Gas boiler service: what to expect, how often and how much it costs
A gas boiler service is a professional annual check by a Gas Safe registered engineer to help keep your boiler safe and efficient, identify problems early and maintain its warranty.
This guide covers what a service involves, how long it takes, what it costs and how it differs from a gas safety check.
Gas boiler servicing at a glance
Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
Usually once a year, following the manufacturer's guidance. | |
Often around an hour, depending on the boiler and any issues found. | |
A suitably qualified, Gas Safe-registered engineer. | |
Costs vary depending on provider, boiler type and location. | |
Not usually for homeowners, but landlords have separate gas safety obligations. |
What is a gas boiler service – and do I need one?
A gas boiler service is a routine inspection a qualified engineer carries out to check that your boiler is operating safely and as intended.
While a service won't guarantee your boiler won't break down, it can help identify wear and tear, spot potential problems like leaky pipes before they become more serious, and reassure you that key components are working correctly.
Regular servicing on gas boilers may also help:
- Maintain your boiler warranty
- Identify potential issues before they worsen
- Support efficient operation
- Help keep your heating and hot water running reliably
- Highlight safety concerns requiring further attention
When choosing qualified engineers, make sure you get the right people to carry out your assessment.
- Gas/LPG boilers: Gas Safe is the official body that registers gas engineers. It replaced CORGI as the national gas registration body. Always check that your engineer is Gas Safe registered before they work on your boiler or back boiler, as both involve gas
- Oil boilers: Where applicable, choose an OFTEC-registered technician
How often should a gas boiler be serviced?
Most gas boilers should be serviced once a year, usually just before you turn your heating back on for the winter. An annual service helps keep your boiler safe and working as it should, and your manufacturer may require one to keep your warranty valid.
During a service, a qualified engineer will check your boiler and its key components for signs of wear, faults or safety issues. While servicing can’t guarantee your boiler won’t break down, it can help spot potential problems, such as leaky pipes, before they get worse.
Regular servicing can help:
- keep your boiler working safely and efficiently
- spot potential problems early
- maintain your manufacturer’s warranty, where annual servicing is required
- keep your heating and hot water running reliably
If you’d like extra protection beyond your manufacturer’s warranty, you could also consider boiler cover.
How long does a gas boiler service take?
A gas boiler service usually takes about an hour, but it may take longer or less time depending on the boiler’s type and condition.
Factors that can affect servicing time include:
- Boiler age
- Boiler type
- How easy it is to access your boiler
- Whether issues are identified
- Additional testing requirements
Older boilers or systems requiring further investigation may take longer.
When the engineer finishes, they’ll usually put a sticker on your boiler showing when its next service is due. You should also get a service report or summary of what happened during the service. It explains what the engineer found and confirms that your boiler meets a satisfactory standard.
What happens during a gas boiler service?
A boiler service is a check of your boiler to make sure it’s working properly and safely. The engineer will inspect the boiler, test how it’s working and look for signs of wear, damage or potential problems.
You’ll usually need to be at home to give the engineer access to your boiler and let them know about any problems you’ve noticed.
A typical gas boiler service may include:
- checking the boiler and its controls
- inspecting the casing and internal components
- looking for signs of wear, damage or corrosion
- checking the gas pressure and how the boiler is burning fuel
- inspecting safety devices and seals
- checking the flue and ventilation
- looking for signs of water leaks
- cleaning certain components where needed
- testing the boiler to make sure it’s working safely and correctly
Exactly what’s included can vary between engineers and service providers, so it’s worth checking what your service covers when you book.
What isn't included in a boiler service?
A boiler service is a check-up, not a repair. If the engineer finds a fault or a part that needs replacing, the cost of fixing it isn’t normally included in the price of the service.
You may need to pay extra for:
- replacement parts
- labour to carry out repairs
- additional work needed to fix a fault
- new equipment, such as a carbon monoxide alarm
- a new boiler if yours can’t be safely repaired
The engineer should explain any problems they find and let you know what work they recommend. Check the cost before agreeing to any additional repairs or replacements.
What's the difference between a boiler service and a gas safety check?
A boiler service and a gas safety check are often confused, but they have different purposes.
