Boiler servicing contract reviews: Boiler part replacement costs
Boiler servicing expert Adrian Fuller gives costs for replacing key boiler parts
Most common boiler problems and replacement costs
For those who don’t want a boiler servicing contract, we asked Adrian Fuller, whose company has been highly recommended on our Which? Local service, to say how much common boiler faults cost to repair.
Prices shown are the range that Adrian’s company in Surrey has charged over the past 12 months, including parts, labour and VAT. Costs vary depending on boiler type, age and model. Labour costs will also vary, depending on where you live.
Parts are in the order that Adrian's team needed to replace them during a 12-month period ending in June 2009. Diverter/zone valves were the most frequently replaced parts and the ignition the least.
A regular service to your boiler should help prolong the life of your boiler and its parts, but you could be better off putting money aside in a savings account or cash Isa in the event of having to pay for boiler repairs.
| Boiler parts and replacement costs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Boiler Part | Cost to replace part (including installation) | What boiler part does |
Diverter/zone valves | £118 - £533 | Directs flow of heated water from the boiler for heating or hot water |
Printed circuit board | £210 - £434 | The ‘brain’ – it makes things run together |
Pump | £139 - £389 | Moves heated water from the boiler, for either heating or hot water |
Fan | £203 - £630 | Moves air through the boiler for combustion |
Gas valve | £156 - £554 | Regulates gas flow to the burner |
Overheat thermostat | £83 - £360 | Prevents boiler from overheating |
Automatic air vent | £47 - £232 | Lets air out of the boiler |
Pressure relief valve | £98 - £197 | Safety component that ensures pressure does not become dangerous |
Thermocouple (only found in older boilers) | £57 - £145 | Essential component in preventing gas leaks if your pilot light goes out |
Ignition | £48 - £139 | Ignites the pilot/main flame |
Adrian has not needed to replace an expansion vessel in the past 12 months, but this can be quite an expensive component to replace.
The expansion vessel prevents sealed heating systems from becoming over pressurised. In our 2008 research Adrian's company had quoted an average price of £324 for replacing an expansion vessel.
Adrian's company charges £84 for a full boiler service. For advice from Adrian and his colleague on what to look out for in a boiler service see our video guide on getting a good boiler service.
Electric heaters
Heating engineers may not always have the necessary parts to make repairs immediately, and if parts are not easily available, you may be left with no heating for a few days. It's worth having a few portable heaters stowed away in case this happens.