How often should a boiler be serviced? (And why it matters)
How often to service your boiler, what a service actually involves, and why skipping it can void your warranty.
If your boiler is quietly getting on with its job, it is easy to forget about servicing. But an annual service is one of the cheapest ways to avoid a nasty winter breakdown. Here is what you need to know.
Once a year, every year
The simple answer: service your boiler once a year. Almost every manufacturer, from Worcester Bosch to Vaillant, makes an annual service a condition of the warranty. Miss it and you could find a claim rejected years down the line.
Landlords have a legal duty too: an annual gas safety check (CP12) is required by law, as set out on GOV.UK.
What a service includes
A proper service is more than a quick glance. Our servicing page lists the full checklist, but in short:
- A full safety and combustion check
- Gas pressure and flow testing
- A check for carbon monoxide and gas leaks
- A visual check of the heat exchanger and controls
- A service certificate for your records
What it costs
A standalone annual service typically runs £70 to £120. Some homeowners prefer a cover plan from the likes of British Gas or HomeServe, but a simple annual service from a local Gas Safe registered engineer is often better value if your boiler is newer.
Why it is worth it
A serviced boiler runs more efficiently, which shows up on your energy bills, a point the Energy Saving Trust makes well. It also catches small problems, like a weeping valve or early pressure loss, before they turn into a cold-snap emergency.
Service or replace?
An annual service is the right call for a boiler in good health. But if yours is over ten years old, inefficient, or the service keeps turning up faults, a new boiler often costs less to run than nursing an old one along. Norvera specialises in fixed-price new boiler installation, so if you are weighing it up, get a fixed price with no obligation. For a straightforward service on a newer boiler, the Gas Safe Register can help you find a local engineer.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a boiler be serviced?+
Once a year. Almost every manufacturer requires an annual service to keep the warranty valid, and it keeps the boiler safe and efficient.
How much is a boiler service?+
A standard annual boiler service usually costs between £70 and £120, depending on where you are and the engineer. Some homeowners bundle it into a cover plan.
Can I skip a year?+
You can, but it is risky. It can invalidate your manufacturer warranty and lets small faults go unnoticed until they become expensive or unsafe.
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