If you’re a homeowner or a landlord, you’ll know that getting your boiler serviced regularly is key to keeping it running safely and smoothly. But, exactly how often should your boiler be serviced?
Regardless of whether it runs on gas or oil, you should have it serviced at least once a year, by a Gas Safe or OFTEC registered engineer.
When should you get your boiler serviced?
There’s no set time of year to get your boiler serviced, the most important thing is that you’re having it done at least once a year.
That being said, there are a few instances to bear in mind to help you figure out when your service is due…
It’s been a year since your last service
Think back to when you had your last service and book your next one within 12 months. Check the Benchmark section of your boiler manual (usually at the back), as your last service might well be noted in here, and set a reminder if you can, so you don’t lose track of time.
You’ve moved home
If the previous homeowner hasn’t given you a record of their past boiler services, then make sure that booking one is top of your to-do list. Once you’ve had it completed, jot down the date and you’ll know exactly when the next one is due.
Your boiler isn’t as efficient as it used to be
If you’ve got an older boiler, you may be finding that problems are starting to crop up between your annual services. Always call in an expert to check things over and for extra reassurance you could take out boiler cover to protect you against potentially costly repair bills if something goes wrong.
You want to be prepped for a cold snap
Summer is always a good time of year to get your boiler serviced, as you don’t rely on it as much to keep your home feeling toasty. Then, if there are any issues you can relax knowing they can be fixed ready for the winter, when you’ll need your heating more than ever.
What happens during a boiler service?
During an annual boiler service, various tests, checks and cleaning will be carried out to make sure your boiler is functioning to its best possible standard, and that there’s no hidden faults or leaks. These include:
- A visual inspection of the boiler
- Operation, control and safety checks
- Combustion performance of flue gases
- Stripping and cleaning the main boiler components where necessary
- Making a record of each test
- Ensuring the boiler is safe for use
It must be a Gas Safe registered engineer who conducts a gas boiler service (OFTEC registered for oil) and deems that your boiler is running safely and efficiently.
HomeServe is signed up to the Heating and Hot Water Industry Council guide for servicing, an industry standard for boiler services. For more details about what happens during your boiler service appointment, we’ve put together a boiler service checklist.
How long does a boiler service take?
A boiler service usually takes less than an hour, although this will depend on the appliance that’s being checked. Your professional Gas Safe registered engineer will follow a comprehensive checklist to make sure everything has been tested and is working well.
Why should you book an annual boiler service?
Not sure if you need your boiler serviced? Here are 5 reasons why you should book an annual boiler service:
1. Stay safe
One of the most important reasons for a boiler service is that it helps to keep you and the people in your home safe. Your boiler is a fuel-burning appliance that if not correctly maintained, can release poisonous carbon monoxide.
The problem with carbon monoxide is that the gas is tasteless, colourless and odourless so it’s hard to detect its presence so people are often unaware when a carbon monoxide leak occurs. Therefore, it’s critical that you have your boiler serviced regularly, as it can give you peace of mind that you’re safe, or highlight any need for repairs to avoid a boiler breakdown.
2. Keep your warranty intact
During your warranty period, which could be up to 10 years, manufacturers require you to have an annual service to keep the warranty valid. While your boiler is under warranty, if you don’t have a service once every 12 months then your warranty could be void. This means if a problem occurs, it’s likely you’d have to pay the full repair costs to get it fixed.
3. Catch faults in your boiler early
Chances are, if you’re not a Gas Safe registered engineer, you won’t know about a problem with your boiler until you come to turn it on and it won’t ignite.
During a service, the engineer will be able to identify and fix any underlying problems before it’s too late. No matter how small the issue with your boiler, ignoring it may lead to a more serious problem, which could be much more costly to repair, or lead to a safety issue.
4. Prolong the lifespan of your boiler
Primarily, the age and model of your boiler will determine how energy efficient it is; as your boiler gets older, it inevitably becomes less energy efficient.
Replacing a boiler is costly, so you’ll want to ensure you get the most out of the investment. Maintaining a healthy, efficient boiler by regularly servicing it could help make it last much longer. Remember, the average lifespan of a boiler is between 10 and 15 years, but with careful maintenance and regular servicing, it can reach this age and beyond.
5. It’s a legal requirement for landlords
If you’re a landlord, there’s a legal requirement to provide a gas safety record to your tenant each year. It makes it really convenient to conduct the gas safety check at the same time as a boiler service. This means that you know your boiler is working well and poses minimal risk to your tenants’ health.
With a boiler service, you’re taking a proactive approach to help reduce the chance of faults, or detecting issues early before they become a bigger problem. In the long term the small cost of a boiler service could help to save you from a significant cost if it were to break down.
How much does an annual boiler service cost?
On average the cost of an annual boiler service is anywhere between £100 and £130. However, the amount that you pay depends on a number of different factors, such as the:
- Type of boiler you own
- Fuel that your boiler uses
- Brand and model of your boiler
- Rates charged by the company you use
- Area you live
Who can service your boiler?
If you’ve got a gas boiler, make sure that the engineer is authorised and regulated by the Gas Safe register. If your boiler runs on oil then you’ll need to check that the engineer is accredited by OFTEC.
Here at HomeServe we’ve got certified engineers ready to carry out your boiler service. They’ll always show their ID when they arrive so you can verify their identity and qualifications, before they start any work.
Tick that annual boiler service off your to-do list
Don’t waste time searching for an expert to carry out your boiler service. Get in touch with our team today to arrange yours with one of our trusted, Gas Safe registered engineers.
And, if you’re looking to protect your boiler against unexpected problems, we can help with that too. Take a look at our range of boiler cover options to get peace of mind all year round.