Of the things I think about when spring arrives, my heating system is usually not one of them. But it turns out that this could be a mistake. According to the experts I spoke to, now is actually the best time to service your boiler.
If you have checked How often should the boiler be serviced? And if you’re planning to wait until winter rolls around to get your checkup, it might be time to think again.
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Why is now a good time to have your boiler serviced?
(Image credit: Getty Images)
While general advice regarding the best time to service a boiler is aimed at early autumn when you start thinking about switching on. Heating systemBefore the cold weather hits, even now is perfect – like Michael ZohouryFounder of Pyramid Ecoexplains.
‘Now is the best time to do it. Once we get out of the peak winter season, heating engineers are less stretched,’ explains Michael. ‘In the middle of winter, most call-outs are emergencies – breakdowns, no heating, no hot water. That means servicing is often pushed back or booked weeks ahead.
‘Getting it done in late winter or early spring means you’re ahead of the rush’, continues Michael. ‘You’re probably using the boiler heavily, so that’s a good point to check for wear and tear. And you don’t panic because the house is getting cold.’
‘Now seems an unusual time to think about boiler servicing – a common misconception is that autumn is a great time to have your boiler serviced’ Ant LangstonAt Marketing Manager HeatandPlumb.com. ‘But this is the ultimate cold pull when problems often surface.’
Michael Zohoury is the founder of Pyramid Eco, a company dedicated to renewable energy and energy efficiency. They have extensive experience designing and installing heat pumps, improving ventilation and upgrading insulation to make homes more efficient, comfortable and durable.
Ant Langston is the Marketing Manager of HeatandPlumb.com. Ant has over a decade of experience in the bathroom, heating and bathroom furniture industry at HeatandPlumb.com, where he has written hundreds of guides on interior design and technical plumbing.
Do you need your boiler serviced?
The best way is to have your boiler serviced regularly Make sure your boiler is running efficiently – But is it a legal requirement?
‘There’s no law in the UK that says homeowners have to have their boiler serviced once a year, but it’s highly recommended and, in many cases, most boiler manufacturers say you need to have it serviced annually to keep your warranty,’ explains Gordon Chalk. ‘Without annual maintenance from a trained specialist, some problems cannot be covered, leaving you with huge costs. It’s not just about legislation and guarantees; It is also about safety and efficiency. This is something we always stress to our customers, as a broken boiler can cause serious problems.’
That said, as Michael Zohouri points out, there are few instances where boiler servicing becomes a legal requirement. ‘By law, if you are a landlord, an annual gas safety certificate is required.’
Along with Alan Houghton, Gordon is the Managing Director of Next Level Underfloor Heating & Screed Solutions Ltd where he helps property owners feel warmer and more comfortable with underfloor heating and the right floor screed.
What can happen if you put off servicing your boiler?
(Image credit: Future/Colin Poole)
Having your boiler serviced annually should be at the top of your home maintenance list – especially if you don’t want to. Replace the boiler Anytime soon.
‘In my experience, small problems become expensive when boilers are not regularly serviced,’ warns Michael Zohouri. Things like debris, seal or pressure problems are usually picked up during service. I have seen boilers run at low efficiency because they are clogged or not burning fuel cleanly. That means the gas bill is higher. In the worst case scenario, poor maintenance can lead to carbon monoxide hazards.’
‘A boiler that has not been serviced can become less efficient over time. Parts can get stuck, rusted or worn, making the boiler work harder and use more fuel to heat the same amount of space,’ Gordon chalks up. This directly leads to higher energy bills, which a well-insulated home or UFH system It works well.’
‘Having an annual boiler service will also ensure that you are protected against carbon monoxide poisoning so it is crucial that you book this every year ahead of time,’ adds. Ian Palmer-SmithAt Appliance Repair Specialist domestic and ordinary. ‘I also strongly advise getting a carbon monoxide detector if you don’t already have one. A faulty boiler system can leak carbon monoxide gas into your home, but without any colour, smell or taste, you need a detector to alert you to its presence to stay safe. They usually last five years before they need to be replaced.’
Ian Palmer-Smith is a supplier and heating services director at Domestic & General and a domestic appliance service and repair specialist with over 35 years of professional experience.
Twin Pack Kidde 5CO Battery Powered Carbon Monoxide Alarm and Detector
This two-pack of carbon monoxide alarms comes with a 7-year guaranteed warranty and is triggered by as little as 50ppm CO in the air. It also emits an 85db piercing alarm to alert homeowners should CO be detected – plus it comes complete with batteries and can be wall- or surface-mounted.
FAQs
How much does a boiler service cost?
Clearly then, having an annual boiler service is very important, so it makes sense to budget for this ahead of time – but How much is a boiler service?
‘Anywhere between £80 and £120 for a standard service, depending on your area and boiler type,’ says Michael Zohoury. ‘Some companies offer service plans that spread the cost each month. Compared to the cost of a replacement boiler, it’s a small investment.’
Ian Palmer-Smith adds that ‘During a boiler service, engineers will identify any potential problems before they develop into serious problems. ‘Catching problems early will help extend the lifespan of your device. A new boiler can cost up to £5,000 including installation so it’s worth getting it serviced annually by Boiler Cover to avoid having to replace it prematurely.”
Who should you contact to service your boiler?
It is really important that your boiler is serviced by a suitably qualified person. Not only that they will be able to identify Signs Your Boiler Is Stopping WorkingBut it is actually illegal for unregistered engineers to work.
‘He should be a Gas Safe Registered Engineer. You can check Gas Safe Register online to confirm credentials,’ says Michael Zohouri. ‘Ideally, choose someone experienced with your particular boiler brand. A good engineer will check the combustion, clean the main components, test the safety devices, inspect the seals and make sure everything is running efficiently. It keeps your boiler reliable and safe. It’s one of those jobs that doesn’t seem urgent until the heating stops working. Better to stay ahead of it.’
‘If you buy oil heaterMake sure it’s registered with OFTEC,’ adds Gordon Chalk. ‘It’s also against the law to hire someone who isn’t hazard trained, and could mean voiding your boiler warranty and your home insurance.’
There are many things that can go wrong with boilers, but getting yours serviced regularly should mean you never have to deal with them. If your Radiators do not heat upLow boiler pressure can be just one reason.
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