Service or repair a gas fire
- How much does it cost to service a gas fire in the UK?
- What is included in a gas fire service?
- Why should I get my gas fire serviced?
- Common gas fire problems
- How long does a gas fire service take?
- How often should gas fires be serviced?
- Can you service your own gas fire?
- Is it a legal requirement to have a gas fire serviced every year?
- Does British Gas HomeCare cover gas fires?
- Service a gas fire cost in the UK
Gas fire servicing cost guide
Like your boiler or any other gas appliance, you should get your gas fire serviced regularly to ensure it's working efficiently and safely. We've put together this gas fire servicing cost guide so you can understand what's involved and see how much it will set you back.
How much does it cost to service a gas fire in the UK?
On average, it costs between £45-£95 for a gas fire service and gas safety check.
If you have more than one gas fire or you want another appliance serviced, such as your boiler, expect the cost to be higher.
What is included in a gas fire service?
During a gas fire service, a heating engineer will check all the parts of your fire to make sure they’re in good condition. They will also check the pipework, vents and flues, as these can often become blocked, which can cause carbon monoxide (CO) to leak into your home.
Next, the engineer will carry out tests on your gas fire. They will run a gas tightness test, which ensures that your fire is completely sealed and not leaking any fumes. They’ll also run a flue analyser test by adjusting the valve on the gas supply to heck that the burner is burning efficiently.
After that, they will write up a report of all the tests they’ve completed and make any recommendations for repairs. The engineer will leave a copy of this report with you.
Why should I get my gas fire serviced?
There are plenty of reasons why you should get your gas fire serviced:
Saves you money
While you’ll have to pay for a gas fire service, it could save you money in the long term. Having your gas fire serviced regularly means that your gas engineer may spot issues with it before they become a large problem, reducing costly repairs.
Reduces the risk of CO poisoning
Having your gas fire regularly maintained reduces the likelihood of dangerous gas leaks occurring. Carbon monoxide gas is colourless and odourless, so it can go unnoticed for a long time.
Symptoms of CO poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting and fainting. It can be fatal if left untreated, so it’s important to have a carbon monoxide alarm installed near your gas appliances.
Keeps your warranty valid
If your gas fire is still under warranty, manufacturers often require you to have your gas fire serviced every year.
By keeping your warranty valid, you could save yourself hundreds of pounds in repairs if something goes wrong with your gas fire and it’s found to be a manufacturer fault.
Common gas fire problems
Leaking piping: Leaking piping could go unnoticed because carbon monoxide is odourless and invisible. That’s why it’s important to get your gas fire serviced regularly. However, if you can smell gas coming from your fire when it’s not on, leave your home and call the gas board for further advice.
Incorrect pressure: If your fire isn’t pressurised correctly, the fire will shut down.
Blocked valve: If you can’t ignite your fire, your gas valve could be blocked. Make sure the gas valve is open, and if it is you’ll need to call an engineer to take a look.
Blocked chimney/flue: If your chimney or flue is blocked, your fire could be causing fumes to leak into your room.
Burner problems: During a gas fire service, the engineer will clean your burner. If you don’t have regular services, the burner can attract dirt and affect your gas fire’s efficiency.
How long does a gas fire service take?
A gas fire service should take around 1-2 hours. This should be long enough for them to carry out all the necessary tests and do an inspection of all your gas fire's parts.
If your gas engineer identifies any problems with your gas fire and needs to carry out repairs, this will increase the time it takes to complete the job. The engineer will probably give you an additional quote for the repair work they recommend.
How often should gas fires be serviced?
Your gas fire should be serviced once per year. However, if you notice any problems with your gas fire, you should call an engineer sooner.
If your gas fire stops working or you notice that the flame has changed colour, it’s worth at least getting a gas safety check carried out to ensure there are no poisonous fumes leaking from your fire.
Can you service your own gas fire?
No, you shouldn't service your own gas fire. If you don't know what you're doing, you could break parts of the fire, which could cause lethal carbon monoxide to leak into your home. Only Gas Safe-registered engineers are legally allowed to service your gas fire.
Is it a legal requirement to have a gas fire serviced every year?
No, it's not a legal requirement to have a gas fire serviced every year if you own your home. However, landlords must get all gas appliances serviced once a year and have a gas safety certificate issued.
Even though it's not a legal requirement, it's still a good idea to get your gas fire serviced every year. You'll reduce the risk of costly repairs and have peace of mind that your fire is safe and isn’t leaking carbon monoxide into your home.
Does British Gas HomeCare cover gas fires?
No, British Gas HomeCare doesn’t cover gas fires. Their essential cover only includes an annual boiler service and repairs to your central heating system, while their complete cover includes repairs to plumbing, drainage and your electrical system.
You'll need to get gas appliance cover if you want a policy to cover repairs and an annual gas fire service.
If you need a Gas Safe-registered engineer to service your gas fire, we can help. Post your job on HaMuch now and we'll put you in touch with trusted engineers that are available in your area.