Keeping your central heating in good shape is not just about the boiler. Radiators, pumps, valves, cylinders, pipework, and controls all work together, and when one part struggles the whole system pays the price. In this guide, you will learn how often to service your full heating system, what professional maintenance involves, what it costs, and how long a typical system should last. Short tips and friendly reminders are included so you can keep everything running safely and efficiently throughout the year.

How often should a central heating system be serviced?

• Boiler: once every 12 months. This is the minimum for safety, warranty protection, and efficiency. You can book a boiler service with a local team.
• Full system check: every 1 to 2 years, or whenever you notice performance issues such as uneven radiator heat, frequent pressure drops, or noisy pipework.
• System flush: every 5 to 7 years for most homes, sooner if you have persistent cold spots, dirty inhibitor samples, or regular component failures.
• Unvented hot water cylinder: annually, including temperature and pressure safety checks.
• Oil systems: annual servicing is essential for combustion efficiency and safety. If you rely on oil, treat each year’s visit as non-negotiable.

If your property has had building work, or you have moved into a new home with an unknown maintenance history, book a baseline inspection. It will give you a clear picture of the current system health and any small fixes that can prevent big repairs.

What does professional maintenance include?

A full central heating maintenance visit goes beyond a boiler tune up. Here is what a thorough service typically covers.

• Boiler safety and performance checks: flue integrity, combustion analysis, gas rate, seals, burner inspection, condensate trap clean, and ventilation checks. For oil boilers, nozzle and filter replacements and smoke tests are standard.
• System water quality test: engineers take a small sample to check for sludge, corrosion, and inhibitor levels. If water is dirty or inhibitor is weak, you may be advised to top up chemicals or plan a flush.
• Radiator and valve checks: temperature balance across radiators, TRV operation, lockshield settings, and bleed where required. Balancing ensures consistent heat room to room without pushing the boiler harder than needed.
• Pump and motorised valve inspection: verify speed settings, listen for bearing wear, test valve travel, and confirm correct wiring and control signals.
• Expansion vessel and pressure settings: check vessel charge, system pressure stability, and PRV operation. A flat vessel can cause pressure swings and frequent top ups.
• Controls and thermostats: test room stats, programmers, and smart controllers. Correct scheduling and weather compensation save energy without affecting comfort.
• Cylinder safety checks: for unvented cylinders, we test pressure relief valves, expansion devices, and reheat times, and confirm discharge pipework is safe and compliant.
• Visual pipework inspection: look for leaks, corrosion, poor joints, and inadequate support or insulation, especially in lofts and garages.

A detailed service report should follow, explaining findings in plain English and recommending any next steps. If parts are worn but still safe, plan proactive replacements to avoid winter breakdowns.

How much does central heating servicing cost?

Prices vary by region, fuel type, and system size, but you can use these typical UK ranges as a guide.

• Boiler service: often £70 to £120 for gas, and £90 to £160 for oil, depending on parts used and the level of checks.
• Full system check with boiler: commonly £120 to £220, reflecting the added time to assess radiators, valves, pumps, and controls.
• System flush: usually £350 to £650 for a typical home, influenced by radiator count and whether magnetic filters are added.
• Unvented cylinder service: often £70 to £120 when booked alone, or less when combined with a boiler service.

You can also spread costs through a boiler service plan, which bundles annual visits and priority support into a monthly payment. If you prefer predictable budgeting and quick help when something goes wrong, a plan is worth considering.

What is the average price to install central heating?

If you are installing a full central heating system from scratch, the cost depends on property size, number of radiators, cylinder type, and boiler choice.

• New combi boiler with pipework alterations and several radiators: from around the low thousands for a small home, rising with radiator count and pipe upgrades.
• Conventional or system boiler with cylinder and controls: typically higher than a combi due to extra components and labour.
• Control upgrades: smart thermostats and zoning add cost but can reduce bills over time.

Installation quotes should include a heat loss assessment, clear specification of parts, and timelines. Ask about efficiency ratings, warranty length, and whether flushing and inhibitor dosing are included. If you are comparing quotes, check that each includes similar scope so you can make a fair decision. You can explore boiler finance options if you want to spread the cost.

How long should a central heating system last?

With regular maintenance, you can expect:

• Boilers: 10 to 15 years on average, sometimes longer with quality brands and good water treatment.
• Radiators: 15 to 25 years, though valves and TRVs may need earlier replacement.
• Pumps and motorised valves: often 7 to 12 years.
• Unvented cylinders: 15 years or more with annual safety checks and correct expansion control.
• Pipework: copper can last several decades, while some older plastic systems may need attention sooner.

Water quality has the biggest impact on lifespan. Keep inhibitor levels correct, use a magnetic filter, and fix small leaks early. Good control settings also reduce cycling and component wear.

Simple maintenance you can do yourself

• Bleed radiators if the tops are cold and the bottoms are hot.
• Check system pressure monthly. Most sealed systems run best around 1.0 to 1.5 bar when cold. Top up only as advised by your manufacturer or engineer.
• Keep vents and flues clear outside.
• Use your programmer and smart thermostat wisely. Heat only the spaces and times you need.
• Listen for changes. New noises, frequent pressure loss, or repeatedly cold rooms are early warning signs.

If in doubt, book an assessment before winter. Preventive care is always cheaper than an emergency call when the temperature drops. You can contact us to arrange a visit.

When to call a professional

• Pilot goes out repeatedly or the boiler locks out.
• Radiators heat unevenly after bleeding and balancing attempts.
• Pressure rises rapidly during heating or falls to zero between uses.
• Hot water is unreliable, or the cylinder safety valves are discharging.
• You smell gas or suspect a flue issue. Leave the property and contact the emergency line first, then arrange a qualified inspection.

If you are local and want trusted help, you can book a visit with a qualified heating engineer. For routine care, a yearly appointment keeps your system safe, efficient, and ready for winter.

A quick word on local support

If you are in Lincolnshire and nearby areas, we provide friendly, professional maintenance and installations. You can speak to a Gas Safe registered team for annual servicing and system checks, or arrange quotes for upgrades.

If you want to plan ahead with predictable monthly costs, take a look at our Spalding boiler service plan. For new systems or upgrades, you can also enquire about central heating maintenance in Spalding or discuss options with a heating engineer in Spalding.

Summary

Service your boiler every year, and schedule a full system check every 1 to 2 years to keep everything running smoothly. Expect to pay a modest fee for annual servicing, a bit more for whole system checks, and a larger but worthwhile investment for power or chemical flushing every few years.

A typical system can last well over a decade, and many components will serve you much longer with clean water, correct pressure, and balanced radiators. Take small steps routinely, and bring in a qualified engineer when things do not feel right. The payoff is comfort, safety, and lower energy use all year round.