Boiler Servicing is like a gas safety check, except it’s more in-depth and can be done annually. It is a legal requirement for landlords to service their boilers.
With regular maintenance, a boiler can maintain efficiency. This can lead to higher energy bills. Moreover, it can also cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
Boilers are heavy, complicated machines. Often, they are located in cramped spaces that require special equipment and training to operate and maintain properly. In addition, they can reach dangerously high temperatures and pressures. If these are not managed correctly, they can malfunction or even explode. Regular servicing can identify issues before they become major problems and ensure the safety of all those who operate or work in the area.
A boiler service can include a check of the gas supply, the combustion chamber, venting systems, fuel lines and more. The engineer will also check for visible signs of corrosion or damage, such as a leaking steam trap. They will also inspect the combustion process and ensure that it is efficient, avoiding leaks of carbon monoxide, which cannot be smelt or seen and is known as the “invisible killer”.
If you are a landlord or commercial property owner, then you may be required by law to have your boiler checked and get a gas safety certificate on a regular basis. In fact, a boiler that is not regularly serviced can be a fire hazard and put the lives of your tenants in danger.
During a routine inspection, your engineer will make sure that all ventilation and combustion air openings are unobstructed. They will also make sure that the water level control is working correctly to prevent low water fuel cutoffs that can cause severe damage. They will also flush out sludge and sediment from the float chamber of the fuel cutoff to avoid interference with its operation.
During the inspection, they will take readings of the air pressure inside the boiler. This will indicate whether the pressure is too low and could be an indication of a leak. They will also check that the safety valve is calibrated and functioning to relieve excess pressure in the event of a problem. In addition, they will ensure that a suitable PPE is used when working on the boiler (such as heat/flame resistant clothing and eye protection), follow plant safety procedures for confined space entry and isolate the boiler from all water, steam, fuel and electrical sources before draining or opening it.
Boiler service engineers can check that your boiler is operating efficiently, meaning less energy will be used to heat your home. This will lead to lower energy bills, making it easier to afford heating costs during the winter months.
Annual boiler servicing also allows the engineer to catch any issues early on before they escalate into full-blown system failures. It’s always much cheaper to fix an issue when it is small than when it becomes a major problem, and this can save you a lot of money in the long run.
A properly maintained boiler will last longer than a poorly looked after unit, saving you further money on replacement costs. In addition, your fuel costs will be lower due to improved efficiency – your boiler engineer can advise you of the best ways to maximise the lifespan of your unit, so that it continues to operate at its most cost-effective level throughout its lifetime.
Many people make the mistake of assuming that having a boiler service is a waste of money, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Getting your boiler regularly checked and repaired can save you money on energy bills, repairs, replacement parts, and even potential carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon Monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can be deadly if not caught in time, so having your boiler serviced on a regular basis ensures that any potential leaks are spotted and fixed before they cause further damage or put your safety at risk.
If you leave your boiler to fail, then the cost of a replacement could be prohibitive. In addition, the failure of a boiler to operate efficiently will result in higher fuel usage, which will ultimately increase your energy bill. Alternatively, you can choose to get a boiler cover package that includes annual servicing – these tend to be a bit cheaper than buying a service separately.
Many insurers offer a discount on your premium if you have your boiler regularly serviced. Additionally, if your boiler is still within its warranty, then failing to have it serviced can render this null and void.
Carbon Monoxide poisoning is a real problem in the with up to 50 deaths reported per year and thousands of people going to hospital. When a boiler doesn’t burn fuel properly, it can release CO into the air. This is a colourless, odourless gas that can cause serious health issues. It can lead to confusion, tiredness and nausea, and even death if inhaled in high concentrations. Annual boiler servicing can help avoid this by ensuring that your boiler is burning fuel correctly. A trained engineer can spot problems like carbon monoxide leaks and ensure that the appliance is venting properly.
Boiler servicing is essential for keeping your family safe. The engineers who carry out the service will inspect the appliance, test its flue pressure, and look for any signs of corrosion. They will also remove the cover and fire up the boiler to check that everything is working as it should be. If they find any faults, they will fix them before they become bigger issues, preventing carbon monoxide poisoning and other safety issues.
During normal combustion, a boiler produces very little carbon monoxide. Any CO it does produce is released through the flue and out of the building. However, if the boiler is poorly ventilated or if there are blocked vents, it can build up inside the home. This is particularly dangerous if you have young children or elderly people living in the house. It can also be dangerous for pets.
A faulty boiler can also produce CO when the pilot light is on. A yellow flame indicates that there is an issue with the gas supply or the combustion process, and it should be checked as soon as possible. If you notice that your boiler’s flame is yellow, call an engineer straight away and consider moving out of the house until they can come and fix it.
Annual boiler servicing can help you save money and avoid expensive repairs or replacements. It can also prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, which could be fatal for your family. So don’t put it off any longer and book your annual boiler servicing today.
Keeping your boiler maintained will ensure that you can keep your warranty or guarantee if it’s still in place. This will mean that you’ll be able to get any repair or replacement costs taken care of by the manufacturer without having to pay for them out of pocket. However, you need to be sure that your boiler is regularly serviced to ensure this. If you try to claim on a warranty that has expired and the manufacturer discovers that your boiler hasn’t been properly serviced, they will be unable to provide any repair or replacement costs.
When you get your boiler serviced, a Gas Safe engineer will thoroughly inspect the whole of your heating system. They will be able to check for things like the flue temperature, which is important because it determines how efficiently your boiler works. They’ll also be able to check that your gas supply is secure and that there are no leaks.
A boiler service typically takes around an hour to complete. This is because the engineer will need to remove the boiler casing in order to access all of the parts inside. They’ll be able to look at the electrical connections, confirm that they are working correctly and efficiently, and check the water pressure as well. The engineer will then put everything back together and create a report of the tasks they have completed.
Getting your boiler serviced will not only help keep it in good condition and prevent a breakdown, but it will also help to reduce your energy bills because a boiler that is in top working condition will use less fuel to heat your home and hot water. This is one of the reasons that a boiler service in summer – when you’re using your boiler less – is a good idea.
If you’re thinking of having your boiler serviced, be sure to only work with a Gas Safe registered engineer. Ask to see their credentials, and feel free to question them about any of the aspects of a boiler service that they’re not comfortable explaining. It’s also a good idea to register your boiler with the manufacturer after it has been installed, as this will allow you to make sure that any repairs or replacements are covered by your warranty.