Everything you need to know about boiler servicing.
Learn how important regular boiler servicing and maintenance are to keeping your central heating system working and your home warm.
Why should you get your boiler serviced?
You can think of your boiler a bit like a car. The older they get, the more likely they are to develop issues.
And just like a car, having your boiler serviced regularly can reduce the risk of it breaking down and keep it running for longer.
But it’s not only about keeping your boiler running smoothly. Many manufacturers' warranties require annual boiler servicing as part of the guarantee. If you fail to get it serviced (by a Gas Safe engineer) every 12 months, and something goes wrong, then you’ll end up footing the repair bill yourself.
Get a boiler service plan.
Avoid the stress of your boiler breaking down by getting cover from HomeServe. Plus, get a free boiler service in the first year.
How often should a boiler system be serviced?
When it comes to heating your home efficiency and safety, getting your boiler serviced regularly is crucial. As we’ve said, boiler manufacturers typically recommend an annual boiler service. And this isn’t just to keep your guarantee. It will also make sure that your system keeps running smoothly and safeguards against potential hazards.
One of the main reasons for regular boiler servicing is to detect and address risks such as gas, water, and carbon monoxide leaks. These issues, if left unchecked, can pose serious threats to your home and health. An annual service acts as a preventive measure, helping to spot those risks and sort them before they become major problems.
If everything seems to be working well, you might be tempted to skip having your boiler serviced. After all, if it ain’t broke, why fix it? But neglecting your boiler service can lead to decreased efficiency and an inefficient boiler could increase your energy bills significantly.
What’s more, the lack of regular maintenance might cause costly repairs down the line, when minor issues develop into major problems (if not addressed in time).
It’s important to note that while annual checks are a good idea for all boilers, how often you have your boiler serviced might need to be adjusted based on the boiler's usage, age, and type. However, the general rule of thumb is that you should have your boiler serviced once a year to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
Having your boiler serviced by a qualified Gas Safe engineer is vital. They perform a thorough inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of all boiler components, ensuring that every part of your system is in top condition (read the next section to find out more).
What happens during a boiler service?
Your boiler service will be carried out by a Gas Safe engineer. They are qualified professionals who are registered with the Gas Safe Register, the official gas registration body in the United Kingdom. They are trained and experienced to work on all types of gas appliances, including boilers.
When a Gas Safe engineer carries out a boiler service, they conduct a wide range of checks to make sure your boiler is working safely, effectively and efficiently. These checks typically include:
A visual inspection of your boiler, its controls and flues to check for any signs of damage or distress.
Inspecting the controls and safety devices so it operates correctly.
Inspecting the construction termination and route of the flue and that there are no obstructions.
Cleaning the main components such as the main burner, heat exchanger, flue and ignition pins.
Checking polarity and voltage readings.
Testing gas and pressure flow.
Recording the pressure or heat input.
Once the boiler service inspection is complete, the engineer will give you a post-service report. Make sure to keep it in a safe place as you’ll need it to keep your boiler’s warranty valid.
If your boiler needs a small repair then the engineer will normally try to fix it there and then. If it’s a bigger issue or parts are needed, then you’ll probably need to schedule another appointment to get your boiler fixed.
How much does a boiler service plan cost?
Our boiler servicing plan costs £396. This will cover your boiler for 3 years. And you can pay for your plan either as a one-off payment, or add it to your boiler finance package’s payments.
How long does a boiler service take?
A boiler service will usually take around an hour. However if your boiler needs repairs, it could take a bit longer or involve a second visit once parts have been ordered and delivered.
When will the annual boiler service take place?
Your first boiler service will normally take place between April and September. The next annual service will take place on, or close to this date the following year.
Why do we normally do it in this period? Because boiler servicing before the colder months hit is a pre-emptive way to spot any potential problems and fix them before you need your heating the most. It may mean that your first boiler service is a little more than a year after it was installed, but don’t worry, this is still covered by the guarantee.
Is it worth having your boiler serviced?
Boiler servicing may feel like just another home expense. Maybe one you don’t have to splash out on that often or only when things go wrong.
However, regular boiler servicing, when done by a Gas Safe professional, can lead to significant long-term cost savings. A boiler service will help you sort out small problems before they become bigger and more expensive ones further down the road.
Another key benefit of regular boiler servicing is improved efficiency. By optimising your boiler's performance, we can help it run at its best, reducing your energy consumption and lowering your heating and hot water bills.
Moreover, regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your boiler. A well-maintained boiler is less likely to develop major problems or require early replacement, saving you money in the long run and providing you with peace of mind, knowing that your boiler is functioning safely and reliably.
And it’s not just saving you money. Regular boiler services also contribute to environmental sustainability. By making sure that your boiler runs as well as it can, you reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment.
So don’t think of boiler servicing as an optional expense. See it as more of a long-term investment for your home, your wallet and the environment.
What types of boiler are there?
Get help understanding the advantages and disadvantages of the three main types of boilers and find the one that's right for your home.
Combi boilers.
These are great if you live in a smaller home. They don’t need a separate hot water cylinder or cold water storage tank, so they could easily fit into a cupboard and don’t take up any of your valuable space under the stairs or in the loft (for example).
Regular boilers.
If you often use hot water around your home, then a regular - or “condensing” - boiler is probably best for you. They can take up more room than a combi as they often come with a cold water tank as a kind of back up but you’ll have a plentiful supply of water ready to be heated regardless of water pressure or any other issues.
System boilers.
Does your home have more than one bathroom? Then a system boiler is a good choice. They’re like a condensing boiler but with a large tank for storing extra hot water. Again, they take up more room than a combi boiler, but you have a constant supply throughout your home when you need it.
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Your FAQs about boiler servicing.
What do I do if my central heating or hot water playing up?
If you’re noticing problems with your boiler or central heating, then don’t wait until your annual service to get a Gas Safe professional to look at them. Faulty boilers are at risk or gas leaks or carbon monoxide leaks, so it’s important to get any issues looked at quickly.
If you need help with a boiler problem, we’ve put together a handy guide to help you find the solution.
Do I get my boiler serviced if I live in rented accommodation?
If you’re renting, then your landlord is legally obliged to have your boiler serviced once a year, along with your heating system and any other gas appliances. They also have to provide a gas safety certificate that should be issued after each inspection.
Does a boiler service professional check the radiators?
As part of the checklist, all of your system controls, central heating and hot water will be checked to make sure they function properly. We’ll also check for any issues such as corrosion and air in your radiators.
How much does a one-off boiler service cost?
If you don’t have a boiler service policy or plan, you’re normally looking at around £60-£120 to have your boiler serviced. And any repairs, including labour and parts, will normally cost extra.
What’s not included in the boiler service plan?
The service plan doesn’t include:
Repairs from damage to the system.
Work arising from hard water scale deposits or blockages.
Any self-maintenance tasks such as repressurising or resetting the boiler, bleeding excess system pressure and thawing frozen pipes/water.
The plan only covers your boiler, not the rest of your heating system such as radiators, controls, hot water tanks and pipework.
The legal bit.
* We can install as soon as the next working day if you order before 3pm and upload the required photos of your property.