A gas safety check and a boiler service are two very important services for your home that can help keep you and your family safe.
What the two are and what they involve are very similar, which can lead to some confusion.
In this guide, we’ll explain the difference between a gas safety check and a boiler service, what they involve, how much they cost, and how often you should schedule them.
What is a gas safety check?
A gas safety check is an inspection of all gas appliances, performed by a Gas Safe-registered engineer, to ensure they are safe to use.
The process involves checking for gas or carbon monoxide leaks, inspecting the condition of the gas appliances, and verifying that they are installed correctly.
It’s recommended that homeowners have their gas appliances checked to ensure they are safe to use. For landlords, it’s non-negotiable. Landlords are legally required to have their gas appliances checked to ensure that tenants are able to use them without risk.
According to the Health and Safety Executive, a gas safety check is needed by:
- Landlords
- Housing associations
- Local authorities
- Hotels and B&Bs
- Colleges
- Boarding schools
- Hostels
For hotels and B&Bs, it’s important to note that a gas safety check is required for all gas appliances used by guests, even if they’re not directly in the guest rooms.
Read more: Who is responsible for the plumbing in a commercial property?
What does a gas safety check involve?
Generally, a gas safety check involves ensuring that appliances are working properly and not leaking gas.
The engineer will perform a series of checks and tests to ensure that these gas appliances are as safe as possible. These tests and checks include:
Tightness test: The engineer checks the entire gas system for leaks.
Inspection test: The engineer checks the physical condition and the connections of your gas appliances.
Ventilation check: The engineer checks the ventilation of your gas appliances to ensure there is sufficient fresh air.
How much is a gas safety check?
The price can vary depending on who you use, how many appliances you have, and where you live.
A basic check of one or two gas appliances usually averages £40-£80, whereas a more comprehensive check of multiple appliances can cost £100-£200+.
Prices will vary depending on the area you are in and the number of gas appliances you have. It’s always worth checking with Gas Safe engineers for a quote.
How long does a gas safety check take?
A gas safety check usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes for a UK property. This covers the inspection of one to two appliances, such as a boiler and a gas hob.
A more thorough check of multiple appliances usually leans on the higher end of this time frame and can take longer depending on the number of appliances and the extent of the inspection.
How often should you have a gas safety check?
It’s best practice to have a gas safety check performed at least annually to ensure your appliances are safe to use.
After the check, you’ll receive a gas safety certificate, which you must keep hold of to prove that your gas appliances are safe to use.
As a landlord, it’s a legal requirement to both keep a copy of this certificate yourself and provide your tenant with a copy within 28 days of the check being issued.
What is a boiler service?
A boiler service is a thorough inspection of your boiler to ensure it’s running smoothly and to catch any issues before they become costly problems.
What does a boiler service involve?
A standard boiler service covers everything it needs to keep your boiler and your entire central heating system running smoothly.
A standard boiler service includes:
- Inspecting key components like the heat exchanger and the burner, as well as the main controls.
- Monitoring the pressure of the gas and the flow rate of the water.
- A full clean of the critical parts of the boiler to remove dirt and debris that might be causing potential performance issues.
- A full leak inspection of water and gas.
- Checking for any faulty seals that could develop into a leak.
How long does a boiler service take?
An average boiler service usually doesn’t take long, but it depends on the type of boiler you have. For instance, a straightforward combi boiler service usually takes around 30 to 40 minutes.
However, an oil boiler can take longer, as it’s a more complex system that requires a more thorough cleaning and inspection. Expect an oil boiler service to take anywhere between one and two hours.
How often should you service your boiler?
Similar to a gas safety check, your boiler should be serviced at least once a year to make sure it’s running smoothly. If you have a warranty on your boiler, it’s usually a requirement to have it serviced annually to keep your warranty valid.
By regularly servicing your boiler, you’re improving its lifespan and reducing the risk of costly breakdowns.
Read more on how often to service your boiler.
How much is a boiler service?
A one-off boiler service for a gas or LPG boiler in the UK usually costs £120 (including VAT). As oil boilers are more complex systems, they tend to be slightly more expensive, so expect to pay around £150 (including VAT).
Some companies offer boiler service plans, which help you spread the cost of your boiler service over the year, saving you from paying for it in one go.
These plans also come with benefits such as breakdown cover, a full check of your central heating system, and a discount on any parts needed for repairs.
Gas safety check vs boiler service
The biggest difference between a gas safety check and a boiler service is that a gas safety check covers all your gas appliances, whereas a boiler service focuses specifically on your boiler (and your central heating, depending on the extent of the service).
While a gas safety check covers your boiler too, it’s more of a quick inspection to confirm the appliance is safe and not leaking, rather than the level of detail you would receive from a standard boiler service.
Both are crucial checks you should schedule annually, and as long as you know the differences between the two, you’ll ensure your boiler and all your gas appliances are safe and functioning.
