Do i need a boiler service?
Nobody likes to spend money on something they can't see, but having your boiler serviced regularly and correctly is very important to the life of the boiler.
If not checked yearly the boiler may still work but the efficiency can suffer as well as the safety of the appli ance. Regular servicing will prevent expensive repairs in the future, as a lot of the costly repairs can be prevented if caught early.
For example, most sealed system boilers have a water pressure sensor incorporated in the design. This usually needs to be cleaned regularly to maintain the accuracy. if the sensor fails it can damage the pump, causing an expensive repair!
Another common fault on modern condensing boilers is a blocked condensate pipe. This usually tends to cause a problem in very cold weather, just when you need your boiler the most!
How long should a boiler service take?
Boiler services vary depending on the make and model of the boiler.
The condition also has a bearing on the time a boiler service should take. On average a service will take about an hour but if its not been maintained properly it could take longer.
Unfortunately a lot of engineers don't carry out a boiler service correctly and just do a safety check, this is NOT a service and often only takes around 15 minutes!
This will not detect future problems with the boiler and can even affect the warrantee of a new appliance.
Example of a typical boiler service
- carry out a visual assessment of condition boiler and controls to assess its working correctly
- check electrical supply and check fuse is 3 amps
- check safety devices
- check to see if appliance needs ventilation
- check gas rate to boiler
- check gas operating pressure
- check all seals on flue and casing
- clean heat exchanger, fan, burner and injectors as required
- check expansion vessel pressure (if fitted)
- check flue is sealed through wall
- check condensate trap and pipework (if applicable)for blockages and clean
- carry out flue gas analysis and check against manufacturers readings
- clean filters (if fitted)
- check heating water quality
- check corrosion inhibitor levels and top up where necessary
- fill out service report
This is a general example of how a boiler service should be carried out and varies depending on the make and model.
this can't be done in 15mins!
Want your boiler serviced correctly?
