Boiler servicing contracts: Getting a good boiler service Paying for your boiler service and repairs
It may be cheaper to just pay for repairs when necessary
The cost of a boiler service
You'll probably save money if you pay for services and repairs as you go along. Our research shows that Which? members paid an average of £63 for their boiler service, though you may find it costs more in certain parts of the country.
The alternative is to have a boiler servicing contract with a service included. You pay a monthly fee that also covers repairs. However, our research shows that for nine out of 10 Which? members this was more expensive than paying for one offs.
The majority of Which? members who have a contract say they pay for peace of mind. If this sounds like you, then see our review of boiler servicing contracts. This covers major players like British Gas's Homecare and boiler manufacturers such as Worcester. Find out about prices and which company you're most likely to be satisfied with.
Check your boiler warranty
Before paying for repairs, it's worth checking if your boiler is still under its initial warranty. Most new boilers typically come with cover for parts and labour in the first one or two years.
In addition to this, you have rights under the Sale of Goods Act. If your boiler develops a fault because it is not of satisfactory quality, you can ask for it to be repaired or replaced by the company that sold it to you. This applies if your boiler breaks down or stops working because it wasn’t up to a good enough standard when you bought it. It would not apply to normal wear and tear.
See our advice on dealing with faulty goods for further details.
Home insurance and boilers
Some home insurance also gives you cover for boiler breakdowns, either as standard or as an optional extra, so it's worth checking if you already have this.
The cost of adding breakdown cover to insurance cover is usually much less than getting a breakdown contract, but you don't get the same benefits.
Warm Front grants
If you are claiming benefits, you may be eligible for a Warm Front Grant of up to £3,500 to cover boiler repairs or replacement. If you are over 60, but don't qualify for a grant, you may still be able to get a £300 rebate on work carried out on an inoperable system. Our full guide to energy grants explains in detail the latest financial help that may be available.
- Check our our boiler buying video guide
- Compare the costs and benefits of boiler servicing contracts
- Find out which boilers are our Best Buy boilers
