The true cost of fixing a boiler

A boiler breakdown, especially in winter, can be a stressful and costly occurrence and that’s after you’ve had to deal with the discomfort of being cold in your own home.

If you’re concerned about how much it might cost to fix your boiler or are looking to prevent any boiler issues, read on and we’ll give you the full lowdown on the true cost of fixing a boiler.

How much does it cost to fix a boiler

The cost of fixing a boiler varies depending on the kind of issue, the type of boiler you have and how old your boiler is.

The make of boiler you have and how long it takes for an engineer to fix the problem, as well as any call out charges, should also be taken into consideration.

If you have an older boiler, it can be more expensive to fix as the cost of parts will be higher as they may be more difficult for heating engineers and plumbers to source.

If you have to replace the gas valve on your boiler, then you can expect to pay around £200.

If your boiler is leaking or dripping, you may need a new pump, which can cost as much as £300. Call out charges for emergencies can range between £60 and £100 depending on the engineer you use and where you live.

Remember that any charges will also require you to pay VAT, at a rate of 20%. That means a charge of £100 will actually cost you £120.

Should I get my boiler serviced and how much does it cost?

Yes, it’s a great idea to get your boiler serviced every 12 months. Having one carried out by a Gas Safe Engineer will ensure that it works smoothly for longer, keeping it efficient and mitigating against any unexpected breakdowns.

Plumbers and heating engineers get extremely busy during the colder months, with more callouts to fix boiler repairs when consumers put their heating on for the first time since last winter.

That means you should book in a boiler service during summer, when a boiler breakdown won’t leave you cold and engineers are more readily available.

The engineer will clean out any dirt and debris from inside the boiler and inspect the interior to ensure there are no problems that could cause boiler breakdown.

They will fire the boiler once they have finished and listen for any abnormal sounds and then log the service in the instruction booklet provided by the manufacturer.

Never try to fix or service a boiler yourself and always use a Gas Safe Engineer.

How much does a boiler service cost?

A boiler service costs around £100 plus VAT. While that might seem like a big outlay, it’s likely to cost far less than calling out an engineer for an emergency repair and can help you isolate any issues before winter arrives.

If you have boiler cover, then you are likely to get an annual boiler service as part of your insurance policy.

How much does it cost to install a new boiler?

The cost of installing a new boiler depends on the kind of boiler you need and its size. For a combi boiler, which can heat your home and deliver immediate hot water, you can expect to pay around £1,500 plus VAT at £300, and around £300 per day to have the boiler fitted.

Combi boilers take a day to fix if it’s simply a case of replacing an older model. That means you’ll pay around £2,100, possibly more if the installation proves more complex.

You can expect to pay more if you need an electric system boiler, a boiler with an additional water cylinder or an oil boiler.

Environmentally friendly biomass boilers also cost more. Exact figures vary depending on the kind of home you have and the system you need to have installed.

For installations:

You’ll need a Gas Safe engineer to install (and repair) a gas boiler

Only use a professionally qualified and certified electrician to fit an electrical boiler to British Standards 7671: 2008 Conditions for Electrical Installation

An OFTEC registered engineer can safely install, repair or service your oil boiler

If you opt for a solid fuel-burning boiler, use a HETAS registered engineer.

The boiler cover option

Boiler cover is a great option and can massively mitigate against the cost of fixing a boiler.

There are loads of boiler cover options, ranging from basic boiler only packages, which cover issues with your boiler but not the wider heating system, all the ebay through to comprehensive packages that take in boiler, heating, hot water and even drainage if you’re willing to pay.

Almost all boiler cover plans come with an annual service included in the cost. This means you can book one ahead of winter and rest assured that your boiler will be in good working order for the months ahead.

Some policies will prevent you from making too many claims in a year, while all will have a short non claim period at the start of the policy, usually 14 days. Older boilers may not be covered, so be sure to check policy details before you take one out.

Boiler only cover typically starts from around £5 a month, a small price to pay for peace of mind.