaks, which can be fatal.
Does my boiler need an annual service?
The answer is simply yes! In fact all boilers should be serviced annually by a qualified Gas Safe engineer, with more frequent servicing required for older boilers.
Just like your car needs to pass its MOT to stay roadworthy, a boiler must be serviced every year to ensure that it’s working safely and efficiently.
Skipping your annual service is never a good idea as some issues might go undetected and could result in bigger, and more expensive problems down the line.
Some manufacturers request that the boiler should be serviced annually by a Gas Safe engineer to maintain its warranty.
What are the factors that influence the cost of a boiler service?
The cost of a boiler service can vary depending on several factors, including:
- The type of boiler you have – Different types of boilers have different requirements for servicing, and the cost can vary depending on the type of boiler you have. For example, a combi boiler may be quicker to service than a system or a conventional boiler, and this can affect the cost.
- The boiler make – Some brands are more technical than others which may require more time and effort to get them serviced.
- The age of the boiler – Older boilers may need more work and replacement parts during servicing, which can increase the cost. Sometimes finding replacement parts for an old boiler can be a nightmare which can delay the service or the repair job.
- Service provider – The cost of a boiler service may vary depending on the service provider, but when you buy a boiler service plan with WarmZilla you know you’re getting the best price on the market!
- Busy seasons – a boiler service can be more expensive in the cold winter months due to the increased demand and the availability of Gas Safe engineers.
- Location – The cost of a boiler service may be influenced by your home location, as prices can vary depending on the local market, i.e. those who book a boiler service in London can end up paying more than the customers who book a service in the North East. Not with WarmZilla though, as our prices stay the same across the UK.
- Additional work needed – If the service engineer identifies any issues during the service, they may need to carry out additional work, which can increase the cost.
- Accessibility – If the boiler is in a difficult-to-access location, this may require more time and effort to service, which can increase the cost.
As you can see the price of a boiler service varies, and to protect yourself against an unexpected whooping boiler service bill, we advise getting your boiler serviced in the summer months and it’s always a good idea to shop around for an affordable boiler service plan.
What’s the average boiler service cost in 2023?
Although the average boiler service cost varies depending on many factors, we have put together a rough estimate of how much it’ll cost you to get your boiler serviced;
The average boiler service cost by location
- Boiler service in London
On average, a boiler service in London can cost between £80-£130 depending on the postcode and the complexity of the job. - Boiler Service in the North East
In the North East, the average cost of a boiler service can be slightly cheaper than the South, so expect to pay between £70-£100 to get your boiler serviced up North.
The average boiler service cost by fuel type
- Boiler service cost for a Gas boiler
The cost of a gas boiler service typically ranges between £65 to £100, with an average cost of £80 in the UK. During the service, you can expect the Gas Safe engineer to carry out a complete assessment to ensure that the boiler is working efficiently and safely.
Boiler service cost for an oil boiler
Servicing oil boilers, on the other hand, can be more expensive as the cost can vary between £90-£140 and you should book an OFTEC qualified engineer to service your oil boiler every year.
Does servicing your boiler save money?
Yes, getting your boiler serviced regularly can save you money in the long run. Here are some reasons why:
- Increased efficiency – your boiler can become less efficient over time due to wear and tear, dirt buildup, or other factors. A service can help ensure that your boiler is running at maximum efficiency, which can lower your energy bills.
- Prevention is better than cure – A regular service can help identify any potential problems with your boiler before they become serious issues. This can prevent costly breakdowns and repairs in the future.
- Longer Lifespan – A well-maintained boiler can last around 10-15 years (or even longer) and regular servicing can help extend the lifespan of your boiler. By keeping it in good condition, you can avoid having to replace it prematurely, which can save you a significant amount of money.
- Safety – A faulty boiler can be dangerous, potentially leading to gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning. Regular servicing can help ensure that your boiler is functioning safely, giving you peace of mind.
Paying for a regular boiler service is definitely a good investment when you compare the cost to the potential savings and benefits.
Landlord boiler servicing responsibility and legal requirements
Landlords in the UK are legally required to have their gas appliances, including boilers, serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This is a legal requirement under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
The Gas Safe registered engineer will examine the boiler to ensure that it’s working safely and efficiently. They’ll also provide a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) once the inspection is complete. The certificate must be provided to tenants within 28 days of the inspection, and a copy must be kept for at least two years.
