Your boiler works throughout the year to provide heating and hot water, but it's often only when something goes wrong that you give it much thought. Having your boiler serviced every year is one of the simplest ways to help keep it safe, reliable and operating as efficiently as possible.
An annual boiler service gives a qualified engineer the opportunity to inspect the appliance, check that it's operating correctly and identify potential problems before they develop into more expensive repairs.
But what actually happens during a boiler service, why is annual servicing important, and when is the best time of year to arrange one?
How Often Should You Service Your Boiler?
For most homes, you should arrange a boiler service once every 12 months.
Annual servicing helps ensure the boiler continues to operate safely and correctly and gives your heating engineer an opportunity to identify signs of wear, deterioration or developing faults.
If you have a new boiler, annual servicing may also be a condition of the manufacturer's guarantee or warranty. Check the terms supplied with your particular boiler, as servicing requirements can vary between manufacturers.
If you're a landlord, there are also separate legal requirements relating to annual gas safety checks. A boiler service and a landlord's gas safety check are not necessarily the same thing.
Why Is an Annual Boiler Service Important?
There are several good reasons to make boiler servicing part of your annual home maintenance.
Safety is one of the most important reasons to have your boiler regularly serviced.
Gas appliances must burn fuel correctly and safely dispose of combustion gases. During a service, a Gas Safe registered engineer can check the boiler and its associated components for signs of problems that could affect safe operation.
Potential issues can include:
- Incorrect combustion
- Flue problems
- Gas leaks
- Damaged or deteriorating components
- Problems with safety devices
- Inadequate ventilation where applicable
Carbon monoxide is particularly dangerous because it cannot be seen, tasted or smelled. Regular servicing is therefore an important part of maintaining gas appliances safely.
You should also have an appropriate carbon monoxide alarm installed in your property and test it regularly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
If you've recently invested in a new boiler, keeping up with its servicing schedule can be important for maintaining the manufacturer's warranty or guarantee.
Many boiler manufacturers require the appliance to be serviced by an appropriately qualified engineer at specified intervals, typically annually.
Failing to meet the manufacturer's servicing requirements could affect your ability to make a warranty claim later.
Keep a record of each service so you have evidence that the boiler has been maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements.
Boilers contain numerous mechanical and electronic components that can deteriorate over time.
An annual service provides an opportunity to identify signs of wear or developing problems before you're left without heating or hot water.
This is particularly valuable before winter, when your boiler is likely to be working hardest.
Finding a developing problem during a planned service can also be considerably less inconvenient than dealing with an unexpected boiler breakdown on a cold winter morning.
There's no way to guarantee exactly how long a boiler will last, but regular professional maintenance can help keep it in good working condition.
Small problems that are ignored can place additional strain on other components or develop into larger faults.
Regular servicing, combined with appropriate repairs when required, can therefore help you get the best possible service life from your boiler.
A boiler failure is inconvenient at any time, but particularly during winter.
Regular servicing doesn't guarantee that a boiler will never break down, but it gives your engineer an opportunity to check its condition and identify potential issues.
This can provide additional reassurance that your heating system is ready for the colder months.
What Happens During a Boiler Service?
A professional boiler service should be carried out by an engineer who is appropriately qualified for the appliance and fuel type.
For a gas boiler, this means using a Gas Safe registered engineer.
The precise procedure can vary according to the boiler manufacturer and model, but a service will typically involve a series of visual, operational and safety checks.
Visual Inspection
The engineer will inspect the boiler and surrounding installation for signs of damage, corrosion, leaks or other visible problems.
They may also check the flue and ventilation arrangements where applicable.
Boiler Operation
The boiler will be operated so the engineer can assess whether it's starting, running and shutting down correctly.
This allows the engineer to identify unusual noises, operating problems or error conditions.
Internal Inspection
Where required by the manufacturer's servicing procedure, the boiler casing may be removed so internal components can be inspected.
The engineer can check the condition of relevant components and look for signs of deterioration, leaks or other issues.
