Boiler Service Cost

How Much is a Boiler Service?

So, how much should an annual boiler service cost you in 2026?

How much it costs to service a boiler varies, but the average boiler service in the UK costs £100 and can usually be completed within 1 to 2 hours.

Boiler services are typically quoted as a fixed cost job - if anything more than a minor repair is required, then this should be quoted and agreed separately.

What Impacts How Much Boiler Servicing Costs?

Annual boiler service quotes will mainly depend on the type of boiler you have, whether you're using a local tradesman, and where you're located in the UK.

• Location can impact the cost - Fees in London and the surrounding areas can be around £10 to £20 more than the national average.
• Type of boiler affects costs - The type of fuel your boiler uses is one of the biggest factors in determining how much you'll pay for a service.
• Boiler condition makes a difference - Older, less efficient boilers may require more time for proper cleaning and adjustments.
• Ease of access is a factor - If it's harder for your engineer to access your boiler, this could increase the time needed and the total cost.
• Local contractor vs. national company - This can also make a difference, along with whether any additional work is required.

As your location and type of boiler are probably the biggest factors impacting boiler service prices, it makes sense to break down how these affect costs in more detail.

Annual Service Costs by Boiler Type

Some boiler systems may need more time and additional safety checks during a service, so the type of boiler you have can be one of the biggest factors in determining your service costs.

Gas Boiler Service Costs

Gas-fuelled boilers are the most common type of boiler in UK homes, which means they are typically straightforward and relatively affordable to service. The typical cost to service a gas boiler is between £85 and £120.

Electric Boiler Service Costs

With no combustion process and all the associated components, electric boilers are probably the simplest to service, which is reflected in the cost. Servicing costs for an electric boiler should be between £75 and £110.

LPG Boiler Service Costs

With their stored fuel systems, LPG-fuelled boilers require additional safety checks, which naturally take more time. This means the typical cost to service an LPG boiler is between £90 and £120.

Oil Boiler Service Costs

An oil-fuelled boiler usually requires more in-depth cleaning and maintenance during a service, which increases the cost. Servicing an oil boiler should cost between £90 and £125.

Boiler Service Prices Across the UK

As supply costs for this type of job are low (typically around £5), boiler service quotes you get are mostly going to be for the labour cost of servicing the boiler.

Because labour costs typically vary across the UK, this means that the cost of your boiler service can be lower or higher than the UK average, depending on where you live.

The table below shows how the average boiler service costs vary by region.

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What Type of Tradesman Do I Need for My Boiler Service?

The type of tradesman that you need to hire to service your boiler depends on the type of system you have:

• Gas Boiler Service — It's a legal requirement to have a Gas Safe registered engineer carry out any work.
• LPG Boiler Service — A Gas Safe registered engineer, but with an additional LPG qualification.
• Oil Boiler Service — Requires an OFTEC-registered technician for installation and any maintenance tasks.
• Electric Boiler Service — Should be serviced by a heating engineer or a qualified electrician with boiler experience.

What Does a Boiler Service Quote Include?

Not sure what to expect during your boiler service appointment?

It's best to think of a boiler service as a diagnostic health check. You'll find out what's right and wrong with your boiler, but you won't get repairs made on the spot (unless it's a clear safety hazard).

Broadly, this includes:

• Manually inspecting the boiler, pipework, fittings, and flue for leaks.
• Testing the boiler is working correctly, including controls and temperature settings.
• Checking the boiler for mechanical or electrical faults.
• Issuing a safety report to confirm the boiler is in working order.
• Advising on any work or potential issues that may require further action.

For clarity, here's what's not included in a typical boiler service quotation:

• Major boiler repairs, and the supply of required replacement parts
• Power flushing
• Magnetic filter cleaning
• Boiler replacements

If you're unsure of what's being checked, ask for written confirmation at the time of requesting a quote.

What's Involved in a Boiler Service?

In the UK, you are not permitted to legally carry out a boiler service yourself, unless you are qualified to do so. This is not something you can do as a DIY job, due to both the legal and safety requirements involved.

In order to have your boiler serviced by a professional, you can hire a heating engineer via MyJobQuote. To ensure you get the best price, it's always recommended to get three separate quotes first (free, no obligation to commit).

Once you have booked your boiler service, below is a guide to what you can expect to happen during the process:

Before the Service

• Visual Inspection - The engineer will carry out a visual inspection of the boiler to ensure it appears to be in full working order. This is done according to current standards to look for leaks or corrosion. They will also visually check the flame in your boiler.

During the Service

• Boiler Casing Removal - Removing the boiler casing, the engineer will then check internal components to ensure everything is working correctly. They will clean the inside of the boiler, including the burner, spark probe, main injector, and heat exchanger.
• Flue, Gas Pressure, and Flow Check - The flue will be inspected to ensure there are no obstructions inside the terminals and that it's fitted correctly and safely. The engineer will also test to ensure the boiler has the correct gas pressure and flow, in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Safety Checks - All safety devices that shut down the boiler in the event of a fault will be tested to ensure they are working correctly.

