Your boiler should be serviced once a year. It’s the easiest way to keep it running smoothly. When a boiler goes too long without a check-up, little issues can turn into breakdowns, higher bills, or even gas leaks. A quick annual service keeps your home warm and safe and often stops small problems from becoming expensive repairs later on.
Even new boilers need an annual service. It keeps the warranty valid and, in rented homes, it forms part of the landlord’s legal duties.
Below, we cover:
- How Often Should a Boiler Be Serviced
- Signs Your Boiler May Need More Frequent Attention
- What Happens During a Boiler Service
- How Long a Boiler Service Takes
- Does a Boiler Service Include Radiator Checks
- Benefits of Regular Servicing
- When to Schedule a Boiler Service
How Often Should a Boiler Be Serviced
Boilers should be serviced every 12 months. Waiting longer might save you money in the short term, but it can lead to issues further down the line. If anything goes wrong, repairs (or worse, replacements) can leave you severely out of pocket. Plus, inefficient boilers can drive up your energy costs.
In the UK, homeowners are not legally required to have a yearly boiler service (although annual servicing is often required to keep the warranty valid). Read our “Signs you need a boiler service” article to learn how to spot the signs your boiler needs servicing.
However, landlords are required to ensure that all gas appliances and their flues are subject to an annual gas safety check by a qualified engineer, as per the Gas Safety Regulations 1998.
Electric boilers are slightly different. They don’t require a gas-registered engineer and need less maintenance than either their gas or oil boiler counterparts. But an annual check is still recommended to keep performance up and spot early faults.
Signs Your Boiler May Need More Frequent Attention
Boilers are expensive pieces of equipment. If you identify any concerning signs, it’s crucial to be proactive. Not only does this save you money, but it also prevents any dangerous consequences (e.g., gas leaks).
Look for these signs:
- Your boiler makes a noise when turned on. If there’s rattling, banging, screeching, or any unusual noise, it’s smart to get the system checked out.
- Unexplained increase in your heating bills. A sudden spike in energy usage normally means the system isn’t running as efficiently as it should.
- It’s been more than 12 months since your last check. You can’t always tell if a boiler is broken or faulty. That’s why a yearly boiler service is so important.
If you want to know the full list of warning signs to watch for, our “signs your heating system needs attention” article goes into more detail. Never ignore issues with your boiler.
What Happens During a Boiler Service
During a boiler service, the technician will evaluate its safety and performance. To start, they’ll perform the necessary safety checks by monitoring:
- carbon monoxide levels
- ventilation
- gas leaks
They’ll check seals, pipework, and pressure to ensure the system is working efficiently, carrying out any other efficiency and performance checks.
Finally, they’ll clean the key components like the heat exchanger and burner to prevent buildup and other hazards. The service should leave your boiler more efficient and effective than before.
How Long a Boiler Service Takes
The average boiler service takes between 40 and 60 minutes. But it can be as little as 30 minutes or as long as 90 minutes, depending on what needs to be repaired.
We always take our time to identify any faults and ensure we leave the boiler in optimal condition.
Does a Boiler Service Include Radiator Checks
Usually, yes, but only to a point.
Most boiler services focus on the boiler itself: cleaning key components, checking combustion, testing safety devices, inspecting flues, and ensuring the appliance is running efficiently and safely.
That being said, engineers often complete a few heating-system checks, such as checking that the system pressure is correct, confirming radiators are evenly heating, and looking for obvious leaks in pipework.
A full heating system check (including radiators) is a separate service. That can include bleeding radiators, adjusting valves, flushing sludge, and more.
Benefits of Regular Servicing
Getting your boiler serviced annually should be a no-brainer. Boilers aren’t like other appliances. If they’re not comprehensively reviewed and repaired, they won’t just waste money; they’re dangerous.
Here’s why a regular service is a must:
- Reduces the risk of gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning. A qualified engineer checks ventilation, seals, and combustion to make sure everything is operating safely.
- Keeps energy bills lower. A clean, well-tuned boiler runs far more efficiently, meaning it uses less fuel to heat your home.
- Reduces the risk of breakdowns during winter. Servicing catches worn parts, low pressure, or early faults before they turn into a full failure on the coldest day of the year.
- Helps extend the boiler’s lifespan. Routine maintenance reduces strain on the system and keeps components working as the manufacturer intended.
Meets insurance and warranty conditions. Many policies and manufacturers require proof of annual servicing to stay valid, so skipping it could leave you uncovered if something goes wrong.
When to Schedule a Boiler Service
The best time to get a boiler serviced is late summer or early autumn, just before the winter usage increases. Often, there’s less demand, so it’s easier to get an appointment (avoiding long waits), and it means that your system is ready for colder weather. So, it won’t break down when you need it most.
Ready For a Boiler Service?
A yearly boiler service might feel like an unnecessary cost at the time. However, it’s a small investment that prolongs the lifespan of your boiler and prevents costly repairs. A well-maintained boiler gives you peace of mind, reducing any safety risks and saving money on your energy bills.
Don’t wait for a breakdown. Book your annual boiler service now and keep your home safe, warm, and efficient all year round.