Before You Book: Your Boiler Service Explained
Why your boiler needs an annual service
Most people only think about their boiler when it stops working. A yearly service keeps it working safely, efficiently and reliably, and catches problems before they become emergencies.
What a service actually involves
A Gas Safe registered engineer will check the installation and ventilation, test the controls, remove the casing and clean the burner, heat exchanger, fan and condensate trap, check gas rate and burner pressures, carry out a flue gas analysis, test safety devices, check system pressure and inhibitor level, test gas pipework for tightness where needed, and give you a written service record.
What can affect the price of your service
A service is an inspection, cleaning and safety check, and the price covers that. The condition of your boiler and system can mean extra work, so every boiler is different. We always explain what we've found and give you a written quote before any extra work. Nothing is fitted without your agreement.
Common extras:
- Water inhibitor: protects the pipes, radiators and heat exchanger. It gets used up over time. If it's low we top it up or replace it. Heavily contaminated water may need a chemical clean or power flush first.
- Pressure relief valve: a safety device that releases excess pressure. If it's stuck or leaking, it needs replacing.
- Boiler case seals: keep combustion air and flue gases where they should be. Worn seals can let flue gases into the room or reduce efficiency.
- Other items: condensate pipe blockages or freezing, dirty traps, worn gas or flue components, faulty controls or sensors.
When a boiler looks fine but isn't safe
A boiler can appear to work normally while still having a gas safety problem. We check things you can't see, such as flue integrity, gas tightness, ventilation and combustion. If we find a fault that puts you at risk, we have to tell you and act on it.
At Risk (AR)
The installation has a defect that could become dangerous. It isn't an immediate emergency, but it needs fixing. We may need to switch the boiler off or disconnect it until repaired. Sometimes switching it off wouldn't reduce the risk, and we'll explain why.
Immediately Dangerous (ID)
The appliance presents an immediate risk to life, such as a gas leak or dangerous flue gas spillage. We'll ask your permission to switch the gas off or disconnect the appliance straight away. If you don't give permission, we'll contact the emergency service.
What happens next: we explain the fault, you receive a written warning notice, the appliance is labelled "Danger: Do Not Use" until made safe, the fault is recorded and reported as required, and the appliance is rechecked after repair before it's returned to use.
Please don't ignore a warning notice. Don't use an appliance classified as AR or ID until a Gas Safe engineer has made it safe.
If you smell gas or your CO alarm sounds: don't wait for a service. Open windows and doors, avoid switches and flames, leave the property, and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 from outside. If someone is unwell, call 999.