Boiler Repair Prices
It's every homeowner's worst nightmare - you wake up on a freezing cold January morning to find no heating, no hot water and some little warning lights flashing ominously on the boiler.
We want our boilers fixed immediately, and to be warm again, but in the back of our minds is always a worry that a boiler fix is going to be expensive.
Fixed price boiler repair prices
Many of the large energy companies know that we worry about boiler repair prices and many are now offering a fixed price service, which includes parts and labour.
The advantage of this scheme is that you are quoted a repair price before the workman turns up at your house and the cost will not escalate beyond the agreed price.
All parts and the workman’s time is included in the price, even if they need to make a return visit at a later time.
However, there are some exclusions to the types of boilers covered, and in remote areas of the UK you will pay more than the advertised rate for fixed price repairs which is generally around £80.
Pay monthly for repair work
The other popular way of spreading the cost of having your boiler repaired is to pay a monthly insurance premium which then covers you against boiler breakdown, as well as other household emergencies such as burst pipes.
These policies cost around £6 per month, and are sold by many of the big energy companies such as British Gas or nPower, and through insurers like Direct Line.
Shop around to see who is offering the best deal, and check that your particular make and model of boiler is included in the scheme.
Paying the premium monthly works out about the same as paying for a one off fixed repair per year, but allows you to spread the cost.
Some of the policies also include an annual service of your boiler, which will keep it working efficiently and make it less likely to go wrong in the first place.
Emergency boiler repairs prices
Of course the price of your boiler repair depends on what has gone wrong with it. If the boiler is very old and inefficient, the engineer may just decide it is beyond economical repair, and your only option may be to replace it completely at a price of over £1000.
One of the most common reasons why a boiler goes wrong is a fault with the heat exchanger, and replacing this can cost £325, and should the printed circuit board fail, the cost of a new one is around £220.
There have also been many surveys showing that unscrupulous heating engineers often bump up the costs of their boiler repairs by spending too long over repairs, or by doing work which is not necessary.
The advantage of paying for an emergency repair is that you may be able to get someone who you trust and have used before into your home to do the work immediately, rather than waiting for a contractor from one of the large insurance or fixed price repair companies to turn up.
Boiler Service Cost in the UK?
A regular boiler service is essential for keeping your heating system safe, efficient, and reliable. Whether you have a gas, electric, or biomass boiler, annual servicing helps prevent breakdowns, improves performance, and can even prolong the life of your system. But how much does a boiler service actually cost in the UK, and what does it involve? Here’s everything you need to know.
Average Boiler Service Cost in the UK
In 2025, the average cost for a one-off boiler service in the UK is between £70 and £120. The exact price depends on several factors including:
- Boiler type (combi, system, regular, biomass, etc.)
- Fuel type (gas, oil, electric, solid fuel)
- Your location (London and the South East tend to be more expensive)
- Whether you use an independent engineer or a large energy company
Whats Included in a Boiler Service?
A standard boiler service typically takes 30–60 minutes and involves a series of checks, cleaning, and tests. A Gas Safe registered engineer (for gas boilers) will usually carry out the following:
- Visual inspection of the boiler and flue
- Checking for leaks, corrosion or damage
- Testing gas pressure and flow (for gas boilers)
- Inspecting and cleaning internal components like the heat exchanger and burner
- Checking the flue and ventilation system for safety
- Testing boiler controls and thermostat
- Issuing a service report and highlighting any potential issues
How Often Should a Boiler Be Serviced?
It’s recommended to have your boiler serviced once a year, regardless of its age or type. Annual servicing ensures the boiler is running safely and efficiently, and it’s often a requirement to keep the manufacturer’s warranty valid.
Skipping your annual service can lead to reduced efficiency, unexpected breakdowns, or even carbon monoxide risks in the case of gas appliances.
Service Plans vs One-Off Boiler Servicing
You can either pay for a one-off service each year or opt for a service plan or boiler cover contract. Here’s how the two compare:
| Option | Typical Cost | Includes | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-off boiler service | £70 – £120 (once per year) | Annual service only | Simple, no ongoing contract | No cover for breakdowns or repairs |
| Boiler service plan | £8 – £20/month | Annual service + breakdown cover | Peace of mind, repair costs covered | Ongoing cost, may not be needed every year |
| Full home care plan | £20 – £30+/month | Boiler + plumbing + electrics cover | Comprehensive coverage | Most expensive option |
Service plans are ideal for those who want to avoid large repair bills or have an older boiler that may be more prone to issues. If your boiler is relatively new and still under warranty, a one-off service may be all you need.
Do You Need a Boiler Service Certificate?
While not legally required for homeowners, a service record or certificate can be useful—especially if you’re renting, selling your home, or claiming a warranty repair. Landlords are legally required to have a gas safety check (which includes a boiler check) every 12 months.
Regular boiler servicing is a small investment that can save you from costly breakdowns and improve the efficiency of your heating system. Whether you choose a one-off service or a service plan, the key is to stay consistent and always use a qualified engineer. For gas boilers, make sure your engineer is Gas Safe registered.
Looking to book your next boiler service? Compare quotes from local engineers or check whether a service plan could offer better value for your home and peace of mind.
