When does a new boiler need its first service?
If you’ve just had a new boiler fitted, you might not have considered if or when it needs servicing. But just like a car, boilers need regular maintenance to ensure everything is running as smoothly and safely as possible.
It’s really important that you get your boiler serviced regularly. As an appliance that contains moving parts and burns gas, there are all sorts of things that could go wrong, potentially posing a danger to you and your family.
Whether you’ve just moved house or realised you haven’t had your boiler checked for a long time, it’s advised that you get in touch with a Gas-Safe registered engineer to perform a service.
But how often should you have your boiler serviced, and what exactly does a service involve? We answer these questions and more in this handy guide.
How often should you service your boiler?
After your new boiler is installed, its first service should be 12 months from the installation date. Any future services should be performed every 12 months thereafter on an ongoing basis. You should confirm this with the manufacturer, as each one may provide conflicting information, and stick to what they suggest to ensure the boiler’s warranty doesn’t become void.
Why do I need a boiler service?
A boiler service generally involves checking the boiler is working safely and isn’t leaking carbon monoxide. The suitably qualified heating engineer may also check that all the parts are in good working order and replace them as needed. This will help to prevent issues or breakdowns from happening in the future, something you’ll definitely want to avoid as we go into winter.
As carbon monoxide is virtually undetectable by humans, it’s imperative that any leaks are caught early. A boiler that isn’t serviced regularly may be leaking without your knowledge for some time, and this can cause symptoms like headaches, dizziness and breathlessness. If you don’t already have a carbon monoxide alarm, you should consider having one installed that will detect any signs of the gas early.
A service may also improve the efficiency of your boiler. As your boiler gets older, its parts begin to wear out and it may not run as smoothly as it did before. During a service, key parts can be replaced to help keep your boiler as good as new for as long as possible. Not only will this improve its lifespan, but may also help to keep your energy bills down.
Finally, a service may ensure your warranty stays valid. Most boilers come with a five or even a 10-year warranty, but should a breakdown occur, the manufacturer will likely want proof that you’ve had the appliance looked after and serviced on a regular basis (every 12 months).
Don’t worry if you forget or miss an annual service. Simply ring your manufacturer and check what their policy is. They may be flexible and allow your warranty to stay valid if you’re sure to get a service completed within the next month.
To avoid this happening again in the future, some companies offer a subscription service. The cost of the service can be spread over 12 months and they will contact you when it’s time to have your appliance looked at. Not only will your service have been paid for over the course of the year, but it means you won’t miss one again.
What does a boiler service include?
If your new boiler is coming up to 12 months old, you may be wondering what your service will include. Below, we’ve outlined each aspect of a boiler service and what it means.
It’s important to note that the installer must consult the product manual for any individual servicing requirements outside of the standard items.
Boiler Inspection
The first thing a Gas Safe registered engineer will do is inspect your boiler and the surrounding pipework. The engineer will be checking for any visual problems such as cracks, leaks or corrosion.
Then, they will test the boiler and its controls to ensure everything seems to be working okay. They will remove the boiler casing to make sure there aren’t any cracked or damaged parts within the boiler. This should only be done by a suitably qualified engineer - you shouldn’t take the casing off yourself.
Flue and pressure check
Once the engineer has determined that everything looks okay, they’ll begin to check other important aspects that make your boiler run safely and efficiently.
They will check that the gas pressure and flow is correct and they’ll also check that the flue is fitted as it should be and that there aren’t any obstructions. This is important as a blocked flue could result in dangerous gases, such as carbon monoxide, re-entering your home. They may also use a flue gas analyser to make sure the boiler is burning the correct combination of gas and air. If it’s burning too much gas, you could be overpaying on your energy bill.
Cleaning of essential parts
Included in your boiler’s service is the cleaning of certain parts such as the heat exchanger and combustion chamber, the burner assembly and electrodes, and the condensate siphon (if necessary).
Expansion vessel air pressure check
Sealed boiler systems require an expansion vessel for excess water. As water is heated in the system, it expands and this can cause a build up of pressure. This additional water needs a place to go to reduce the system’s pressure. This is the purpose of the expansion vessel. It’s a way to store excess water until the pressure in the system has returned back to normal.
However, the air in the expansion vessel can be lost over time and the vessel can become filled with water. In some boilers, this water can be drained manually from a valve at the bottom of the vessel. The engineer will be able to check the pressure of the expansion vessel and will repressurise it if it is too low. They can do this using a foot pump.
Smaller component checks
The engineer should check any electrical connections, pipework, fans and seals.
Even if you have a gas or oil-powered boiler, the appliance will require electricity to power the pump that pushes hot water around the radiators. It is these electrical connections that need to be checked to make sure they’re safe and working properly.
The seals need to be checked as they can crack or harden over time. If this is the case, the engineer should be able to change them on site for you at an additional cost. The water and gas pipes need to be examined too. Leaking pipe fittings can be a problem if the seals have cracked or if they were installed incorrectly. The engineer should be able to determine the issue and arrange for it to be fixed. General wear and tear items such as the ignition or burner door seals could be replaced at an additional charge.
The engineer should also check that required safety devices, such as the flow switch, are working correctly.
Final safety checks
Finally, the engineer will restart your boiler to check for any working faults, such as funny noises or a faulty display screen. They may also check that your carbon monoxide alarm is working correctly.
Before they leave, ask the engineer to complete any required paperwork if they haven’t done so already. Your boiler should have a complete service history, and the engineer will need to complete this to make sure your boiler’s warranty stays in place. This could also be a good time to ask the engineer any questions you may have. They may be able to advise you on how you can make your heating system more efficient and additional technologies you could have installed, such as a smart thermostat.
Expansion vessel air pressure check
Sealed boiler systems require an expansion vessel for excess water. As water is heated in the system, it expands and this can cause a build up of pressure. This additional water needs a place to go to reduce the system’s pressure. This is the purpose of the expansion vessel. It’s a way to store excess water until the pressure in the system has returned back to normal.
However, the air in the expansion vessel can be lost over time and the vessel can become filled with water. In some boilers, this water can be drained manually from a valve at the bottom of the vessel. The engineer will be able to check the pressure of the expansion vessel and will repressurise it if it is too low. They can do this using a foot pump.
Smaller component checks
The engineer should check any electrical connections, pipework, fans and seals.
Even if you have a gas or oil-powered boiler, the appliance will require electricity to power the pump that pushes hot water around the radiators. It is these electrical connections that need to be checked to make sure they’re safe and working properly.
The seals need to be checked as they can crack or harden over time. If this is the case, the engineer should be able to change them on site for you at an additional cost. The water and gas pipes need to be examined too. Leaking pipe fittings can be a problem if the seals have cracked or if they were installed incorrectly. The engineer should be able to determine the issue and arrange for it to be fixed. General wear and tear items such as the ignition or burner door seals could be replaced at an additional charge.
The engineer should also check that required safety devices, such as the flow switch, are working correctly.
Final safety checks
Finally, the engineer will restart your boiler to check for any working faults, such as funny noises or a faulty display screen. They may also check that your carbon monoxide alarm is working correctly.
Before they leave, ask the engineer to complete any required paperwork if they haven’t done so already. Your boiler should have a complete service history, and the engineer will need to complete this to make sure your boiler’s warranty stays in place. This could also be a good time to ask the engineer any questions you may have. They may be able to advise you on how you can make your heating system more efficient and additional technologies you could have installed, such as a smart thermostat.
