What Is a Boiler Service?
A boiler service is a planned, preventative check carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Think of it like an MOT for your boiler. It's done when your boiler is working fine, to keep it that way.
What a boiler service includes:
- ✓Visual inspection of the boiler, flue, and pipework
- ✓Checking gas pressure and flow rate
- ✓Cleaning the burner and heat exchanger
- ✓Testing all safety devices and controls
- ✓Checking for carbon monoxide leaks
- ✓Inspecting seals, gaskets, and electrical connections
- ✓Full performance test
- ✓Written service report
How often
Once a year, ideally before winter
Cost
£60-£100
Time taken
45-60 minutes
What Is a Boiler Repair?
A boiler repair is reactive work carried out when something has gone wrong. Your boiler may have stopped working, is making unusual noises, losing pressure, or showing an error code.
Common boiler repairs include:
- ●Replacing a faulty diverter valve
- ●Fixing a broken pump or fan
- ●Replacing a printed circuit board (PCB)
- ●Repairing a heat exchanger leak
- ●Fixing ignition or pilot light faults
- ●Resolving pressure or thermostat issues
Cost
£80-£350 depending on fault and parts
Time taken
1-3 hours depending on complexity
Key Differences at a Glance
| Boiler Service | Boiler Repair | |
|---|---|---|
| When | Planned, annually | When something breaks |
| Purpose | Prevention | Fix a problem |
| Boiler working? | Yes | No or poorly |
| Typical cost | £60-£100 | £80-£350 |
| Time | 45-60 mins | 1-3 hours |
Do I Need a Service or a Repair?
Simple rule: If your boiler is working but hasn't been checked in over a year, book a service. If your boiler has stopped working, is making strange noises, losing pressure, or showing error codes, you need a repair.
Can a Service Prevent Repairs?
Yes - and this is the main reason annual servicing is worth it. Our engineers regularly catch worn parts, minor leaks, and pressure issues during services before they cause a breakdown. An £80 service can prevent a £300 repair.
What If My Boiler Needs Both?
Sometimes during a service, our engineers find a fault that needs fixing. In that case, we'll explain what we've found, give you a fixed quote for the repair, and only proceed with your approval. No surprise charges.