What does a gas boiler service involve, and why do I need one?

A boiler plays an important, yet often invisible, role in our homes. This unsung hero provides hot water and heating whenever and wherever we need it, but servicing it is often overlooked. And just as your car needs regular check-ups in order to keep it in tip-top condition, so too does your boiler.

How do you service a boiler?

A gas boiler service must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer who will start by removing the front casing of the boiler ready to inspect and clean all the parts inside. Not only will pipework and seals be examined for leaks but the pressure will be checked and the boiler flue will be inspected for safety.

Other item inspections include the burner and heat exchanger as they will need cleaning if any dirt generated from the gas burning process has deposited on them. If left, this could affect the efficiency of your boiler and even prevent it from turning on altogether. The expansion vessel will also be tested to ensure the correct pressure is in the system and the engineer will ignite the boiler to listen out for any unusual noises.

These gas boiler maintenance checks ensure your boiler will run efficiently and safely which is essential for your family’s protection and for keeping your costs down. And this is why:

Keeping your home safe

Because a boiler is a gas appliance it should be regularly checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer. A faulty or incorrectly fitted boiler can cause severe health problems such as carbon monoxide poisoning which, due to its odourless properties, can be a silent killer. There is also a danger you could also experience a gas leak without realising it which, in the most severe cases, can potentially cause a house fire.

Catching small issues early before they turn into big problems

If left unattended, small problems can become problematic further down the line. This could not only lead to expensive repair bills but also an extremely inconvenient breakdown. Taking a proactive approach to gas boiler maintenance means an engineer can inspect and fix small issues in the short term which in turn will significantly prolong the lifespan of the boiler.

Saving money on energy bills and reducing your environmental impact

Another benefit of regular gas boiler servicing and maintenance is that it will help to reduce your household energy bills as a boiler running on top form will use as less fuel to heat your home and water. Better energy efficiency also means a lower carbon footprint and help reduce your environmental impact which is another exceptionally important benefit of knowing how to service a boiler.

There are legal requirements too, if you are a landlord

If you are a landlord, you are responsible for the safety of your tenants. The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 deal with landlords’ duties to make sure gas appliances, fittings and flues provided for tenants are safe. You are responsible for ensuring the boiler meets all the legal requirements for any new and current tenants residing in the building. You are also responsible for ensuring an annual gas safety check is carried out by a Gas Safe Registered engineer.