How Often Should You Service Your Boiler?
Annual boiler servicing is one of those tasks that's easy to put off, but it's also one of the most important things you can do to keep your heating system running safely and efficiently. If you've been wondering whether your boiler really needs servicing every year, or what actually happens during a service, this guide will give you the answers.
Why Annual Servicing Matters
Your boiler works hard, especially during the colder months, and like any piece of equipment that gets regular use, it needs maintenance to stay in good condition. An annual service catches small problems before they turn into expensive breakdowns, keeps your boiler running efficiently so your energy bills don't creep up, and most importantly, ensures everything is operating safely.
There's also the matter of your warranty. Most boiler manufacturers require annual servicing as a condition of keeping your warranty valid. Miss a service, and you could find yourself paying for repairs that would otherwise have been covered.
What Happens During a Boiler Service?
A proper boiler service is much more than a quick look over. Our Gas Safe registered engineers carry out a thorough inspection that covers every important component of your system.
We start with safety checks, testing gas pressure, examining the flue and ventilation, and making sure all safety devices are working as they should. Then we move on to cleaning key parts like the heat exchanger, burner, and ignition system, removing any debris or buildup that could affect performance.
We also test combustion levels to ensure your boiler is burning fuel efficiently, check for any leaks or corrosion, inspect seals and gaskets for wear, and examine the expansion vessel and pressure relief valve. Finally, we test all the controls and provide you with a full report and the official documentation you need.
How Often Should You Book a Service?
The straightforward answer is once a year. Most manufacturers and Gas Safe guidelines recommend annual servicing, and it's the best way to keep your boiler reliable and your warranty intact.
The ideal time to book is before winter arrives, typically in late summer or early autumn. That way, any issues can be sorted before you're relying on your heating every day, and you avoid the rush when engineers are at their busiest dealing with emergency callouts.
What If You've Missed a Service?
If it's been more than a year since your boiler was last serviced, don't panic, but do get it booked in as soon as possible. The longer you leave it, the higher the risk of a breakdown or an expensive repair bill.
It's worth noting that if you've missed multiple years of servicing, your warranty may no longer be valid, and there's a greater chance the engineer will find issues that need attention. Still, it's always better to get things checked than to wait for something to go wrong.
Signs Your Boiler Needs Attention Sooner
Even if your annual service isn't due yet, there are certain signs that mean you should call an engineer straight away. These include strange noises like banging, whistling, or gurgling, a drop in heating performance or inconsistent hot water, the pilot light going out frequently, unusual smells or visible leaks, or a sudden increase in your energy bills.
Any of these could indicate a fault that needs fixing before it gets worse, and it's always safer to get things checked sooner rather than later.
The Bottom Line
Servicing your boiler once a year is a small investment that protects a much bigger one. It keeps your heating reliable, your home safe, and your energy bills under control. If you can't remember the last time your boiler was serviced, now's the time to get it sorted.
