What's included in a boiler service, and how often you need one

A boiler service is a safety and efficiency check carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. It's easy to put off while the boiler seems fine, but a service is how small problems get spotted before they turn into a breakdown in the middle of winter.

What I check during a service

• A visual check of the boiler, its casing, seals and connections.
• The flue and the flue terminal outside, to make sure fumes are being carried away safely.
• A combustion test with a flue gas analyser, to confirm the boiler is burning gas safely and efficiently.
• The gas pressure and gas rate, so the boiler gets the right amount of gas.
• The main components, including the burner, heat exchanger and condensate trap, as the manufacturer recommends.
• The safety devices, so the boiler shuts down if something goes wrong.
• The system pressure and the expansion vessel.

I'll tell you what I found and whether anything needs attention, and you'll get a record of the service for your warranty.

Standard service or strip-down service?

A standard service covers the checks above. A strip-down service goes further, taking the boiler apart to clean the components inside. It's worth it for a boiler that hasn't been serviced for a while or isn't running as cleanly as it should.

How often?

Once a year. Most boiler manufacturers require an annual service by a Gas Safe registered engineer to keep the warranty valid, so check your warranty terms. Booking in summer or early autumn means the boiler's been checked before you need it most.

What it costs

• Boiler service: £100 + VAT (£120 including VAT).
• Strip-down service: £160 + VAT (£192 including VAT).
• Gas safety certificate: £100 + VAT for up to two appliances, then £30 + VAT per extra appliance.

Full details are on my pricing page. To book a service in Tadworth, Reigate, Epsom or the surrounding area, get in touch.