A boiler service consists of a particular set of checks and tests conducted by a gas safe engineer on your boiler. This helps ensure your boiler is working correctly and efficiently. A boiler service is typically carried out annually and is recommended by Hug Boilers. Your boiler warranty will be invlalid if you do not have this service fulfilled annually. This makes your boiler service very important.
Your boiler service must be conducted by a gas safe engineer and cannot be performed on your own. You might also need a boiler service certificate as a record to prove your boiler warranty is valid. Only a gas safe registered engineer can provide this certificate.
If you are a landlord or homeowner, it is your own responsibility to ensure your boiler has been serviced for your tenant and yourself. It is a law that every landlord must have a record of a boiler service and any other gas appliances that have been checked. This gas safety certificate is a CP12 certificate.
You cannot ignore the importance of getting your boiler serviced annually as it could potentially lead to a variety of problems. The main problem being carbon monoxide poisoning. This can be fatal to your tenants or family. You could also end up in a situation where you have to live without hot water and heating until the problems are resolved. An annual boiler service helps prevent all these problems from taking place in the first place.
What's included in a boiler service?
Your gas certified engineer will perform the following on your annual boiler service:
Visually inspect: To begin the annual service, your engineer will visually inspect your boiler. Your engineer will take a look at your boiler and its controls. During this service the engineer will inspect the weak points such as corrosion damage or a gas leak. The engineer will also check the flame of the boiler.
Removal of outside casing: The next step to a service is to check the boiler’s main components to ensure they are operating as they regularly should. This will include checking the heat exchanger, burner, main injector and spark probe. Note: You should never try to open the case of the boiler yourself. It can be dangerous.
Flue and combustion check: Your engineer will conduct this check by ensuring that there are no obstructions in the flue terminals. Your engineer will also double check your flue is fitted safely and correctly. A flue gas analyser will be used to make sure the boiler is burning the correct mixture of gas and air and no dangerous emissions are being discharged.
Gas pressure check: the engineer will check your boiler has the optimum gas pressure so that it heats up the water in the taps and radiators at the correct temperature.
Issuance of report: Once your engineer has thoroughly checked your boiler, they will leave you a report and certificate. This report should include all problems and a guide on how to look after your boiler.
Your engineer should also check fans and other key components are working efficiently, seals are intact, electrodes are in good condition, safety devices are working, condensate trap and pipe is not blocked and water and gas pipework is all good. Your engineer should inform you if your boiler doesn’t meet building and safety legislation and regulations during the service. Make sure your engineer explains any repairs or maintenance work they will need to undertake and ensure all parts come from a reputable manufacturer.
How long should a boiler service take?
Every boiler service will vary in time depending on what condition your boiler is in and the type of boiler, however they usually take around an hour to complete. If you have a combi boiler most of the main components are located on the inside of your boiler. Making this boler service usually quicker, around 30 minutes.
If you have a regular boiler, your boiler service may take slightly long as the main components are located outside the boiler such as the hot water cylinder and expansion vessel. This could take up to 90 minutes to complete. System boilers can take up to 90 minutes as the hot water tank is usually located somewhere separate from the boiler.
How important is boiler cleaning and repair/service?
Boiler services are important for safety and ensuring your boiler warranty is valid. It helps prevent problems in the first place and ensures an efficient boiler. These are some of the following reasons in the further detail as to why boiler maintenance is important.
You can catch boiler problems early: You may not realise there is a minor problem with your boiler until you have a service. You can catch the minor problem before it turns into a bigger problem. As boiler use increases in winter, it may need some maintenance to ensure it is running smoothly.
Boiler repairs can be costly: Having to repair your boiler or replace a particular component(s) can cost a lot of money. If you are wanting to know how much certain repairs can cost visit our other blog post here https://hugboilers.com/should-i-repair-or-replace-my-boiler/. This is why fixing boiler issues sooner rather than later is so important as a minor issue left unresolved could cause a lot more significant issues increasing future costs or even lead to needing a boiler replacement.
Protect yourself, family and tenants: A faulty boiler can be extremely dangerous. An annual boiler service can help prevent fires, explosions, gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer, it is a deadly gas that can kill quickly and with no warning. You may also want to consider having a carbon monoxide alarm fitted to help protect against this issue.
Reduce energy bills: An annual boiler service can help ensure your boiler is operating as efficiently and effectively as possible, therefore helping to prevent heating fuel wastage. Not only will it help reduce carbon footprint and save money on your energy bills by being more energy efficient.
Ensure your boiler warranty is valid: Having an annual boiler service certificate will keep your warranty valid. If a service is not done annually, your warranty will be invalid. Hug boilers would recommend a boiler service is best to be conducted before the winter months as this is when it is most needed and most boiler issues occur as they are being used more.
Legal requirements: Commercial premises and rented accommodation legally require gas safety certificates to be issued every 12 months. By law boilers, pipework, flues and gas appliances must be maintained and in a safe condition to comply with the law. This must be kept on record for two years and be accessible.
Extend the life-span of your boiler: A boiler that is maintained well will likely have a longer lifespan, therefore getting more use for your money. Regular maintenance will keep your boiler running effectively and smoothly. However if your boiler is around 13 – 15 years old it probably wont be as efficient as a new one. Boilers are always improving and becoming more efficient making them more environmentally friendly.
Our platform allows users to find the perfect boiler for their needs, by simply answering a few questions online we’ll suggest the best options based on your needs. Take your pick from our suggestions and select an installation date. Specialist gas-safe hug engineers – local to you – take care of the rest, from start to finish. You’re in safe hands.
