How much does a boiler repair cost? [November 2025]

How much does a boiler repair cost?
 

Boiler breakdowns always seem to happen at the worst possible time - usually right when the cold weather hits!

The cost of a boiler repair can vary quite a bit depending on what’s gone wrong and the type of boiler you have. A small issue like a faulty thermostat or pressure problem might only set you back around £120, while bigger jobs - like a new fan, diverter valve, or burner repair can easily reach £500 or more.

On average, though, most boiler repairs in the UK cost between £150 and £400, including VAT.

Heating engineers will typically charge an hourly rate for boiler repairs, but you may find some engineers will charge a fixed price depending on the issue.

Here’s a breakdown of typical boiler repair costs inside and outside of London.

How much does an emergency boiler repair cost?
 

It’s everyone’s worst nightmare - a boiler breakdown on a cold winter’s evening. And it’ll come as no surprise that emergency boiler repairs are typically more expensive than standard callouts.

Same-day or emergency call-outs usually range from £100 - £180 (inc. VAT) depending on the time of day, and whether it’s a weekend, bank holiday or evening slot. This usually covers the engineer’s first hour of labour, but they may sometimes charge the first hour on top of this.

If you can safely manage without heating or hot water overnight, you’ll usually save money by booking a next-day or scheduled repair instead. But for urgent issues — like a gas leak, no heating in freezing weather, or a leaking boiler - it’s always best to call a Gas Safe Registered engineer immediately.

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How do I know which type of boiler I have?
 

Not sure whether you have a combi, system, heat-only, gas or electric boiler?

Around 78% of households in the UK use gas central heating - so if you pay a gas bill, there’s a good chance your boiler is gas-powered. ^[1] 

How does the type of boiler affect the cost of repairs?

The type of boiler has a big impact on how much you’ll pay for a repair.
 

Electric boilers

Electric boilers are often cheaper to repair than gas or oil boilers. They don’t have as many moving parts, and repairs are generally simpler – but electrical issues or component failures can still be costly depending on the part that’s failed.

Gas boiler

Gas boiler repairs are typically more expensive because they involve more complex systems and must be carried out by a Gas Safe Registered engineer. Common gas boiler repairs include replacing fan units, heat exchangers or diverter valves – all of which can run into a few hundred pounds.
 

Oil boilers

Oil boilers tend to be more expensive to repair. That’s because parts are less common and engineers qualified under the OFTEC scheme are more specialist.

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What's the difference between a combi boiler, a heat-only boiler and a system boiler?

Here’s a simple comparison of the three most common boiler types found in UK homes:

What other factors affect the cost of a boiler repair?

1. How busy are your local engineers?
 

During the colder months (especially from October through February), local heating engineers are in high demand, as they’re busy with urgent boiler breakdowns, emergency repairs, and heating call-outs. This increased demand can push prices up, particularly for same-day or next-day repairs.

If you can, try to book non-urgent repairs during quieter periods (like spring or summer), when engineers are less busy and may offer fixed-price boiler repair deals or discounted call-out rates.

2. Where you live

In London and the South East, the cost of a boiler repair is typically 20% higher, reflecting the higher living costs and travel expenses.

It's worth bearing in mind, though, that if you live in a rural area, an engineer might add a small surcharge to cover travel time or mileage.

3. When you book

Unsurprisingly, heating engineers will usually charge more for boiler repairs booked during unsociable hours, such as early in the morning, late evenings, weekends, and bank holidays. And of course, emergency boiler repairs almost always cost more.

4. Who you book with
 

Independent engineers and small local businesses often charge lower rates than larger national companies.

That said, larger tradesperson companies usually include added perks, such as access to a customer support team, better availability and an instant online price and booking form, which, for many, is worth the slightly higher cost.

Which type of boiler is easiest to repair?

In general, combi boilers are the quickest to diagnose and repair since everything is contained within one unit.
However, system and heat-only boilers include external components (like pumps and cylinders), which can make maintenance more involved, though replacement parts are sometimes cheaper.

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How long does it take to repair a boiler?

The time it takes to repair a boiler can vary depending on the type of fault, the make and model of your boiler. However, in most cases, a boiler repair takes between 1-3 hours to complete. Of course, more complex issues will take longer.

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When is a boiler replacement more cost-efficient than a boiler repair?

It’s the question most people ask when their boiler starts playing up - is it worth repairing, or should you just bite the bullet and get a new one?

The short answer is it all depends on your boiler’s age, the problem, and how often it’s breaking down.

If your boiler is fairly new (under 10 years old) and you’ve not had many issues with it, a repair is usually the most cost-efficient option. Most common boiler problems (e.g. leaks, pressure faults or broken sensors) can be fixed for around £100 - £300, and your boiler will usually be back up and running the same day.

But if your boiler is older, out of warranty, or seems to break every winter, it might be time to start thinking about a replacement. Major repairs (like replacing a PCB, heat exchanger or pump) can cost £500 - £1,000+, and at that point, you’re often better off putting that money towards a brand-new boiler instead.

