How Long Does A Boiler Service Take?

A typical boiler service takes between 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, but this can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of boiler you have and which fuel type is used.

Remember, a Gas Safe registered engineer must do your boiler service so as not to void the warranty. Plus, it’s a legal requirement!

In this article, Eco Happy will delve into the various factors that contribute to the timeframe of your annual boiler service and offer a bunch of insights along the way too.

Whether you have an oil, electric, or gas boiler on your property, having your boiler serviced is crucial to maintaining its efficiency and lifespan.

So, let’s dive into the world of boiler services and explain why these routine checks are so important.

Average Service Timeframe

The type of boiler you have, its condition, and the experience of heating technicians are the determining factors of how long a boiler service will take. Let’s take a closer look:

Boiler type

• Combi boilers are self-contained heating units and have the shortest service time of around 30 minutes.
• System boilers take roughly 45 minutes to service, due to their additional hot water cylinder.
• Regular or conventional boiler services take up to 1.5 hours as they have a hot water cylinder and a separate water storage tank that require inspection and maintenance.

Side note: An oil boiler service can take up to two hours as heating oil releases more soot and debris that needs to be thoroughly cleaned.

If you’re struggling to figure out what type of boiler you have, check out the article we’ve linked to.

Boiler condition

Older boilers or those with potential issues require more servicing time for deeper inspection, cleaning, and part replacements. This timeframe can vary from an additional 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the condition.

New boilers, on the other hand, are much quicker to service as the parts are generally in good condition. A quick inspection and cleaning are typically all these boilers need.

Engineer experience

Skilled and experienced engineers can complete services efficiently while maintaining thoroughness, potentially saving time on services.

While it’s tempting to have your boiler serviced DIY-style, it’s important to always use a Gas Safe registered engineer. These professionals are trained in boiler maintenance and will effectively service boilers safely and reliably.

Now that we know how long boilers take to service, let’s dive a little deeper into what exactly a boiler service entails.

What Is A Boiler Service?

A boiler service is a crucial maintenance checkup for your heating system and should be done at least once a year. It ensures your boiler remains in tip-top condition, provides optimal performance, and remains energy efficient.

A boiler service differs from a boiler repair, which focuses on replacement parts and specific breakdowns.

When having your boiler serviced, technicians will do a variety of inspections and tests to ensure vital components, like the heat exchanger, are in good working order. But we’ll go into more detail on this further down in the article.

For now, here’s what you can do to prepare for an annual boiler service:

Preparing for a standard boiler service

Before the engineer arrives, ensure:

• There is clear and accessible space around the boiler
• Turn off the boiler, central heating and radiators an hour before arrival
• Have your yearly boiler service book and boiler manual to hand

What is the cost of a boiler service?

On average, the standard boiler service cost ranges between £70 and £140 for domestic boilers. These prices vary depending on the type and size of your boiler and whether it’s electric, oil or gas.

Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Combi boilers = £70 – £110
• System boilers =£70 – £120
• Regular boilers =£120 – £130
• Oil boilers = £80 – £140
• Landlord Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) = £0

Please note these are estimates and prices may differ. It’s always recommended to contact reputable boiler service companies, like Eco Happy, for an accurate quote.

Side note: If you’ve kicked boilers to the curb and have invested in heat pumps instead – these also need to be serviced annually!

What Happens When Your Boiler Is Serviced?

Whether you have an oil, electric, or gas boiler, the services are essentially done in the same way. Technicians will perform a series of checks, inspections and operational procedures to ensure the boiler is in top-notch condition. They will also provide repair or replacement advice, should they come across any potential issues.

Here’s what they do:

Visual inspection

Technicians start with a visual inspection of the exterior of your boiler unit. They look for signs of early corrosion (rust), water leaks, and physical damage.

Next, they remove the boiler casing to do an internal inspection of key components. These components include heat exchangers, pressure valves, the combustion chamber, thermostat heating controls, pilot lights, flue gas analyser, and condensate pipes.

Operational checks

Once the above mechanisms have been checked, engineers will perform an operational check. This ensures key parts and safety devices are working correctly.

