How often should I service my boiler?

Your boiler should be serviced once every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This keeps it running safely and efficiently, and is usually required to maintain the manufacturer's warranty. Landlords are legally required to arrange an annual gas safety check.

Is an annual boiler service a legal requirement?

For homeowners, an annual boiler service is not a legal requirement but is strongly recommended. For landlords, it is a legal requirement under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. Landlords must have all gas appliances checked every 12 months and provide tenants with a Gas Safety Record.

How much does a boiler service cost?

A standard annual boiler service typically costs between £55 and £100 in the Exmouth area. Some engineers offer a fixed price, while others charge an hourly rate. A service is significantly cheaper than the emergency repairs that can result from skipping one.

What happens during a boiler service?

A Gas Safe engineer will carry out a visual inspection of the boiler and flue, test the gas pressure and flow rate, check the combustion with a flue gas analyser, clean key components, test all safety controls and check for leaks. The full process usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.

Will I lose my boiler warranty if I skip a service?

Most likely, yes. Almost all boiler manufacturers require an annual service by a Gas Safe registered engineer to keep the warranty valid. If your boiler develops a fault covered by warranty and you cannot show proof of annual servicing, the manufacturer can refuse the claim.

When is the best time of year to service a boiler?

Summer is the best time. Heating engineers are less busy between May and September, so you are more likely to get a convenient appointment and may find lower prices. Servicing in summer also means your boiler is ready before the heating season starts in autumn.

What is the difference between a boiler service and a Gas Safety Record (CP12)?

A boiler service is a thorough inspection and maintenance of the boiler. A Gas Safety Record, also known as a CP12, is a legal document confirming that all gas appliances in a rented property have been checked and are safe. A landlord gas safety check covers all gas appliances but may not include the full cleaning and maintenance of a dedicated boiler service.

Can I service my own boiler?

No. All work on gas boilers must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. It is illegal for anyone not on the Gas Safe Register to work on gas appliances. Attempting to service your own boiler is dangerous and could invalidate your home insurance.

How Often Should You Service Your Boiler?

Your boiler should be serviced every 12 months. For landlords it is a legal requirement. Here is everything UK homeowners need to know about boiler servicing — what the law says, what a service includes and what happens if you skip one.

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Who Needs to Service Their Boiler?

The answer depends on whether you own your home, rent it out or run a business.

Homeowners

Recommended annually

There is no legal requirement for homeowners to service their own boiler, but an annual service is strongly recommended for safety. Most boiler manufacturers require an annual service to keep the warranty valid — skip it and you could void a warranty worth thousands of pounds.

Landlords

Legally required every 12 months

Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, landlords must have all gas appliances checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You must provide tenants with a copy of the Gas Safety Record (CP12) within 28 days of the check or before they move in.

Businesses

Legally required annually

Commercial premises with gas appliances must have them checked annually under the same regulations. The responsible person must keep records of all inspections and ensure engineers are Gas Safe registered.

What Does a Boiler Service Include?

A standard boiler service takes 30 to 60 minutes. Here is what a Gas Safe engineer will check.

Visual inspection

The engineer checks the boiler casing, pipework, flue and ventilation for any visible damage, corrosion or signs of leaking.

Burner and combustion check

The gas burner is inspected and the combustion is tested with a flue gas analyser to make sure the boiler is burning gas safely and efficiently.

Flue and ventilation test

The flue is checked for blockages and correct termination. The engineer verifies that the room has adequate ventilation for safe combustion.

Pressure and flow checks

Gas pressure, water pressure and flow rates are tested to make sure they are within the manufacturer's specified range.

Component cleaning

Key components such as the burner, heat exchanger and condensate trap are cleaned to maintain efficiency and prevent breakdowns.

Safety controls test

All safety devices are tested to confirm they shut the boiler down correctly in the event of a fault. The engineer also checks the carbon monoxide alarm if one is fitted.

Signs Your Boiler Needs Attention

Do not wait for your annual service if you notice any of these warning signs.

Book a Service Soon

Your energy bills are rising without a change in usage
The boiler makes unusual noises — banging, kettling or gurgling
Radiators take longer to heat up than they used to
The boiler shows intermittent error codes
You notice a yellow or orange flame instead of blue

Call an Engineer Now

You can smell gas — leave the property and call 0800 111 999
The boiler is leaking water
You see black marks or staining around the boiler
The pilot light keeps going out
Anyone in the household has symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure (headaches, dizziness, nausea)

What Happens If You Skip a Service?

An annual service costs £55 to £100. Skipping it can cost you far more.

Voided warranty

Most manufacturers require proof of annual servicing to honour warranty claims. A new boiler warranty can cover parts and labour for five to ten years — but only if you can show a service record for every year.

Higher repair bills

Small faults caught early during a service cost far less to fix than a full breakdown in the middle of winter. A minor repair might cost £100 to £250, while an emergency callout with parts can easily exceed £500.

Reduced efficiency

An unserviced boiler loses efficiency over time as components get dirty and settings drift. This shows up as higher gas bills — potentially £100 to £200 more per year for a boiler that is not running at peak efficiency.

Carbon monoxide risk

A poorly maintained boiler can produce carbon monoxide, an odourless gas that causes around 40 deaths per year in the UK. An annual service includes a combustion check that catches this early. Always have a working CO alarm near your boiler.

Boiler Servicing FAQs

Book Your Boiler Service in Exmouth

Browse our directory of local Gas Safe heating engineers covering Exmouth and East Devon. Summer is the best time to book — engineers are less busy and your boiler will be ready for winter.

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Need a repair? See our boiler repair guide. Wondering about costs? Check our plumber costs page or use the cost calculator. Thinking about a new boiler? Read our new boiler cost guide and repair vs replacement comparison. Find Gas Safe plumbers in Exmouth. Keep your full system healthy with our annual maintenance checklist. If your engineer flags a heavily loaded magnetic filter at service, ask about a power flush. Want to verify your engineer's credentials? Read our Gas Safe certificate guide.