How boiler servicing plans work in Ireland
If your boiler breaks, you could be without heating or hot water. Boiler cover ensures you can get it fixed without a hefty bill. Here’s what boiler service plans cover and how to work out if they’re worth it.
What is a boiler care plan?
It’s a type of insurance cover that protects your boiler and pays for repairs or a replacement should something go wrong.
Most energy suppliers in Ireland offer boiler cover protection plans as an added extra that you pay for as part of your energy bill each month.
Boiler servicing plans vary from one supplier to another, but can cover:
How to choose the right boiler cover
Most energy suppliers offer boiler cover or boiler care plans, but they all offer slightly different levels of protection.
Key things to check are:
It’s also worth checking if your existing energy supplier offers a discount on their boiler cover, and if your home insurance includes boiler cover (this may be under emergency repairs or home assistance).
Is boiler cover worth it?
If you want peace of mind and assurance that you’ll get expert help to repair your boiler should it stop working, then boiler cover is worth considering.
Costs for boiler cover typically range from €120 to €200 per year, so buying protection could save you a bill that runs into the hundreds if your boiler breaks down.
Bear in mind that if your boiler falters and it’s still within the warranty, you may already be covered, but not as comprehensively as you would be with dedicated boiler cover.
What are the alternatives?
There are two main alternatives:
- Paying for one off repairs
- Installing a new boiler
One-off repairs
This is when you wait until a problem occurs with your boiler and pay for it to be repaired.
You can get one off repairs to fix your boiler from most Irish energy suppliers, independent plumbers and gas technicians.
However, depending on what’s gone wrong and whether or not you need new parts the cost can vary substantially.
Pros and cons
A simple fix could be relatively cheap, but if you need replacement parts and it will take several hours of work and the price can quickly add up.
A new boiler
If your boiler can’t be repaired, or repairs are going to be very expensive, you could choose to buy a brand new boiler instead. A new boiler should last between 10-15 years.
A new boiler could cost anywhere between €1,500 and €2,500, depending on the make, model and type of boiler you need. The installation will typically cost between €500 and €1,500.
Pros and cons
*You can sometimes spread the cost of a new boiler by paying in instalments.
Servicing your boiler
It’s recommended to get your gas or oil boiler serviced at least once a year to ensure it’s operating efficiently and safely.
A regularly serviced boiler can mean:
It is against the law for anyone other than a Registered Gas Installer (RGI) to service your gas boiler.
You can find a registered installer on the Registered Gas Installers (RGIs) website.
If you have an oil boiler or oil-fired appliance, you can find an OFTEC registered technician here.
How much does a boiler service cost?
A gas boiler service costs between €70-€180, depending on the boiler condition, size, type and where it is located, while an oil boiler service can cost between €60 to €100.
Boiler care FAQs
Does home insurance include boiler breakdown?
Most home insurance policies don’t cover boiler breakdown as standard, although you can often add it as an optional extra. Read our guide to find out more about what home insurance covers here.
Do I have to take out boiler cover from my energy supplier?
No, you can take out boiler cover from any provider, although many energy suppliers offer a discount for existing energy customers.
What happens if my boiler cannot be repaired?
If your boiler cannot be repaired then you will need to order a new, replacement boiler. Most boiler cover plans don’t pay for a brand new boiler if yours cannot be fixed.
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