Should You Turn Your Boiler Off in Summer? Here’s the Truth.
Search Should You Turn Your Boiler Off in Summer? Here’s the Truth. Summer’s here finally. The sun’s shining (most days),
You wouldn’t skip a regular check-up for your car, would you? So why leave your boiler out in the cold? A healthy boiler equals a happy home, and we’re here to ensure you don’t wake up shivering in the dead of winter. Caring for your boiler is more than just maintenance—it’s an investment in warmth, safety, and peace of mind. Whether your boiler is gas, LPG, or oil, regular servicing is a must. Oh, and there’s a sweet deal waiting for you—so stick with us as we break it all down!
Here’s the quick and easy answer: boiler servicing typically costs between £80 and £160 in the UK. That’s the ballpark figure, but prices can vary depending on your boiler type and where you live. At Ignite Heating, we’ve covered you with a standard price of £102 for most boilers. But let’s dig deeper into the details because not all boilers are created equal, and neither are their servicing needs.
If you own a gas combi boiler, congratulations! You’re the proud owner of a compact and efficient heating system that provides hot water on demand. These boilers are a popular choice in many UK homes, and keeping them running smoothly is essential.
Cost: A gas combi boiler service will set you back between £80 and £160.
Ignite Heating price: our price is a very competitive £102.
Why It’s Important: A Gas Safe-registered engineer will perform thorough checks, ensuring that your boiler is functioning efficiently and safely. These professionals know their way around gas appliances and will provide you with a service certificate detailing their findings and recommendations. That piece of paper isn’t just for show—it’s proof that your boiler is in tip-top shape.
Heat-only boilers might not be as sleek as their combi cousins, but they’re a reliable choice for many homes with high hot water demand. If you’ve got a traditional setup with a hot water cylinder and a cold water tank, this is likely your boiler type.
Cost: Expect to pay between £80 and £160 for a service.
Ignite Heating Price: We offer this for just £102.
What to Expect: Gas Safe engineers will perform a series of safety checks, cleaning, and maintenance tasks. You’ll receive a detailed report outlining what was done and any issues spotted. Think of it as a health check for your boiler—catching small problems before they turn into expensive repairs.
System boilers are the middle ground between combi and heat-only boilers. They’re perfect for homes with multiple bathrooms, as they store hot water in a cylinder. Regular servicing is vital to keep the system working efficiently.
Cost: Servicing a gas system boiler costs around £80 to £160.
Ignite Heating Price: we’ll take care of it for £102.
Why Service Matters: System boilers are a bit more complex than combi boilers, so you’ll want a qualified engineer to inspect every component. After the service, you’ll get a Gas Safety Certificate—your assurance that everything is in good working order.
If your home isn’t connected to the mains gas network, you might rely on an LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) boiler. These boilers require specialized care, and their servicing costs reflect that.
Cost: The average price for an LPG combi boiler service is £90 to £160.
Ignite Heating Price: We charge £110 for this service.
Why It’s Important: LPG boilers need Gas Safe engineers with specific qualifications. They’ll provide a certificate of inspection, ensuring your system is safe and efficient.
Cost: This type of service costs around £90 to £160
Ignite Heating Price: We offer it for £110.
Key Benefits: Regular servicing includes safety checks, cleaning, and maintenance. A detailed report ensures you’re aware of any potential issues, keeping your home warm and safe.
Cost: The service cost ranges from £90 to £160
Ignite Heating Price: The cost is £110.
Why Service Matters: These boilers are intricate, and neglecting them can lead to inefficiencies or breakdowns. A Gas Safe engineer will check everything and give you a detailed report.
Oil boilers are a common choice in rural areas, where mains gas isn’t available. These boilers are robust but require regular servicing to prevent issues.
Cost: Servicing an oil combi boiler costs between £120 and £250.
Ignite Heating offers this service for £150.
Qualifications Matter: Oil boilers require an OFTEC-certified engineer. They’ll issue an OFTEC service report, ensuring your boiler is safe and efficient.
Cost: This type of service costs £150 to £300,
Ignite Heating’s Price: £160.
Why It’s Essential: Servicing includes safety checks, efficiency tests, and cleaning. An OFTEC report ensures your system meets safety standards.
Cost: Expect to pay between £150 and £300.
Ignite Heating charges £170 for this service.
The Benefits: An OFTEC-certified engineer will perform a thorough inspection, ensuring your boiler operates efficiently. The service certificate provides peace of mind that everything is in order.
