The benefits of an annual boiler service

We rely on boilers for our heating and hot water, so it’s important to keep them in good working order year round.

An annual boiler service means a qualified engineer tests your boiler every year to check its condition, and make sure it's safe. It’s a chance to spot any problems before they get worse. And it helps makes sure the boiler is running as efficiently as possible – meaning you could save on energy bills.

What does a boiler service involve?

What the service involves depends on the type of boiler you have. But here’s a general overview of what to expect:

• They’ll do a visual check of the boiler at the start.
• The boiler will be turned on and put through different settings, to check they’re all working correctly.
• They’ll do a flue gas analysis efficiency test. This means the engineer will put a probe into the flue, to check it’s burning gas efficiently. They’ll make any adjustments that are needed.
• Next they’ll open up the boiler and inspect it. The engineer will look for signs of leaks or damage, and check the seals and gaskets.
• They’ll also check the flue and ventilation work according to Gas Safety Regulations. And they’ll check the flue joint is secure and not producing any unsafe fumes.
• The system pressure will be checked. That includes topping up the boiler pressure to the right level, which helps it work efficiently.
• They’ll clean the condensate trap that collects condensation and water vapour. Sediment can build up there, stopping your appliance from working properly and causing unnecessary damage.
• Radiators will be checked for signs of leaks, and to see if the valves are working. And they’ll bleed the radiators if needed.
• They’ll do a visual check of the hot water cylinder.
• They’ll check the boiler’s filter and clean it, if needed. This in an attachment that filters the water that’s going into the boiler system.
• The engineer will confirm in writing that the boiler service has been done.

What a boiler service doesn’t include

A boiler service is thorough, but it doesn’t cover everything. You’d need to book separately for any repairs that are needed. Or to check other parts of your home’s heating and hot water system. Here’s a few things it won’t include:

• Testing the system to make sure there’s no sludge, limescale, or debris build up.
• Testing or topping up the system inhibitor levels. Repair of any damage or faults that are found during the boiler service. Repairs might be covered under your boiler cover insurance policy.
• Servicing of hot water cylinders.
• Servicing of gas appliances, other than the gas boiler.

The benefits of a boiler service 

It helps lower carbon monoxide risk

Faulty installation, and poor boiler maintenance, can lead to the release of carbon monoxide gas.

Carbon monoxide is very dangerous, and can be fatal if it’s not detected. There are around 60 deaths a year as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning in England and Wales, according to NHS data. Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapsing, and loss of consciousness. 

It’s really important to make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector that will set off an alarm if there’s a leak. They’re not expensive and you can get one from any DIY shop, supermarket, or your energy supplier. 

Having your boiler regularly serviced helps, too. It means a professional engineer will check for faults that might lead to the production of carbon monoxide.

It stops minor issues from getting worse.

Having your boiler regularly serviced means any potential faults are discovered sooner rather than later. Giving you a chance to fix them and avoid a boiler breakdown.

It can help save on household bills

An annual boiler service can help you save money in the long run. A boiler that runs at maximum efficiency will likely bring your energy costs down.  

An annual service is recommended to support a manufacturer warranty, too. That means if your boiler is still under warranty, having it serviced can keep the warranty valid. 

It gives peace of mind

It’s nice to know that things are taken care of. And that there’s steps you can take to avoid a worse issue later on. The warmer months of the year are a good time to get a boiler service done. It helps you make sure your heating is in working order for winter. 

All of OVO’s boiler cover plans include an annual boiler service. Find out more here.