Boiler servicing is one of those things that’s often overlooked and too many people don’t have their boilers checked on a regular basis. Whether you’re busy and forget to book your service, or you’re not really convinced that it’s necessary, here are some reasons why you might want to give your plumber a call.
If you’re looking to avoid your boiler breaking down unexpectedly, or prevent those unexpected costs from repairs, you may want to consider an annual service to maintain the well-being of your boiler and keep your manufacturer warranty valid.
An annual boiler service includes tests and checks on your boiler to ensure it’s operating efficiently and effectively. The service should only be carried out by a Gas Safe engineer. A boiler service will usually include the following:
In addition to the above, the engineer may also check that all seals on the boiler are intact to prevent leaks and corrosion on the pipework around the boiler. After the boiler service has been completed, the Gas Safe engineer will provide you with all the information or advice you need to help maintain your boiler between services. Manufacturers have checklists to ensure that a qualified engineer does everything necessary to keep your warranty valid.
One-off boiler services can cost anywhere from £65 to £130 depending on the age and model of your boiler. Prices vary from provider to provider (sometimes drastically!), and in addition to the one-off boiler service cost, you may have to pay for repairs if a fault is discovered. Repairs can cost upwards of £150 depending on parts and labour time.
A faulty boiler could be extremely dangerous, primarily if a gas leak occurs. Carbon monoxide (also known as the “silent killer”) is a scentless gas that can cause hangover-like symptoms, followed by loss of consciousness. A faulty boiler could potentially leak carbon monoxide, and it’s essential to have a carbon monoxide alarm installed to prevent any harm caused by a gas leak. A Gas Safe qualified boiler engineer will check for and fix any leaks or weak points during a service.
If you experience a carbon monoxide leak or can smell leaking gas, contact the National Gas Emergency Service number on 0800 111 999 immediately. Alternatively, you can contact the Safety Executive (HSE) Gas Safety Advice Line on 0800 300 363.
It’s easy to forget that you don’t only use your boiler during Winter. You use hot water every day, so everyday your boiler could be running into issues – you might just notice them more when Winter rolls around.
Having your boiler serviced annually means that your engineer will be able to identify any problems with your boiler and address them before they do any major (and costly!) damage. Problems with your boiler, no matter how small they may be, will only get worse the longer you ignore them. You don’t want to leave your boiler to its own devices all summer and let it break down when you turn the heating on in the colder months..
Chances are, servicing your boiler costs less than you think, and it definitely costs less than replacing your boiler entirely.
Regular checks and maintenance will keep your boiler running properly, and because you’ll be able to fix any issues right away, your boiler will be less likely to break down later on. A healthy and well-maintained boiler will most likely last longer than a boiler that hasn’t been serviced, therefore saving you money on needing to buy a new boiler
An argument against servicing your boiler is that it costs money – and people often think that it’ll be a waste; however, this isn’t typically the case.
As part of your servicing, your engineer will carry out all necessary checks to ensure that your boiler is running efficiently, which can actually save you money over time. Of course, the model of boiler you have, and how old it is, will determine just how energy efficient it can be, but improving your boiler’s efficiency will mean that it’ll use less energy to run, and will subsequently keep your energy bills low.
Not only will servicing your boiler ensure that it’s running efficiently, it’ll also ensure that it’s running safely.
According to the Department of Health, 4000 people go to A&E each year with carbon monoxide poisoning, and because the symptoms (headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapsing and a loss of consciousness) can easily be assumed to be due to other common illnesses, it’s crucial that you have your boiler checked on a regular basis. Servicing your boiler can give you peace of mind that your family are safe – or it’ll let you know that you need to carry out repairs before a faulty boiler seriously affects your health.
If your boiler is under guarantee, it’s common that this will only apply if you have your boiler serviced on an annual basis.
If you don’t service your boiler for more than 12 months, this may void your warranty, so if it does break down, you won’t be able to claim the money for repairs or have the manufacturers cover the fault. Be sure to check the conditions of the warranty on your boiler, and if it requires an annual service, make sure you book one in on time – you don’t want to be caught out.
If you’re a landlord, you are required by law to have annual gas safety checks carried out on all gas appliances in your properties – your tenants’ safety is your responsibility.
The required checks you need to carry out every year do include boilers, but it also includes any other gas appliances you may have – gas stoves, for example..
Whether or not the warranty on your boiler requires you to service your boiler on an annual basis, if you’re concerned about your family’s safety, or you simply want to save some money where you can, there are a wide range of reasons why you should service your boiler annually.
See our boiler service plans. Or call and book your service now.
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