Prices can vary depending on where you live. For example, London and the South East tend to have higher prices due to increased demand and higher living costs. In contrast, prices in the North and rural areas might be slightly lower. Here’s a rough breakdown:
Boiler Service in London: £110 to £160
Boiler Service in the South East: £90 to £140
Boiler Service in the South West: £80 to £130
Boiler Service in the Midlands: £85 to £120
Boiler Service in the North West: £80 to £120
Boiler Service in the North East: £85 to £115
Boiler Service in Scotland: £90 to £140
Boiler Service in Wales: £85 to £130
Boiler Service in Northern Ireland: £90 – £125
Here’s a table showing estimated boiler servicing costs by location across the UK. These prices can vary based on the engineer, type of boiler, and specific service required.
Location | Typical price range | Average price |
London | £110 – £160 | £135 |
Southeast | £90 – £140 | £115 |
Southwest | £80 – £130 | £105 |
Midlands | £85 – £120 | £105 |
North West | £80 – £120 | £100 |
North East | £85 – £115 | £100 |
Scotland | £90 – £140 | £115 |
Wales | £85 – £130 | £110 |
Northern Ireland | £90 – £125 | £110 |
Boiler Type | Duration | Typical Cost | Average Cost |
Combi Boiler | 1 – 1.5 hours | £80 – £160 | £110 |
Heat Only Boiler | 1 – 2 hours | £80 – £160 | £120 |
System Boiler | 1 – 2 hours | £80 – £160 | £120 |
Oil Boiler | 1 – 2 hours | £120 – £250 | £180 |
Electric Boiler | 1 – 1.5 hours | £75 – £140 | £110 |
Servicing your boiler annually is crucial for maintaining efficiency, ensuring safety, and preventing costly breakdowns. Here’s a detailed overview of the time and costs involved for different types of boilers:
Time Required: 1 to 1.5 hours
Average Cost: £110
Details: Combi boilers, which provide both heating and hot water, are compact and generally straightforward to service. A routine check typically includes inspecting the heat exchanger, burners, and pressure levels, as well as cleaning key components.
Time Required: 1 to 2 hours
Average Cost: £120
Details: Heat-only boilers, often used in homes with separate hot water tanks, require attention to the boiler unit itself as well as external components like the tank and pipework. Maintenance ensures the system operates efficiently, especially in larger homes.
Time Required: 1 to 2 hours
Average Cost: £120
Details: System boilers include an integrated pump and expansion vessel, which need regular checks to avoid performance issues. During servicing, the engineer may also inspect associated components like radiators and thermostatic controls.
Time Required: 1 to 2 hours
Average Cost: £180
Details: Oil boilers are slightly more complex than gas or electric systems, requiring additional checks, such as cleaning the oil filter, testing the nozzle, and inspecting for leaks in the fuel supply. Proper maintenance is crucial to ensure safety and compliance with environmental standards.
Time Required: 1 to 1.5 hours
Average Cost: £110
Details: Electric boilers are generally easier to maintain, as they don’t have moving parts like gas or oil burners. Servicing focuses on inspecting the heating elements, connections, and overall system efficiency.
Boiler servicing might not always be at the top of your to-do list, but it’s one of the smartest investments for your home. Here’s why regular servicing is a must:
1. Avoid Costly Meltdowns
Small problems, like a minor leak or an inefficient burner, can quickly escalate into major (and expensive) repairs. Regular servicing allows engineers to identify and fix these issues early, saving you from surprise bills or waking up to a freezing house when your boiler suddenly gives up.
2. Prioritise Safety
A faulty boiler isn’t just inconvenient—it can be dangerous. Gas boilers, in particular, can leak carbon monoxide, a silent, odourless gas that poses serious health risks. An annual service ensures your boiler is safe, giving you peace of mind that your home and family are protected.
3. Extend Your Boiler’s Lifespan
Just like a car, a boiler lasts longer when it’s well-maintained. Routine checks keep your boiler running smoothly, preventing unnecessary wear and tear. This can add years to its lifespan, saving you thousands on an early replacement.
4. Protect Your Warranty
Most boiler warranties require annual servicing to remain valid. Skipping a service could void your warranty, leaving you unprotected in case of a breakdown. Regular maintenance keeps you covered and avoids any awkward “not our problem” moments with the manufacturer.
