Is it worth getting your boiler serviced? (2024)

November 25, 2021 in Boilers

When times are tough, we all think about expenses we can cut, and you may be tempted to ask yourself if you really need to book that boiler service. After all, your boiler is working fine right now, what’s the worst that could happen?

Getting your boiler service is easy to forget or easy to put off if you’re trying to save money. If you’re asking yourself “is a boiler service worth it?” then we’re here to tell you more than just “yes it is”. The fact is that getting your boiler serviced regularly is not only good for your wallet. It’s also vital for yourself and your family’s safety and peace of mind.

It’s also easy to do and probably costs less than you may be expecting, especially in comparison to calling out an emergency plumber to a boiler breakdown. Therefore, it’s definitely worth scheduling before the next cold snap, or we can schedule it for you via our service plan, this way it cannot be missed.

While cancelling or not bothering to book a boiler service could save you a little bit of money in the short term, this could be a false economy. We’re here to show you that a boiler service is worth the time and money. We’ll walk you through why getting your boiler serviced regularly is so important and what you can expect during your annual boiler service.

So, is it worth getting my boiler serviced?

In short, yes, it is. Not only will your boiler service keep it safely ticking over, it will also improve the efficiency of your boiler and central heating system, saving you money in the long term.

Here are just some of the benefits for having your boiler regularly serviced:

In the long run it will save you money
It will guarantee the safety of your boiler
It will improve the efficiency of your boiler
Regular maintenance will help to spot potential issues before they cause your boiler to breakdown
In order to maintain the requirements for your boilers warranty you should have it serviced every 12 months

Advice for landlords

If you’re a landlord, then it’s a legal requirement for you to have a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer carry out gas safety checks on any gas appliances in your properties each year. This includes your gas boilers, so get that service booked in!

What’s included in a boiler service?

Knowing what’s included in a boiler service will demystify the process and make you feel more confident that your boiler has been well taken care of.

The service will vary a little between different providers, but here’s a general idea of what to expect.

Visual inspection

The engineer will start with a visual inspection of your boiler. They’ll look for any obvious damage or wear and tear and find any initial problems. They will also clean the boiler and check that the pipes are all installed and positioned in the right way.

Remove the boiler casing

By taking off the casing the engineer can check the components of the boiler and make sure that everything is working safely. They can also give the insides a good clean and check for any defects.

Flue and combustion check

The engineer will make sure that there’s nothing blocking the flue and that it is fitted correctly. A flue gas analysis will check that the boiler is burning the correct mixture of gas and air.

Other items on the checklist

During a boiler service the engineer will check for other things including:

Seals
Gas pressure
Controls and safety devices
Fans
Any operating faults
Gas rate
System pressure checks
Ventilation
Thermostat
Pilot burner
Oil hose
Oil nozzle

Next steps

When they’re finished, the engineer will replace the casing and make sure everything is sealed properly.

At the end of the service the engineer should give you a checklist to show you all the work that they have done. They will also let you know if there are any boiler repairs that you need to make.

If you have any questions about your boiler, don’t be afraid to ask your engineer or get in touch with your manufacturer.

Signs you need to get your boiler serviced

Your boiler may be telling you that it needs a little TLC and a visit from a qualified engineer.
Signs and symptoms that your boiler needs a service include:
A drop in the water pressure
Turning itself off
It being more than a year since the last service
Water leaking
Filters clogged
Slow or inefficient to heat up
Strange sounds coming from the boiler
The pilot light cuts out
Your hot water runs out quickly
Strange smells

If you spot any of these issues, then it’s time to schedule a boiler service.

The best time to service your boiler

Most people wait until the weather turns cold before they bother to service their boiler. While we get the logic (‘oops, it’s getting cold, better make sure the heating doesn’t choke!’) it’s actually better to get it done in the summer months.

If you get your boiler serviced before winter, then the engineer can resolve any problems before things get cold, ensuring you always have a warm and comfortable home. If they need to turn the heating off to fix any issues, then you won’t be stuck with a freezing house.

In the warmer weather, there are usually shorter wait times to get your boiler serviced, as there are fewer people needing repairs or dealing with broken down boilers. Because of this, you’re also more likely to be able to get an appointment that suits you.

Find out more about our boiler service plans.

Boiler Service Plans