How Long does it take to service a boiler?

If you're wondering how long does it take to service a boiler, the answer is usually between 30 and 60 minutes.

Newer boilers are often quicker to check, sometimes around 20 minutes. Older systems, or those that haven’t been looked at in a while, can take up to 1.5 hours. If you have an oil boiler, it may take closer to 2 hours, as there are more parts involved.

How often should a boiler be serviced?

You should have your boiler serviced once every 12 months. This isn’t just a helpful habit – it’s one of the best ways to keep your heating system running smoothly and avoid problems later down the line.

An annual service helps to:

• Keep your home warm and comfortable by making sure your boiler works when you need it
  
  
• Prevent breakdowns by catching small faults early
  
  
• Lower your energy bills by keeping your boiler running efficiently
  
  
• Keep your family safe by checking for gas leaks or carbon monoxide risks
  
  

If your boiler is still under warranty, most manufacturers require you to have it serviced once a year. If you skip a service, your warranty could become invalid, meaning you’d have to pay for any repairs yourself, even if the problem would have been covered.

Regular servicing is also especially important for landlords, as it's a legal requirement to have gas appliances checked once a year in rental properties. Even if you're not a landlord, keeping up with yearly servicing is still the best way to avoid cold showers and unexpected repair bills in the middle of winter. If you'd like to know more about how often a boiler should be serviced, read our dedicated blog on this topic.

What is a boiler service?

A boiler service is a yearly check-up carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. It’s done to make sure your boiler is working safely, reliably and efficiently.

During the service, the engineer will:

• Clean and inspect all key parts of the boiler
• Check for signs of wear, damage, leaks or rust
• Test the pressure and flow of gas or oil
• Make sure the boiler is burning fuel properly
• Check the flue (the pipe that removes waste gases) is fitted and working correctly
• Confirm that all safety devices and controls are doing their job
  
  

Think of it a bit like an MOT for your boiler. Just like you wouldn’t skip a car service, having your boiler checked regularly helps prevent bigger problems, and gives you peace of mind that everything is working as it should.

A service is also a chance for the engineer to spot anything that might become a problem later, helping you avoid sudden breakdowns and expensive repair bills. Plus, once the service is done, you’ll get a record showing what was checked, which is handy if you ever need to prove that your boiler has been properly looked after.

What does a boiler service include?

Visual inspection

The engineer checks your boiler and pipework for damage, rust, leaks or signs of poor installation. They also make sure it follows current safety standards.

Flue check

The flue, which is the pipe that carries gases outside, is tested using a gas analyser. This checks that the boiler is burning fuel properly.

Checking boiler performance

The engineer checks the gas pressure and flow to make sure the boiler is running as it should.

Working faults check

They turn the boiler on and check the controls, burner, seals, and safety parts. If something is wrong, they’ll let you know what needs fixing.

At the end of the service, you’ll get a report showing what’s been checked. This is useful if anything needs fixing in the future or for keeping your warranty valid.

Why book an annual boiler service?

Keep your family safe

A faulty boiler can leak carbon monoxide, which is dangerous and hard to detect. A service helps check your boiler is safe to use.

Get early warning of issues

Small faults can be fixed before they get worse and cost more to repair.

Save on energy bills

A clean boiler works more efficiently, which can help lower your heating bills.

It’s needed for warranties

Most boiler warranties require a yearly service. If you miss one, the warranty might not be valid.

It’s legally required for landlords

If you rent out a property, you must have the boiler checked once a year by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

When Should I Get My Boiler Serviced?

The best time to book a boiler service is during the summer months. This might seem a bit odd at first, since you’re probably not using your heating much in warmer weather, but that’s exactly why it’s the perfect time.

Here’s why a summer boiler service makes sense:

1. Engineers are more available

Heating engineers are usually less busy in summer, which means you’re more likely to get a slot that suits you. In winter, demand for boiler repairs and emergency call-outs goes up, so it can be harder to get an appointment quickly.

2. Catch problems early

When your boiler isn’t being used as often, it’s easier to spot and fix any faults before the cold weather kicks in. If you wait until winter and something goes wrong, you could be left without heating or hot water when you need it most.

3. Peace of mind

Booking your service in summer means your boiler will be ready to go when you switch the heating back on. No surprises, no sudden breakdowns—just warmth when you need it.

4. Ideal for landlords

If you're a landlord, servicing the boiler in summer gives you time to fix any issues before your tenants start relying on the heating again. It also makes it easier to stay compliant with your legal responsibilities.

While summer is ideal, the most important thing is that your boiler is serviced once a year. So if you’ve missed the summer window, don’t wait, book it as soon as you can to stay safe and avoid problems later on.

Is There Anything I Need To Do Before My Boiler Is Serviced?

Yes, just a couple of simple things:

• Turn off the boiler beforehand so it’s cool when the engineer arrives
• Make sure the area around the boiler is tidy and easy to get to

Why it’s important to have your boiler serviced every year

Safety

A regular service helps check your boiler isn’t leaking gas or carbon monoxide, keeping your household safe.

Preventing boiler breakdowns

Catching small issues early can help avoid breakdowns when you need heating most, especially in winter.

Maintaining a high level of efficiency

A well-maintained boiler uses less gas, which can lower your energy bills and reduce wear and tear over time.

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To find out more, read our fully blog on if you need to get your boiler serviced every year

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