Everything You Need To Know About A Boiler Service

Ensuring your boiler is working properly is not only important for safety, but also to ensure that it is working effectively. With day to day life it can be easy to let your boiler service pass by, but hopefully the below sections highlight everything you need to know about a boiler service and why they shouldn’t be forgotten about. 

What is a boiler service?

For many, looking after their boiler is not at the top of their to do list. If they have a warm and comfortable home with functioning heating and hot water, some people think a boiler service is unnecessary. 

However, looking after your boiler and getting it checked by an expert is important to maintain your well-functioning boiler.

A boiler service ensures that your boiler is running safely and effectively. Even if you have a fully functioning boiler, we recommend getting your boiler serviced annually. This ensures that any potential problems are identified before they become bigger and more expensive repair jobs.  

A one-off boiler service each year is all it takes to look after your boiler. For a one-off service, you can spread the cost with a service plan or pay a one-off cost each year.

Find out more about our boiler service plans, starting at as little as £9 per month

Why do I need a boiler service?

We understand that life can get in the way of jobs like booking your boiler in for a service. But whether you are busy and booking service slips your mind, or whether you don’t think it is necessary; here are some reasons which might make you think otherwise:

SAFETY

Boilers are a fuel-burning appliance which, if not serviced properly, can leak poisonous carbon monoxide gas. This gas is colourless, odourless and tasteless which can mean it is hard to detect. 

A carbon monoxide leak can cause serious health issues like brain damage, and in some extreme cases, death. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to ensure your boiler is safe for you and your family.

As part of a boiler service, a Gas Safe registered engineer will check for leaks and other issues, giving you peace of mind that your boiler is safe for you and your family. 

CATCH ISSUES EARLY

It may be tempting to skip a boiler service to save some money, however services can identify smaller issues which may lead to bigger issues further down the line.

By getting your boiler serviced professionally, your engineer can detect and fix any minor problems which will help to prevent any breakdowns or bigger issues. If these are left, they may be more expensive to fix in future.

The age and model of your boiler determines how energy efficient it is. As your boiler gets older, it becomes less efficient over time. However by ensuring that you are correctly maintaining your boiler with regular services, it could help prolong its lifespan.

YOU COULD SAVE MONEY ON BILLS

As mentioned, over the years your boiler will become less efficient. This means that it will use more fuel to heat your home, which will lead to costing you more money over time.

Through a variety of tests, your engineer makes sure that your boiler is running efficiently. This will save you money over time, as it will cost less to run an efficient boiler.

KEEP YOUR WARRANTY INTACT

Most boilers include a manufacturer’s warranty of between 1-15 years, which means any faults during that time would be covered and repaired free of charge.

As part of the warranty agreement, manufacturers normally require you to have an annual service to validate the warranty. Therefore, you should ensure that your annual boiler services are booked in to ensure your warranty agreement is upheld.

LEGAL REQUIREMENT FOR LANDLORDS

It is a legal requirement that all landlords must be able to present a gas safety record each year. 

A Gas Safe registered engineer would check all gas appliances, including stoves and fireplaces; but it would also be more convenient for you to also have the Gas Safety check carried out at the same time as your boiler service.

What is involved in a boiler service?

Before anyone services your boiler, you should check their badge to make sure that they are an authorised and regulated engineer, either by the Gas Safe register (for a gas boiler), or by the OFTEC (for an oil boiler).

During the service a variety of tests, checks and essential cleaning is carried out to ensure your boiler is functioning to the best of its ability. Any faults, gas or water leaks will be identified and the engineer will make sure that they leave you boiler running safely and efficiently or outline the next steps in order to do so.

Some of the tasks that your engineer would typically carry out during their visit include;

• Visual inspection – checking the flame in your boiler, and ensuring that there are no leaks or indications of corrosion.
• Removal of boiler casing – to check that all components are working properly and to clean the inside of the boiler. 
• Flue check – checking that the flue is safely fitted and that there are no obstructions in the flue terminals.
• Gas pressure check – to ensure that your boiler is working at the correct pressure.
• Boiler fired up – allows the engineer to check for any working faults.

How long does a boiler service take?

A boiler service is normally completed within 30-60 minutes. The timing can vary, depending on the appliance. 

Though rest assured, your professional Gas Safe engineer will be following a very comprehensive checklist to make sure everything has been checked as is working as expected.

How often should a boiler be serviced?

We recommend getting your boiler serviced annually to ensure that any warranties or insurance policy requirements are met. It may be worth checking with your insurance provider to double check your terms.

How much is a boiler service?

A one-off boiler service can be carried out by one of our professional Gas Safe engineers for a standard charge on just £54 (including VAT). 

If you would prefer to spread the cost, our boiler maintenance packages start from as little as £9 per month. 

Is it time to book your annual boiler service? Get in touch with our professional team today to request a boiler service with one of our trusted, Gas Safe registered engineers.