Do I need to get my boiler serviced – and what does it include?

An annual boiler service is the best way of keeping your boiler working safely and efficiently. Even if your boiler is brand new, you’ll still need an annual service to keep its warranty valid. Here’s everything you need to know about boiler servicing.

How often should a boiler be serviced?

We recommend booking a service for your boiler every year. Your boiler does a lot of work keeping your home supplied with hot water and heating. An annual check by a qualified engineer will give you peace of mind that everything is working as it should be.

What is a boiler service?

An annual service is a bit like an MOT for your boiler. An engineer from British Gas will carry out essential maintenance checks on all the key parts of your boiler, which helps to reduce the risk of breakdowns and other problems in the future.

You can either book a one-off boiler service by a British Gas engineer, or get one included at no extra cost with any level of HomeCare cover. With a HomeCare boiler service, you don’t need to remember to book one the following year. We’ll just get in touch when it’s time for your next annual check.

What does a boiler service include?

Your engineer will carry out a range of important checks to make sure your boiler is working properly. These include:

  • Inspecting your boiler and controls to make sure everything’s safe
  • Opening up your boiler to check internal components
  • Checking for corrosion and leaks in the boiler
  • Cleaning the system filter
  • Giving you a boiler safety checklist, plus advice on energy efficiency

Does a boiler service include radiator checks?

No, a standard boiler service doesn’t include radiator checks. However, with British Gas you can always ask your engineer to upgrade to a System Service Plus.

This costs a little bit more, but it gives you the extra peace of mind that comes from having radiators, pipework and the whole central heating system inspected at the same time as your boiler is serviced.

Also, if you take out HomeCare Essential, Classic or Complete, your annual boiler service will include a check of your whole central heating system.

How much does a boiler service cost?

A one-off boiler service by a British Gas engineer costs £93. Alternatively, you can get an annual boiler service included in HomeCare cover from just £19 a month.

How long does a boiler service take?

A boiler service usually takes 40-60 minutes, depending on how much work is involved. If your boiler hasn’t been maintained for a while, it could make take your engineer a little longer to get everything working as it should be.

Why book an annual boiler service?

It might seem like yet another extra expense, but there are some very good reasons to get your boiler serviced every year.

Keep your family safe

Getting your boiler serviced regularly will help to keep it running safely – and a faulty boiler can be incredibly dangerous. From 2010-2020, over a hundred people a year died because of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in England and Wales.1

During your boiler service, a Gas Safe registered engineer will check for leaks and issues, giving you the peace of mind that comes from protecting your family.

Get early warning of issues

Small problems can become big ones if left unattended. By ensuring that your boiler is running properly, you can save money on future repairs. Your engineer can detect and fix any minor problems to help avoid future malfunctions that could be costly.

Save on energy bills

During your service, your engineer will carry out a host of checks to make sure that your boiler is working efficiently. This will save you money over time, because a more efficient boiler costs less to run.

How efficient your boiler is depends on its age and the type you have, but it’s worth trying our tips to improve your boiler's efficiency.

It’s needed for warranties 

With many boiler warranties, you’re actually required to complete a regular service to ensure your boiler is safe. If you don’t, it could invalidate your policy. If you’re a British Gas HomeCare customer, then your cover includes an annual service visit. And even if you’re not, you can still book a boiler service with us.

It’s legally required for landlords

If you’re a landlord, a gas safety check is a legal requirement. A qualified Gas Safe registered engineer must check gas appliances and flues annually to ensure everything is safe and sound. This includes boilers, but also other gas appliances such as hobs and fireplaces. If you’re a tenant it’s worth noting that landlords are not responsible for safety checks on gas appliances that you own, or any flues that solely connect to your own gas appliances.

Additional information

  1. Carbon monoxide deaths and poisonings for the past 10 years Source: ons.gov.uk