Boiler Service Cost
Do you want to know how much a gas boiler service in the UK costs?
In this tutorial, we’ll go over the average costs of boiler servicing, as well as why you should get your boiler serviced and how often it should be done.
Boiler Service Costs and Why It Should Be Serviced
Regular boiler servicing is essential for the safety, efficiency, and longevity of your heating system. The cost of a boiler service typically ranges from £60 to £120, depending on factors such as the type of boiler, your location, and the complexity of the service required. While this might seem like an additional expense, the benefits of maintaining a well-serviced boiler far outweigh the costs.
One of the key reasons for servicing your boiler is safety. Boilers that are not regularly inspected can develop faults that may lead to serious hazards such as carbon monoxide leaks. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly, making regular checks crucial for the health and safety of your household. A boiler service includes safety checks to ensure that the system is functioning properly and not emitting harmful gases.
Another important factor is efficiency. Over time, boilers can become less efficient due to the build-up of dust, sludge, or debris in the system. This inefficiency can lead to higher energy bills as the boiler works harder to heat your home. A service ensures that your boiler is cleaned and functioning at optimal efficiency, helping to reduce your energy consumption and lower heating costs in the long term.
Lastly, regular servicing helps to prevent breakdowns and costly repairs. By identifying minor issues early, an engineer can fix small problems before they turn into larger, more expensive ones. Additionally, many boiler warranties require annual servicing to remain valid, ensuring you are covered for potential repairs in the future.
In conclusion, regular boiler servicing is a small but important investment that keeps your system safe, efficient, and reliable, while helping to avoid costly repairs and reducing energy bills.
How Much is a Boiler Service?
For a one-time service, the typical cost of a boiler service is £80 to £90, however this will vary depending on the supplier and other factors. You should anticipate to pay between £150 and £250 for a yearly service.
The cost of a gas boiler service is around £70 to £100, with an oil boiler service costing between £50 and £200 and an electric combi boiler costing between £60 and £100.
A commercial boiler would cost somewhere between £70 and £90. Monthly boiler servicing cover is between £10 and £15 per month, with landlord safety certificates costing between £60 and £90.
The price of labour will play a big role in the cost of boiler service jobs. Although there are normally no supply fees for testing and issuing a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate, you may also be covering the supply expenses as part of the total.
Size/type of boiler, location, materials, number of tradespeople, property location, and how accessible the boiler are all important cost concerns.
Boiler Service Prices
What is the cost of a boiler service? To conclude, here’s a brief overview:
| Type | Total Cost |
|---|---|
| One-off | £80 to £100 |
| Annual | £150 to £250 |
| Oil Boiler | £60 to £200 |
| Electric Combi Boiler | £60 to £200 |
| Commercial Boiler | £70 to £200 |
What are the Additional Costs of Servicing a Boiler?
Let’s look at some of the additional costs associated with having your boiler serviced.
Minimum Fee
When you need a boiler serviced, some contractors will charge a minimum fee. This could be a flat fee that is added to the labour and, if applicable, supply expenses, or it could be a flat fee for the first hour of labour, however only for short-term tasks like boiler servicing.
Boiler Location
The location of a boiler is also crucial, because the more accessible it is, the easier it will be for a contractor to complete the repair. In this situation, the higher the labour expenses, the longer the job takes. Of course, this will be determined by the contractor and the difficulty of reaching the boiler.
Type
As previously stated, the type of boiler is also important. The cost of servicing an oil boiler can vary greatly, although servicing an electric combi boiler or a commercial boiler is typically less expensive (usually under £100). The cost of getting the boiler serviced may be influenced by the quality of the boiler.
Size
Unsurprisingly, the larger a boiler is, the more it costs to maintain it. Of course, this isn’t always the case, but servicing a larger boiler is frequently more complicated and time-consuming than servicing a smaller, simpler model. However, this is unlikely to be a significant financial consideration.
Condition of Boiler
The condition of the boiler is also important. Of course, we’re not just talking about the boiler’s original quality (as mentioned under boiler type); if a boiler has worn down significantly over time, it may be more difficult to service than a new, high-quality alternative.
Number of Tradespeople Hired
Aside from that, the number of tradespeople chosen for a work can affect the cost of boiler maintenance. However, it’s rare that more than one contractor will show up or be required for this type of work, therefore this shouldn’t apply in most cases.
Duration of The Work
The length of time it takes to complete the job may or may not have an impact on the final cost, and it all depends on how the tradesperson works. In certain circumstances, a contractor will be paid a fixed amount up front, while in others, they would be paid by the hour.
It normally takes less than an hour to service a boiler. The duration of the job, on the other hand, is unlikely to be a cost factor in practise.
Tradesmen Costs for Boiler Servicing
We’ll now look at the labour cost of a boiler service in further detail. This does not include supplier expenses or any other charges, albeit a minimum fee may be considered a form of labour charge in this case.
The labour cost of servicing a boiler is likely to be in the range of £70 to £90 for a one-time service or £130 to £250 for an annual service.
For a gas boiler servicing, expect to pay between £60 and £95, while an oil boiler will cost between £40 and £195, and an electric combi boiler would cost between £50 and £95. For a business boiler, expect to pay between £70 and £90.
When it comes to the labour cost of having a boiler serviced, where you live is an essential consideration.
For instance, a boiler in service in Pembrokeshire may cost around £75 to £80, whereas a boiler in service in Cardiff may cost around £80 to £90.
