How long does a boiler service take?

It should take around 60 minutes for a gas boiler to be serviced adequately by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This is because there are many things that need to be checked, such as the boiler and heating controls, safety devices, boiler sensors, combustion chamber, condensate removal path, flue integrity, expansion vessel pressure, gas consumption and flue gas analysis. Essential parts need to be cleaned to remove any carbon deposits on the surface of the heat exchanger inside the combustion chamber.

The duration of the service could vary depending on the make and model of the boiler, whether it’s conventional or combi and its age. For instance, an older boiler that may have missed a service could take longer to service if various parts need to be replaced along the way.

Many engineers will arrange a time slot for you, so you don’t have to wait in all day for your service. This time slot could be a couple of hours, so you know roughly when the heating engineer will arrive.

A boiler service that is completed properly will highlight any safety concerns. For example, the boiler will be tested for safe combustion to ensure it meets the manufacturers requirement. The heating engineer will check for problems like this and more, meaning you can have peace of mind every time your heating comes on.

Once the service is over, the engineer should provide you with a service report. This will state when the service was done, the mandatory safety checks outlined by Gas Safety regulation 26.9, as well as any other work that has been completed. You should check over this to be sure the information is correct and that it has been signed by the engineer. Don’t be afraid to ask them any questions if you need clarification on a couple of points.

It’s often a good idea to have multiple gas appliances serviced together to prevent having to arrange different appointments across the year. If you’re having multiple appliances serviced, such as a gas cooker or fire, you should allow more time, 60 minutes is around the time it should take to service the gas boiler and not other appliances too. 

An oil boiler service may typically take longer than one for a gas boiler. This is because the boiler itself needs to be checked as well as the oil tank that stores the fuel. Gas enters your boiler via the mains supply, however oil must be stored on site and filled up when it’s running low. The tank will need to be checked for bulging, corrosion, leaks and water. Therefore, an oil boiler service should take around one to two hours and may also cost more than a gas service.

It’s extremely important that your boiler is serviced every 12 months. If your boiler is within the warranty period, this could be voided if you don’t arrange the regular, recommended maintenance. The warranty will also be voided if the service isn’t undertaken by a Gas Safe registered engineer, this is a legal requirement. You should ask them upon arrival if they have proof of this certification and if in doubt you can contact Gas Safe directly to verify any credentials for an attending engineer.

A properly maintained system could also save you money, and reduce your carbon footprint. When the components of combustion and critical parts are cleaned, the system will run more efficiently, using less fuel to reach the same heat output. This could save you money on your energy bills each year.

Finally, carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that can be produced by faulty boilers. It’s odourless and colourless, meaning it cannot be detected by humans. Your home should have a carbon monoxide alarm that’s placed around a metre or two away from any gas appliances. A regular service will also ensure that your boiler is running safely.