How Often Should You Service Your Boiler?
Boiler servicing is often overlooked, but it is one of the most important aspects of home maintenance.
Regular boiler servicing more often than not only ensures your boiler is safe and running efficiently, but it can also save you money on energy bills and help maintain the validity of your boiler’s warranty.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the importance of boiler servicing, legal requirements, how to choose a qualified engineer, and much more. So let’s dive in and find out “how often should you service your boiler” in your home.
Book my serviceQuick reasons to get your boiler serviced
- Why? Manufacturers require a boiler service once a year to keep the warranty valid
- Who? Professional boiler servicing is essential for optimal performance, safety and energy savings.
- When? Gas and oil boilers should be serviced annually by a qualified engineer to ensure safe operation.
- What to do next? Homeowners are advised to service their boilers regularly while landlords must legally comply with boiler servicing requirements.
Why You Should Get Your Boiler Serviced Often
Boiler servicing is an essential part of maintaining a safe and efficient heating system.
Regular servicing can help prevent potential gas leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning, and higher energy bills, while also keeping your boiler warranty valid.
There are different types of boilers, such as gas, oil, and electric boilers, each with its own servicing requirements. Let’s delve deeper into the importance of boiler servicing and the different types of boilers.
Book my serviceThe Importance of an Annual Boiler Service
A regular boiler service is essential for ensuring all components are functioning optimally and detecting any potential issues before they become critical. Benefits of regular servicing include lower energy costs, reduced risk of breakdowns, and an extended boiler warranty period.
It’s also essential for your safety, as boilers can pose risks such as gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning if not properly maintained.
During a boiler service, the heating engineer will examine the flue terminals for obstructions and confirm the gas pressure is accurate. It’s essential to check the engineer’s ID to verify their qualifications and ensure they are registered with the appropriate governing body, such as Gas Safe or OFTEC.
Book my serviceTypes of Boilers that Require a Regular Servicing
There are three primary types of boilers: combi boilers, heat-only boilers (also referred to as regular boilers), and system boilers.
Combi boilers are the most popular option, providing both heating and hot water in an efficient and compact unit without requiring a separate hot water cylinder or cold water storage tank.
Most combi boilers come with a 10 year warranty, so you will have to get it serviced every year for 10 years at least.
Heat-only boilers are designed to provide heating but not hot water on demand, necessitating a separate hot water cylinder and cold water storage tank.
System boilers, on the other hand, provide both heating and hot water on demand in a highly efficient pressurised system with the need for a separate hot water cylinder but not a cold water storage tank.
Book my serviceDetermining Your Boiler Service Frequency
The frequency of boiler servicing depends on the type of boiler you have. Gas and oil boilers should be serviced once a year by a qualified heating engineer to maintain the warranty, ensure optimal performance, safety, and warranty coverage.
Electric boilers, on the other hand, require less frequent servicing due to their different operational nature.
Gas and Oil Boilers
Gas and oil boilers are required to be serviced every year by a qualified engineer, especially during the warranty period. This ensures the boiler and flue system are functioning correctly and safely, reducing the risk of breakdowns and maintaining the efficiency of the unit.
Choosing a Gas Safe Registered engineer for gas boilers or an OFTEC registered engineer for oil boilers is essential in guaranteeing a thorough and professional service.
Electric Boilers
Electric boilers, while still needing regular servicing, do not require the same level of servicing as gas and oil boilers. The frequency of servicing for electric boilers can be less than annually, but it is still essential to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Book my serviceLegal Requirements for Boiler Servicing Every Year
While homeowners are not legally required to service their boilers, they are strongly advised to do so for safety, efficiency, and warranty purposes. Landlords, on the other hand, must comply with legal requirements to ensure the safety of their tenants.
Let’s explore the legal obligations of both homeowners and landlords when it comes to boiler servicing.
Homeowners
Homeowners are not legally obligated to service their boilers regularly. However, it is highly recommended to keep the boiler functioning optimally and to uphold the manufacturer’s warranty. Regular servicing can also help prevent potential hazards, such as gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning.
While not a legal requirement, the benefits of annual servicing make it a wise investment for homeowners especially if selling a house.
