If you’re wondering, “Do I need to get my boiler serviced every year?” the answer is yes. Over 50% of domestic boiler breakdowns happen between November and February, and many could be avoided with a simple annual check. A yearly service keeps your boiler running safely, keeps costs down, and keeps your warranty valid. It also helps spot problems early before they become expensive.
This blog answers all your questions about “Do I need to get my boiler serviced?” and “How often should your boiler be serviced?” in plain and simple terms.
What is a Boiler Service?
A boiler service is like a health check. A qualified engineer visits your home to check your boiler is running properly. They’ll test it for safety, clean key parts, and check for leaks or issues. It usually takes less than an hour and helps prevent future problems.
What Can Go Wrong with a Boiler?
Boilers work hard all year, especially in winter. Without regular checks, they can develop problems like:
- Water or gas leaks
- Low pressure
- No hot water or heating
- Strange noises
- Higher bills
- Boiler switching off
- Carbon monoxide risk
These issues can cost a lot to fix and may even be dangerous if left unchecked.
What Does a Boiler Service Include?
A full service includes:
- External and internal inspection
- Checking the boiler flame
- Testing pressure and gas flow
- Checking the flue inside and out
- Cleaning parts like the filter
- Running safety tests
- Checking for leaks, corrosion, and wear
- A service report
When Should You Book a Boiler Service?
It’s Been 12 Months Since Your Last Service
If it’s been a year since your last service, book one now. “How often should your boiler be serviced?” The answer is always: once every 12 months.
You’ve Recently Moved
If you’ve moved and don’t have proof of the last boiler service, get one booked. You can’t always tell if the previous owner kept up with maintenance.
The Efficiency of Your Boiler Is Getting Worse
Boiler not heating up properly? Bills going up? These are signs your boiler is struggling and needs a service to get back on track.
Service Your Boiler in the Summer
Summer is the best time to book. Engineers are easier to get, prices may be lower, and your boiler will be ready for winter.
How Much Does a Boiler Service Cost?
Gas Boiler
Usually between £80 and £120
Oil Boiler
Typically £75 to £180
Combi-Boiler
Often £70 to £120. These tend to be simpler to maintain.
Biomass Boiler
Expect to pay £180 to £200. They take longer and need specialist care.
How Long Does a Boiler Service Take?
Most boiler services take between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the type, age, and condition of the boiler. If your boiler is newer and has been regularly serviced, the process is usually quicker because there’s less cleaning and fewer potential issues to investigate. If your boiler is older, hasn’t been serviced in a long time, or the engineer spots a problem during their checks, it could take longe, up to 90 minutes or more. Older models might need more thorough cleaning, part replacements, or detailed safety testing. Engineers also take extra time if the boiler is in a hard-to-reach location, like a loft or cramped cupboard. It’s always a good idea to allow a full hour just in case. Don’t rush the engineer, taking the time to do it properly helps avoid breakdowns later.
Who Should Service Your Boiler?
Only a qualified, certified heating engineer should service your boiler. This isn’t a DIY job, it’s about gas safety, legal compliance, and proper maintenance.
If you have a gas boiler, make sure the engineer is Gas Safe registered. This means they’ve had the correct training and are legally allowed to work with gas appliances. You can check their registration on the Gas Safe Register website or by looking at their ID card.
For oil boilers, the engineer must be OFTEC registered. OFTEC is the recognised authority for oil heating systems, and their engineers are trained to safely work on and maintain oil-fired appliances. Always ask to see their ID card when they arrive, it’s your right, and a good engineer will expect it. The ID should have their registration number, photo, and the types of work they’re qualified to carry out. Hiring the right professional protects your home, keeps your boiler in good condition, and makes sure any work is up to safety standards.
Why Book an Annual Boiler Service?
Getting your boiler serviced once a year might feel like just another job on your list, but it comes with real benefits that can save you money, protect your home, and give you peace of mind.
Keep Your Family Safe
A yearly boiler service helps keep you and your family safe. One of the biggest risks with faulty boilers is carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can be deadly if it leaks into your home. A qualified engineer will check your boiler for leaks, poor combustion, and other safety issues. Just knowing your boiler is safe makes it easier to sleep at night, especially in the colder months when it’s used the most.
