A gas boiler should be serviced once a year by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Most manufacturers need an annual service to keep the warranty valid, and it is the best way to catch problems early and make sure the boiler is burning safely. Landlords must also have a gas safety check done every 12 months.
What a boiler service includes
- A visual check of the boiler, flue and pipework.
- Checking the gas pressure and how the boiler is burning, using a flue gas analyser.
- Checking the safety devices work as they should.
- Checking the system pressure and the expansion vessel.
- Cleaning or checking parts where the manufacturer asks for it, such as the condensate trap.
- A written record of what was checked and anything that needs attention.
Why it’s worth doing every year
A service catches small faults before they become breakdowns, usually in the middle of winter. It confirms the boiler is burning safely and not producing carbon monoxide. And most boiler warranties, often 5 to 10 years on a new boiler, are only valid if the boiler is serviced every year.
The best time to book
Late summer and early autumn, before you need the heating every day. Diaries get busy from October, and that is also when hidden faults show up.
Landlords
If you rent out a property, the law requires a gas safety check on every gas appliance every 12 months, and you must give tenants a copy of the record. A service and a safety check are not the same thing, but both can be done on the same visit.
Covering Faversham, Canterbury, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Thanet, Sandwich, Deal and Dover: see areas we cover.
Get it sorted
Call or WhatsApp Addisons Plumbing & Heating with a quick description or a photo, and we’ll tell you what it looks like and arrange a visit. Free, no-obligation quotes across East Kent. If you ever smell gas, call the National Gas Emergency number on 0800 111 999.
Quick questions
How long does a boiler service take?
Usually about an hour, depending on the boiler and what it needs.
Do I need a carbon monoxide alarm?
Yes, we recommend one in any room with a gas appliance. It is a cheap, simple safety measure.
What happens if I miss a year?
The boiler may keep working, but you risk your warranty, and small faults can go unnoticed. Book a service as soon as you can.