A boiler service focuses on the boiler's condition and performance, while a gas safety check confirms gas appliances meet safety requirements. You can learn more about gas safety in EDF's gas and electricity safety information.
| Boiler service | Gas safety check |
|---|---|
| Focuses on maintenance and performance | Focuses on safety compliance |
| More thorough inspection of the boiler | Safety-focused inspection |
| Helps identify wear and potential issues | Confirms appliances meet safety requirements |
| Commonly recommended annually | Legally required for many landlords |
| May help maintain warranties | Helps landlords meet legal obligations |
How much does a gas boiler service cost?
The price of a boiler service varies depending on your boiler, where you live and the provider you choose.
As a guide, Checkatrade estimates that a one-off gas boiler service typically costs £80 to £120, averaging around £100 (March 2026). These are indicative prices, so it’s always worth checking what’s included and getting a quote before you book. [checkatrade.com]
The service price normally covers the engineer’s checks and tests. If they find a fault or your boiler needs new parts or repairs, you’ll usually need to pay for these separately.
Before you book, ask the provider what the price includes and whether there could be any additional charges.
Can I get a grant for a boiler service?
Unfortunately not. But if your boiler service reveals that you need a boiler replacement, it may be time to upgrade your heating system to an air source heat pump. Funding through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme gives eligible customers access to help with the costs of installing a heat pump.
Can I get a free boiler service?
You may come across offers for a free boiler service. We advise that you check the terms to see what you’re actually getting.
Some boiler cover or service plans include an annual service as part of the monthly or annual price. So while you won’t normally pay separately for the service, it isn’t really free because you’re paying for it through your plan. What’s included varies between providers, so always check the details before you sign up.
If your boiler is under a manufacturer’s warranty, you’ll normally still need to pay for its annual service. Your warranty may cover eligible repairs or replacement parts, depending on its terms. You may also need to service your boiler regularly to keep the warranty valid, so check your manufacturer’s terms.
What if my boiler has a fault?
If your boiler is leaking, losing pressure, making unusual noises or not working properly, don’t wait for your next service. You may need a boiler repair to diagnose and fix the problem.
A boiler service is a routine check, not a repair. The engineer will check that your boiler is working properly and safely and look for signs of wear or potential problems. If they find a fault, the cost of fixing it usually isn’t included in the service price. You may need to pay extra for parts and labour, and the engineer may need to come back to complete the repair.
Find out more about boiler repairs. If you’ve spotted a leak, read our guide to why your boiler could be leaking water and what to do next.
Struggling with boiler costs?
If money’s tight and your boiler has broken down, you may be able to get help through the LEAP Boiler Scheme. It can help eligible low-income or vulnerable households with the cost of repairing or replacing a broken boiler.
You’ll need to meet the scheme’s eligibility criteria, and funding depends on assessment and availability. The scheme doesn’t cover LPG boilers or warm air heating systems. Check if you could get help through LEAP.
What should I look for in a boiler service plan?
Boiler service plans and boiler cover can help spread the cost of looking after your boiler. Depending on the plan, you may pay monthly or annually for servicing, repairs or both.
Before you sign up, check:
| What to check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Annual boiler service | Is a service included in the price, or will you pay extra? |
| Repairs | Does the plan cover call-outs, parts and labour? |
| Excess | Will you need to pay towards each repair or call-out? |
| Cover limits | Is there a limit on repair costs or the number of claims? |
| Boiler age | Is your boiler too old to qualify for some or all of the cover? |
| What's not covered | Check for exclusions, such as existing faults or certain parts. |
| Replacement | What happens if your boiler can't be repaired? Don't assume the plan will pay for a new boiler. |
| Renewal price | Check whether the price could change after the first year. |
For example, many current UK boiler cover plans include annual servicing, but not all, and excesses, repair limits, and boiler age rules vary by provider and plan.
You might also have heard of boiler cover, boiler insurance or home emergency insurance. And they’re all very similar. Essentially, a boiler service plan is a contract you take out to have an engineer service your boiler once a year and also fix it in the event of a breakdown.
