I have a new boiler–do I still need to get it serviced? Can I service the boiler myself? These are some of the most asked questions when considering whether a boiler service is necessary. In this article, we will answer these questions and explore the benefits of an annual boiler service.
Getting your boiler serviced is critically important to ensure the safety of yourself, those in your household, and those in your local community. As well as maintaining your warranty, an annual service sees that your boiler is working efficiently which, in the long term, saves you money and helps the planet.
Safety
While it can be tempting to postpone your boiler service or pay a less qualified, cheaper engineer to do the job, you could be putting yourself, your family, and your neighbourhood at risk of a gas leak, fire, or even an explosion. A recent Gas Safe Register study revealed that 1 in 11 boilers were a potential safety hazard. It’s important to avoid cutting corners when it comes to gas safety.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced when fuels such as gas, oil, coal and wood do not burn fully. These fuels are commonly used in many household appliances, such as:
- Boilers
- Gas fires
- Central heating systems
- Water heaters
- Cookers
- Open fires
Accidental exposure to harmful CO emissions can occur if any of these appliances are installed incorrectly or poorly maintained and/or ventilated. CO is odourless, tasteless and colourless, so without a carbon monoxide alarm, a leak could easily pass unnoticed. Although a gas leak is rare, due to the highly dangerous and potentially fatal consequences of an accident, it’s important to make certain that your boiler is working safely by booking a yearly service with a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Efficiency
A regularly serviced boiler will function much more efficiently than a boiler that hasn’t been maintained properly. In the average household, 50% of the energy bill merely covers the cost of maintaining the indoor climate. Servicing your boiler ensures you only use the necessary amount of fuel in your home, avoid unnecessary costs and protect the planet.
Cutting Costs
On average, the boiler is the most expensive household appliance; a replacement and installation can cost over £3000. To make the most of your investment, it’s important that your boiler lives a long life and does not breakdown unexpectedly, especially in the winter. A well-maintained boiler should last 15+ years. However, poor maintenance could cut the life of your boiler by 1/3 or more and require you to pay for costly one-off repairs.
Maintaining the Warranty
Keeping the warranty on your boiler requires you to maintain the system properly by booking an annual service with a Gas Safe registered engineer. Failure to do so may invalidate your warranty and leave you unprotected when the unexpected happens.
Peace of Mind
During a boiler service, the engineer will clean and check all the components of the boiler system and replace components when needed. Given the risks involved if you don’t get a service, getting it done provides peace of mind, especially in the colder months.
Who can carry out a boiler service?
In the UK, a Gas Safe engineer must carry out your boiler service. This protects customers from either trying to do it themselves, which can be extremely dangerous, or from unqualified people who attempt to do the job for money.
What happens during a boiler service?
A gas boiler service involves cleaning and testing all the boiler components and replacing parts where necessary. A boiler service typically lasts between 45 minutes and 1 ½ hours.
How much should a boiler service cost?
A boiler service typically costs between £70 and £100; the average cost is around £80.
When should I get my boiler serviced?
To prepare your boiler for winter, the best time to get your boiler serviced is late in the summer. We don’t tend to use our boilers as much during the summer months. This inactivity can impact the efficiency of your boiler. It’s important to remember that if you have concerns, regardless the time of year, you should book an appointment as soon as possible.
Is there anything I can do myself to protect my boiler?
- Leave your boiler on for 15 minutes, at least once a month
- Check and bleed your radiators
- Check and insulate your pipes
- Check your boiler pressure
- Get/check your carbon monoxide alarm
DOES YOUR BOILER NEED A SERVICE?
We can help!
We have a range of cover plans to suit all budgets and requirements and all plans have a FREE boiler service as standard.
Contact our friendly team to see how we can help you keep your boiler running correctly and efficiently.
