A standard annual boiler service in the UK typically costs about £70 to £120. A yearly plan that includes call-outs and cover for repairs can cost more than £250. Here is what you are paying for and what to check before you book.

What a boiler service costs

• One-off service: typically £70 to £120. Consumer group Which? has put a one-off gas boiler service at £70 to £110.
• Service plans: can run above £250 a year because they usually include call-outs, labour and parts cover.
• Repairs are separate. A service checks the boiler is safe and working properly. A repair is for a fault.

Boiler type makes only a small difference to price. Combi boilers are often quicker to service than system or regular boilers with a cylinder, and older boilers can take longer.

What happens during a boiler service

A service is a set of checks and cleaning, not a repair. A competent engineer will normally:

• Check the boiler's appearance and that it is installed and ventilated correctly.
• Inspect and, where needed, clean the burner, heat exchanger and other internal parts.
• Check the flue, which carries fumes safely outside.
• Test the controls, safety devices and water pressure.
• Check for gas leaks and that the boiler is burning safely.
• Tell you about anything that needs attention, and give you a record of what was done.

The visit usually takes around an hour, so be sure someone can give access to the boiler and, if it sits in a cupboard, clear a path to it.

How often should you service your boiler?

Once a year. A yearly service helps keep your manufacturer's guarantee valid, catches small problems early, and reduces the risk of dangerous faults such as carbon monoxide leaks. Landlords have a separate legal duty to arrange a yearly gas safety check.

Check your engineer is Gas Safe registered

By law, anyone who works on gas appliances in Great Britain must be on the Gas Safe Register. Before the visit, ask to see the engineer's Gas Safe ID card, and check that it lists gas boilers as something they are qualified to work on. You can also look up the engineer on the Gas Safe Register website.

Signs your boiler may need attention

• A yellow or orange flame instead of a steady blue one.
• Black marks or staining around the boiler.
• Strange banging, whistling or gurgling noises.
• Pressure that keeps dropping, or radiators that stay cold.
• The pilot light going out repeatedly.

If you smell gas or suspect a carbon monoxide leak, switch off the appliance, open windows, leave the property and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. Do not wait for a service.

Landlords and tenants

If you rent out a home, you must arrange a gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer every year and give your tenant a copy of the record. A boiler service is a separate job, although many engineers will offer to do both in one visit. Tenants should report a faulty boiler to their landlord rather than trying to fix it themselves.

What to ask before you book

1. What exactly is included in the price?
2. Will you give me a written record of the service?
3. What happens if you find a fault? What would you charge to fix it?
4. Are you insured?

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to book a boiler service?

Spring and summer. Engineers are busiest in the autumn and winter, and prices and waiting times often go up.

Does a service fix problems?

A service checks the boiler, cleans parts and tests it. If a repair is needed, the engineer should explain it and quote for it before doing it.

Can my boiler fail even after a service?

Yes, a service lowers the risk but cannot rule out faults. That is why working carbon monoxide alarms matter.

Find a local pro on Pluggerzz and book through the platform. Always check Gas Safe registration before gas work.

Figures are typical UK prices from published guides, including Glow-worm (which quotes Which?), checked October 2026. Always get a written quote.