I’ve had customers in Bromley tell me they paid £45 for a “service” and never even saw the boiler casing come off. No combustion test. No flue check. No paperwork.
If you’ve searched “how much is a boiler service” and seen wildly different prices, you’re not imagining it. This page explains what’s behind those numbers — honestly.
In most UK homes, a proper boiler service usually costs somewhere between £70 and £120.
That range exists for a reason. Some services take 30 minutes. Some take over an hour. Some involve equipment, testing and explanation. Others barely scratch the surface.
I’ve had customers in Bromley tell me they paid £45 for a “service” and never even saw the boiler casing come off. No combustion test. No flue check. No paperwork.
Unlike a product with a fixed price tag, a boiler service is skilled labour. The cost reflects what’s actually being done — and how thoroughly.
A genuine service typically takes 45–60 minutes for a combi boiler. Anything significantly shorter usually means corners are being cut.
Combustion analysis requires calibrated flue gas analysers that are tested regularly. That equipment isn’t cheap — and neither is the training behind it.
An engineer who understands patterns — how boilers age, where faults start — will spot things others miss. That comes from time on the tools, not rushing.
When people ask me why one service costs more than another, I usually ask them what they expect to be checked.
That’s what you’re paying for — not just a stamp in a book.
I’m not saying all low-cost services are bad — but this is what I often end up correcting afterwards.
That’s why I always tell homeowners to judge value, not just price. You can see what a full service involves on the main boiler servicing page.
This comes up a lot, especially with landlords and older systems.
Boiler insurance can make sense if:
But insurance isn’t the same as servicing. Many policies still require an annual service — and some only cover specific faults.
I always recommend comparing carefully before deciding. You can read more about this on the boiler insurance comparison page.
A homeowner in Orpington booked the cheapest service they could find. Six weeks later, the boiler locked out during a cold snap. The original “saving” disappeared fast.
In Croydon, a landlord opted for a proper annual service. We caught a failing seal early — no breakdowns, no emergency callouts.
Most proper services fall between £70 and £120 depending on location and boiler type.
Usually because checks are limited or time on site is minimal.
Not automatically — but extremely cheap services are often limited.
No. A service checks condition; repairs are separate if required.
Not usually — but CP12 certificates are a separate requirement.
If you’re in Orpington, Bromley, Croydon or nearby and want an honest assessment of your boiler, just get in touch.