What happens at a boiler service?

Ever wondered what happens at a boiler service? You're not alone. A lot of people put it off or don’t know what to expect. The truth is, getting your boiler checked once a year is one of the easiest ways to keep your heating running safely and avoid expensive breakdowns.

At SAS GAS, we believe in making things simple. So here's a handy guide to help you understand exactly what happens at a boiler service and why it’s worth doing.

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How often should I have my Boiler serviced?

You should get your boiler serviced once a year. Even if it’s working fine, an annual service keeps it running properly and keeps your warranty valid. If you're a landlord, it's a legal requirement to have a yearly gas safety check too. If you want to know more on this, read our full blog on how often to get your boiler serviced.

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What are the benefits of a Boiler service?

There are plenty of good reasons to book that yearly service. Here are a few:

Keep Your Family Safe

Boilers can leak carbon monoxide, which is dangerous and hard to detect. A service checks for leaks and other risks.

Get Early Warning of Issues

Small problems can turn into big ones. Spotting them early helps avoid expensive repairs later.

Save on Energy Bills

A clean and well-maintained boiler uses less gas, which can help cut down your bills.

It’s Needed for Warranties

Most warranties need proof of regular servicing. Skip it, and you might not be covered if something goes wrong.

It’s Legally Required for Landlords

If you rent out a property, you’re responsible for getting the boiler checked every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

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What does a boiler service include?

Now for the bit you’re really here for, what happens at a boiler service? If you’ve never had one done or aren’t quite sure what’s involved, don’t worry. It’s not as complicated as it sounds, and it makes a big difference to how well your boiler runs.

During a typical service, a qualified Gas Safe engineer will carry out a series of checks, tests, and cleaning tasks to make sure your boiler is safe, working properly, and running as efficiently as possible. They’ll look at both the outside and inside of your boiler, making sure everything is in good condition.

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What is the purpose of a boiler service?

The main reason to service your boiler is safety. A faulty boiler can be dangerous, especially if there's a carbon monoxide leak, which is odourless and hard to detect without alarms.

But it’s not just about safety. A service also:

• Spots early signs of trouble, like worn parts or small leaks
  
  
• Prevents breakdowns, especially when you need heating the most
  
  
• Keeps your energy bills in check by improving efficiency
  
  
• Protects your warranty, which often requires an annual service
  
  
• Extends the life of your boiler, saving you money in the long run
  
  

It’s a bit like servicing your car, it might be running fine now, but checking it regularly helps avoid problems later. And just like a car MOT, your boiler service gives you peace of mind knowing everything’s ticking along nicely.

What does a boiler service typically include?

Visual check

The engineer looks for signs of leaks, corrosion or anything unusual on the outside of the boiler.

Pilot light

On older boilers, they’ll check the colour of the pilot flame to make sure it’s burning safely.

Internal part check & clean-up

They’ll open up the boiler and clean key parts like the burner, spark probe, and heat exchanger. This helps keep everything running well.

Flue terminal inspection

They’ll make sure the flue isn’t blocked and is sealed properly. This is important for safety.

Pipework inspection

Water and gas pipes are checked for wear and tear or signs of damage.

Gas pressure & flow setting review

They’ll measure the gas pressure and flow to make sure it’s working as it should be.

Boiler operations & controls check-up

They’ll turn the boiler on to check it runs correctly, and that things like the thermostat respond properly.

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What reports should you expect to receive after a boiler service?

Once the service is done, your engineer should give you a boiler service report. This might seem like just a bit of paperwork, but it’s actually quite important.

The report will show a clear record of:

•  All the checks that were carried out
•  Any parts that were cleaned, adjusted or replaced
•  Faults or issues that were spotted during the inspection
  Gas pressure readings and flue test results (if done)
•  Engineer comments and notes about the condition of your boiler
•  The engineer’s Gas Safe registration number, job reference and date
  
  

This report is your proof of service. If something goes wrong down the line or you need to make a warranty claim, the manufacturer may ask to see this record to check that your boiler has been properly maintained.

It’s a good idea to keep these reports in a safe place, maybe with your boiler manual or in a home file..

And remember, if anything on the report doesn’t make sense, just ask the engineer to explain. A good engineer will always be happy to talk you through it.

Do I need to get my boiler serviced?

Yes, 100%. Even if your boiler seems to be working fine, it’s still really important to get it serviced once a year. Just because it’s heating your home and hot water now doesn’t mean everything is running perfectly behind the scenes.

Think of it like going to the dentist. You might not have any pain, but that check-up could catch something early before it turns into a big (and expensive) problem.

Here’s why you shouldn’t skip it:

• Safety first: A service helps catch issues like carbon monoxide leaks or faulty parts that could put your household at risk.
  
  
• Saves money: A boiler running efficiently uses less gas, which can lower your bills. Plus, spotting small problems early means avoiding big repair costs later.
  
  
• Keeps your warranty valid: Most boiler warranties require yearly servicing. If you skip it, you could lose your cover.
  
  
• Helps your boiler last longer: Regular servicing can add years to your boiler’s life by keeping everything clean, adjusted and in good shape.
  
  

So if you’re wondering do I need to get my boiler serviced, the answer is a big yes, it’s a small job that brings peace of mind all year round.

What is a boiler service?

A boiler service is a yearly check-up carried out by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. They’ll inspect your boiler from top to bottom, making sure it’s safe, clean, and working exactly as it should be.

Think of it like an MOT for your heating system. Just like your car needs a yearly look-over to stay roadworthy, your boiler needs regular attention to stay reliable and safe.

Here’s what it involves in simple terms:

• The engineer will look for leaks, corrosion, or any signs of wear and tear.
• They’ll open up the boiler to check and clean key parts inside, like the burner and heat exchanger.
• They’ll test the gas pressure and flow, make sure your flue isn't blocked, and check that your boiler is burning fuel correctly.
  
  
• They’ll also switch the boiler on to see that controls and settings are working properly.
  
  

It’s not just about ticking boxes. A boiler service helps to spot problems early, improve energy efficiency, and keep your home safe – all for a visit that usually takes less than an hour.

How long does a boiler service take?

A standard boiler service usually takes between 30 to 60 minutes. It depends on the type of boiler you have, how easy it is to access, and whether there are any issues that need extra attention.

If your boiler’s fairly new and well looked after, it could be done in half an hour. But if it hasn’t been serviced in a while, or if the engineer finds signs of wear, leaks, or dirt build-up, it might take a bit longer to get things sorted properly.

There’s no rush though, a good engineer will take the time to do the job right, even if that means staying a little longer to give your boiler the care it needs.

And don’t worry, you don’t need to be glued to them the whole time. Just be around to let them in, and they’ll give you a heads-up when it’s all done.

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Why book an annual boiler service?

You don’t want your heating cutting out on a freezing day. Booking a service once a year gives you peace of mind, keeps your home safe, and helps your boiler live a longer life.

Here’s why:

Keep Your Heating Running Smoothly

There’s nothing worse than your boiler packing in during a cold snap. A yearly service helps prevent breakdowns by spotting issues before they turn into big problems.

Stay Safe

Faulty boilers can be dangerous. A service checks for gas leaks, carbon monoxide risks, and other safety concerns that you might not see or hear.

Save Money

A clean, well-maintained boiler runs more efficiently, which means lower gas bills. It can also help avoid costly emergency repairs later on.

Protect Your Warranty

Most boiler manufacturers require annual servicing to keep your warranty valid. Miss a service, and you might find you’re not covered when you need it most.

Make Your Boiler Last Longer

Regular servicing can add years to your boiler’s life, meaning you don’t have to fork out for a replacement sooner than necessary.

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