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Can an annual boiler service help save me money on boiler repairs?

The best way to avoid unexpected boiler breakdowns is with an annual boiler service - it's better to be proactive than reactive when it comes down to your boiler.

An average boiler service costs £70 - £130 including VAT, depending on your boiler type and helps spot small issues before they become big problems.  

If you're a landlord, it’s a legal requirement under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 to get your boiler serviced every year by a Gas Safe Registered engineer. ^[3] This keeps your tenants safe and helps make sure your property stays compliant with the law.

If you’re a homeowner, there’s no legal rule saying you must get your boiler serviced each year - but it’s definitely worth doing anyway. We've written a comprehensive cost guide on boiler service, which you can read here.

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Is boiler cover worth it?

You can also protect yourself from big repair bills with a boiler cover plan. Boiler cover essentially works like insurance - you pay a monthly fee (usually just £3 - £25 per month) and can claim for repairs if your boiler breaks down. You usually need to pay an excess to make a claim on the cover - which is normally £50 - £100. Popular providers include Homeserve, British Gas HomeCare and Hometree.

However, boiler cover policies often require you to get your boiler serviced annually (and not all include the service in the monthly cost). If you don’t already have cover, and your boiler is older or unreliable, it’s worth considering taking out boiler cover to avoid costly breakdowns.

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What are the signs that your boiler needs repairing?

It's often obvious when something is wrong with your boiler. However, sometimes there are some more hidden signs that you need a boiler repair. 

1. No heating or hot water

Pretty obvious, but if your radiators are stone cold or your taps aren’t running hot, it’s a clear sign something’s up. It could be anything from low pressure to a faulty valve or broken pump.

2. Strange noises

If your boiler starts making banging, whistling, or gurgling sounds, don’t ignore it. These noises could point to trapped air, limescale build-up (known as “kettling”), or worn-out components.

3. Leaks or puddles

Water leaking from your boiler is never a good sign. It could be a minor seal issue, or something more serious like a pressure or corrosion problem — either way, get an engineer to take a look ASAP.

4. Boiler keeps switching off

If your boiler keeps cutting out or won’t stay on, it might be due to low water pressure, a faulty thermostat, or an issue with the pump or sensors.

5. Unusual smells

A faint metallic, burning, or eggy smell around your boiler can be a warning sign. Turn it off and call a Gas Safe Registered engineer immediately - especially if you suspect a gas leak.

6. Pilot light keeps going out (or has changed colour)

If you’ve got an older boiler, a yellow or orange pilot light instead of a steady blue one can mean a problem with gas combustion — again, this needs checking straight away.

7. Rising energy bills

If your bills are creeping up but your usage hasn’t changed, your boiler might be running inefficiently and could need a service or repair.

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Can I fix a boiler myself?
 

In short, no - you shouldn’t try to fix your boiler yourself. Boilers are complex gas or electrical appliances, and small mistakes can be dangerous. If your boiler runs on gas, it’s actually illegal for anyone who isn’t Gas Safe registered to remove the cover or tamper with internal parts. Doing so could risk gas leaks, carbon monoxide exposure, or even explosions, and it can also void your warranty or home insurance.

For gas boilers, look for a Gas Safe Registered engineer - they’ll carry an official ID card. For oil boilers, you’ll need an OFTEC-registered engineer, and for electric boilers a heating specialist. 

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Where can I find a qualified heating engineer to repair my boiler?

If your boiler’s on the blink, you'll need to find a qualified and registered heating engineer.

• For gas boilers, always use a Gas Safe Registered engineer - you can check or search for one on the official Gas Safe Register website.
• For oil boilers, look for an OFTEC-registered technician. You can find one near you on the OFTEC website.
• For electric boilers, choose a qualified electrician or heating specialist with experience in electric systems.

You can also find a heating engineer through online directories or by contacting your boiler manufacturer, who may have an approved repair network.

Or you can take the hassle out of finding a tried and trusted heating engineer and book with a professional tradesperson service such as Housekeep. All our gas & heating engineers are Gas Safe Registered, and you can book a gas & heating engineer for any heating-related job in your home, including boiler repairs. Just let us know what's wrong with your boiler and we'll give you a price. We even have emergency heating engineers available on the very same day.

Sources

1. Uswitch: UK boiler statistics 2023
2. Gov.uk: Landlord and Tenant Act 1985

Written by Georgina Shepherd & Henry Paterson

Georgina is one Housekeep's home services experts. She's interviewed thousands of the UK's best cleaners and tradespeople - so whether you need advice on a stubborn stain, or you're looking for tips to find the perfect plumber, Georgina's got you covered.

With years of experience in the industry, Henry has delivered talks at industry events including the Ideal Home Show and regularly features as an industry expert for publications including the Sun, Mail Online, Martha Stewart and many more.