Looking after your boiler

Looking after your boiler is especially important in the lead-up to winter. Going without hot water and heating is bad news at any time of year, but particularly in the colder months.

How often should I get my boiler serviced?

Get your boiler serviced every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer. It's a good idea to do this before winter, in case the service shows that you need a new boiler. 

If you own your home

If you own your home, you might qualify for a free annual safety check. These are for people who receive means-tested benefits and are over State Pension age or living with a disability or long-term health condition. The check consists of a basic examination but isn’t a substitute for regular servicing.

You might want to consider getting boiler cover or home emergency cover. This can give you peace of mind that the cost of servicing or repairing your boiler will be paid – but it's important to remember that it won’t cover the cost of a new boiler.

If you live in a rented property

If you live in a rented property and have a gas boiler, make sure your landlord has it safety checked every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer (although a safety check isn’t as comprehensive as a full boiler service). Your landlord is responsible for repairing your boiler if it’s not working properly

When should I replace my boiler?

If your boiler is over 12 years old, you might want to think about replacing it. This can save hundreds of pounds, depending on the type of property and boiler you have.

Always use a Gas Safe registered installer when you’re having work carried out on a gas heating system and ask the installer for help with setting the controls if you need it.

What should I do if my boiler breaks down?

If your boiler breaks down, call out a Gas Safe registered engineer to find out what’s wrong and whether it can be repaired. If you live in a rented property, call your landlord.

If you’re a homeowner, you may be able to get a new boiler through the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme. Under the scheme, energy suppliers provide money to help people pay for energy-saving measures such as boiler repairs and replacements, renewable heating systems, and insulation. However, you can generally only get your boiler repaired or replaced if you have insulation installed under the ECO scheme at the same time.

Find out more about the ECO scheme on the Ofgem website

You might also be able to get a boiler with emergency assistance from your local council or from one of the following schemes: 

• the British Gas Energy Trust
• the EDF Energy Customer Support Fund
• the E.ON Next Energy Fund.

If you receive certain means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit, you may be able to get a Budgeting Loan or Budgeting Advance to pay for a new boiler. You'll repay this out of your ongoing entitlement.

If you receive the Winter Fuel Payment, you could also put this towards a new boiler.