Updated: 22nd March, 2024
Whilst a boiler service might seem like an unnecessary added cost each year, it really is an important step to ensuring your boiler is operating safely and efficiently.
By getting your boiler serviced annually by a Gas Safe engineer, any small issues can be identified and fixed before they escalate into much more serious and costly problems.
According to a 2020 survey conducted by Which?, two thirds of boilers that were serviced annually have never needed a repair, so arranging a service could potentially spare you a hefty repair cost later down the line.
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If you have missed your service and have a boiler thats not working then your warranty may be invalid. Always check with an engineer or the boiler manufacture.
Boiler services also ensure your boiler and the whole system are running safely. Unfortunately, in England and Wales there are over 60 deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning every year.
By having your boiler serviced, you reduce the risk of a gas leak in your home, keeping you and your family safe.
It’s also worth noting that most boiler warranties become invalid unless you can prove you have had annual boiler services.
This means if it has been over twelve months since your last boiler service, the boiler manufacturer can refuse to cover the cost of repairs should your boiler ever break down.
The boiler is fired to identify any immediate obvious faults.
Flue terminals and internal flue compartments are inspected and sealed properly.
The burner is checked to make sure it’s burning efficiently using a flue gas analyser.
Boiler parts are cleaned.
Gas tightness test is performed to ensure there are no gas leaks.
Boiler casing is inspected to make sure it is sealed properly.
Whilst many people think the best time to get your boiler serviced is during the winter months, this is actually incorrect.
The best time to have your boiler serviced is in fact during the summer months as engineers tend to be far less busy around this time and it also helps to prepare your heating system for the harsh weather, reducing the risk of a breakdown during the cold winter months.
If your boiler is on its last legs then it may be worth considering the cost of a new boiler, repairing old boilers can sometimes become very costly and cause you nothing but problems.
The cost of a boiler service depends on a few things. If you have an annual boiler cover package, this usually includes an annual service and covers certain repair costs. These packages typically cost between £200 - £300 a year. Why not check out the best boiler insurance policies on the market?
Alternatively, if you’re arranging a one-off service, this typically costs between £60 - £100 for a gas boiler and a little less for an electric boiler.
According to Which?, you’re more likely to save money if you pay for one off services and repairs rather than taking out annual boiler cover. It’s also worth checking if your home insurance policy covers boilers and some home insurance companies cover this as standard or offer it as an optional extra.
Arranging a boiler service is simple. Simply find a Gas Safe engineer and get in touch to schedule a service. You can find local Gas Safe registered engineers by entering your town or postcode into the Gas Safe Register search tool.
If you have a boiler installed by iHeat, we will send you an annual service reminder via email or post. You can use your own Gas Safe engineer to carry out the service or we can do this for you. All you have to do is give us a call or email and we’ll get you booked in.
Make sure to ask the engineer what will be included in the service. If you can, watch the engineers they work and use the checklist above to make sure they cover the necessary basics.
However, it’s worth bearing in mind that not all boilers are the same, so some steps on the checklist may not be applicable to your specific boiler model.
Any decent boiler service should take a minimum of 30 minutes. If it takes less time than this, ask the engineer why. You should also ask the engineer for a written report of what had been carried out and check that it has been completed accurately.
Should you have any concerns about the service, get in touch with the Gas Safe Register on 0800 408 5500.
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If you are looking for a new boiler but can't front the cash, you can always look at the option of a boiler on finance, iHeat have many different options to choose from to spread the cost.
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