How to get a cheap boiler service
Getting your boiler serviced regularly is the best way to keep it running safely and efficiently. We help you find a cheap boiler service by weighing up the difference between a one-off boiler service and ongoing boiler cover.
Getting your boiler serviced regularly is the best way to keep it running safely and efficiently. We help you find a cheap boiler service by weighing up the difference between a one-off boiler service and ongoing boiler cover.
60-second summaryJust want the basics? Here’s your quick guide to getting a cheap boiler service:
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What is a boiler cover?
A boiler service is a set of tests and checks to ensure your boiler is working safely and efficiently. Boiler manufacturers recommend getting an annual boiler service, which should be carried out by a registered Gas Safe engineer.
During the service, the engineer will inspect and clean internal and external parts of the boiler. They’ll also check for any leaks or issues that could compromise the safe running of your boiler.
Why should I get an annual boiler service?
An annual boiler service is a great way to flag potential issues. Even if your boiler seems to be working fine, you can’t always see a problem until it turns into something more serious. Regular boiler checks can help you deal with issues before they cause breakdowns and spiral into potentially expensive boiler repairs.
A regular boiler service is also a safety measure. A faulty boiler can be extremely dangerous, putting your household at risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Around 40 deaths are reported each year in England and Wales due to carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, and among deaths by accidental poisoning the key cause is ‘faulty piped gas appliances with inadequate ventilation’. Accidental exposure accounts for around 240 hospital admissions each year too.
A regularly serviced boiler is also likely to run more efficiently. This could help cut your energy bills by using less power to heat your home.
A final reason might simply be because you have to! Most boiler warranties and boiler insurance policies require you to have an annual boiler service.
When should I get a boiler service?
It’s a good idea to book a boiler service in autumn, around September, before the cold weather kicks in. Not only will that mean your boiler is good to go for winter, you’re also likely to find that engineers have more availability.
You may even find that it pays to book a boiler service in the summer, when local engineers may be quieter and may be more inclined to offer you a better deal.
What does a boiler service include?
If you book a gas boiler service, an engineer will visit your home and carry out various tests on your boiler to make sure it’s working safely and efficiently. A boiler service will usually include:
- Boiler control checks, including room thermostats
- Gas and pressure-flow tests
- An inspection of the boiler’s insides
- Checks for corrosion and leaks
- Flue checks (both inside and outside) to make sure no unsafe emissions are coming from your boiler
- An inspection of water and gas pipework
- Cleaning any boiler parts (if necessary)
- Checks on all electrical connections
- Seal checks.
The engineer might also look at your central heating system, if that’s included in your plan.
Who can service my boiler?
If you have a gas boiler, your annual boiler service must by law be carried out by a Gas Safe engineer. This applies to all types of gas boiler, whether you’re having a service for a conventional or combi-boiler.
If you have an oil-fired boiler, it should be serviced by an OFTEC registered engineer.
Companies that include an annual boiler service as part of their boiler cover insurance include:
- Hometree
- British Gas Homecare
- Scottish Power
- YourRepair
- PlusHeat
Do radiators get checked as part of a boiler service?
No, radiators aren’t checked during a standard boiler service, though if you’re having issues with your radiators, your engineer may have some thoughts or advice.
Some plans do include a review of the whole central heating system, including radiators, but will of course cost more.
How much is an annual boiler service?
There’s no set cost for a boiler service in the UK. How much you pay will depend on a number of factors, including:
- Your boiler’s model and age
- Where you live
- Which company you use.
You can either pay a one-off charge for your boiler service or take out a boiler cover plan that includes an annual service as part of the price.
You might find that your boiler manufacturer or energy supplier offers you an annual boiler service, but you’ll probably find that it pays to shop around for the cheapest boiler service.
How to choose the right boiler service provider
Choosing the right boiler service provider is important for ensuring quality and reliability. Here are some things to think about when choosing a provider:
- Check they’re registered: make sure the engineer is Gas Safe registered for gas boilers or OFTEC registered for oil boilers.
- Read reviews: look for customer reviews and ratings to get an idea of a provider’s reputation and service quality. Sites like Checkatrade or Trustpilot are useful.
- Shop around: compare boiler service quotes from multiple providers to find competitive pricing. You may also want to compare prices for a one-off service against an annual service plan.
- Ask about guarantees: ask if the provider offers any service guarantees or follow-up support in case you experience any issues after your service.
What’s cheaper: boiler cover or a one-off service?
Boiler cover, which includes an annual boiler service, can start from around £13 a month. A one-off boiler service may cost around £100 or more, depending on the type of boiler you have.
In the long run, boiler cover might end up costing you more if you don’t make a claim. Then again, without it you could be hit with a hefty bill that you’re not expecting. You have to weigh up the costs and benefits of each option.
What does a one-off boiler service cost?
The average cost for a one-off boiler service in the UK is £100. The price you end up paying may depend on your boiler’s age, the time elapsed since its last service, and the type of boiler you have.
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Boiler type |
Approximate average cost of service |
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Gas |
£80-£120 |
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Oil |
£75-110 |
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Electric combi |
£70-£110 |
Prices can vary significantly. And if the engineer discovers a fault, you may have to pay for repairs on top of the service fee.
