What to expect from a boiler service

A boiler service is one of those things you might overlook unless something goes wrong and you’re left without heating and hot water. But an annual boiler service is a great way to avoid problems and costs further down the line.

A boiler service by a qualified Gas Safe engineer will help:

• Keep you safe – an engineer can spot any issues and nip them in the bud before they develop into more serious and costly problems.
• Extend the life of your boiler – looking after your boiler could help it last longer.
• Make your boiler more efficient – a more efficient boiler should be cheaper to run.

Who carries out a boiler service?

Only a Gas Safe engineer should carry out repairs, replacements or maintenance on your boiler. You can make sure your engineer is on the Gas Safe Register by using their “check an engineer” tool.

When an engineer is registered with Gas Safe, it means they are qualified and legally allowed to work safely with gas. This is really important, as carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from faulty installations can be fatal.

Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic gas. It’s known as the “silent killer” because it can’t be seen, smelt or tasted.

What can I expect from a boiler service?

An engineer will carry out a number of checks when servicing your boiler. Here are some of the standard practices you can expect during their visit:

• Visual inspection: to check that the boiler meets the right standards and requirements. This will include looking for signs of corrosion or leaks, as well as checking the colour of the flame.
• Checking all components: to make sure the heat exchanger, burner, and the main injector are all in good condition and everything is working correctly. This check can sometimes include cleaning the inside of the boiler, if necessary.
• Gas pressure check: to check and adjust the system pressure if it’s wrong. ● Flue check: to make sure the flue is fitted correctly, and there are no obstructions in the flue terminals.

Other checks can include:

• The boiler being fired safely to identify any working faults
• Opening up the boiler and inspecting it, if necessary
• Checking the flue and ventilation are in line with Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations
• Cleaning the condensate trap
• Visually checking and bleeding radiators, if necessary
• A visual check of the hot water cylinder
• Checking taps and toilets, and the internal and external drain

How long will a boiler service take?

The time it takes will depend on the type of boiler you have and any issues the engineer finds. But, generally, a visit can take between 30 to 60 minutes. After a service, an engineer will give you a report explaining what they've found. Please feel free to ask them any questions about the service or your boiler while they’re there.

When should I service my boiler?

All boilers should be serviced every year to guarantee a safe and reliable system. The best time of year for a service is during the summer when you don’t use your boiler as much. That way, your boiler will be in good condition and ready to heat your home in the colder months. There is also less pressure on engineers during the summer, so you may even be seen quicker.

If you have any concerns regarding your boiler, we advise you to contact a qualified Gas Safe engineer at any point of the year – even if your annual service isn’t due.

Why is a boiler service important?

Here are some of the main reasons why we recommend having an annual boiler service:

Keeps your household safe

A Gas Safe engineer will identify any boiler health and safety issues and prevent them from becoming bigger, more dangerous problems. The main one is looking for signs of a carbon monoxide (CO) leak.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly toxic gas. It’s known as the “silent killer” because it can’t be seen, smelt or tasted. This means it’s very difficult to detect without the help of a professional.

It’s important to look out for telltale signs that there could be a problem. This might be an unusual smell, unfamiliar noise or the wrong colour flame coming from your boiler. The signs of a carbon monoxide leak include:

• A yellow flame coming out of a gas cooker (instead of blue)
• Yellow or brown stains around boilers, stoves, and fires
• Sooty marks on the front covers of a gas fire
• A faulty pilot light that keeps blowing out

Helps keep energy bills down

A boiler can start to lose efficiency over time, which means it works harder and uses more fuel to heat your home. This can lead to more expensive heating bills. An engineer will notice if your boiler is overused or outdated.

An annual service will also make sure all components are in good working condition and running as efficiently as possible. The engineer will look out for any minor issues that have the potential to develop into something more disruptive.

All this can help you save money by avoiding a last-minute repair or boiler replacement.

Prevents a boiler breakdown

A boiler breakdown can often end with a costly boiler replacement – but luckily this can be prevented. You may be tempted to put off getting your boiler serviced every year to save money. But it’s more likely that an annual service will stop you from overspending on an unexpected fault or boiler breakdown in the future.

Validates your warranty

Having a boiler warranty means any faults within that time will be covered and repaired free of charge. Your warranty will usually only be valid if the boiler is serviced by a Gas Safe engineer each year.

How much does a boiler service cost?

The cost of your boiler service will vary depending on the type of boiler you own, where you live, and what kind of boiler cover you have.

At OVO, all of our boiler cover plans offer a yearly service as standard. So you can relax knowing your boiler is taken care of.