Boiler servicing: what’s included and how often should you book?
When your heating and hot water are working normally, it is easy to forget about your boiler. Regular servicing gives an engineer the opportunity to check its condition, assess how it is operating and identify issues that need attention.
Whether your home uses gas, oil or LPG, keeping up with servicing is an important part of looking after your heating system.
How often should you service your boiler?
An annual service is generally recommended, following the manufacturer’s instructions for your particular appliance. HSE recommends at least annual servicing for domestic gas appliances, while OFTEC also recommends yearly servicing for oil boilers.
Your boiler’s warranty or guarantee may also require an annual service. Check the terms and keep your service records somewhere accessible, particularly if the boiler is still covered.
What happens during a boiler service?
The exact work depends on the boiler’s make, model, fuel and servicing requirements. A service typically involves inspecting the appliance and flue, checking its operation, taking relevant combustion readings and cleaning components where required.
Your engineer should follow the manufacturer’s servicing instructions. This means the work involved can differ between boilers, even when they appear similar from the outside.
For oil heating, the condition of the storage tank also matters. OFTEC advises checking for damage and deterioration, so make sure the tank is accessible and mention any concerns when booking.
Is a service the same as a repair or gas safety check?
A routine service and a breakdown repair serve different purposes. If your boiler is already losing pressure, displaying fault codes or failing to provide heating or hot water, explain this when arranging the appointment. It may need fault diagnosis and repairs alongside servicing.
A boiler service should also not be confused with a landlord’s gas safety check. Do not assume that booking one automatically covers the requirements of the other; make clear which services you need.
Who should carry out the work?
Gas and LPG boilers should be serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer qualified for the relevant fuel and appliance. You can check the engineer’s registration and work categories before the appointment. For oil boilers, choose an appropriately qualified technician, such as one registered with OFTEC.
Before the visit, clear access to the boiler and have any service records available. A note of unusual noises, fault codes or changes in performance can also be helpful.
Book a boiler service with Element
Element provides gas, oil and LPG boiler servicing across Scarborough, Whitby, Filey and the surrounding villages.
Get in touch with Element to arrange a service. If you know your boiler’s make, model and last service date, include these with your enquiry.
