How Long Does A Boiler Service Take

Annual Boiler Service In The UK: Full Explanation And Costs

An annual service is an opportunity to check that your gas boiler is working properly and efficiently. Boiler servicing can only be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This important safety step ensures that all work is carried out by someone who knows what they are doing.

Part of the boiler service involves taking apart the boiler to check that common parts are working, and you want to know what the person doing this is familiar with how to put it back together correctly.

The cost of a boiler service will vary depending on the type of boiler you have and your location. Large systems boilers will take longer to service than a compact combi boiler service. And if you are in the centre of a large city, or in a remote area, you can expect to pay a little bit more for your boiler service due to demand.

In general, boiler services can cost around £75 to £110. Getting your boiler serviced in the summer months will also be cheaper, as there is less demand for heating engineers during this time.

What Happens During Boiler Servicing?

During a boiler service, a Gas Safe registered engineer will visit your home and inspect all boilers and gas appliances in your property. They will have a checklist to cover and will present their findings to you along with your Gas Safety certificate at the end of the service.

They are checking for signs that your boiler is working correctly, including checking the pressure, looking for leaks, and making sure there is no risk of carbon monoxide leaks. They will also inspect the boiler casing to ensure there aren't an obvious issues.

Engineers may carry out a full strip down of your boiler to inspect the components and make sure there are no faults. Or they might only carry out a visual inspection to complete their safety checks. In general, your boiler service will cover the following:

• Visual inspection
• Operations and controls
• Flue and combustion release
• Electrical wiring connections
• Heat exchanger
• Safety devices and seals
• Gas and pressure flow
• The location of the boiler, and ventilation

Is It Worth Getting Your Boiler Serviced Regularly?

One of the biggest perks of having your boiler serviced on an annual basis is that you can often keep your manufacturer's warranty intact for longer if you commit to regular services. You'll also be able to identify issues with your boiler sooner, which could mean cheaper repairs than if you wait for it to break down. And finally, you can also save money on your energy bills by making sure that your boiler is running safely and efficiently.

How Long Does A Boiler Service Take?

A boiler service can typically be completed in under an hour, provided your boiler is easy to access. If your boiler is in a difficult part of the house, it could take considerably longer. Older boilers will also take longer to service, as will less common boilers.

A boiler service should never be rushed, as it's important to check all of the components. The Gas Safe registered engineer will be required to sign the Gas Safety certificate, so they need to be confident that they have carried out the checks correctly. For this reason alone, a properly trained engineer will never rush a boiler service.

Related Article: How Long Do Boilers Last

How Can I Get Boiler Cover?

You can secure boiler cover that will include an annual service in the plan. This is a great way to spread the cost of your annual boiler service, but it isn't always necessary. If you have a modern boiler, you may still be covered by the manufacturer's warranty for any repairs, so boiler cover might not be as important to you.

However, if you have an ageing boiler that is reaching the end of its life, you might want to consider a boiler care plan to help manage the cost of repairs until the time comes to replace your boiler.

Is An Annual Boiler Service Mandatory?

An annual service is only mandatory if you are renting out your property. In this instance, you will have to carry out an annual boiler service in order to supply your tenants with a Gas Safety certificate.

This is a mandatory part of renting out your property, if you have gas appliances in the home. If your tenants are wondering how long does a boiler service take, then you can ask them to coordinate with the engineer directly so they can arrange access to the property. This is often easier than trying to arrange a time when you can all be present.

For homeowners, boiler servicing is not mandatory, but it is recommended if you want to keep your boiler warranty intact. It's also a good idea to help make sure your boiler is working at maximum efficiency. A small fault can often be much easier to fix than a more extensive fault, so it can save you money in the long term.