Flue and Combustion Checks
Correct combustion is essential for safe boiler operation.
The engineer can carry out the appropriate checks and measurements to ensure the appliance is operating within the required parameters.
Safety Checks
The boiler's safety systems and controls will be checked as appropriate to the appliance.
This helps confirm that the boiler is operating safely and correctly.
Cleaning Where Required
Components may be cleaned where necessary and in accordance with the boiler manufacturer's servicing instructions.
Not every boiler requires the same components to be cleaned during every service, so the work should be based on the particular appliance and its condition rather than a generic checklist.
Final Operational Checks
Once the service has been completed, the engineer will run the boiler again and confirm that it is operating correctly.
If any faults or recommended repairs are identified, these can then be discussed with you.
When Is the Best Time to Service Your Boiler?
Your boiler can be serviced at any time of year, provided you maintain the required annual servicing interval.
However, spring and summer can be particularly convenient times to arrange a boiler service.
There are several reasons for this.
During warmer weather, you're less dependent on your central heating, so any problem discovered during servicing is less disruptive.
It also means your boiler can be checked before autumn and winter, when it will be working considerably harder.
Arranging your service outside the peak heating season may also make appointment planning easier.
The important point, however, is consistency. If your boiler warranty requires annual servicing, don't delay a service beyond the required interval simply to move it to a more convenient season.
Should You Service a New Boiler Every Year?
Yes. A new boiler still requires regular servicing.
In fact, annual servicing can be particularly important with a newer appliance because the manufacturer's warranty or guarantee may require a documented service history.
Modern boilers are highly sophisticated appliances incorporating electronic controls, sensors and safety systems. They still require professional inspection and maintenance even when they appear to be operating perfectly.
Do You Need a Boiler Service If Everything Is Working Normally?
Yes. A boiler doesn't need to display a fault code or stop working before it requires attention.
Some problems can develop without obvious symptoms, and annual servicing is preventative maintenance rather than simply a response to a breakdown.
Think of servicing as an opportunity to check the boiler before something goes wrong.
Boiler Service vs Boiler Repair: What's the Difference?
A boiler service is planned maintenance carried out while the boiler is generally operating normally. Its purpose is to inspect the appliance, carry out appropriate checks and confirm that it is operating correctly.
A boiler repair is required when a fault has already developed.
Signs you may need a repair rather than simply waiting for your next service include:
- Boiler repeatedly losing pressure
- Unusual noises
- Heating or hot water not working
- Frequent fault codes
- Boiler repeatedly switching off
- Water leaking from the appliance
- Radiators not heating correctly
- Boiler failing to ignite
If you smell gas or suspect a carbon monoxide problem, don't wait for a routine service. Follow the appropriate gas emergency procedures immediately.
Make Boiler Maintenance Easier with a Home Care Plan
If you'd prefer to spread the cost of maintaining your heating system rather than dealing with unexpected expenses, a home care plan may be worth considering.
APG Domestic Services offers home care options designed to help customers look after their heating systems and provide additional peace of mind.
Depending on the selected plan and its current terms, cover may include planned maintenance and support when heating problems occur.
You can find out what's currently included and compare the available options on our Home Care Plans page.
Book Your Annual Boiler Service with APG Domestic Services
APG Domestic Services has been providing professional heating services to homeowners throughout Lancashire for more than 25 years.
Our experienced Gas Safe registered engineers service boilers throughout Preston, Bamber Bridge, Fulwood, Penwortham, Leyland, Chorley, Longton, Garstang, Blackburn, Blackpool, Poulton-le-Fylde, Fleetwood, Lytham, St Annes, Tarleton, Rufford, Kirkham, Southport and surrounding areas.
Whether your annual service is due, you've recently moved into a property or you simply can't remember the last time your boiler was checked, we can help.
Book your boiler service with APG Domestic Services or call 01772 697166 to arrange an appointment.
Regular servicing is a relatively simple step that can help keep your boiler safe, maintain its warranty requirements, identify developing problems and keep your heating system in good working order for the year ahead.
