Gas Fire Servicing in the UK

Gas fires are reliable, efficient, and safe — when they’re properly maintained. The problem is that when things start to go wrong, the warning signs are often subtle, and ignoring them can lead to serious risks like carbon monoxide exposure, gas leaks, or costly repairs.

At Boilers2Go, our Gas Safe registered engineers service thousands of gas fires every year. Many issues we attend could have been prevented with a simple annual service.

This guide explains when a gas fire needs urgent attention, what you can safely check yourself, how to find a trustworthy engineer, and what actually happens during a professional gas fire service.

Signs Your Gas Fire Needs Servicing Immediately

Some problems shouldn’t wait. If you notice any of the following, stop using the fire and call a Gas Safe engineer straight away:

• Yellow, lazy, or sooty flames instead of crisp blue ones — often a sign of incomplete combustion and carbon monoxide risk

• Strong gas smells or unusual odours during operation

• Carbon monoxide alarm activating, even intermittently

• Difficulty lighting, repeated flame failure, or a pilot that won’t stay lit

• Black soot marks around the fire opening, hearth, or nearby wall

• Unusual noises such as popping, roaring, or whistling

• Visible damage to the fire, glass, surround, or flue terminal

• Condensation or damp around the flue, which can indicate a blocked chimney

These symptoms point to a safety issue, not just wear and tear. Continuing to use the fire can make the situation worse.

Simple DIY Checks You Can Do Safely

Before calling an engineer, there are a few visual checks you can do — but nothing more. Never attempt repairs or dismantle a gas fire.

Check Room Ventilation

Gas fires rely on a constant air supply. Make sure any permanent vents are open and unobstructed, and that furniture or rugs aren’t blocking airflow around the fire.

Look at the Flue Terminal

From outside, check the chimney pot or flue terminal is clear of debris, leaves, or bird nests. Excessive soot or staining is a red flag.

Inspect the Fire (When Cold)

With the fire fully off and cooled:

• Look for dust, cobwebs, or insect debris around the burner

• Check for visible corrosion or damaged parts without removing panels

Check Surround and Controls

Ensure the surround and seals are intact, the hearth is stable, and controls or remotes operate smoothly without sticking.

If everything looks fine but the fire still behaves oddly, that’s your cue to call a professional.

How to Find a Reliable Gas Safe Engineer

All gas fire work must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer — no exceptions.

Use the Official Register

Always check the Gas Safe Register. Search by postcode and confirm the engineer is qualified for gas fires, not just boilers.

Watch for Red Flags

• No Gas Safe ID card on arrival

• Extremely low prices that don’t cover proper testing

• Vague quotes or no paperwork after the visit

Questions Worth Asking

• Are you Gas Safe registered specifically for gas fires?

• Will I receive a CP12 Gas Safety Record?

• Do you service my type of fire regularly?

A competent engineer will answer clearly and confidently.

Gas Fire Service vs Repair: What’s the Difference?

These two visits serve different purposes.

Servicing prevents problems. Repairs deal with failures that have already occurred — often at a higher cost.

Landlord Gas Fire Servicing Requirements (UK)

For landlords, gas fire servicing isn’t optional — it’s a legal duty under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations.

Landlords must:

• Arrange annual safety checks for all gas appliances

• Use a Gas Safe registered engineer

• Issue a CP12 Gas Safety Record

• Provide tenants with a copy within 28 days

• Keep records for at least two years

Even if a gas fire was installed by the tenant, the landlord is still responsible for the annual safety check.

Failure to comply can lead to heavy fines and, in serious cases, prosecution.

What Happens During a Professional Gas Fire Service?

A proper service usually takes one to two hours and includes:

• Visual inspection of the fire, surround, and flue

• Gas tightness testing

• Burner and jet cleaning

• Flame supervision device (FSD) testing

• Flue performance and spillage testing

• Gas pressure and burner rate checks

• Ignition and control testing

• Full functional test with carbon monoxide monitoring

If the appliance is unsafe, it will be labelled “Do Not Use” until repairs are completed.

Gas Fire Servicing Costs in the UK (2026)

Some homeowners opt for cover plans (£8–£15 per month), but many prefer a simple annual service at a fixed cost.

The Boilers2Go Approach to Gas Fire Servicing

At Boilers2Go, we believe gas fire servicing should be thorough, transparent, and fixed-price.

Typical pricing:

• Single gas fire service: £95

• Fire and boiler together: £175

• Full landlord gas safety checks: from £150

We also offer priority appointments during winter, when breakdowns are most disruptive.

The Bottom Line

A gas fire doesn’t usually fail dramatically — it gives quiet warnings first. Servicing turns those warnings into prevention.

Whether you’re a homeowner protecting your family or a landlord staying compliant, a proper annual gas fire service is one of the simplest safety decisions you can make.

If your fire hasn’t been checked in the last year, or something doesn’t feel right, booking a Gas Safe engineer now could prevent far bigger problems later.