How Long Does it Take to Service a Boiler?
Boilers are an integral part of keeping our households running smoothly. In order to keep yourself and your loved ones warm, having a well-kept boiler is important. If you've been experiencing some heating problems, it might be worth getting your boiler serviced.
Knowing when to call a heating engineer rather than performing a DIY rudimentary visual inspection can save you money in the long run. But how long should it take for a boiler to be serviced?
Generally, a standard boiler service will take around an hour to complete, though it could take longer depending on any issues encountered. In this guide, we'll tell you everything you need to know about servicing your boiler so you can keep your house nice and warm.
When to arrange a boiler service
A good rule of thumb is to get your boiler serviced at least once a year. If you're a tenant and have a landlord, it's their legal requirement to service your boiler (and all other gas appliances) once a year and then issue you a gas safety certificate.
As a homeowner, you're not legally required to service your boiler but it is a good idea to get one done to keep the boiler's warranty intact. Damaged boilers that haven't been professionally inspected in the past year usually won't be covered by manufacturer warranties.
What to do if something goes wrong before you're due for a boiler service?
There's no need to wait for your annual boiler inspection if you're experiencing low pressure, overheating or a leak with your boiler. Arrange for a professional to take a look right away.
Potential gas leaks and carbon monoxide leaks are extremely dangerous, so catch and fix the issue as soon as possible. A faulty boiler poses a serious threat to your health if not resolved. Don't wait for it to worsen and become a highly dangerous and expensive issue.
How long does it take to service a boiler?
In general, a standard boiler service takes less than an hour. Still, it ensures that your boiler operates efficiently, keeping your bills down and allowing you to catch minor problems early, saving you money in the long run.
Benefits of having your boiler serviced annually
There are many benefits of having an annual boiler service besides keeping the hot water running and your home nice and toasty.
Below are some of the added advantages of ensuring your boiler is regularly serviced:
It helps ensure there are no carbon monoxide leaks or other life-threatening malfunctions.
Ensures your energy bills are kept to a minimum, helping you save money in the long run.
Keeps your boiler in good working order so that you will only need to repair or replace it occasionally.
Performing an annual boiler service keeps the manufacturer's warranty valid.
Boiler service: a checklist
It's vital to ensure that the engineer working on your boiler is qualified and familiar with your boiler's fuel type. If you have a gas boiler, you must get an engineer who is authorised by the Gas Safe Register to service your boiler.
In order to perform a thorough service, a qualified engineer will go through the following steps:
Step 1: Visual inspection
A qualified engineer will inspect your boiler for any signs of damage, corrosion, or leaks and visually inspect the flame.
Step 2: Boiler casing removal
The engineer will examine and adjust components as necessary. They will clean the inside of the boiler, including the heat exchanger, burner, heating system, and combustion chamber. Other core components will also be checked.
Step 3: Performing a flue check
As part of the inspection, the engineer will look at the flue pipe. They check the flue gas analyser (the pipe carrying hot air from your boiler outside) to ensure there are no obstructions. A flue check also ensures the flue is properly fitted and working correctly.
Step 4: Operation and control check
As part of the inspection, the engineer will check out the boiler's functions and ensure that safety devices are in working order.
Step 5: Additional checks
The boiler will be checked to see if it has adequate ventilation, works at the correct pressure, and is far from combustible materials.
Step 6: Maintain a record
During each test, the engineer should keep a service record. You can use this information for future inspections as a homeowner.
Step 7: Start the boiler
The engineer will then fire the boiler and check for any operational failures. They will also return any controls they modified to their original settings once everything works correctly.
All of the above should happen during a boiler inspection taking roughly an hour, but your boiler may require a different service procedure. In the case of a condensing boiler, they will also check its drainage system.
Why do oil boilers take longer to service?
Servicing an oil boiler can take longer than a gas boiler. This is because both the fuel storage oil tank and the boiler itself need to be examined.
Gas boilers have natural gases enter through the mains supply but the oil for oil boilers must be kept locally, onsite, and topped off as needed.
Inspecting the tank for bulging, corrosion, leaks, and water will be necessary. As a result, oil boiler service should take about one to two hours and may be more expensive.
Best time to schedule an annual boiler service
Summer is typically the best season to arrange your yearly boiler service. You won't use the boiler as frequently as you would in the winter during this season. Additionally, you'll notice that engineers are less busy at this time of year, which could result in lower prices.
However, the best course of action is to contact a registered and competent engineer as soon as you suspect that your boiler may not function properly. There may be a safety concern and you want to tackle this issue as soon as possible before it's too late.
How much does a boiler service cost?
The type of boiler you have and where you live significantly impact how much a thorough service will cost. For example, a high-efficiency condensing boiler service costs between £80 and £160, whilst a standard-efficiency boiler service will cost between £50 and £80.
Similarly, boiler services in London will often cost more than comparable services in smaller towns or rural areas.
Below is a short list of some of the key factors that'll affect how much it takes to get your boiler serviced:
The boiler type (regular, system, or combi).
The location of your residence.
The type of fuel that the boiler uses.
The boiler location inside the home.
The engineer's rates.
Further information about boilers
If you're looking for extra information about your boiler and how to keep it in top condition, you might want to read about:
How much does it cost to move a boiler?
FAQs
How long does a boiler last?
A boiler has an average lifespan of 15 years, but if it's well maintained, has regular servicing and is made of high-quality materials, it's likely to last longer.
When should you buy a new boiler?
An old boiler which breaks down constantly or doesn't produce as much heat as it may need to be replaced. If your boiler makes strange noises and is constantly leaking it might be worth investing in a new boiler.
Who is qualified to carry out boiler services?
You should hire only a fully-trained and certified engineer to get your boiler services. A gas-safe registered engineer must oversee a gas boiler service. An OFTEC-accredited
Can I service my own boiler?
No - it's not advisable. You must get in touch with a Gas Safe registered engineer if you lack the necessary qualifications. Servicing a boiler yourself is risky and you could create more issues for yourself. Additionally, you face the chance of nullifying the boiler's warranty.
What is included in the boiler servicing process?
The engineer will do safety inspections to ensure everything is running correctly and identify any possible performance concerns. If a minor problem is found, your engineer can resolve it right away. If the issue is a little more complicated, they will set up another time to address it.
You will receive a post-service report following the inspection, which you must safeguard for any future warranty requirements.