What does a boiler service cover?

Do you get your boiler serviced annually? Although it’s not a legal requirement for homeowners, it could benefit you in many ways – from increasing the life of your boiler to preventing dangerous gas leaks.

Wondering what’s involved in a boiler service and how much it costs? Luckily for you, we’ve got the answers. Read on to get the lowdown on boiler servicing.

What is a boiler service and what does it include?

When you book a boiler service, a Gas Safe registered engineer will visit your home to inspect your boiler. It’s not a case of just taking a glance and giving the thumbs up. A boiler service is a much more thorough and detailed inspection, to ensure that any underlying issues are identified. Each component of your boiler will be inspected to check it is operating safely and does not require any repairs or a replacement.

The gas engineer will perform several checks on your boiler including:Emissions check – This is to check your boiler is operating safely and not leaking any dangerous gases like carbon monoxide.Flue check – The gas engineer will check that your boiler has sufficient ventilation.Pipework check – The pipework will be inspected to ensure it meets the latest safety standards.Boiler installation check – The overall boiler will be checked to ensure it has been installed properly, in line with safety standards.Boiler control check – The controls on your boiler will be tested to check they are working properly.Visual inspection – An inspection of the inside of your boiler will be carried out to check for leaks, rust and corrosion.Pressure check – This will make sure the boiler is operating with the correct water and gas pressure.

How long does a boiler service take?

A boiler service should take between 20-30 minutes to complete. If urgent repairs are required, it may take a little longer. Once complete, the Gas Safe engineer should leave you with a list detailing the checks they’ve carried out. It’s a good idea to hold onto this paperwork for future reference.

You can prepare for your boiler service by ensuring there is free access to your boiler. If you have a prepayment gas meter, make sure it has been topped up. These things will both allow for a smoother boiler service.

How much is a boiler service?

Boiler service costs vary from one company to the next but as a guideline, we’d say you should be looking to pay around £60-£80. There may be a slight difference between oil and gas boiler service costs. If it’s your first time getting your boiler serviced, shop around and get a few quotes to make sure you get a fair price.

You may be able to save money by getting your boiler serviced in this summer. Gas engineers aren’t as busy at this time of year and are therefore more likely to offer their service at a discounted price. Having your boiler serviced in the summer is a sensible idea, as it will ensure it’s adequately prepared to heat your home during the colder winter months.

Another way you can save money on the cost of a boiler service is by taking out boiler cover. Many policies include annual boiler servicing free of charge and are cheaper than the cost of a one off boiler repair.