Boiler services are pretty vital in ensuring your boiler's working as it should, efficiently and safely. It's typically recommended that you have your boiler serviced on an annual basis.
It might sound overblown, but a boiler is pretty essential to your home, just think how often you rely on hot water and heating!
During a service a Gas Safe registered engineer will carry out maintenance checks on all the key parts of your boiler.
We'll look at why boiler services are important, and how to ensure your boiler is looked after!
What is a boiler service?
Servicing your boiler will help it keep ticking along and help reduce the risk of potential breakdowns and other problems.
So what does a boiler service actually consist of? An engineer should carry out various checks, including:
- Checking over the controls and the boiler itself
- An inspection of internal componenets
- Looking for any evidence of corrosion or a leak
- Flue checks (both inside and outside) to make sure no unsafe emissions are coming from your boiler
- Water and gas pipework
- Gas and pressure-flow tests
Having a Gas Safe registered engineer scope out your boiler should ensure you're all set for the winter months.
Why do I need a boiler service?
Problems with your boiler aren't always obvious. The last thing you need is a sudden outage in winter months when access to hot water and heating is vital.
In addition, annual boiler checks can flag an issue early before it becomes a costly repair.
And on the subject of saving a few quid, low-functioning boilers can lead to more expensive energy bills. So keeping it in a good state can actually help you save money.
Another reason you should have an annual boiler service is, well, because you have to. It's not uncommon for certain boilers to have a conditional warranty. The condition being that you have your boiler serviced once a year.
But, on a more serious note, a faulty boiler could put your home at risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
A faulty boiler, defective pipework and poor ventilation can release carbon monoxide into your home. This results in a number of deaths across the UK every year, so a boiler service can help keep your appliance running safely.
How often should I get my boiler serviced?
Once a year, ideally. But, like we've mentioned, you might have a certain timeframe (like with an MOT) to have your boiler serviced to preserve a warranty.
As far as when you should book a service, towards the end of the summer is a good time. It means you're all sorted before the UK weather decides to imitate conditions in the Arctic Circle.
Also, if a problem is flagged, you have enough time to book a repair or replacement before the winter months.
If you’re a landlord, you’re legally required to service a boiler on an annual basis in all of your properties.
How much is a boiler service?
Let's cut to the chase. According to Check a Trade, the average cost of a boiler service is £100*. But this can vary due to a number of factors, such as:
- The type of boiler you have (such as gas, oil or combi, etc.)
- The age of your boiler
- Where you live
- The company you choose to service your boiler
However, you might decide to opt for additional servicing. For example, it'll likely cost more to have a full strip-down service. This includes the removal of components of the boiler to be cleaned.
It'll also cost extra for a chemical flush, where sludge, rust and other debris are cleaned out.
If you don't have a carbon monoxide detector fitted in your home, you should consider it. Carbon monoxide is an odourless, poisonous, colourless gas, so it's impossible to detect its presence.
A detector in your home can identify the presence of the carbon monoxide gas in your home and alert you.
How do I find someone to service my boiler?
Searching the internet and choosing the first company or engineer you see isn't advisable, to say the least.
Finding someone trusted means your boiler is going to be well looked after. So, to help you find the best person for the job, you should consider:
- Checking that the company or engineer is on the Gas Safe register or OFTEC registered for an oil-fired boiler.
- Shopping around to get an idea of pricing and the best value for money. You might even find a rolling plan works out cheaper.
- Researching! Trawl through plenty of reviews to find recommended companies or engineers. Always check independent review websites like Trustpilot.
Do I need a service if I have boiler insurance?
Yes. Even if you have boiler insurance, you still need to have it serviced.
Cover for your boiler is generally included in your home insurance as part of a home emergency cover add-on. This should offer you some protection if you need to repair your boiler.
But, there are exclusions. For example, the age of the boiler, its service history and the type of boiler you have can affect your cover.
You can also consider a standalone boiler insurance policy that might offer a broader range of cover. Some of these do actually offer an annual service as part of your policy.
So, just to confirm, whether you have boiler insurance or not, you still need to have it serviced. On an annual basis, ideally.
*Prices correct as of May 2024.
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