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How much is a boiler service?

Boilers need regular maintenance and servicing to keep performing at their best. But how much does it cost? Learn more about the cost of a boiler service.
Installer servicing a Vaillant ecoTEC plus boiler

A boiler service is a key part of keeping your heating system running smoothly and safely. But how much does a boiler service cost, and what should you expect from it?

In this guide, we explore average boiler service costs, what is included, and why booking regular maintenance is crucial for long-term efficiency and performance.

What is a gas boiler service?

Boilers require regular maintenance and servicing to maintain peak performance to ensure you have heating and hot water whenever you need it. However, some homeowners can forget about their heating systems until they eventually break and need urgent repair.

Nevertheless, these problems can be avoided by taking proper care of the boiler and arranging regular boiler servicing.

A boiler service ensures that your boiler remains efficient and safe and must be carried out by a Gas Safe Registered engineer. The engineer will look at the full list of boiler components and carry out the necessary tweaks, replacements and cleaning.

View of a kitchen from a wooden worktop with Vaillant ecoTEC plus in the background

Boiler service checklist

Below is a list of the typical checks a heating engineer will make during a boiler service:

  • Checking the flue system inside and outside the boiler
  • Checking the boiler flame
  • Removing the boiler casing to verify that the burner, heat exchanger, and spark electrode are working correctly
  • Checking that the case seal is effective
  • Checking the water-level control, low-water cutoff, and safety valves all work as they should.
  • Firing the boiler up safely to spot any faults.
  • Checking to see if the expansion vessel is regulating boiler pressure correctly
  • Cleaning parts of the boiler if necessary

There is a comprehensive list of checks in the servicing and maintenance section of the installation manual, which your installer should have left with you.

Why is it important?

Just like a car, a boiler needs regular servicing, ideally once a year. Minor issues that go unnoticed can turn into major faults over time, often costing a lot of money to repair.

It is also worth noting that homeowners stand to save money by keeping their boiler system running as efficiently as possible and keeping energy bills as low as possible, while also extending the lifespan of their system.

Additionally, many boilers come with a manufacturer’s guarantee, but the length and terms can vary. Most guarantees are also dependent on the boiler being serviced and maintained, at least annually. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s specified maintenance schedule to extend the lifespan of your boiler and protect your warranty. To learn more about how servicing impacts your warranty, read our Servicing your boiler: what to know guide for more.

How much does it cost?

An annual boiler service typically costs between £70-120, depending on the provider and factors such as service area. One-off boiler services are often more expensive, while signing up to an annual boiler service plan is more cost-effective.

Image of a laundry room with a woman, back to camera, and a Vaillant ecoTEC plus in centre of frame

Boiler maintenance tips

A sign of a problem is if your boiler pressure fluctuates erratically or remains above the recommended level throughout the day. This suggests that there is a problem with your expansion vessel, and you should call an engineer immediately. Also, call an engineer if your boiler makes strange ticking noises on a regular basis or when starting up.

One of the most common issues with modern boilers is a frozen condensate pipe during winter. If the pipe that carries condensate runs outside, through a wall and into an outdoor drain, it should be insulated by your installer. If the pipe freezes, your boiler will stop working. This is easy to fix by pouring hot (not boiling) water over the pipe to thaw the ice. We have also written a helpful guide with more advice on how to deal with a frozen condensate pipe, how to thaw a frozen condensate pipe.

However, please note that any extensive boiler maintenance must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

How often should I get my boiler serviced?

Boiler servicing should be carried out once a year to keep your system running safely and efficiently. Most manufacturer guarantees require an annual boiler service, so booking one each year is essential. This helps ensure any small issues or worn parts are picked up early and covered under standard wear and tear.

To make this even easier, homeowners can use our free online platform, myVAILLANT Web, to manage everything in one place. From booking repair appointments to checking your boiler’s guarantee status, myVAILLANT Web puts you in full control of your heating system.

Summary

  • Boilers need regular servicing to perform efficiently. It is recommended that a boiler be serviced at least once a year.
  • Regular servicing keeps a boiler working to full capacity, making it more cost efficient in the long-term.
  • Boiler servicing typically costs between £70-£120.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still got questions? We've got the answers

  • What are the potential risks of not servicing your boiler regularly?

    Failing to service your boiler regularly can lead to several risks, including reduced efficiency, higher energy bills, and increased likelihood of breakdowns. Over time, components may wear out, leading to poor performance and potential safety hazards such as gas leaks or carbon monoxide emissions.

    Regular servicing helps identify and address these issues early, ensuring safe and efficient operation.

  • What signs indicate that your boiler might need servicing sooner than planned?

    If you notice unusual noises, inconsistent heating, frequent pressure drops, or an increase in energy bills, these could be signs that your boiler may need an urgent repair or servicing sooner than planned.

    It's important to contact a professional immediately, as these could indicate underlying issues that require urgent attention.

  • How does regular boiler servicing affect the warranty?

    Regular boiler servicing is often a requirement to maintain the validity of your boiler's warranty. Many manufacturers stipulate that annual servicing must be performed by a qualified engineer to keep the warranty intact. This ensures that any repairs or replacements covered under the warranty can be claimed without issues, providing peace of mind and financial protection against unexpected breakdowns.