What Is a Boiler Service — and What Does It Cover?
Your boiler is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home.
But when unlike many other appliances, when a boiler stops working, ignoring it is often impossible!
A boiler service is an annual inspection carried out by a qualified heating engineer.
It's a structured set of safety checks, efficiency tests and internal component inspections.
Read on to find out:
- Exactly what a boiler service covers
- Who should carry it out,
- Whether it's really worth the cost.
And more.
Why boiler services matter
You rarely appreciate your boiler until it stops working.
A regular service prevents these unexpected breakdowns and protects your finances.
Here are three crucial reasons to book an annual service:
- Keep your warranty valid: Most manufacturer warranties require an annual service to remain active.
- Save money: A well-maintained boiler operates correctly, which saves you money on your energy bills.
- Stay safe: Faulty boilers can leak dangerous, odourless gases like carbon monoxide.
Landlords' legal requirements
Landlords have specific gas safety obligations that go beyond a standard annual service.
They must issue a Gas Safety Certificate to tenants each year.
Who should service your boiler
Only certified professionals should inspect your boiler.
Unless you are qualified, never attempt to do it yourself!
Depending on your boiler type, you must use a specifically registered engineer:
- Gas boilers: Must be serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
- Oil boilers: Must be serviced by an OFTEC-registered engineer.
- Solid fuel boilers (wood/coal): Must be serviced by a HEFTAS-registered engineer.
Always ask to see your engineer's ID before they start working.
What boiler services (should) cover
Boiler manufacturers provide strict checklists to ensure heating engineers do not miss any essential checks.
During a standard inspection, expect your engineer to do the following:
- Perform a visual check and remove the cover for an internal inspection
- Conduct a flue gas analysis and efficiency test
- Check and adjust the system pressure
- Inspect the condensate trap
- Ensure the boiler fires up and shuts down safely.
- Confirm ventilation and flues meet current Gas Safety Regulations.
Afterwards, the service is confirmed in your online portal.
The engineer will also advise you on your boiler's overall condition and maintainenance.
Different servicing requirements for different boilers
While the basic checks remain the same, different types of boilers may require different expertise and timeframes for servicing.
For example, the servicing process for a system boiler is slightly broader than a regular boiler.
It requires an engineer with an additional qualification and takes 30 to 45 minutes longer to complete.
Additionally, older or fault-prone boilers will generally require more time to service than newer models.
Boiler service costs
A one-off service typically costs between £50 and £100.
The final price depends on the supplier you choose, as well as the age and state of your boiler.
If the engineer finds a fault during the service, you will have to pay extra for those repairs.
How boiler cover helps
For boiler cover that gives you peace of mind, and a warm home, get in touch with YourRepair today.
We offer comprehensive boiler care plans from just £9 per month, which include a free annual boiler service (worth £80).