You’ll typically pay monthly by direct debit so you can spread out the cost. Instead of having to make a one-off big payment for a service – or worse, a boiler repair or replacement.
Read more in our How to Choose the Best Boiler Cover or Home Emergency Insurance blog.
Can I get a boiler service through my home insurance?
Standard home insurance usually doesn’t include annual boiler servicing. You may have cover for certain boiler emergencies, depending on your policy, but that’s different from routine servicing.
Some insurers offer home emergency or boiler cover as an optional extra. This may include an annual boiler service, repairs or call-outs, depending on the level of cover you choose.
Boiler service vs boiler service plan: what’s the difference?
A one-off boiler service and a boiler service plan aren’t the same thing. With a one-off service, you pay for the annual check. With a plan, you pay regularly for a level of ongoing cover, which may include your annual service and help with the cost of repairs.
Here’s how they compare:
| One-off boiler service | Boiler service plan or cover | |
|---|---|---|
| How you pay | One-off payment | Usually monthly or annually |
| Annual service | Included in the price you pay for the service | May be included, depending on the plan |
| Repairs | Usually cost extra | May be covered |
| Parts and labour | Usually cost extra | May be covered, subject to the plan |
| Excess | No policy excess | You may pay an excess when you make a claim |
| Best for | Paying for routine servicing as you need it | Spreading costs and getting extra protection against breakdowns |
As a guide, a one-off gas boiler service typically costs £80 to £120, with an average of around £100 (March 2026), according to Checkatrade. Prices vary depending on your boiler, where you live and the provider you choose.
Boiler service plans vary much more in price and cover. Some cover just your boiler, while others include your heating system or wider home emergencies. The excess you choose can also affect the price.
Before you choose a plan, compare the total cost, check what’s covered and look for any excess, claim limits or exclusions.
Boiler servicing for landlords
If you rent out a property with gas appliances, you must arrange a gas safety check every 12 months. A Gas Safe registered engineer will check the relevant appliances and flues, including the boiler. You’ll receive a Landlord Gas Safety Record, which must be updated after each check. View the government's guidance on this.
A gas safety check isn’t the same as a full boiler service. It checks that your gas appliances are safe to use, while a boiler service checks the boiler’s condition and maintenance in more detail. You can book both for the same visit, but ask for both when you book.
Boiler servicing for tenants
Servicing other boiler types
Boiler servicing FAQs
Do electric boilers need servicing?
Electric boilers have electrical components, heating elements and safety controls that need checking to make sure they’re working properly. As with other boilers, some manufacturers recommend annual servicing, especially to keep a warranty valid, so check your boiler manufacturer’s instructions.
Do they check radiators during a boiler service?
A standard boiler service mainly checks the boiler itself, so it doesn’t usually include a full inspection of every radiator.
The engineer may check parts of your wider heating system, such as the controls, pipework or system pressure, particularly if these affect how the boiler is working.
If a radiator isn’t heating properly, tell the engineer before the service and ask whether they can check it.
Does a boiler service include bleeding radiators?
Not usually. Bleeding radiators isn’t normally part of a standard boiler service, although some engineers or service plans may include additional central-heating checks.
If your radiator is cold at the top but warm at the bottom, trapped air could be the problem, and it may need bleeding. If you’re unsure, ask your engineer to check it.
Does regular boiler servicing really save money on gas bills?
Regular servicing can help your boiler run efficiently, but it doesn’t guarantee that your gas bills will go down. An annual service can identify faults or problems that could make your boiler work less efficiently.
Do I need to turn my boiler off before a service?
Usually, you don’t need to turn your boiler off before the engineer arrives.
The engineer may need to run the boiler before switching it off safely to carry out checks. Make sure they can easily access the boiler, heating controls and any other parts of the system they need to inspect.
If your engineer gives you specific instructions before your appointment, follow those instead.
Can I service a boiler myself?
No, you shouldn’t service a gas boiler yourself. A boiler service involves safety and technical checks that need the right training and equipment. For a gas boiler, use a Gas Safe-registered engineer qualified to work on boilers.
You can do simple household jobs such as checking your boiler pressure or, if you're confident, bleeding a radiator. But don't remove the boiler casing or attempt work on its gas components yourself.
