Boiler servicing is often something we see as an unnecessary expense and a chore that we push to the backs of our minds.
In fact, regular servicing can actually end up saving you a lot of money and hassle further down the line, as it ensures everything is running smoothly.
But how much can you expect to pay for a boiler service in 2024?
In this guide, we look at annual boiler service prices, what a service includes, and ways you might be able to save a bob or two to give you a better idea of what to expect.
The average costs of boiler services in the UK
Why do boiler service costs vary?
Why is getting your boiler serviced regularly important?
How often should you get your boiler serviced to avoid costly repairs?
How can you reduce the cost of a boiler service?
FAQs about boiler service costs
The costs of boiler services in the UK
A routine boiler service with a fully qualified JustFix engineer costs £110 + VAT.
Some providers charge more based on location, boiler type, and demand, but this isn’t how we work at JustFix. When you book a boiler service with us, you know exactly what you’ll be paying in advance, so there are no surprises or hidden costs to worry about.
What's included in a boiler service?
So, what do you get for your money? Let’s break it down.
During their inspection, your engineer will do:
- A visual inspection of your boiler to check for any obvious signs of damage, leaks, or corrosion.
- A closer inspection of the boiler's internal components (the heat exchanger, pilot light, fans, seals, and electrical components) to check everything is working as it should.
- A check of the gas pressure and water flow throughout your central heating system.
They'll also replace any faulty parts if needed, but these will likely come at an additional cost. Depending on what's broken, your heating engineer might be able to fix it there and then, but they might need to go away and source spare parts to complete the job.
When you book an annual boiler service with JustFix, we'll never charge you anything extra without discussing it with you first.
Our engineers know their stuff, so are always happy to explain the what, why and how of their recommendations to make sure you understand exactly why something might cost extra.
Why is getting your boiler serviced regularly important?
Let us set the scene.
It's a cold, dark winter's evening, and you're looking forward to a hot bath when you get home after a hard day at work.
But as soon as you open the bathroom taps, disaster strikes – the water won't run warm!
Wim Hof might like an icy dip, but we're not so keen.
If your boiler breaks down, it always seems to be at the worst possible time, which is why it's important to get it serviced regularly by a professional.
Here are some of the reasons why skipping your annual boiler service isn't such a good idea...
- Regular servicing helps keep your boiler in tip-top working order all year round, meaning you're far less likely to step into a freezing-cold shower.
- Identifying and fixing minor problems promptly can often end up being cheaper than if you leave them to escalate (it seems like an unnecessary expense now, but could save you money further down the line).
- Not getting your boiler serviced annually could mean your manufacturer's warranty isn't valid. This means that if anything breaks or needs replacing, you'll have to pay for it out of your own pocket.
- A happy boiler is a healthy boiler. Getting your boiler serviced annually prolongs its lifespan and ensures it operates efficiently all year round, which can also save you money on your energy bills!
- Carbon monoxide leaks from gas appliances (including gas boilers) can be fatal. A simple annual service can prevent leaks from happening altogether, keeping you and your family safe.
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How often should you get your boiler serviced to avoid costly repairs?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this, as every boiler is different from the next.
Generally, though, here are some servicing frequency rules of thumb to follow if you want to avoid expensive repair jobs...
Gas and oil boilers
Gas and oil boilers should be serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This is required to maintain the warranty and ensure optimal performance and safety.
Skipping annual boiler servicing increases the risk of breakdowns, inefficiencies, and potential safety hazards like carbon monoxide leaks.
For gas and oil boilers over 10 years old, more frequent servicing might be needed. If your boiler has been installed for this long, aim to get it serviced every 3-6 months to avoid major repair costs.
Electric boilers
If you want to ensure that everything is working properly, have your electric boiler serviced annually by a professional plumber.
Even though electric boilers do need less maintenance than gas and oil boilers, they still need regular check-ups to stop minor issues from becoming bigger problems.
How can you reduce the cost of a boiler service?
We get it; everyone likes to save money here and there!
Luckily for you (and your boiler), there are things you can do to stop the cost of your annual service from going through the roof*.
1. Consider a service plan
For greater peace of mind, you can look into getting a service or care plan alongside your boiler. These often include your yearly service, so can work out cheaper than paying for one-off services every time you need one.
JustFix offers plumbing and heating service plans starting at just £15 per month. These plans cover your annual boiler service, heating system safety checks, priority appointments, and more.
Sign up for a HappyHome plan and turn your boiler’s frown upside down.
2. Get your boiler serviced regularly
Okay, so this might sound counterintuitive, but bear with us.
Paying for a boiler service annually keeps everything in check and stops small issues from becoming far more complicated (and costly) fixes.
Even if your home's heating doesn't show any obvious signs of an internal problem, it's still worth getting it checked at least once a year to identify anything that could spiral into something bigger.
Trust us when we say that spending a little now could save you big time further down the line.
3. Choose a skilled engineer
While unregistered or unqualified tradespeople might charge lower upfront rates, the quality of their handiwork may leave you with unexpected bills to foot.
Don't just grab any old geezer off the street. Make sure that whoever services your boiler is a qualified professional with the experience needed to do the job properly (and safely).
If you have a gas boiler, you'll need to get it serviced by a Gas Safe registered JustFix engineer.
4. Make your boiler accessible
The easier your boiler is to service, the less time it will take and the cheaper it might be.
Time is money, right?
Before your engineer arrives to service your boiler, try to clear everything out of the way so they can access it without trouble.
*If the cost of your boiler service does find its way through your roof, don't panic. JustFix can help with that. Get in touch with one of our roofing specialists for roof repairs at fair prices.
Boiler services with JustFix
At JustFix, we're not about high costs or low-quality services.
Our teams of Fixers work nationwide to provide you with damn good boiler services at fair, fixed prices. It's pretty simple, really. We're surprised no one's done it before.
When you book online with us, we'll match you with a qualified heating engineer local to you who can come and service your boiler at a time that suits you.
We service combi, system and standard boilers from most major manufacturers, including:
- Baxi boilers
- Ideal boilers
- Worcester Bosch boilers
- Heatline boilers
- Viessmann boilers
- Vaillant boilers
- Navien boilers
FAQs about boiler service costs
Is it a legal requirement to get your boiler serviced annually?
Homeowners aren't legally required to book a boiler service every year, but they're strongly advised to do so.
If you're a landlord, the rules are different. Landlords must get the boilers in their rental properties serviced at least once a year to comply with UK regulations that are in place to protect tenants.
Landlords must also provide their tenants with a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate, as this confirms that both the boiler and flue have been checked properly.
Does boiler insurance cover the cost of a boiler service?
This will vary depending on your insurer and level of cover. Some more basic boiler insurance policies might not include added extras like annual services, but most comprehensive plans will offer a yearly service at no additional cost.
What happens if you don't service your boiler?
The world explodes, and we all get sucked into a black hole.
We're only messing; that doesn't happen. Regular servicing is still important, though, as it helps keep your boiler running costs down, improves energy efficiency, keeps your warranty valid, and reduces the risk of any catastrophic failures happening.
Moreover, getting your boiler serviced keeps it working safely by identifying potential leaks before they're allowed to escalate.
