It’s important to carry out a regular boiler service to ensure it is operating safely and efficiently. But how do you know when your boiler is due for servicing and who do you need to contact?
When does a boiler need to be serviced?
There are multiple reasons why your boiler might need servicing. For example, you could be noticing strange noises, no hot water, or cold radiators despite the heating being on. It’s best to carry out an inspection in these circumstances to get to the bottom of what’s causing your heating issues. Over time, boilers can become outdated or their parts can become degraded – this could mean you need a boiler replacement or maintenance on specific areas. As well as servicing your boiler when you notice faults, it’s important to have annual inspections to ensure the safety of your boiler, even if it seems to be functioning effectively. It is a legal requirement to maintain these annual inspections, as stated in the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. If you are renting a property, it is the Landlord’s responsibility to make sure these checks are carried out.
If your boiler does need replacing, you have many options when it comes to choosing your new boiler. At B&R Heating, we appreciate that spending money on a new boiler can be a stretch, so we aim to service and repair your existing boiler where possible. We also offer cost-effective, interest-free finance options for our Worcester boilers to spread the cost of your purchase.
Who can carry out a boiler service?
It is important to make sure that your boiler is serviced and repaired by a qualified engineer. All gas engineers should be able to prove that they have the appropriate accreditations and qualifications to perform the service – you are entitled to ask for any documentation to support this. These are the things you should look out for when selecting your engineer:
- Domestic Gas Central Heating, Boilers, and Water Heaters (CENWAT) Qualification
- Gas Safe registered
- ACS certificate of competence
- OFTEC registered
- Up to date CPD (Continuing Professional Development) certificates
At B&R Heating, our engineers are Gas Safe and OFTEC registered, meaning they have been officially certified by the relevant bodies to make sure they are competent to work safely and legally within your home. Our team are also members of the WHICH? Trusted Trader Scheme – additional certifications such as this aren’t necessary to practice as an engineer, however, they do add an extra layer of reliability.
What happens during a boiler service?
A professional boiler service is the best way to detect safety and performance problems. Once you have selected your gas engineer and they have given you proof of their relevant qualifications, they might ask you about your boiler and any issues it might have, such as any leaks or operational problems. You can then arrange a date and time for them to visit your home to carry out the inspection.
When the engineer arrives, they will likely show you their Gas Safe ID as professional identification. They will then clean and test the interior of your boiler, and will also conduct a flue gas analysis to ensure it is burning the correct mixture of gas and oil. The details of the service will be recorded in a manufacturer’s benchmark book. You can ask the engineer questions that you’ve been worried about in regards to your boiler. For example, you could ask them if your boiler will need replacing.
The length of time it takes to carry out the service could vary depending on the age, model, and placement of your boiler. Once the service is complete, the engineer will be able to notify you of any issues with your boiler, as well as any next steps. For example, your boiler could need further maintenance, repairs, or even replacement. After the inspection, the engineer will provide you with a written report outlining the status of your boiler.
What could happen if you don’t get your boiler serviced?
Even if your boiler isn’t showing any signs of damage or reduced performance, it is vital that an annual inspection is carried out to ensure the safety of the boiler. If you fail to schedule boiler maintenance, you could face expensive system breakdowns that could’ve been avoided with an annual service. As well as this, there is also the risk of a carbon monoxide leak, which could be fatal. Especially to children and older people.
Even if there are no urgent problems, it’s a good idea to maintain regular servicing to ensure your boiler is running efficiently – inefficient boilers are more expensive to run!
If you think your boiler is due for a service or needs a repair, get in touch with our team by phone on 01752 695050 or visit us at brheatingltd.co.uk
