A gas engineer is a tradesperson registered on the Gas Safe Register - the UK's official register of businesses and engineers legally permitted to work on gas appliances and pipework. Gas Safe registration is mandatory: it is a criminal offence for anyone not on the register to carry out gas work. Before appointing any gas engineer, always check their registration at gassaferegister.co.uk - it takes 30 seconds and the search is free.
What they do
- Install, commission and service gas boilers (combi, system and heat-only)
- Issue annual Gas Safety certificates (CP12) for landlords
- Connect gas hobs, ovens, cookers and gas fires
- Install and commission gas water heaters and multipoint heaters
- Investigate and repair gas leaks - emergency and planned
- Extend and modify gas pipework and meter installations
- Commission LPG appliances and systems
- Carry out tightness testing and let-by tests
- Condemn unsafe appliances (unsafe situations procedure)
- Install gas supply for new builds and extensions
When you need one
Any work involving gas appliances or pipework in the UK requires a Gas Safe registered engineer - there are no exceptions.
Typical costs (UK, 2025)
| Job type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate | £50 - £90 / hr |
| Boiler service | £60 - £110 |
| Gas safety certificate (CP12) | £60 - £120 |
| New boiler installation (labour only) | £600 - £1,200 |
| Gas fire installation (labour only) | £250 - £500 |
| Emergency call-out | £80 - £160 / hr |
| Gas hob connection | £80 - £150 |
Boiler installation costs above are for labour only - add the cost of the boiler unit (typically £600-£2,500+ for a quality boiler). Always obtain at least two quotes and confirm the quote includes commissioning, registration with the manufacturer and Building Regulations notification.
Qualifications to look for
The only legal qualification for gas work in the UK. Every Gas Safe engineer carries a photo ID card listing the specific gas appliance categories they are qualified to work on. Always ask to see the card and verify it at gassaferegister.co.uk.
The underpinning competence assessments that form the basis for Gas Safe registration. Different ACS units cover different appliance types - boilers, gas fires, cookers, LPG and so on. An engineer's Gas Safe card lists their qualified categories.
How to find a reputable gas engineer
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if an engineer is Gas Safe registered?
Visit gassaferegister.co.uk and enter the engineer's Gas Safe ID card number or company name - the register is free to search and takes 30 seconds. Always do this before any gas work. The engineer must also carry and show their Gas Safe ID card on request; it lists the specific appliance categories they are qualified to work on.
What gas work requires a Gas Safe engineer?
All work on gas appliances and pipework in domestic and commercial premises requires a Gas Safe registered engineer. This includes boilers, gas fires, hobs, ovens, cookers, LPG appliances, gas pipework and meter extensions. It is a criminal offence for an unregistered person to carry out gas work.
How often should a boiler be serviced?
Annually. Annual servicing maintains the manufacturer's warranty (which is typically voided if servicing is not carried out), ensures safe combustion and keeps the boiler operating efficiently. Landlords must also have an annual Gas Safety inspection (CP12 certificate) carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer and provide a copy to tenants within 28 days.