How Often Should A Boiler Be Serviced?

Last Updated on January 28, 2025

In the UK, boilers should be serviced once a year. Annual servicing ensures that your boiler runs safely and efficiently, and it is often a requirement for maintaining your warranty. Skipping a service can result in reduced efficiency, higher energy bills, or even complete boiler failure.

When To Service Your Boiler

Knowing you should service your boiler at least once a year is a good starting point, but there are some other instances when a boiler service is advised.

It’s been a year since your last service

If it’s been over 12 months since your last boiler service, it’s time to book one. Regular servicing helps prevent wear and tear, keeps energy costs down, and ensures your boiler stays in good working order.

Delaying a service beyond this timeframe increases the risk of breakdowns and could even void your boiler’s warranty. Therefore, scheduling an annual check-up is essential.

After moving into a new home

If you’ve recently moved into a property, it’s wise to have the boiler serviced immediately unless the previous owner can provide a recent service record. This ensures the boiler is safe, efficient, and free of any underlying issues.

Before winter arrives

As the colder months approach, your boiler will be working overtime to heat your home and provide hot water. Scheduling a boiler service during the summer ensures it’s in optimal condition to handle the increased demand of winter. This minimises the risk of boiler breakdowns when you rely on it the most.

If your boiler has been inactive

If your boiler hasn’t been used for an extended period, such as during the summer, a service can help identify any potential problems caused by inactivity, such as seized components or low pressure.

When selling your home

A recent boiler service can add value to your property and offer peace of mind to potential buyers. Providing proof of a well-maintained boiler can make your home more appealing and justify your asking price.

Your boiler is becoming less efficient

A noticeable drop in your boiler’s efficiency is a clear sign that it may need servicing. If your energy bills are rising unexpectedly or your home takes longer to heat, it could indicate issues such as clogged components, poor combustion, or a build-up of debris inside the system.

Regular servicing can restore your boiler’s performance by cleaning and optimising its parts, ensuring it operates at peak efficiency. Addressing these issues promptly not only saves you money on energy bills but also prevents small problems from escalating into costly repairs.

If you notice unusual symptoms

While annual servicing is sufficient for most boilers, you should contact a professional if you notice these warning signs:

• Strange noises, such as banging, gurgling, or whistling
• Leaking water around the boiler unit
• A yellow or flickering pilot light
• Irregular heating or hot water supply
• Unusually high energy bills
• Pressure irregularities
• Error codes displayed on the boiler
  
  If you experience any of these issues, don’t wait for your next scheduled service—contact a Gas Safe registered engineer immediately.

Why Is Boiler Servicing Important?

Having your boiler serviced guarantees your safety and saves you money in the long run. Let’s take a look at why this matters:

• Safety Assurance: A Gas Safe registered engineer checks for issues such as gas leaks or carbon monoxide emissions, which can pose serious risks.
• Warranty Compliance: Many manufacturers require annual servicing to maintain the validity of your boiler’s warranty.
• Avoiding costly repairs: Regular servicing allows for routine checks and preventive measures that catch minor problems early. Addressing these issues promptly prevents them from escalating into major, expensive repairs, and can even help you avoid the need for a full boiler replacement.
• Efficiency Boost: Regular servicing keeps your boiler operating efficiently, reducing energy waste and lowering your bills.
• Prolonged Lifespan: Servicing helps identify small issues before they escalate, extending the life of your boiler.

Is it a legal requirement to have your boiler serviced?

When it comes to servicing a gas boiler in the UK, there are different responsibilities for homeowners and landlords. Here’s what you need to know:

Homeowners

While it’s not a legal requirement for homeowners to service their boilers annually, we highly recommend it.

Landlords

Landlords have specific legal responsibilities under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations to ensure the safety of gas appliances, including boilers, in rental properties. These obligations include:

• Annual Gas Safety Checks: Landlords must arrange for a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer to inspect all gas appliances and flues annually, including the boiler, to identify and address any safety concerns.
• Providing Gas Safety Certificates: After completing the gas safety check, landlords are required to provide tenants with a copy of the gas safety certificate within 28 days, proving that appliances are safe to use.
• Record-Keeping: Landlords must keep records of all gas safety checks for at least two years.

Consequences of Non-Compliance:

Failing to comply with these regulations can have serious consequences, including:

• Legal Penalties: Landlords may face fines or imprisonment for neglecting their gas safety obligations.
• Tenant Safety Risks: Neglected boilers can pose serious dangers, such as carbon monoxide poisoning or explosions.
• Invalidated Insurance: Property insurance may become void if gas safety regulations are not followed, leading to financial liabilities in the event of damage or accidents.

By staying on top of these responsibilities, landlords can ensure compliance with the law while protecting their tenants. For homeowners, regular servicing provides peace of mind and helps maintain the boiler’s efficiency and longevity.

What Does a Boiler Service Involve?