After the Service

• Final Checks - Once all the above points have been completed and any action taken, the boiler will be fired up to check for any faults while it is in operation.

How Are Different Types of Boiler Serviced?

While most boiler services follow a similar process, exactly what your service should include will depend on the type of boiler you have, as the safety checks, maintenance, and cleaning requirements vary by fuel system.

Gas Boiler Servicing

Gas boilers are the most popular type of boiler in the UK.

These units tend to be the go-to choice for properties which have a mains gas connection, as it's a more cost-effective way to manage paying your energy bills to heat your home, as gas prices per kWh are significantly lower than electricity prices per kWh.

Your gas boiler service includes visually inspecting the boiler for any obvious faults and internally inspecting the boiler’s components for any signs that it isn’t functioning correctly.

The engineer will also check the gas pressure, that the burner and heat exchanger are working correctly, and that the flue provides safe ventilation.

Electric Boiler Servicing

As with the oil and gas boiler services, it's recommended to have electric models serviced annually to ensure they're operating safely and efficiently.

For electric boilers, servicing them every year isn't a legal requirement, but it does provide a regular opportunity for a professional to identify any minor issues before they develop into something more serious.

During the service, a professional will inspect and test internal components, like electrical connections, the heating element, and the thermostat, to ensure a correct hot water supply.

Among other things, they'll also check that the built-in safety features are working correctly and check for other common problems (e.g., limescale or water pressure problems).

Oil Boiler Servicing

Typically found in rural areas where properties that can't connect to mains gas, oil systems rely on stored fuel and more complex components, so servicing can be more in-depth and take longer.

An oil boiler service involves cleaning the boiler and flue, cleaning the oil burner and replacing the nozzle, checking and replacing the oil filter, inspecting the fuel tank, and performing a full combustion test.

LPG Boiler Servicing

LPG boilers are also common in off-grid locations where mains gas isn't available. While they don't use mains gas, they do use a form of gas - LPG - which is stored at your property for use.

Because of the similarity to a gas boiler, the service will include the same checks and maintenance, with additional safety checks to make sure the fuel storage and supply system are safe and working properly.

Additional Boiler Service Costs

When you get your boiler serviced, some additional heating jobs may need to be carried out if the engineer finds issues with your system.

These can either be small upgrades to improve energy efficiency, or they may be larger, more invasive upgrades to your heating system.

Common Additional Boiler Servicing Costs

To fix common heating problems, your engineer is likely to suggest the following:

• Radiator Bleeding — Radiators with trapped air won't distribute heat effectively, and may increase your running costs as the heat isn't being distributed efficiently. The cost to bleed radiators is around £100.
• System Power Flush — If your heating system is old and running inefficiently, your heating engineer will likely suggest a power flush to clear the system of debris, sludge, and other buildup. A power flush costs £400.
• Smart Thermostat Upgrades — Swapping your existing thermostat for a smart model can lower your heating energy bills and give you greater control over your heating schedule via your phone. The cost to install a smart thermostat is £265.

Larger Heating Upgrade Costs

If you own an older property and haven't updated your heating system in a number of years, your heating engineer may uncover bigger problems while servicing your boiler that require attention:

• New Radiators — If bleeding your radiators and flushing your system still hasn't improved your radiator performance, it might be time for new ones. New radiators cost around £200 per radiator.
• New Boiler Installation — Boilers have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. If your engineer finds that the cost of repairing is more than the cost of a new boiler, they may suggest you replace your boiler instead. Installing a new boiler costs around £2,400.

Checklist: Hiring a Heating Engineer to Service a Boiler

When you get your boiler serviced, there are a few things to consider when looking for the right tradesman for the job:

• Are they Gas Safe registered? Only engineers listed on the Gas Safe register are legally allowed to work on a gas boiler, while electrical boilers should be serviced by a qualified electrician.
• Does the engineer have the right experience? Make sure the engineer has worked on your type of boiler previously and can provide confirmation that they have the correct qualifications and certifications required.
• Do they have public liability insurance? Although not a legal requirement, it's standard for any tradesmen to have insurance that provides protection in the event of accidental damage or injury while servicing or working on your boiler.
• Have you asked for recommendations or reviews? See if any friends or family use a boiler engineer they would recommend, check for online reviews and read customer feedback on MyJobQuote.
• Have you gathered at least three quotes? Search for boiler specialists using MyJobQuote and ask for more than one company for a detailed quote, this will help you compare prices in your area.
• Have you received an itemised breakdown? Ask for a clear, itemised breakdown of the costs, so you can not only ensure you're paying a fair price but won't be hit with any unexpected charges.
• Do they offer any guarantees on their work? When you get your boiler serviced, especially if any additional work is carried out, you should always receive a guarantee or boiler warranty in the event of any issues.