Prevent Issues Before They Happen
Boilers can develop small faults over time, like low pressure, dirty filters, or worn-out parts. These might not seem like a big deal at first, but they can quickly turn into expensive breakdowns or full system failures. During an annual service, your engineer will spot these small problems and fix them before they get worse. It’s much cheaper to replace a seal or clean a filter than to pay for an emergency callout and major repair.
Save on Energy Bills
A boiler that’s regularly serviced runs more efficiently. When all the parts are clean and working properly, your boiler uses less fuel to heat your home and water. That means lower energy bills, especially during winter when you’re using it the most. Over time, the savings from a more efficient boiler can easily cover the cost of the service.
Legal Requirement for Landlords
If you’re a landlord, it’s not just a good idea, it’s the law. You must have your tenants’ gas appliances, including the boiler, serviced once every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You’ll also need to provide a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate to your tenants. Failing to do this can lead to legal trouble, fines, or worse, putting your tenants at risk.
It Maintains Your Warranty
Most boiler manufacturers include a warranty when you buy a new boiler, but there’s a catch. You have to get it serviced every year. If you skip a service and something goes wrong, your warranty could be void. That means you’ll have to pay for any repairs or replacements yourself, even if the fault would’ve been covered. Keeping up with annual servicing is a simple way to protect your investment and avoid big repair bills.
One Off Service vs Boiler Care Plan?
One Off Service
A one off boiler service is a good choice if your boiler is working well and you just want to keep on top of things. You pay a single fee, get your boiler checked by a qualified engineer, and you’re sorted for the year. It’s a simple, pay-as-you-go option with no long-term commitment. Just make sure you remember to book it every 12 months.
Boiler Care Plan
A boiler care plan is a monthly payment that covers your annual service and usually includes repairs, callouts, and parts. It spreads the cost across the year and gives you support if something goes wrong with your boiler. This can be really helpful if you want to avoid surprise repair bills or find peace of mind knowing help is just a phone call away.
How Often Should You Get a New Boiler?
Most boilers last between 10 to 15 years. If your boiler is breaking down often, struggling to heat your home properly, or your energy bills are creeping up, it might be time for a new boiler installation. Newer models are usually more efficient, quieter, and cheaper to run. If you’re not sure, contact us or for advice. They can tell you if a repair will keep it going or if you're better off upgrading.
Do I Need to Get My Boiler Serviced Every Year? – Final Thoughts
In conclusion, if you’ve been asking yourself Do I need to get my boiler serviced every year?, the answer is yes. An annual service keeps your boiler running safely, helps prevent costly breakdowns, lowers your energy bills, and protects your warranty. It’s especially important to service your boiler before winter, after moving home, or if your boiler’s performance starts to drop. Whether you go for a one off service or a monthly care plan, the key is keeping on top of your maintenance each year. It’s a small job that can save you a lot of stress and money later on.
FAQs
Find answers to your most pressing questions about plumbing and heating services.
Yes. Annual servicing is recommended by engineers and boiler manufacturers. It helps your boiler run safely and smoothly, saves money on energy bills, and reduces the risk of breakdowns. It's also often required to keep your warranty valid. Missing a yearly service can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns. So if you’re still wondering, “Do I need to get my boiler serviced every year?” the answer is definitely yes.
Your boiler should be serviced once every 12 months. This applies to gas, oil, and combi boilers. Keeping up with yearly checks will improve performance, extend the life of your boiler, and avoid unexpected breakdowns during cold months.
An engineer will check both the inside and outside of your boiler. They’ll look for signs of wear, corrosion, or leaks. They’ll test the gas flow and pressure, inspect the flue, clean filters and key parts, and make sure everything is working safely and efficiently. You’ll also get a service report showing what was checked or fixed.
It might be tempting, but skipping a service is risky. Even if your boiler seems to be working properly, hidden issues can build up over time. These can lead to bigger problems later on, or even dangerous situations like gas leaks or carbon monoxide exposure. Also, your boiler’s warranty could be void if you miss a yearly service.
The best time to book a boiler service is during the summer or early autumn. You’re less likely to need heating, engineers are usually less busy, and you’ll avoid the winter rush. Servicing your boiler before it’s in heavy use gives you time to fix any problems before cold weather hits.
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