Here are a few examples of how much providers charge for a one-off gas boiler service:
- A British Gas boiler service usually costs from £93, although seasonal offers are typically available
- HomeServe charges £120 for a boiler service
- A Baxi boiler service costs around £100.
Prices correct as of January 2025.
How much does boiler cover cost?
Boiler cover is a type of care plan that covers the costs of repairing your boiler if it breaks down. There’s often an annual boiler service included in your policy, which means you can avoid one-off fees.
You can pay for cover in monthly instalments or as an annual subscription. It’s worth checking how much your provider charges for each as it’s often cheaper to pay annually.
This table shows you what our partners at Hometree charge for boiler care plans that include an annual service. You can choose a call-out fee or excess to suit your needs and offers are available throughout the year.
| Boiler cover and central heating plans from Hometree | |||
| Plan options – all include annual boiler service | Billed monthly | Billed annually | Call-out fee/excess |
| Your Boiler - basic cover | £12.95 | £155.40 | £95 |
| Your Heating - comprehensive cover | £13.78 | £165.30 | £95 |
| Your Home - advanced cover | £17.56 | £210.67 | £95 |
| Your Home Plus - maximum cover | £19.99 | £239.90 | £95 |
Prices correct as of January 2025.
Read our guide to boiler cover.
Alternatively, you can add boiler cover to your home insurance by choosing home emergency cover as an extra. There'll be an additional charge for this.
Be aware that emergency cover may specify a boiler age limit, whereas a Hometree package won’t. And boiler cover as part of your home insurance won’t usually include an annual service.
How to get cheap boiler cover
If you’re looking for a boiler-care plan, these tips can help you find an affordable deal:
- Look for offers. Providers may offer seasonal or introductory promotions which could lower your monthly cost.
- Look for bundles. You may be able to find a boiler service plan that’s bundled with your home insurance or energy supplier. It’s worth comparing the price as part of a bundle or getting separate cover.
- Pay annually. You can sometimes save money by paying upfront for a year’s plan, rather than spreading the cost over monthly instalments.
- Consider paying a higher call-out charge. Some boiler cover providers, like Hometree, offer different monthly costs based on the call-out charge you’re prepared to pay.
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Only pay for what you need. The cost of boiler care varies hugely, depending on whether you choose a basic plan or full home care plan. Don’t pay for more cover than you need and check if your home insurance policy already covers you for electrics, pipes and drainage, for example, so that you’re not doubling up.
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Don’t automatically renew your plan each year. Switching suppliers may mean you can save money on your boiler care plan.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a boiler be serviced?
You should book a boiler service every year. This should be enough to keep your boiler ticking over nicely, ready for the colder winter months.
If you have a warranty for your boiler or buildings insurance with home emergency cover, check the policy to see how often you need to get your boiler serviced for the cover to remain valid.
If you’re a landlord, you’re legally required to have your gas appliances certified by a GasSafe heating engineer every year.
How long does an annual boiler service take?
A full boiler service will typically take between 45 and 60 minutes.
How long exactly will depend on the make and model of your boiler, its age and the speed at which the engineer works. It could take longer if there’s a fault that needs to be investigated further.
After they’ve carried out the check, the engineer will usually write up a summary of what they found and whether your boiler is up to a satisfactory standard. If further work is required, they’ll advise you on what action you need to take.
What happens after a boiler service?
After they’ve carried out the check, your engineer will usually write up a summary of what they’ve found and whether your boiler is up to a satisfactory standard. If further work is required, they’ll advise you on what action you need to take.
Can I service my boiler myself?
No, you should not service your boiler yourself. Boiler servicing requires a qualified professional who is Gas Safe registered.
This is due to the technical and safety aspects involved, including handling gas and ensuring proper functioning to prevent hazards like carbon monoxide leaks.
What are the signs that my boiler needs service?
Unusual noises, inconsistent heating and increased energy bills (above any market rate rises) are signs your boiler may need servicing.
Regular maintenance can help identify these issues early, preventing more serious problems and ensuring efficient operation. Check out our boiler maintenance guide.
What should I do if my boiler stops working after a service?
If your boiler stops working after a service, contact the service provider immediately.
They should address any issues that arise shortly after a service, especially if the failure is related to their work.
What if my boiler needs a repair?
If you’re having trouble with your boiler, or a problem is found during your annual boiler service, don’t try to fix it yourself.
UK heating engineers must be Gas Safe registered. You can find a local one easily using the Gas Safe Register.
How long does a boiler typically last?
A regularly serviced boiler should typically last between 10 and 15 years. After that, you may want to consider replacing your old boiler with a new, more efficient model.
Anna McEntee – Home, travel and pet insurance expert
Anna’s all about delivering fantastic insurance products at a great price. Value is the most important thing for Anna, as she cuts through the jargon and finds what’s most important and worth your hard-earned money.
This article is written by a Compare the Market expert, backed by data and enhanced by AI. Find out how we ensure accuracy and quality in our Editorial Guidelines.