Once a year. That is the answer from boiler manufacturers and from engineers, and it holds for gas and oil boilers alike. The detail behind it is worth knowing, because it explains why a service is worth the money.
Why every year
Boilers work hard for months at a time, then sit idle all summer. Small problems build up unseen: a worn seal, a slowly clogging component, a burner slightly out of tune. A yearly service catches them while they are cheap to fix and before they leave you without heating on the coldest day.
A service also keeps the boiler efficient and safe. A boiler that burns cleanly uses less fuel and produces less carbon monoxide risk.
What is checked
An engineer will usually:
- inspect the boiler casing, connections and flue
- test the combustion to make sure it burns correctly
- clean or check the burner, heat exchanger and key parts where needed
- check the pressure, the expansion vessel and the condensate pipe
- test the safety controls
- note any parts that are wearing and give you a record of the visit
For oil boilers the service also covers the burner nozzle, filters and oil line, and should be carried out by an OFTEC registered engineer.
Does it have to be annual?
There is no law that says a homeowner must service their own boiler, but there are good practical reasons to:
- The guarantee. Many manufacturers require regular servicing to keep guarantee cover in place.
- Safety. Carbon monoxide is the main risk with any fuel-burning appliance.
- Running costs. A tuned boiler uses less fuel.
- Breakdowns. Servicing makes failures less likely, though it cannot prevent them.
Landlords are different
If you rent a property out, you must have the gas appliances and flues checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer every 12 months, and give your tenant a copy of the gas safety record. That check is a legal requirement and is separate from a boiler service, although the two are often done together. Our gas services cover landlord gas safety certificates.
When to book
Early autumn is ideal, before demand rises and while the weather is still mild. Booking in summer is even better, because engineers have more availability. Our winter boiler checklist lists what else to do before the cold arrives.
What you can do between services
Check the pressure gauge now and then, bleed radiators if they have cold spots, keep the area around the boiler clear, and fit a carbon monoxide alarm.
We service gas and oil boilers across North Norfolk, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. Book a service.
