It is important to have your boiler serviced every year to ensure it continues to work safely and efficiently

What is Boiler Servicing?

Boiler servicing involves getting a qualified heating engineer to examine your boiler to make sure it’s operating safely and efficiently. The engineer will perform a series of checks to see whether there are any faults or issues with your boiler that could be putting the safety of you and your home at risk. Having a service at least once a year will also help to prevent any major problems developing with your boiler.

Why Service Your Boiler?

Your boiler works hard to produce warmth and hot water for your home and, like most things, it needs a bit of love and attention every now and then. When you book an annual service, not only will your engineer give your boiler the care it needs but they can also detect and fix any minor faults before they turn into major problems. If you don’t do right by your boiler, you can shorten its life and face expensive repair bills along the way.

A regular boiler service can help to minimise the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning – which is extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening. As carbon monoxide is a scentless gas, you won’t be able to tell if it’s leaking from your boiler but a Gas Safe engineer will.

Getting your boiler serviced every year will also help to optimise performance and efficiency so that you can cut your carbon footprint and keep on saving money on your energy bills. In many cases, having an annual boiler service is a requirement of your insurer and a condition of your manufacturer’s warranty as well.

What Does a Boiler Service Include?

A qualified Gas Safe engineer has the skills and expertise required to conduct various tests and identify any leaks, corrosion and repairs during your boiler service. They should also clean any parts if necessary and provide you with advice on how best to look after your boiler. Once the service is complete, the engineer will give you a written service report detailing what they have done to your boiler. The report will also include information about any parts that may need to be repaired or replaced, along with the cost of any repairs.

Your engineer should spend at least 30 minutes servicing your boiler, so be sure to time them from the moment they get to work. The typical cost for a one-off service is between £75 and £100, which includes both labour and the call-out fee. If you do need to pay for repairs, remember to check whether your boiler is still under the manufacturer’s warranty or is covered by your home insurance.

Boiler Service Checklist

First and foremost, it’s crucial to check that your engineer is Gas Safe Register approved as this confirms that they are legally permitted to service your boiler. You can also watch your engineer when they are servicing your boiler to give you peace of mind that they have covered all of the basics. A certified boiler service engineer should do the following:

• Carry out a visual inspection of the boiler and flame
• Test the flue
• Check the gas pressure or heat input
• Take off the boiler casing to inspect the main internal components
• Clean any parts that need cleaning
• Inspect boiler controls and safety devices
• Examine the seals
• Fire up the boiler to ensure it is safe and works how it should
• Give you a service report that shows what they have done

If your engineer spends less than 30 minutes servicing your boiler or does not do any of the things we have included on the checklist, don’t be afraid to question them. Alternatively, you can get in touch with the Gas Safe Register if you have any questions or concerns about your engineer.

Always Compare Boiler Service Costs

We recommend you get at least three quotes so that you can compare boiler service costs and find the best deal. A one-off boiler service can cost anything from £75 to £100, depending on the type of boiler you have and who you choose to do the work. Local professionals and businesses tend to be more competitive, but you should compare quotes from national firms too. You must also make sure you liaise with fully qualified engineers who are listed on the Gas Safe Register as this confirms that they are legally permitted to service your boiler.