Importance of boiler servicing

How often should a boiler be serviced?

Boiler servicing is often overlooked, but it is one of the most important aspects of home maintenance.

It’s recommended that you should have your boiler serviced once a year to ensure its functioning well, is safe, and still working at efficient levels. This annual service should help prevent the need for any boiler repairs and extend the lifespan of your machine. 

Twelve months is a good duration because it lets your boiler go through a whole four-season cycle.

Also, a year is just a good time because it’s easier to remember when you last had it done – but put it in your calendar anyway!

Your boiler might go for weeks without being turned on in the summer, and weeks of barely being off in winter. All these conditions put their own stresses and demands on the boiler, so a checkup will get you ready for the next year.

Your boiler may have come with a warranty, in which case, you may need to have an annual service to make sure this warranty is protected. This manufacturer warranty may be dependent on an annual service, and it may also be stipulated by who you need to get the boiler service completed. Make sure to check your paperwork. If you breach this warranty, you could end up having to pay for any potential repairs yourself. 

Is it a legal requirement to service your boiler?

There is no legal requirement to have your boiler serviced annually as a homeowner, however, Gas Safe (the UK regulatory body for gas safety), strongly recommend an annual inspection. In extreme cases, un-serviced boilers can be more at risk of causing carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, and even explosions. Whilst these are uncommon, an annual service can put your mind at rest. 

If you are a landlord, you are legally responsible for your tenants' gas appliances, including boilers, which means that you must get an annual service and inspection done. When the boiler service has been completed, you will receive a Gas Safety Certificate. You must keep records of these services. Failure to comply with Gas Safety regulations is considered a serious offence, and failure to provide a gas safety certificate can result in a criminal record, prison sentences and unlimited fines.  

What happens if I don’t get an annual boiler service?

If you don’t have your boiler serviced regularly, it could lead to several problems.

Your boiler could become less efficient, meaning your energy bills will go up.

You might also start to experience more frequent breakdowns, and the parts inside your boiler could start to deteriorate.

This could eventually lead to your boiler needing to be replaced entirely.

To avoid all these issues, it’s important to have your boiler serviced at least once a year. This will help to keep it running smoothly and efficiently and could end up saving you money in the long run. So don’t forget to book your annual service – it could make all the difference!

What happens if you miss a boiler service as a landlord?

If you miss a boiler service as a landlord, there are a few potential consequences. First, your insurance policy may be void if you have an accident and need to make a claim. Second, your tenants could hold you liable if they experience any problems with the boiler while it is under your care. Finally, you may simply find that your boiler is less efficient and costs you more money to run if it is not serviced regularly.

If you are late on getting your boiler service as a landlord, you should call a gas safe engineer to come and service it as soon as possible.

Does landlord cover boiler breakdown?

Yes, your landlord is responsible for boiler breakdowns. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords are required to keep the property in a good state of repair. This includes making sure that the boiler is serviced and working properly. If your boiler breaks down, you should contact your landlord as soon as possible. They will then be responsible for arranging for a qualified engineer to come and fix it.

When should you get a boiler service?

There is no set time of year that you should get your boiler serviced. Often, the date of your previous service will dictate the rough time of year that it is due for renewal. Although you are not tied to a specific time for your service, here are some key considerations that may influence when you choose:

Most homes will want their boiler serviced and ready for the cold weather in winter.

Because of this, it makes sense to have your boiler serviced in the warmer months, especially July, August, or early September where a specialist can fix up any problems in preparation for the Winter. The main benefit from this is that if you have any issues that require your heating to be switched off, you won’t be stuck in a freezing cold home. 

In the UK, this generally means a peak of services is seen from October-January. During this time, you may find it harder to get same-day or same-week service.

Over 3 million UK households have never had their boiler serviced, which could result in not only poor efficiency, but the need for repair. If you don’t know when you last serviced your boiler, it’s best to get a precautionary service asap.

Do all boiler types of boilers need an annual service?

There are 3 common boiler types in UK homes. These include combi, heat-only boilers, and system boilers.

80% of UK homes have combi boilers according to uswitch. Regardless of boiler type, an annual service is suggested although not required by law.

Can I service my boiler myself?

The plain answer to this is no.

You should not be attempting to service or repair your boiler yourself as it could be extremely dangerous. A boiler service needs to be carried out by a professional – in this case a qualified Gas Safe engineer. There are many tasks you can undertake to make your home more energy efficient, however, including:

• Installing lagging on your pipework
• Regularly bleed your radiators
• Purchase a cylinder jacket for your heat tank.
• Install draught proofing on any windows, doors, chimneys, or areas that could be prone to outside air leaks.
• Add radiator reflectors behind radiators (if safe to do) which reduces heat loss from radiators.

Who should service the boiler?

A boiler must be serviced by a fully qualified heating engineer and the qualification(s) they should have will depend on the type of boiler you have installed in your home. See below the difference:

Gas boilers - A Gas Safe Registered engineer is the only person qualified to service a gas boiler.

Oil boilers - An oil boiler must be serviced by an OFTEC registered engineer.

It is important to know that when the respective heating engineer arrives at your home to carry out the boiler service, you are entitled to request and see their ID before they get to work. For your safety as well as making sure the job gets done to the best ability.

What does a boiler service involve?

A thorough boiler service should last for around 30 - 40 minutes as the heating engineer does the following:

• The engineer will start by looking for any signs of corrosion or leaking as well as checking the flame in the boiler.
• They will remove the boiler casing to check the components inside and clean (where necessary)
• This will lead them to check the flue terminals to ensure they aren't blocked in any way.
• After they check that the gas pressure is at the correct level
• Finally, the engineer will end the service by firing up the boiler to check its performance as it operates.

Is a boiler service also a gas safety check?

Not exactly. Many companies have separate options for a gas safety certificate and a boiler service. The boiler service helps to keep your boiler running efficiently, doing all essential checks and preventative maintenance tasks. A gas safety certificate/gas safety check however will include an inspection of all heating and gas appliances in your home.