Boiler Services

Boiler servicing is an extensive inspection and maintenance procedure conducted by a competent heating engineer. The process entails a close examination of the apparatus' many parts to ensure that it functions as intended. When a qualified technician services a heating system, he or she is also "qualifying" the system for safe operation, determining that the system is both safe and efficient. Regular servicing allows for the identification of potential problems before they develop into "big bang" situations, where either the system fails completely or it fails to operate safely.

Annual servicing is recommended for most boilers, though older models and those working under heavier than normal loads might be better served with semiannual maintenance. Experts assure us that this not only extends the life of the boiler (up to 15 years in some cases), but also keeps the thing running in a safe and efficient manner. Indeed, some of our satisfied customers have told us that they’re sure keeping the boiler serviced has prevented both it and several of our other plumbing products from experiencing unexpected breakdowns.

An ordinary boiler service entails a thorough examination of every essential part of your heating system. The service technician scrutinizes the boiler's internal and external condition and pays close attention to the safety devices that protect you and your home from hazard. They meticulously clean vital components and assess the efficiency of combustion, which is to say, how well the boiler turns gas into heat. They check the condition of the flue and ensure there are no gas leaks. They look over the electrical connections and make sure everything is running smoothly. After all that, they write up a report that you can understand and that details the many subtle ways in which your boiler is in exceptional condition or might be in need of repair.

Boiler servicing costs can differ significantly by region, boiler type, and service supplier. Most people who have a boiler find that the cost of servicing it runs between 70 and 120 per year. Some people opt for what seem to be more comprehensive plans, with service at a fixed price, most often in the realm of 150 to 300 per year. But hey, why not? If you can pay a price to eliminate the possibility of your sending an industrial heater service tech to the site to put your lives on pause—okay, not really, but somehow always a week too late for Deferred Exits of any kind—that seems like a good price, considering.

Your boiler may need urgent care if you see any of the following signals. Hearing strange sounds like banging, whistling, or gurgling suggests the boiler is not operating normally. If your energy bills are rising, this may indicate a drop in efficiency. And be on the lookout for any signs of corrosion or leaks, which are very clear indications that something is seriously wrong. Other signs include pilot lights that are the wrong color, uneven heating, or a system that frequently shuts down. If any of these describe your boiler, call a technician to investigate.

Only qualified, registered gas engineers should perform boiler servicing. This job isn't for an untrained or uncertified person to undertake—as it could—and, indeed, does—lead to numerous hazards like carbon monoxide leaks or gas explosions. If you value your life, do not work on your system without professional help. And if you value your system, don't program a "boiler servicing" event into your schedule.

Typically, a standard boiler takes between 30 and 60 minutes to service, but it can take longer if the technician is working with a complex system or an older boiler. Routine maintenance is not complicated, but it does demand an adequate amount of the technician's time to do it properly. The technician inspects the system to catch any emerging problems, services the important components (like the burner), and checks the whole thing for safe operation. Most homeowners can schedule the service for a time that's not too disruptive, and a 60-minute session rarely goes over an hour and a half.

There are several benefits for home and property owners who have their boilers maintained on a regular schedule. First and foremost, the servicing helps keep the system running smoothly and efficiently. Because the efficiency of a heating system is rated by the amount of energy the system consumes as a function of the amount of energy expended by the combustion of fuel, anything that increases the efficiency of a boiler (or a furnace, for that matter) will decrease the amount of fuel consumed and will also decrease the amount of carbon that is emitted.

When readying yourself for a boiler service, the first thing is to make sure the engineer can access not only the boiler itself but also the area surrounding the boiler. Next, collect any service records from prior to the most recent service, as well as any documentation relating to your heating system. Have a conversation with anyone else in your household to see if they can remember any specific concerns or issues that have come up since the last service. Finally, be present during the service to discuss and understand what the technician finds and recommends.

Should the technician find any issues during the servicing of the boiler, a careful and detailed explanation of the nature of the problem will be given. If any minor issues are discovered, they will usually resolve these on the spot. More serious problems could require another visit and possibly an altogether different technician if either the original service tech or the problem has proven intractable. Usually, your technician will take time out to provide a written estimate of the repairs needed.