Local Engineer vs National Provider for Boiler Services

When booking your annual boiler service, you have a choice between a local tradesmen, or a national boiler servicing company.

Let's go over the main pros and cons of each service:

Local Heating Engineer

Pros

• ✔ Better availability at short notice, usually available for same-day or next-day services.
• ✔ Local tradesmen have lower overhead costs, which translates to lower service costs for you, as well as direct communication with your local heating engineer.
• ✔ More personalised service if you choose the same local company for your annual boiler service year after year.

Cons

• ✖ If it's a one-person company and the engineer is sick, you will need to wait for them to return to work.
• ✖ May not have a complete 24/7 emergency call-out service.
• ✖ You may have trouble sourcing manufacturer-specific parts.

National Heating Engineer

Pros

• ✔ Nationwide availability, so even if you move house, you can use the same company for your service.
• ✔ Boiler service from a recognised name brand.
• ✔ Larger teams, which usually lead to greater coverage during peak boiler breakdown periods.

Cons

• ✖ Long wait times for availability, and you'll need to go through multiple levels of contact to eventually book in with a provider.
• ✖ Typically higher costs as national companies have big overheads to recuperate in service and call-out fees.
• ✖ You may be met with pushy sales tactics to get you to purchase unnecessary add-ons to your service.

We recommend using a local company to service your boiler to ensure a fast, reliable service, at the best price possible.

How Do I Know If My Boiler Needs a Service?

If you think something's wrong with your heating, and your annual boiler service isn't due, it can still be a good idea to have someone check if you need any boiler maintenance or repairs.

It's important to note that unresolved issues relating to fuel-burning boilers could lead to a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, and electrical faults can become a potential fire risk.

If you're experiencing any of the following, it could be a sign that your boiler needs a service:

• Strange Noises Coming from the Boiler — While some running noise is normal, constant banging, knocking, or gurgling sounds aren't normal, and could mean your boiler needs attention.
• Repeated Loss in Water Pressure — It's normal to top up your pressure every now and again, but if it's repeatedly dropping after being topped up, it might mean there's a leak somewhere in your system.
• Lack of Heating — If your heating simply isn't working, your boiler is probably the reason and needs some maintenance.
• Change in Flame Colour — In gas boilers, the flame should be blue. If it's changed to yellow or orange, you need urgent attention from a Gas Safe registered engineer as this could lead to a dangerous situation.
• Error Codes Showing — If your boiler has an error code that you're unable to clear yourself, it's time to call in a local engineer to carry out some regular servicing or boiler repairs.

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How Often Should You Service Your Boiler?

You should check with your manufacturer to see the service period of your particular boiler model.

As a general rule of thumb, a boiler should be serviced 12 months after it has been installed, and it should then be serviced every 12 months thereafter.

How Much Does Boiler Cover Cost?

The cost of boiler cover in the UK depends on the type of boiler you have and whether you are paying for a one-off fee or signing up to an ongoing plan.

Standard annual boiler services help maintain efficiency, ensure safe operation, and help to reduce the risk of breakdowns.

Prices generally range from around £75 to £125, with electric and gas boiler service costs usually at the lower end of the scale.

Plans can be spread via monthly costs or paid for as an annual sum. Basic coverage typically costs around £8 to £13 per monthly instalment or a total fee, starting from around £180 or up to £300 for a more detailed package.

Tips For Saving On Boiler Costs

While monthly payments may be easier to manage financially, keeping your boiler running efficiently doesn't have to be expensive. Below are some tips on how to reduce servicing and boiler repair costs in order to be cost-effective without compromising on the quality of service you receive.

Check Your Boiler Warranty

Before arranging a boiler service, it’s worth checking your warranty and, if applicable, boiler cover plan. Some warranties include an annual service as part of the initial purchase, or may cover the cost of certain repairs—particularly if your boiler is relatively new.

Book Appointments in Advance

Arrange for your boiler to be serviced in advance so you can put the date in the diary and provide yourself time to get the best deal. Booking your appointment during the quieter months, such as off-season (spring and summer), can potentially reduce costs.

Having your boiler regularly serviced can also help avoid last-minute call-outs, as emergency plumbing can automatically increase the cost. The average call-out fee in the UK is around £75, followed by an hourly rate to carry out the work.

Compare Several Quotes

By comparing more than one quote, you can ensure you're getting a fair price. Although it's good to remember that the cheapest isn't always the best option in the long run.

Choose Reputable Engineers

By following our checklist for hiring a qualified heating engineer, you can ensure you're hiring a reputable tradesman. This will help to provide the peace of mind that you're hiring the right person for the job - and you won't be caught out by any additional costs or labour fees.

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