A boiler service involves a manual inspection carried out by a plumber or engineer. They will inspect your boiler for any possible faults or potential issues and then go on to service particular parts within it. The aim of this is to catch any issues before it ends up being a major breakdown or could trigger a potential safety risk. It’s definitely worth considering that most new boilers are provided with a manufacturer’s warranty but in most scenarios, in order for it to be valid, you will need to have your boiler serviced every 12 months.
One of the best ways to make your boiler is working effectively and efficiently is to book an annual boiler service with a qualified engineer and this is what we are going to explore in this blog.
Who can service a boiler?
You can book a plumber or boiler specialist to inspect your boiler, but it’s vital, if you have a gas-powered system, that they’re Gas Safe registered.
An engineer who is not appropriately qualified to work on a boiler is not only illegal but also dangerous. If you’re uncertain, you will be able to ask to see the engineer’s Gas Safe Card which will clarify if they’re qualified to carry out the gas job you’ve employed them to do and if their qualifications are up-to-date. As well as this, you can have a look at the Gas Safe Register website.
If you have an oil boiler, you can ask if the engineer is Oftec registered – they will have gone through a thorough training and assessment program to government-recognised standards, in a similar fashion to Gas Safe, only with a focus on oil systems.
With this in mind, here in this blog, we are going to explore what is involved in a boiler service and a few points that its beneficial for you to consider in regard to this.
What will a boiler service involve?
There are a few significant checks an engineer will carry out when inspecting and servicing a boiler. Some of the key things that they will check include:
- For any indication of corrosion or leaking around the inside and outside of your boiler
- All controls are safe and in effective working order
- If the gas pressure is too high or low
- All internal sections are clean and working safely
- For any bad emissions (such as carbon monoxide) being released into your home
- If removing the cover isn’t doable, the engineer will carry out a Flue Gas Analysis test to see how much carbon monoxide is being pumped out
- If you have a condensing boiler, the engineer will take out and clean the condensate trap
Why do I need a boiler service?
A broken or poorly-maintained boiler might be the cause of a number of problems, and potentially put your safety at risk. In a survey carried out by the Department of Health and Social Care, there are around 4,000 people who go to A&E with carbon monoxide poisoning, with 200 people being hospitalised and around 50 people dying due to this – annually. This toxic gas is undetectable by scent, so you need to have a carbon monoxide alarm based near any gas appliances and allow for regular servicing to help detect any leaks early on.
A regular service can also help with:
Saving you on energy bills – by keeping your boiler running as efficiently as possible, an annual service means you can help save energy as well as money.
Preventing any potential breakdowns – catching any possible issues and ensuring your boiler is in good condition indicates you’ll help avoid total breakdowns, which could result in you and your household without heating or hot water until the problem can be fixed and incur unexpected repair bills.
Avoiding full replacement of the boiler itself – by keeping your boiler running safely and efficiently, you’re more likely to prevent the need to replace it all together, which can be a significant cost. Boilers which are not serviced often will be more likely to have breakdowns which can, in some cases, result in the boiler needing to be fully replaced.
When do I need to service my boiler?
It’s often advised that you either get your boiler serviced annually – this is the ideal opportunity and amount of time to leave it so your engineer can notice any possible safety issue before they get out of hand.
Having it serviced prior to winter coming around is also a great idea, this will make sure that the boiler is working properly before the cold weather hits and it ramps up its activity.
While you might not think about your central heating throughout the warmer summer months, it’s a good opportunity to do so as the engineers are less likely to be highly busy.
Will I receive a boiler service certificate after?
Once your engineer has carried out the service of your boiler, you will be able to ask them to provide a summary of the service. While it is not a legal requirement it is still good practice to do so.
You can often expect it to include details on:
- Which sections of the boiler have been checked
- Any issues which have arisen
- Any advised works that have become apparent
How does boiler safety apply to me in my home?
Homeowners – a Gas Safety Record is not a legal requirement, however, you will be able to ask for one for your own records or to prove to future buyers that you’ve kept your boiler in good working order.
Landlords – it’s a legal requirement to have the boiler inspected annually, as well as all other gas installations and appliances owned by you in your properties (you don’t have to be concerned with appliances owned by your tenant but most engineers will carry out a visual inspection and make a record of the inspection). You’ll require a Gas Safety Record as proof of this, which you can provide for your tenant every year.
Tenants – your landlord will need to offer you with a Gas Safety Record within 28 days of the boiler inspection.
The bottom line
Minor problems can evolve into bigger ones if left unattended. By making sure your boiler is running efficiently, you can save yourself money on future repairs. Your engineer will be able to detect and fix any minor problems to help avoid future malfunctions and expensive repairs.
West London Gas – Boiler Servicing In West London
At West London Gas, we are proud of our reputation for delivering efficient and effective boiler servicing. Call to book your service today. Your boiler is an essential appliance every day of the year, but especially during the colder months when they’re often working overtime to keep us nice and warm, not to mention the day-to-day heating of water for cooking or washing. All that work takes its toll on your boiler, and without regular maintenance, you may find its condition deteriorates after a while. You don’t want any problems to escalate, and thankfully you can prevent issues from arising with regular boiler servicing from our skilled and experienced engineers. To find out more about the services we offer, please feel free to contact us today, we’d be delighted to hear from you.