It’s important to note that the responsibility for boiler servicing and maintenance falls on the landlord, not the tenant. This means that landlords are liable for arranging and paying for the annual service, as well as any necessary repairs.
In addition to annual servicing, landlords should also encourage tenants to report any issues with the boiler or heating system as soon as possible. Prompt repairs can help prevent further damage and ensure the system continues to operate safely and efficiently.
Is it cheaper to pay for your boiler service monthly or as a one off?
Although it may look like paying for your boiler service in a one-off payment may be cheaper, having an annual boiler cover can work out better for you.
Depending on the boiler cover plan you choose, you can get your boiler annual service, unlimited call-outs and get your boiler repaired and all for less than £15 a month, and in some cases, if your boiler is deemed beyond economical repair, WarmZilla will knock up to £400 off the price of a new boiler! Read our Boiler Cover T&Cs to find out more.
How to save money on a boiler service?
Here are our top tips for saving money on a boiler service:
- Schedule your service during the summer months – Boiler service costs may be lower during the off-season when demand is lower. Consider booking your service in the summer when you’re less likely to use your heating system.
- Compare multiple quotes – Don’t shy away from shopping around for quotes from different local heating companies (who are Gas Safe qualified of course!). Compare these prices and services to find the best deal for your home and wallet!
- Look for promotions and discounts – you can take advantage of our WarmZilla introductory offer (20% discount on all boiler cover plans).
- Consider investing in an annual contract – Some plans can offer complete coverage of your boiler and heating system including boiler service, repairs and even pipework, take a look at our boiler cover plans to find out more.
- Keep your boiler well-maintained – Regular maintenance can help prevent costly repairs and prolong the lifespan of your boiler. Make sure to keep up with regular cleaning and maintenance tasks, such as replacing filters and checking for leaks.
- Address small issues before they become big problems – If you notice any small issues with your boiler, such as strange noises or reduced efficiency, address them as soon as possible. This can help prevent more serious and expensive problems down the line.
FAQs
It is recommended that you have your boiler serviced every 12 months – the frequency of servicing may vary depending on the age and condition of your boiler.
Regular boiler servicing has several benefits, including safety, efficiency, and cost savings. Servicing can help ensure that your boiler is operating safely and that there are no gas leaks or other hazards that could put you and your family at risk.A well-maintained boiler is more efficient, which can help reduce your energy bills and lower your carbon footprint.
Regular servicing can help identify and address small issues before they become bigger and more expensive problems – which can help prolong the lifespan of your boiler and prevent the need for costly repairs or replacement.
Regular servicing is often a requirement of boiler warranties, so neglecting to service your boiler could result in voiding your boiler warranty.
The cost of getting your boiler serviced varies based on many factors such as the make of the boiler and the location of your house, so when getting your boiler serviced expect to pay between £70 – £120.
Unless you’re a qualified and registered Gas Safe engineer, you shouldn’t service your own boiler or carry out any repair work on it now matter how confident you feel or how many Youtube videos you have watched!
A boiler is a complex piece of equipment that requires specialist knowledge and tools to service safely and effectively.
Attempting to service your own boiler without the necessary training and expertise could result in damage to the boiler, safety hazards, or even serious injury or death.
Servicing your own boiler could also void the manufacturer’s warranty and your home insurance policy.
If you notice a problem with your boiler we advise you to call out a Gas Safe engineer immediately. In the meantime you can turn off your boiler to ensure that the problem doesn’t get worse.
But if you’ve taken out a WarmZilla boiler cover plan, you can just report the issue directly to our operations team on live chat or email us and we’ll be able to help.
There are many ways to save money on your boiler service.
Consider scheduling your service during summer months when heating engineers are less busy. You can also compare prices from different local heating engineers and choose the most affordable option.
Another way to save money on your boiler service is to take out a boiler service plan (it’s always a good investment!).
Don’t forget to maintain your boiler regularly throughout the year, as this can help prevent issues from arising that could result in costly repairs down the line.
If your boiler is old and clapped-out, consider investing in a new energy-efficient boiler which can help lower your energy bills in the long term. You’ll also be making sure that you’re in the best position to pair up your new boiler with the various smart devices and thermostats on the market- again helping you to save.
