A boiler keeps your home warm and your showers hot, but it’s easy to forget about it when it’s quietly doing its job in the background. So what exactly is an annual boiler service, and why does it matter?
Put simply, an annual boiler service is a yearly check-up for your gas boiler, carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer to ensure your system is safe, working efficiently and running as it should. It involves a visual inspection, checks on boiler pressure, the flue, system pressure, safety devices and heat exchanger, as well as testing for gas leaks and signs of wear. This routine service helps keep your boiler running safely, maintains your manufacturer’s warranty, and can even save money on energy bills over time.
Why is an Annual Boiler Service Important?
You should get your boiler serviced regularly to make sure it’s working properly. A faulty boiler could waste you money on energy and might even start leaking poisonous carbon monoxide. Because the gas is colourless and scentless, it’s hard to tell if one of your appliances starts leaking carbon monoxide – so you should get them serviced by a Gas Safe Registered engineer once a year.
Servicing your boiler regularly isn’t just about ticking a box. It’s about ensuring your home remains warm, your hot water stays reliable and your boiler doesn’t leave you with an unexpected breakdown in the middle of winter.
Many homeowners think that as long as the boiler fires up, it’s fine. But boilers can develop faults that aren’t always visible. A yearly boiler service allows a heating engineer to spot these issues before they escalate into bigger and costlier problems. For instance, a small leak inside the boiler casing can gradually damage internal components, or a blocked flue can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide risks.
Most manufacturers require an annual boiler service to keep your warranty valid. If you skip your yearly check, you may find yourself having to pay for expensive repairs that could have been avoided.
What Does a Boiler Service Involve?
A proper boiler service is more than a quick glance. Here’s what a Gas Safe engineer will typically check and carry out during your gas boiler service:
1. Visual Check and Inspection
The engineer will perform a visual inspection of your boiler, boiler casing, pipework, and the flue to look for signs of leaks, corrosion, or damage. They will ensure your boiler and its surrounding area meet current safety regulations.
2. Testing Boiler Pressure and System Pressure
They will check the boiler pressure and system pressure to ensure they are within the recommended levels. Incorrect pressure can affect heating and the boiler’s efficiency.
3. Checking the Flue
The flue will be checked to ensure it is clear of obstructions, properly fitted and expelling gases safely outside your property.
4. Cleaning Key Components
The heat exchanger, burner, and other essential components may be cleaned if needed to help maintain peak performance and efficiency.
5. Safety Checks
The engineer will check for gas leaks, inspect safety devices, and ensure the boiler is running efficiently and safely.
6. Testing Controls
The heating and hot water controls will be checked to ensure your boiler responds correctly to demands.
7. Expansion Vessel and Radiators
Your expansion vessel will be checked, and the engineer may advise on bleeding radiators if they notice air in your heating system.
How Long Does a Boiler Service Take?
An annual boiler service usually takes between 30 to 60 minutes depending on the make and model of your boiler and whether any issues are found during the inspection. It’s a straightforward process but one that maintains your property and could save you from unexpected repair costs later on.
When Should You Service Your Boiler?
You should arrange your annual boiler service every 12 months. Many homeowners wait until winter when the boiler is working hardest, but it’s often better to get it done during summer or early autumn to ensure it’s ready when you need it most.
If you’ve recently had a new gas boiler installed, check your manufacturer’s warranty documents as most manufacturers require you to service your boiler annually to keep the warranty valid.
Benefits of a Yearly Boiler Service
1. Keeps Your Warranty Valid
Servicing your boiler regularly ensures you meet the conditions of your manufacturer’s warranty, avoiding unnecessary costs if you need a repair.
2. Helps Your Boiler Run Efficiently
A serviced boiler runs more efficiently, reducing your energy bills while keeping your home warm.
3. Extends Your Boiler’s Life
Routine servicing and regular maintenance can extend your boiler’s life, delaying the need for a costly replacement.
4. Improves Safety
Your Gas Safe registered engineer will check for gas leaks and carbon monoxide risks, ensuring your boiler is running safely.
5. Prevents Breakdowns
Spotting minor issues early can prevent breakdowns and expensive emergency repairs.
Can I Service My Boiler Myself?
Boiler servicing should always be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. It is illegal and dangerous to attempt to service a gas boiler if you are not qualified. If you need to check your boiler pressure or top it up between services, you can do this yourself by following your boiler’s manual. However, any dismantling, inspecting or testing of internal components must only be done by a qualified professional.
Signs Your Boiler May Need Servicing Before the Year is Up
While an annual service is usually sufficient, there are times you should call a heating engineer sooner:
- Your boiler is making strange noises like banging, gurgling or whistling
- You notice your system pressure keeps dropping
- Your radiators are not heating evenly
- Your hot water is inconsistent
- You can smell gas or suspect a gas leak (leave your property immediately and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999)
What Should I Do Before a Boiler Service?
Before your engineer arrives:
- Clear the area around your boiler for easy access
- Check your boiler manual to note any issues you’ve spotted
- Have your boiler’s documentation ready, especially if you need your service record updated for your warranty
How to Maintain Your Boiler Between Services
While a yearly boiler service is essential, you can help maintain your boiler’s condition with a few simple checks:
- Regularly check your boiler pressure and top it up if needed
- Bleed your radiators if they are cold at the top
- Keep your boiler clean and the surrounding area clear
- Run your heating occasionally during summer to keep parts moving
What Happens After a Boiler Service?
Once your service is complete, your engineer will provide a service report detailing what was checked, any work carried out and recommendations if issues were found. An engineer can also check whether you are eligible for the boiler upgrade scheme. Keep this record safe for your warranty and for when you sell your property.
Final Thoughts: Is a Boiler Service Worth It?
A boiler service is an essential part of home maintenance, ensuring your heating and hot water remain reliable while helping you save money on energy bills. It keeps your gas boiler operating at peak performance, helps you avoid unexpected repair costs and gives peace of mind that your boiler is running safely.
If you’ve not booked your yearly boiler service, now is the time to arrange it to ensure your home stays warm and safe all year round.
Lazard Plumbing & Heating offers professional gas boiler service appointments carried out by fully Gas Safe registered engineers. Whether you want to keep your boiler running efficiently, ensure your manufacturer’s warranty stays valid, or simply want to maintain your boiler for the colder months, our friendly engineers can help.
Contact us today to book your annual boiler service and keep your heating working reliably when you need it most.
FAQs
How much does a boiler service cost?
The cost of a boiler service can vary depending on your location, boiler type and the company you choose. On average, a standard gas boiler service typically costs between £70 and £120 in the UK.
What is a boiler service plan?
A boiler service plan is a monthly payment plan that covers your annual boiler service and may include parts and labour for certain repairs. It helps you spread the cost while ensuring your boiler is serviced each year without the stress of remembering to book it.
How often should a boiler be serviced?
Your boiler should be serviced once a year to keep it running efficiently, help maintain your warranty and reduce the risk of breakdowns. Most manufacturers recommend an annual boiler service to keep your system in peak condition.