Providing you with heating and hot water, your boiler is no doubt crucial and the hub of your home. While high quality boilers today are extremely reliable, there are steps you need to take to keep them in good working order – and arranging regular services every 12 months is one of these. Keep reading to find out why servicing is so important, what it involves and how Boiler Geeks can help you with this essential element of boiler care.
Why is boiler servicing important?
There are a variety of reasons why it makes sense to book regular boiler services, including the following:
Improved efficiency
Modern condensing boilers are highly efficient, but they won’t continue to perform at their best unless you maintain them properly – and this means getting them serviced in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you don’t get the appliance checked over by an engineer on a regular basis, it may under-perform, leaving you facing higher gas bills.
As well as making sure your boiler is working efficiently, your gas safe registered engineer may make recommendations to help you save more energy. This could include adjusting the settings on your heating system or looking at options to use smart technology for your boiler, such as a nest thermostat or other apps and technologies designed especially for your boiler.
Greater reliability
No one wants to have to deal with the inconvenience of a boiler breakdown, and regular servicing plays an important role in preventing this from happening. Unserviced appliances are at a greater risk of developing problems, and having to arrange an emergency repair can be costly. Scheduling in regular services will help ensure that any potential issues are identified and resolved at an early stage, preventing them from getting worse.
Increased lifespan
By picking up problems quickly, regular servicing can also enhance the lifespan of your boiler. This can save you money over the long term as it means you can wait longer before having to pay out for a new appliance.
Enhanced safety
Failing to arrange boiler services can put your safety at risk. It may mean that serious problems, such as a carbon monoxide leak, go unnoticed – endangering the people in your home or your tennats. During a service, your engineer will look carefully for any such issues, helping you to benefit from greater peace of mind.
Maintaining warranty protection
Regular servicing is required under the terms of most boiler guarantee or extended warranty. This means that if you don’t arrange these checks and you then experience a problem with your appliance, you may find that your protection is no longer valid – leaving you facing the cost of repairs or replacement.
What does a boiler service include?
A boiler service is carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer and it includes a full inspection of boiler components. Your engineer will remove the casing of the appliance and check everything from the main injector, spark probe and burner to the heat exchanger, electrical connections and controls. They will also look at the seals, pipework and combustion readings, and make sure your appliance is functioning at the right pressure.
Your engineer will replace damaged or worn parts as required and clean components as necessary to help ensure your boiler is operating as efficiently and effectively as possible.
When should I arrange a boiler service?
The majority of boiler guarantees and warranties require annual servicing, and this is also recommended in order to keep your appliance in efficient and safe working order. However, you don’t have to leave it a full year between services. If you think something’s wrong with your appliance, it’s a good idea to book Boiler Geeks even if your regular service is not due. There are a number of warning signs that suggest a service may be required. Your boiler not heating your home or providing hot water is a clear giveaway, but other indications include:
- Increased condensation in the room containing the boiler
- Black stains or marks around the appliance
- The flame in your boiler changing from blue to yellow
You should also book a service immediately if you experience the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. These can include confusion, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, dizziness, headaches, stomach pain and difficulty breathing.