Landlords
By law, landlords must ensure that all gas appliances are safe for their tenants and that boiler checks are carried out every 10-12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer. In addition, landlords are required to provide their tenants with a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate, confirming that the boiler and flue system have been serviced and checked for safety.
Landlords should also ensure that all gas appliances are regularly serviced and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. This includes checking for any signs of wear and tear, and ensuring that any necessary repairs are carried out promptly. Furthermore, landlords should ensure that their properties are in good condition.
Read more about landlord boiler service requirements here and how to book one.
Book my serviceChoosing a Qualified Engineer for Boiler Servicing
When it comes to boiler servicing, selecting a qualified engineer is of the utmost importance for ensuring safety and compliance. Depending on the type of boiler installed in your home, you’ll need to choose an engineer with Gas Safe or OFTEC registration.
Let’s look at the qualifications and expertise of these engineers.
Gas Safe Registered Engineers
Gas Safe Registered Engineers are qualified professionals who have attained an industry qualification, such as an ACS certificate of competence, and are registered with Gas Safe. They hold various qualifications, including CCN1, CPA1, CENWAT, CKR1, and HTR1.
When the engineer arrives for the boiler service, it is important to verify their Gas Safe Register ID card. This ensures that the engineer is qualified and authorized to service gas boilers, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations.
OFTEC Registered Engineers
OFTEC Registered Engineers are qualified professionals who have completed an approved training course and assessment, possess the necessary qualifications to demonstrate their relevant skills and competence for the OFTEC registration they require, and are regularly inspected by OFTEC to ensure their competence.
These engineers are the go-to choice for servicing oil boilers, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations.
Book my serviceTiming Your Boiler Service
Boilers should be serviced once a year, preferably in the summer, as this provides an ideal time for maintenance and repairs. Skipping annual service may lead to breakdowns and reduced efficiency, which can result in higher energy bills and potential safety hazards.
Let’s explore the benefits of annual and summer servicing.
Yearly or Annual Servicing
Annual servicing is vital for ensuring your boiler’s optimal performance, safety, and longevity. By having your boiler serviced every 12 months, you can detect and address any potential issues before they become critical, lowering the risk of breakdowns and costly repairs.
Regular servicing can also help maintain the validity of your boiler’s warranty, providing peace of mind in case of any unexpected issues.
Summer Servicing
Scheduling your boiler service during the summer months comes with numerous advantages. Firstly, it ensures your boiler is in top working condition before the cold winter months, when you rely on it the most.
Secondly, boiler service engineers may have more availability during the summer, leading to quicker appointments and potentially lower rates.
Finally, servicing your boiler during the summer can help prevent unexpected breakdowns, ensuring your home remains warm and comfortable throughout the winter.
Find out here how long a boiler service takes so you know how long you will be without hot water.
Book my serviceWhat to Expect During a Boiler Service
During and included in a boiler service, you can expect a qualified heating engineer to carry out various checks and cleaning tasks to ensure your boiler is functioning optimally and safely.
Let’s take a closer look at the inspection and cleaning process and the duration of a boiler service.
Inspection and Cleaning
A boiler inspection involves a comprehensive visual inspection of the boiler, including cleaning and adjusting components as necessary, assessing any signs of damage, and analysing both waterside and fireside surfaces. Safety controls, fuel system, combustion air system, heat exchanger, and flue/exhaust gases must be checked.
Additionally, the correct boiler pressure and all thermostats should be recorded, and the pump operation should be verified. The inspection should be conducted by a Gas Safe registered engineer and typically takes 40 minutes to 1.5 hours to complete.
Boiler servicing is essential for guaranteeing the safe and efficient operation of your boiler.
Regular servicing can help detect and address any potential issues before they become critical and can aid in prolonging the lifespan of your boiler.
By ensuring all components are functioning optimally and detecting any potential issues before they become critical, regular servicing can help maintain your boiler’s warranty and prevent costly breakdowns.
Book my serviceDuration
A boiler service typically lasts for at least 30 minutes and involves a variety of checks and cleaning procedures. Should a fault be identified during the service, the duration of the job may be extended in order to address the issue.
It’s essential to plan ahead and allocate enough time for the service to be carried out thoroughly and professionally.