To reduce the amount of limescale and sludge buildup, heating engineers use central heating inhibitors (chemical cleaners) and magnetic filters to catch suspended particles before they start to wreak havoc on your heating systems.

They’ll also check the water pressure (the optimum range is between 1 and 2 bars) and make any necessary adjustments to keep your boiler in energy-efficient mode.

Side note: Bleeding radiators is not part of a standard boiler service but you can ask engineers to do this, for an additional charge (±£80 – £100). To save money, learn how to bleed radiators yourself.

Want to know why regular servicing is so important? Let’s move on to the next section to find out.

Why Is Boiler Servicing So Important?

Regular servicing is vital, not just so you can have a constant supply of warmth and hot water, but for economic and environmental benefits too!

Here are some of the many benefits:

Longevity

An annual boiler service extends the lifespan of your boiler, providing you with warmth for years to come. Boilers can last for up to 15 years when serviced regularly.

Early detection

Early identification of potential issues, like faulty thermostats, water leaks or worn-out seals can prevent costly repairs, premature malfunctions, and system breakdowns.

Improved efficiency

Regular services ensure your boiler operates at peak performance, increases Energy Performance Certificate(EPC) ratings, and potentially saves money on your energy bills in the long term.

Reduced safety risks

Boiler checks are crucial to mitigate the possibility of carbon monoxide leaks, electric fires, or severe water damage caused by water leaks.

Is your boiler acting up? Find out more information on Eco Happy’s website.

Choosing Reliable Boiler Service Engineers In The UK

Eco Happy understands the importance of reliable and efficient boiler servicing. We offer a comprehensive suite of services, from boiler services to installation and repairs, giving you peace of mind your boiler will run smoothly and safely for years to come.

It’s illegal to tamper with boilers, whether it’s an installation or routine maintenance. So, it’s best to give your DIY skills a skip this time and rather rely on professional services, like Eco Happy.

Contact Eco Happy

Ready to schedule your next routine boiler service?

Contact us today for fast, reliable and efficient services. We’ll have your boiler serviced in no time and be out of your hair quicker than you can say “boiler maintenance“.

Our team of heating engineers are trained and equipped to handle the toughest boiler service challenges and ensure your boiler receives the proper care and attention it deserves!

FAQs

How long does a boiler need to be serviced?

A standard boiler service takes between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours. Combi boilers are the quickest to service, while oil boilers take the most time.

How often should I service my boiler?

Routine maintenance should be done at least once a year to ensure vital components are kept in tip-top condition and your boiler remains energy efficient.

Can I service a boiler myself?

No, it is illegal to tamper with boilers and servicing needs to be done by a qualified engineer.

How much does a gas boiler service cost?

It costs between £80 and £120 to service gas boilers.

Who pays for a boiler service in the UK?

If you own your property, the cost of boiler services falls on you. If you are a tenant, it is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure boilers are serviced and paid for.

What is the difference between boiler service vs boiler repair?

A boiler service is typically done once a year to check the internal workings of your boiler. These include full visual and operational inspections. Engineers will adjust heating settings, pressure valves and other components to ensure your boiler is running at its best.

Boiler repairs, on the other hand, target areas of damage which need individual attention. These might be worn-out seals, thermostat replacements, water pressure issues, or the clearing of boiler fault codes. Boiler repairs do not necessarily mean an entire boiler check will be done, but rather a focussed approach to a faulty area(s).

Final Thoughts

In a nutshell, it takes between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours to have your boiler serviced. And is vitally important you have your boiler serviced annually to ensure it remains in top-notch condition.

Well-maintained boilers have longer life expectancies and are more energy efficient – saving you time, money and your sanity in the long run!

Remember, no matter which kind of boiler you have, it needs to be serviced by qualified Gas Safe engineers. This reduces the risk of safety hazards and ensures heating controls, safety devices, and other components operate at their best.

When looking for the best boiler services in the UK, reach out to Eco Happy today. We’re trained, ready and waiting to assist with all your boiler needs – and then some!