Booking a boiler service once every 12 months will help keep it safe, sound, and efficient.
We all know that looking after something makes it last longer. Our cars, our homes, our health. The same applies to your boiler, which, with a little care, will keep you and your home warm for years to come.
Whether you’re in a farmhouse with a traditional oil boiler, or a 1-bedroom flat with a compact gas combi boiler – knowing how, when, and why to take care of your boiler could save you lots of time and money in repairs and replacements.
When to get your boiler serviced
Getting your boiler serviced in the summer is normally the best time of year, for a couple of reasons.
Firstly, engineers are far less busy in the warmer months because there are far fewer breakdowns. With people using their boilers less, it means you can get an appointment easier and any spares/repairs are likely to be easier to sort out.
Secondly, you get ahead of the game for when it is time to turn your heating on. Trying to get an appointment at the beginning of winter, when everybody else is doing the same, can mean that you’re a little colder than usual, for a little longer than normal.
Remember that the only people qualified to carry out a gas boiler service are Gas Safe Registered Engineers or OFTEC Registered Engineers (if you have an oil boiler.)
Why do I need to get my boiler serviced?
Getting your boiler serviced once a year gives you the best possible chance of spotting faults before they become breakdowns. A leak here or a split there is likely to be an easy fix for now, but left unchecked it could mean your boiler not working properly when you need it most (as well as probably costing you more.) Plus, healthy boilers are efficient boilers.
Getting your boiler serviced once a year may be a requirement to keep your guarantee valid – and if you’re a landlord it may be a legal safety requirement too.
Whatever your situation, by getting your boiler serviced every summer, you’ll know that it’s safe and sound by the time that winter comes around.
How much does a boiler service cost?
Boiler services normally cost around £60, but can fluctuate between £50 – £100 depending on where you live, what boiler you have, and where it’s been installed.
If you live in London, you can expect to pay up to £150 for a service.
What does a boiler service include?
When you book a boiler service, an engineer will probably be there for 30 – 60 minutes, checking a few key things. Every engineer has their own system, so don’t worry if it’s not these exact checks in this exact order.
Step 1
First, they’ll look for any corrosion and leaking. Spotted early, these can often be fixed immediately and cheaply – but you don’t want to leave these alone to become bigger problems in the future.
Step 2
Then, they’ll check the condition of the parts inside the boiler. This means taking the front cover off and inspecting the interior for any faults, damage, or even dirty sections that need cleaning.
Step 3
Next up is checking the flue for any blockages. Your flue is like your car exhaust, it needs to release any gases outside of the property, so it’s important that it stays clean and clear.
Find a local installer
Each heating system needs custom designing. Find and contact a Worcester Accredited Installer in your area to book a home visit.
After calculating the best system for your home and hot water requirements, your installer will then provide you with a free quote.