What Happens During a Boiler Service? Step-by-Step Process
A boiler service is like a health check-up for your heating system. It’s done as a preventative measure, fixing any small or overlooked issues, before they require a repair, spotting any potential problems before they have a chance to come to light.
Boiler Services should be completed annually to ensure that your system is running smoothly, and efficiently, both for safety and for the lowering of your energy bills.
Many don’t see the need, or understand why they should get an annual service, so in this article we’re going to run through what happens during the boiler service and why it’s important.
Please note that the steps below are to be considered a standard boiler service, and your engineer may deem some steps unnecessary or add additional steps during your service.
The Step-by-Step Process of a Boiler Service
Step 1: Visual Inspection and Testing
During this stage of a boiler service, your gas safe engineer will conduct a visual inspection of all parts of the boiler. This is to check for any signs of damage, leaks, corrosion, or wear and tear. They will also check all nuts, bolts, screws, pipes and all other connections.
During testing, your engineer will test the boiler’s controls, making sure that all buttons, and interfaces are functioning as they should be. This step helps the engineer to get a sense of the overall condition of your boiler.
This step is important, as the Gas Safe register have stated that a whopping 1 in 6 gas appliances in the UK are to be considered unsafe, further highlighting the need for an annual inspection.
Flue Gas Analysis
Your technician will also examine the flue gases expelled from your boiler. This is to check for abnormal or unsafe levels of pollutant gases, like carbon monoxide. This analysis also helps detect any potential problems with combustion, ventilation and any potential blockages. This is incredibly important as the presence of excess carbon monoxide in your home can lead to potentially fatal injury.
Pressure Check
During the service your engineer will also verify pressure readings on the boiler's gauge to ensure they are within the recommended range for your model. This will also identify if you have abnormally low pressure, or high pressure for the area.
Step 2: Combustion Analysis
After the initial visual inspection, your engineer will carry out a combustion analysis to measure the efficiency of your boiler. During this analysis, your engineer will look at the combustion gases and assess the fuel-to-air ratio, making adjustments if necessary.
This process ensures a reduction in waste, minimises carbon emissions and increases the efficiency of your boiler. The combustion gases measured during this process are the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide produced.
The efficiency of your boiler is measured by determining the amount of useful energy output produced. In the UK, this is mainly expressed as a percentage, and is measured using two main methods:
Seasonal Efficiency of Domestic Boilers in the UK (SEDBUK): This method is used much less these days having been replaced by the newer ErP (Energy-related Products) rating system. This method did however measure the annual efficiency of your boiler by considering the performance of it across various operating systems. This was ranked on a scale of A to G, with A being the most efficient rating.
Energy-related Products (ErP) rating systems: Introduced in 2015, allowing engineers to give a more precise measurement of your boiler’s efficiency. This takes into account the boiler's combustion efficiency and its energy consumption. This is for when it is on, in standby, and off-mode. This rating scale works from an A++ rating which is considered extremely efficient, to a G rating which is the lowest grade a boiler can receive for efficiency.
Step 3: Cleaning and Maintenance
As the header suggests, this stage is when your gas safe engineer will clean various components of your boiler, including the burner, heat exchanger, and flue system. This ensures that any dust, dirt, and debris is removed, to stop any reduction in performance, especially as these can lead to a breakdown if unchecked. Clean components allow for better heat transfer, improved combustion efficiency, and reduced risk of breakdowns.
Step 4: Checking and Adjusting Boiler Components
During a boiler service, the engineer will inspect and adjust various components to ensure they are in good working order. This includes checking the water pressure, safety valves, and seals. They will also lubricate moving parts to minimise friction and wear, promoting longevity and efficiency.
Step 5: Testing and Monitoring
To wrap up the service, the engineer will conduct a series of tests to verify that your boiler is functioning correctly. This may involve checking the heating output, assessing the water temperature, and ensuring the boiler is reaching the desired settings. These tests guarantee that your heating system is ready to keep you warm when you need it the most.
Step 6: Documentation and Advice
After completing the service, the technician will provide the homeowner or property owner with a service report, detailing the findings, any necessary repairs or adjustments, and recommendations for improving the boiler's performance. This documentation serves as a record of the service and helps track the boiler's maintenance history.
What happens during a normal and routine annual boiler service? Generally these 5 steps are followed by a Gas Safe Engineer
What you should expect after a boiler service is completed
After a boiler service, there are several things you should expect and be aware of to ensure that your boiler continues to operate efficiently and safely. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Improved Efficiency
One of the main benefits of a boiler service, aside from ensuring safety, is improved efficiency. A post-service boiler should have lower energy consumption, and in-turn, make sure that your heating bills are lower. You may also notice that your home heats up faster and that the overall performance of your boiler is improved.
Enhanced Safety
As many of you will agree, safety of your home is extremely important, and a component of that is making sure your gas appliances are monitored and serviced. By regularly addressing any issues promptly, the risk of carbon monoxide leaks or other hazards is minimised, providing peace of mind for you and your family.
Increased Lifespan
Regular boiler servicing can significantly extend the lifespan of your heating system. By keeping all the components clean, well-maintained, and functioning optimally, you reduce the wear and tear on the boiler. This can save you from costly repairs or the need for premature replacement in the long run. The lifespan of a gas boiler is anywhere from 10-15 years, so taking care of your boiler can help you reach the top end of that estimate.
Warranty Compliance
Regularly servicing your boiler can be a requirement from some companies to maintain your warranty. After completion of your boiler service you will receive documentation or a safety certificate. Make sure to keep your documentation in a safe place for future reference and future servicing.
Boiler Service Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Why is the combustion analysis important during a boiler service?
The combustion analysis helps determine if the boiler is burning fuel efficiently. It measures the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide produced during combustion. Efficient combustion reduces energy waste, lowers carbon emissions, and ensures the boiler operates safely.
What does the pressure gauge on the boiler indicate?
The pressure gauge on a boiler indicates the pressure of the water within the system. Low pressure can result in inadequate heating and hot water supply, while high pressure can indicate a fault in the system. Maintaining the correct pressure is essential for the boiler's proper functioning.
How long does a boiler service typically take?
Is boiler servicing mandatory or recommended?
Boiler servicing is not mandatory by law in the UK. However, it is highly recommended by manufacturers, regulatory bodies, and safety organisations to ensure the safe and efficient operation of boilers. Regular servicing helps identify potential issues early on, improves energy efficiency, and extends the lifespan of the boiler.