Prices in London are likely to be in the £100 to £110 range, with similar pricing in places like Luton, Preston, and Reading. Suffolk Coastal had the most expensive prices, with an estimated price of around £120 to £125.
How Long Does It Take to Service a Boiler?
The time it takes to service a boiler, as well as the expense of doing so, is determined by a variety of factors. In this section, we’ll look at some of the important elements that influence the length of time it takes to service a boiler.
The type and size of the boiler will be the most important considerations. Accessibility and the state of the boiler are also factors to consider. Boiler servicing typically takes 30-40 minutes, while some boilers and servicing types, such as a CP12, may take longer.
Types of Boiler Service
There are numerous types of boiler maintenance. In the subsections that follow, we’ll look at several examples.
Gas Boiler Service
These boilers are less expensive to run than electric boilers. Gas boilers, on the other hand, are more harmful to the environment. Simply put, gas boilers use natural gas to provide heat for a building.
In many circumstances, natural gas will be distributed through the gas network by an energy company, or the gas may be sourced locally if the property owner has the requisite equipment and structures.
With more gas boilers on the market than electric boilers, there are more options to select from, and they are the most cost-effective option for individuals who already have a gas connection.
However, in comparison to other boiler types, a yearly service is strongly advised in terms of maintenance (unless it is required). An annual gas boiler service may be legally needed, for example, to keep a warranty or to maintain a rental property.
Pros:
+ Cheaper to run than an electric boiler
+ Can deal with higher demand for hot water and heating
+ More options to choose from
+ Having a professional replace a gas boiler is pretty straightforward
Cons:
– Servicing is strongly recommended if not legally required
– Risk of a carbon monoxide leak
Combi Boiler Service
One of the most frequent boiler types on the market is the combination boiler. Their name refers to their ability to provide hot water and heating as needed for a residence at any given time. They are very efficient, compact, and can help you save money on your utility expenses (compared to a conventional boiler).
A combi boiler is also relatively simple to install by a professional. The lack of an immersion heater, the requirement for good mains pressure, and the inability to work with power showers are all disadvantages.
Pros:
+ Great abilities
+ Super-efficient
+ Compact
+ Can keep bills down
Cons:
– Cannot use various hot water appliances simultaneously
– Good mains pressure is important
– It won’t work with power showers
– No immersion heater
Electric Boiler Service
Then there’s the possibility of using an electric boiler. These boilers have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Electric boilers, on the one hand, are quite quiet when heating a home, and there is no fear of carbon monoxide leakage.
There are also less moving components than a gas boiler, which means there is less possibility of something breaking, and a flue pipe isn’t required.
However, as previously said, operating an electric boiler is more expensive, and it is not best suited to a particularly large home. It would also account for a significant portion of your home’s total energy consumption.
Pros:
+ More costly than natural gas
+ No chance of carbon monoxide leak
+ Flue pipe isn’t needed
Cons:
– More costly to run an electric boiler
– Not well-suited to larger household
Benefits of a Boiler Service
There are several significant benefits to consider, as there are with any labour work.
Improves Energy Efficiency
Your boiler’s energy efficiency will improve if you have it serviced on a regular basis. This is because problems can be identified sooner rather than later, and the boiler can be better maintained, resulting in higher overall energy efficiency.
Extends The Life of a Boiler
Another advantage of having your boiler serviced once a year is that it will last longer. Again, detecting problems early and successfully maintaining a boiler are important, and in this case, it would increase the likelihood of it lasting.
Safety Considerations
Of course, boiler servicing is required by law, but it can improve safety in any case. Boiler maintenance can help prevent existing problems from worsening and keep the boiler in good working order.
FAQ
Why should I service my boiler?
Regular servicing ensures your boiler runs efficiently, prevents breakdowns, extends its lifespan, and ensures safety by detecting potential issues like carbon monoxide leaks. It also helps maintain warranty coverage for most boiler manufacturers.
How often should I service my boiler?
It’s recommended to have your boiler serviced annually to ensure it remains in good working condition and runs efficiently.
How much does a boiler service cost?
A standard boiler service typically costs between £60 and £120, depending on factors such as the type of boiler and your location.
What does a boiler service include?
A boiler service involves a thorough inspection, cleaning, and testing of key components, including the heat exchanger, burner, valves, and controls. Safety checks are also performed to ensure no dangerous emissions like carbon monoxide are present.
Can I service my boiler myself?
No, only a Gas Safe registered engineer should service a boiler. DIY servicing is illegal and unsafe.
What are the signs that my boiler needs servicing?
Common signs include strange noises, reduced efficiency, frequent breakdowns, fluctuating hot water temperatures, and unusual smells. However, even without these signs, an annual service is still recommended.
Does servicing my boiler reduce energy bills?
Yes, a regularly serviced boiler runs more efficiently, meaning it uses less energy to heat your home, which can result in lower energy bills.
Is boiler servicing mandatory?
While not legally required for homeowners, landlords are legally obliged to service boilers annually in rental properties to ensure tenant safety.
How long does a boiler service take?
A standard boiler service usually takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the boiler’s condition.
What happens if I don’t service my boiler?
Failure to service your boiler can result in inefficiency, increased energy bills, potential breakdowns, safety risks, and may void any existing warranties.
Conclusion
Regular boiler servicing is essential for maintaining safety, efficiency, and longevity. It helps prevent costly breakdowns, reduces energy bills by ensuring optimal performance, and detects potential safety hazards like carbon monoxide leaks. Servicing also keeps your warranty valid, offering peace of mind. In short, routine maintenance is a small investment that safeguards your home and heating system.
