Learning about your boiler

Most boilers tend to last 10-15 years but its lifespan can depend on lots of things, just like a car. Find everything you need to know with our dedicated Boiler Guides to give you hints, tips and peace of mind if your boiler experiences problems.

But if you're worried about your boiler, have HomeCare and it’s something you can’t fix, you can book an annual service or expert engineer. If you're not a British Gas customer, you can book a one-off repair with one of our expert engineers.

How do I replace my boiler?

If you’re replacing your existing combi boiler with a new combi boiler, you can buy your new boiler online today.

Or you can book an appointment with one our heating advisers who will give you a fixed price quote, so there are no hidden costs even if the work is trickier than expected.

If you're looking for an estimation, use our online tool to answer a few simple questions about your home and heating and we'll recommend the best boilers for you.

How safe is my boiler?

To help you understand if you have a healthy boiler, here’s a simple guide to common boiler complaints and what to do about them.

If you’re still concerned, chat to an adviser or book an engineer.

How efficient is my boiler?

Have you ever thought about how efficient your boiler is or how much it could be costing you? Here’s everything you need to know about your boiler’s performance and how to get the most out of it.

Our Boiler Efficiency Guide contains a few tips to help you get the most out of your boiler and lower your bills.

How do I change the boiler temperature?

You'll need to change the boiler thermostat, which is usually a dial on the boiler itself. If it's set too low it might not work effectively, so make sure it's sitting in the recommended temperature range.

Hive Active Heating lets your control your heating from the palm of your hand. Find out more.

What if my boiler overheats?

It should turn itself off automatically if it gets too hot. Check to see if your boiler has a way of being reset. If you can't find it then it's best to book an engineer.

What if my boiler pipes have frozen?

If you think the 'condensate pipe' of your boiler has frozen (that's the waste pipe that takes the condensation from your boiler to your drain outside) – try the steps below. You might need to repeat them a few times.

Hold a hot water bottle, or heat wrap, around the pipe
Pour hot, not boiling, water over the frozen end of the pipe with a watering can, jug or kettle
If you think the pipe is unfrozen, try switching on the boiler again – you might need to reset it
If the boiler fires up, it's fixed
If it doesn't then pour hot water on the pipe again
If your boiler pipes are still frozen, call one of our engineers to unfreeze the pipe

When the weather is cold, leave your heating on low when you’re not in the house. It helps make sure your condensate pipe doesn’t freeze. And get your boiler serviced regularly to help keep your home warm and working.

What to do if my boiler loses pressure

When your boiler is cold or off, it should usually be about 1-1.5 bar on a dial or digital display depending on your boilers make and model.

Boilers can break down at the worst of times, but sometimes there’s an easy fix! Here’s some step-by-step guidance on what to do if your boiler loses pressure (and when to call in the professionals!).

Looking for something else?

Whether you need to book a repair, get tips on buying a new boiler or just need a bit of boiler care advice, these handy guides have got you covered.

Or if you have a HomeCare agreement, you can book an engineer online through your account.

If you’re not a HomeCare customer, then you can book a one-off repair online, or a repair followed by cover for 12 months.