What you should know about boiler servicing

If you own a boiler, it's important to get it serviced at least once a year. You can feel safe knowing that your heating system is working efficiently and safely at all times with this service.  Not only does a boiler service ensure that your system is in good working order, but it also ensures that you stay safe.
 
Boiler servicing can be particularly helpful if you have a gas boiler. The gas boiler is the most common type of boiler in the UK. It is also one of the best.
 
How does a gas boiler work?
A gas boiler efficiently heats up water with its burners, and then sends it to different heating points in your house with a system of pipes. When you have a service carried out on your gas boiler, an engineer will check all the components, including the burners and pipes.
 
They'll ensure that everything is working correctly before signing the boiler off as safe to use. After all, if it's not in proper working order then safety could be an issue.
 
How often does a boiler need servicing?
Your boiler should be serviced once a year. This service will cost between £100 and £150, but if you don't have it carried out then there could be risks to you and your family's safety.
 
A regular professional service will also help to increase the efficiency of your boiler, which means lower bills for you.
 
There's no hard and fast rule for how often a boiler should be serviced, but the general consensus is that it might be wise to get your boiler serviced once every two years. For rented property, a service each year should be okay.
 
What happens during a boiler service?
During a regular service, Gas Safe registered engineers will:

• check that all gas appliances in your home are safe to use
• clean the combustion chamber and heat exchanger, assuring efficiency
• replace any broken or defective parts.

A routine service will consist of the following:

• An engineer will check that your boiler is working safely and efficiently.
• Clean the ducts removing any blockages to improve gas flow and reduce backpressure. The combustion chamber and heat exchanger are cleaned to keep them operating efficiently.
• Check the pressure relief valve and pressure gauge, make sure they are in good working order. This is important to prevent any build-up of excess water between the boiler and expansion vessel.
• Change the O ring seal on piston operated valves if necessary.
• Check that all switches, controls and gauges are working correctly.
• Check that gas and water valves are working properly. This is important to prevent the build-up of air in pipework, which can lead to boiler failure
• Test for emissions or carbon monoxide leaks from gas appliances or vents
• Flush out any debris from non-return valves if they have been water fed
• Check that any unvented hot water cylinders or unvented stoves have a vent fitted and that it is in good condition. This helps to prevent carbon monoxide leaks, which can be extremely hazardous.
• Remove the pressure relief valve annually for cleaning and inspect the seal and spring for signs of corrosion.
• Inspect convector units for corrosion and blockages.
• Clean fuel-burning appliances to prevent the shooting, inspect filters and clean if necessary.
• Clean the heat exchanger with a stiff brush or vacuum cleaner. · Check gas safety controls are working correctly – not all boilers have these fitted as standard – and that they are to the correct British and European standards.
• Check for any loose and unsealed pipework – this can allow carbon monoxide gas back into the room. Drain down the system every three years – if it has an expansion vessel, drain this as well.
• Connect a hosepipe directly to the boiler's bypass tap, open it and open all hot taps.
• Connect the hosepipe to a tap outside and let the water drain away – repeat with all hot taps and returns, and then turn off the boiler.
• Measure how much water has been drained. Make sure there is no longer any heat or hot water present.
• Only allow the system to be filled by a reputable company or installer – never top-up yourself.
• Always use an approved antiscalant when draining the system – this will protect your boiler against corrosion.
• Check that all air has been purged from radiators within the property before turning on the heating again.

 
What if I don't get my boiler serviced?
If you don't have your boiler serviced regularly then it might work less efficiently, which could lead to higher energy costs.
 
Why should I get my boiler serviced?
When you service your boiler you're helping the environment as well as saving money and time. Service engineers make sure that your appliances are working at peak efficiency, which means they'll be using less gas and therefore emitting less CO2.
 
How do I know if my boiler needs a service?
If your boiler is making funny noises, you notice a decrease in heating, your fuel bills are higher than normal or when it's not turning on when you expect it to then the chances are that something isn't right.
 
What kind of things can go wrong?
There are lots of components within a boiler so there are lots of different problems that can occur. The common problems include: valves and seals wearing out, carbon monoxide leaks, rust in the boiler tube and tanks and pumps failing.
 
Who should perform a boiler service?
The manufacturer or installer of your appliance will normally be able to recommend qualified professional engineers. That way you'll have peace of mind knowing that you have engineers that have been trained to the right standard.
 
How often does a boiler need servicing?
For a combination boiler, this will be every 12 months and for a combi-only boiler, it will be every six months. The exact time period will depend on the make and model of your appliance, you should refer to your instruction manual or contact the manufacturer if you are unsure.
 
It also depends on the age of your appliance and the amount of use it sees – but generally speaking, if you're using your boiler three times a week throughout the winter, it's a good idea to have it serviced once a year.
 
How much would a boiler service cost?
Expect to pay between £80 and £120 for the service, depending on where you live. This may vary for many reasons. This covers a boiler check and a gas appliance safety inspection
 
How long does a boiler service take?
The length of time will vary depending on the make and model of your boiler but expect it to take around two hours. The engineer will generally spend half an hour testing and half an hour cleaning.
 
What is the difference between a boiler service and a boiler repair?
The two terms don't mean the same thing, but boilers that require servicing will often suffer from the same types of problems as those that need repairs – such as leaks or breakdowns. That's why it's important to book a boiler service check from time to time – every year or two, depending on how much you use it.