Gas Engineer
A gas engineer installs, services, and repairs gas appliances and systems. All gas work in the UK must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer by law. This includes boiler installations, gas fire fitting, gas hob connections, and safety inspections.
What does a gas engineer do?
Gas engineers carry out legally regulated work, including:
- Boiler installation, servicing, and repair
- Central heating system installation and maintenance
- Gas fire installation and servicing
- Gas hob and cooker connections
- Gas safety inspections (CP12 / Landlord Gas Safety Certificates)
- Flue installation and testing
- Gas leak detection and repair
- Carbon monoxide testing
- LPG appliance work (requires separate LPG qualification)
Is gas work regulated in the UK?
Yes — gas work is one of the most strictly regulated trades in the UK. It is illegal for anyone who is not Gas Safe registered to carry out work on gas appliances or installations. This applies to both domestic and commercial settings.
Always verify your engineer's Gas Safe registration by checking their ID card and looking up their registration number on the Gas Safe Register website. The card shows which types of gas work they are qualified to perform. Many gas engineers also work as heating engineers, but the Gas Safe card specifies exactly which appliances they are qualified to work on.
What to look for when hiring a gas engineer
When choosing a gas engineer, consider:
- Gas Safe registration — This is a legal requirement. Verify the card and check the registration online.
- Specific appliance qualifications — Gas Safe cards list which appliances the engineer is qualified to work on.
- Manufacturer accreditations — For boiler installations, check if they are approved by the boiler manufacturer (e.g., Worcester Bosch, Vaillant).
- Public liability insurance — Covers accidental damage during work.
- Benchmark commissioning — For new boiler installations, ensure they complete the Benchmark checklist to validate your warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a new boiler cost?
A new combi boiler installation typically costs £2,000 to £4,000 including the boiler and labour. System or conventional boiler replacements may cost £2,500 to £5,000. Costs depend on the boiler brand, property size, and any additional pipework needed.
How often should a gas boiler be serviced?
Gas boilers should be serviced annually. Regular servicing maintains efficiency, identifies potential safety issues, and is usually required to keep the manufacturer's warranty valid.
What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
Also known as a CP12, this is a legal requirement for all rented properties. Landlords must arrange an annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The certificate must be provided to tenants within 28 days.