5. Ensure Peak Efficiency
A well-maintained boiler operates more efficiently, meaning it uses less energy to heat your home. Over time, this improved efficiency translates to lower energy bills. Especially with rising energy costs, this is a benefit you can’t afford to overlook.
6. Prevent Unexpected Breakdowns
Boilers are most likely to fail when they’re under the heaviest demand—usually in the middle of winter. Regular servicing helps identify potential issues before they cause a breakdown, ensuring you’re not left shivering in the cold or scrambling for emergency repairs.
7. Comply with Legal Obligations (for Landlords)
If you’re a landlord, annual boiler servicing isn’t just good practice—it’s the law. Gas appliances must undergo an annual gas safety check to ensure tenant safety. Regular servicing helps you stay compliant and provides peace of mind for you and your tenants.
8. Maintain Consistent Heating and Hot Water
No one wants to deal with cold showers or an uncomfortably chilly home, especially in the winter. Routine servicing ensures your boiler continues to deliver reliable heating and hot water without interruptions.
9. Detect Limescale and Sludge Build-Up
Over time, limescale and sludge can build up in your boiler and heating system, reducing efficiency and potentially causing damage. A professional service will identify and address these build-ups before they lead to costly repairs or system failures.
10. Enjoy Peace of Mind
A serviced boiler means one less thing to worry about. You can relax knowing your heating system is in top condition, ready to handle the demands of the colder months without any unexpected hiccups.
11. Skip the Winter Rush
Boiler engineers are in high demand during the winter when breakdowns and heating emergencies are at their peak. Beat the crowd by scheduling your service during the off-season (spring or summer) when availability is better, and you’re less likely to experience delays.
Finding the right professional is crucial to ensure quality service. Here are some tips to help you choose the best boiler engineer:
Check for Accreditation:
For gas boilers, look for a Gas Safe registered engineer.
For oil boilers, ensure they are OFTEC registered.
These certifications guarantee the engineer is trained and qualified to work safely on your boiler.
Ask for Recommendations:
Friends, family, or neighbours can often recommend reliable engineers they’ve used.
Read Reviews:
Check online reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, Google, or Checkatrade to gauge customer satisfaction.
Request a Quote:
Get quotes from at least two or three engineers to compare prices and services offered.
Look for Experience:
An experienced engineer is more likely to diagnose and fix problems efficiently. Ask about their expertise with your boiler type or brand.
Check for Insurance:
Ensure the engineer has liability insurance in case something goes wrong during the service.
Confirm Availability:
During peak seasons, engineers can be fully booked. Look for someone who can schedule your service at a convenient time.
Ask About Guarantees:
A reputable engineer should offer a guarantee for their work, ensuring peace of mind if issues arise after the service.
Use this checklist to prepare for your boiler service and keep it running efficiently:
Know Your Boiler Type:
Identify whether you have a combi, system, heat-only, oil, or electric boiler.
Check for Warning Signs:
Note any unusual noises, leaks, or error codes on your boiler display.
Monitor for inconsistent heating or hot water.
Keep the Area Accessible:
Clear the space around your boiler to give the engineer easy access.
Review Your Warranty:
Check if your warranty requires specific servicing guidelines or records.
Ask for a Service Report:
Ensure the engineer provides a detailed report of the checks performed and any issues found.
Check for Recommendations:
Follow any advice from the engineer regarding repairs, part replacements, or system upgrades.
Test the Boiler:
Run your heating and hot water to ensure everything is working properly.
Keep Records:
Save your service report and receipts for warranty purposes and future reference.
Bleed your radiators to remove trapped air and improve heating efficiency.
Regularly check your boiler’s pressure and top it up if needed.
Insulate pipes during winter to prevent freezing.
Set your heating on a timer to maintain consistent use and reduce strain on the system.
Your boiler gets the VIP treatment. We’ll check for wear and tear, clean key components, run safety tests (like checking for carbon monoxide), and ensure everything is working efficiently.
It’s risky business. You could void your warranty, face higher repair costs, or worse—deal with a breakdown during the chilliest months.
Both have their perks. A service is a must for maintenance, but a cover plan can save your bacon during emergencies. Either way, don’t skip the service—it’s your boiler’s lifeline.
Nope! Our pricing is transparent and includes all essential checks and cleaning. If additional repairs are needed, we’ll provide a detailed quote before proceeding.
We provide flexible payment options, so you can spread the cost of repairs or upgrades if needed.
Still have questions? Contact Ignite Heating for advice today!
Click here to book your service — because your boiler deserves it.
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