How often should a Boiler be serviced?
It’s recommended that you should have your boiler serviced once a year to ensure its functioning well, is safe, and still working at efficient levels. This annual service should help prevent the need for any boiler repairs, and extend the lifespan of your machine.
Your boiler may have come with a warranty, in which case, you may need to have an annual service to make sure this warranty is protected. This manufacturer warranty may be dependent on an annual service, and it may also be stipulated by who you need to get the boiler service completed. Make sure to check your paperwork. If you breach this warranty, you could end up having to pay for any potential repairs yourself.
Is it a legal requirement to service your boiler?
It is not a legal requirement to get your boiler serviced annually as a homeowner, however, Gas Safe (the UK regulatory body for gas safety), strongly recommend an annual inspection. In extreme cases, unserviced boilers can be more at risk of causing carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, and even explosions. Whilst these are uncommon, an annual service can put your mind at rest.
If you’re a landlord, you’re legally responsible for your tenants' gas appliances, including boilers, which means that you have to get an annual service and inspection done. When the boiler service has been completed, you will receive a Gas Safety Certificate. Failure to comply with Gas Safety regulations is considered a serious offence, and failure to provide a gas safety certificate can result in a criminal record, prison sentences and unlimited fines.
What happens if I don’t get an annual boiler service?
Not completing an annual service for your boiler can cause a range of problems to go undetected. These can range from reduced efficiency, higher energy bills, increased risk of breakdowns, costly repairs, invalidated warranty, and even the need to replace your boiler.
When should you get a boiler service?
There is no set time of year that you should get your boiler serviced. Often, the date of your previous service will dictate the rough time of year that it is due for renewal. Although you are not tied to a specific time period for your service, here are some key considerations that may influence when you choose:
Availability of boiler service engineers - A majority of homes will want their boiler serviced and ready for the cold weather in winter. In the UK, this generally means a peak of services is seen from October-January. During this time, you may find it harder to get same-day or same-week service.
If it has been over a year. Over 3 million UK households have never had their boiler serviced, which could result in not only poor efficiency, but the need for repair. If you don’t know when you last serviced your boiler, it’s best to get a precautionary service asap.
Think about when you would like to use your boiler. You need hot water year-round, but you will also be pushing your boiler’s capacity by adding central heating into the equation. If you know that you like to heat your home from September, why not book a service in the late summer, especially if you think it may need a repair or parts exchanged.
An infographic explaining how often you should get a boiler service if it’s required by law, and what happens if you choose not to service your boiler.
Do all boiler types of boiler need an annual service?
There are 3 common boiler types in UK homes. These include combi, heat-only boilers, and system boilers. 80% of UK homes have combi boilers according to uswitch. Regardless of boiler type, an annual service is suggested although not required by law.
Can I service my boiler myself?
The simple answer to this is no. You should not be attempting to service or repair your boiler yourself as it could be extremely dangerous. There are many tasks you can undertake to make your home more energy efficient, however, including:
Installing lagging on your pipework
Regularly bleed your radiators
Purchase a cylinder jacket for your heat tank
Install draught proofing on any windows, doors, chimneys or areas that could be prone to outside air leaks
Add radiator reflectors behind radiators (if safe to do) which reduces heat loss from radiators
Who can service my boiler?
To service your boiler, you need to find someone that is Gas Safe registered. It’s a legal requirement in the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey for all boiler servicing engineers to be registered with Gas Safe. Before deciding on who to choose, make sure you compare pricing, quotes, reviews, references, and insurance.
Many boiler manufacturers have their own network of approved engineers, but you can also book a boiler service simply through a quick google search.
Is a boiler service also a gas safety check?
Not exactly. Many companies have separate options for a gas safety certificate and a boiler service. The boiler service helps to keep your boiler running efficiently, doing all essential checks and preventative maintenance tasks. A gas safety certificate/gas safety check however will include an inspection of all heating and gas appliances in your home.