Boiler Service Costs
The cost of a boiler service can vary, depending on factors such as the type of boiler, the size of the boiler, and the complexity of the service. On average, boiler service costs range from £60-90, but can go up to £160 in London.
Let’s explore the factors that affect the cost of boiler servicing.
Book my serviceAverage Costs
The typical cost of a boiler service in the UK is usually in the range of £75-£100, depending on the type of boiler and the location. It is recommended to have your boiler serviced annually to maintain its efficiency, safety, and warranty coverage.
The cost can vary for different types of boilers, such as gas, oil, and electric boilers, with electric boilers generally costing between £60 and £90.
Factors Affecting Cost
The cost of a boiler service is affected by various factors, such as the location of the service provider, the type and age of the boiler, the choice of heating engineer, and the labor and supply costs of the company. Additionally, emergency calls outs and repairs can also have an impact on the cost.
To ensure you receive a fair price for your boiler service, it’s important to compare quotes from multiple engineers and consider factors such as their qualifications, experience, and reviews from previous customers.
Book my serviceTips for Booking Your Boiler Service
To make the most of your annual boiler service, it’s important to choose the right heating engineer and obtain the best value for your money. In this section, we’ll offer tips for comparing quotes from multiple engineers and obtaining free quotes for your boiler service.
Comparing Quotes
To evaluate quotes for a boiler service, it’s recommended to review the prices and services provided by various companies. You can obtain quotes online or by contacting local engineers directly.
Comparing multiple quotes can help you find the best value for your money and ensure you receive a high-quality service from a qualified heating engineer.
Free Quotes
Obtaining free quotes for your boiler service is a great way to save money and compare prices from different engineers.
Use an online service which can help you compare quotes for boiler services from up to 5 local heating engineers. Finding a reliable and experienced professional in your area has never been easier however than booking a service with Boiler Central.
By comparing these quotes, you can ensure you’re getting the best value for your money and a professional service from a qualified engineer.
Boiler Cover with a free yearly service
If you have central heating or boiler cover, then you should get a free boiler service every year as part of the plan. This not only protects your boiler by ensuring it is working properly, you also get the free call outs and limited repair costs if anything goes wrong.
Book my serviceSummary
In conclusion, regular boiler servicing means that you are ensuring the safety, efficiency, and longevity of your boiler. By scheduling annual servicing, preferably during the summer months, you can prevent potential breakdowns, maintain your boiler’s warranty, and even save money on energy bills.
It’s important to choose a qualified engineer with either Gas Safe or OFTEC registration, depending on the type of boiler you have, and to compare quotes from multiple engineers to ensure you receive the best value for your money.
Remember, a well-maintained boiler is not only essential for the comfort of your home, but it also contributes to a safer and more energy-efficient living environment. So don’t underestimate the importance of regular boiler servicing – it’s a small investment that can make a big difference in the long run.
Book my serviceFrequently Asked Questions
Do you need your boiler serviced every year?
It is strongly recommended to have your boiler serviced every year. Doing so helps keep the boiler working at its best, minimise wear and tear, and identify any potential safety issues. This will also help you save money on energy bills, as a well-maintained boiler runs more efficiently.
Conclusion: An annual boiler service is highly recommended in order to ensure that your boiler is running safely and efficiently. Regular maintenance can minimize wear and tear, help you save money on energy bills, and provide peace of mind.
How often should a boiler be serviced by law UK?
By law, boilers should be serviced annually to ensure they are working safely and efficiently. Regular servicing of your boiler is important to make sure it is running correctly and without any issues.
It is recommended that this service takes place in the summer months when demand for heating is lower.
How do I know if my boiler needs servicing?
It is important to keep an eye out for signs that indicate your boiler may need servicing. These include clogged filters, leaks, slow heating, operating issues, and hearing strange noises.
If any of these symptoms are present, it’s likely time for a service call.
What happens if you don’t service your boiler?
Failing to service your boiler regularly can lead to decreased efficiency, higher energy bills, and a potentially catastrophic breakdown.
As such, regular maintenance is essential for any boiler system.
Do you really need to service your boiler every year?
It is recommended that you service your boiler at least once a year to ensure its safety, efficiency and to keep your warranty valid. An annual service should be done by a qualified engineer in order to check for any issues or potential problems.
Doing so will help to keep your system functioning correctly and safely.
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