A boiler service involves checking several key components such as visual inspection, firing up, casing removal, gas pressure checks, additional checks, and the issuing of a report.

The specifics of these steps may vary based on the type of boiler and model, with a focus on components such as the burner, boiler flue, spark probe, main injector, and heat exchanger.

The earlier you can detect something is wrong during an annual boiler service, the sooner you can prevent issues from escalating. This means more cost-effective repairs in the end. Regular servicing can help to identify faults and resolve them before they lead to massive system failures.

How Much Does Boiler Servicing Cost in the UK?

Your annual boiler service costs can usually range from £65 to £300.

The total cost depends on several factors, such as:

• Location: Your location can impact how much you pay. Rural areas usually have less expensive services on offer.
• Size and condition of property: The condition and size of your property may affect the service price.
• Make and model of the boiler: Reputable brands may charge higher service fees due to warranties and quality components.
• Size and type of installation: Larger installations mean higher costs. An example of this is boilers in commercial buildings.
• Services required: Having a leak, or needing to replace a part may result in additional costs.
• Age and type of boiler: Older or smaller boilers may require more frequent services.
• Fuel cost: The type of fuel you use can have a big impact on your annual boiler service cost.

Having your boiler serviced regularly ensures maximum efficiency, leading to lower energy bills in the long run. Nipping problems in the bud can help you avoid expensive repairs.

Who Should Service Your Boiler?

It’s crucial to hire a Gas Safe registered engineer to service your boiler. This ensures the work is carried out safely and meets legal requirements. Always ask for the engineer’s Gas Safe ID before they start work. This precaution ensures that the individual handling your boiler maintenance is qualified and authorised to do the job.

Oil boilers, on the other hand, should be serviced by an OFTEC-registered engineer.

How To Find A Gas Safe Engineer

Here are some ways in which you can find a reliable Gas Safe registered engineer to perform your boiler service:

• Use the Gas Safe register: Here you can find a list of qualified engineers for each postcode. 
• Ask friends and family: They may be able to recommend someone they’ve used before. 
• Ask people who work in the industry: If you trust their opinions, they might know someone who can help you. 
• Read online reviews: Check Google Business reviews or Trustpilot to see what previous clients said about a company or engineer. 
• Search local directories: If there are online directories for your area, look for reputable service providers.
• Ask Eco Happy: We’ll be able to recommend a reputable engineer to help. 

Tips to Keep Your Boiler Running Efficiently Between Services

To get the most out of your boiler:

1. Bleed Your Radiators: Remove trapped air to ensure efficient heating.
2. Check Boiler Pressure: Ensure it stays within the recommended range (usually 1–1.5 bar).
3. Monitor for Leaks: Address any signs of water around the boiler promptly.
4. Insulate Pipes: Prevent frozen pipes during winter with pipe lagging.

FAQs

What happens if you miss a boiler service?

Missing a boiler service can lead to increased energy bills, a higher risk of breakdowns, and potential safety hazards like carbon monoxide leaks. It may also void your boiler’s warranty and shorten its lifespan. Regular servicing helps ensure your boiler runs efficiently, safely, and lasts longer.

How long can a boiler go without a service?

It’s recommended to service your boiler at least once a year to ensure it runs efficiently and safely. Going longer than this can increase the risk of breakdowns, reduced efficiency, and safety issues.

How long does a full boiler service take?

A full boiler service typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of your system. For more details on what’s involved and how long it might take for your specific boiler, check out our blog post on How Long Does A Boiler Service Take?.

What paperwork should I get when my boiler is serviced?

After a boiler service, you should receive a service report detailing the work carried out, any issues found, and recommendations for future maintenance. This paperwork is important for warranty purposes and proof of maintenance.

How to check when a boiler was last serviced?

You can check your boiler’s service history by looking at the service sticker usually placed on the unit, or by reviewing the service report if you received one. Alternatively, contact the company that performed the last service for confirmation.

Does your boiler need to be cold for a service?

No, your boiler doesn’t need to be cold for a service. However, it’s recommended to switch it off a few hours before the service to ensure safety and allow the engineer to inspect it properly.

Does a combi boiler need servicing every year?

Yes, a combi boiler should be serviced annually to ensure it operates efficiently, safely, and to maintain its warranty. Regular servicing helps prevent breakdowns and extends the lifespan of your boiler.

Is it worth getting an old boiler serviced?

Yes, servicing an old boiler is worth it. Regular servicing can improve efficiency, prevent breakdowns, and extend its lifespan. It’s especially important to ensure safety and identify any potential issues before they become costly problems.

Conclusion

Annual boiler servicing is essential for UK homeowners to ensure safety, efficiency, and cost savings. By scheduling your service annually, ideally in the summer, and addressing any warning signs promptly, you can keep your home warm and your boiler in top condition.

If it’s been over a year since your last boiler service, now is the perfect time to book an appointment with a qualified Gas Safe engineer. Don’t wait until the cold sets in—act now to avoid potential breakdowns during the winter months.