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01 · Ask
Repair, replace or upgrade?
Cold rads, no hot water, F22 fault code? Describe what's happening — the AI tells you if it's a £150 repair or a £3k replacement.
Choose your boiler cover.
British Gas HomeCare, manufacturer warranties and 3rd-party cover — what each actually pays for.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
20,000+UK homeowners
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Hire a boiler engineer. Without the warranty void.
Read the brief on sizing, brands and warranty rules — then let Three local engineers quote on the right boiler for your house.
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02 · Read the brief
Walk in informed
kW sizing, modulation ratios, Benchmark cert, manufacturer warranty terms. Know what to ask before they recommend the most expensive box on the van.
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03 · Compare
Compare 3 engineer quotes
Three local engineers come back with itemised quotes — boiler, flue, controls, power-flush, commissioning — so the like-for-like vs upgrade choice is yours.
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Top tips
Hiring a boiler engineer, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Get a Gas Safe ID before letting them in.
Boilers are gas appliances. Anyone working on yours must be Gas Safe registered — and on the right scheme for your fuel (LPG, oil, natural gas are separate).
Demand the Benchmark certificate.
Every new boiler comes with a Benchmark commissioning checklist. Without it, the manufacturer warranty is void — and the certificate goes in your seller's pack later.
Size the boiler to the radiators, not the house.
Oversized combis short-cycle, wear out fast and cost more to run. A heat-loss calc — not a 'same as before' swap — is the sign of a careful installer.
Power-flush before fitting.
On a 10-year-old system, sludge will write off your new boiler's heat exchanger in 18 months. A power-flush should be quoted; if it's not, ask why.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Boiler service (annual)
£80–£150
Combi boiler swap (like-for-like)
£1.8k–£3k
Combi boiler upgrade (premium)Vaillant/Viessmann tier
£2.8k–£4.5k
System boiler + cylinder
£3k–£5.5k
Power flush
£450–£900
Conversion from back-boilerInc. removal + replumb
£3.5k–£6k
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
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Boiler Engineer explained
Boiler cover (sometimes called boiler insurance or HomeCare) provides repair and parts protection beyond manufacturer warranty. UK options range from £15-£40/month. This guide covers what's included and whether it's worth the cost.
Types of Cover
- Boiler service only — annual service + small breakdown allowance.
- Boiler breakdown — repair labour and parts.
- Plumbing + drainage — wider system cover.
- Full HomeCare — electrical + boiler + plumbing.
- Local plumber agreement — annual fee for service + reduced callout.
Typical Costs
| Provider/Tier | Monthly £ | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| British Gas HomeCare 100 | 15-25 | Boiler only |
| British Gas HomeCare 200 | 20-30 | + plumbing/drains |
| British Gas HomeCare 400 | 30-40 | + electrical |
| HomeServe boiler | 15-25 | Similar to BG |
| Local independent | 10-20 | Service + reduced callout |
When Worth It
- Older boilers (8+ years).
- Out-of-warranty period.
- Limited DIY ability/inclination.
- High repair cost concerns.
When Not Worth It
- New boiler still under 10-year warranty.
- Confident DIY for small issues.
- Can afford one-off repair if needed.
- Want flexibility to choose own engineer.
UK Regulations
- Insurance products regulated by FCA.
- Standard cancellation/cooling-off rights apply.
Common Problems
- Exclusions on older systems — boilers over 7-15 years excluded by some.
- Wait times for engineers — premium customers prioritised.
- Parts not covered — labour only on some policies.
- Excess fees — £50-£100 per callout sometimes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy boiler cover?
Calculate: average UK boiler repair £200-£500. Monthly cover £15-£25 × 12 = £180-£300/year. Cover worth it if you'd struggle with unexpected £500+ bills.
British Gas or local plumber?
British Gas: 24/7 nationwide service. Local plumber: same-day response often, no excess.
What if my boiler is too old for cover?
Limited options. Consider replacement if cover refused.
Does cover include service?
Most yes — annual service included.
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes — but check minimum contract term (usually 12 months).
Is excess paid per visit?
Many policies yes — £50-£100 typically. Confirm before signing.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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