The short answer: every 12 months
Boiler manufacturers, including Ideal, recommend a service every 12 months. Most warranties, including the extended ones offered when a new boiler is fitted, are only valid if the boiler has been serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Miss a year and you may find the manufacturer will not honour a claim.
What happens during a service
A proper service is more than a quick look. The engineer should:
- Remove the casing and inspect the internal components for wear, leaks and corrosion
- Clean the heat exchanger, burner and condensate trap
- Check the flue and make sure combustion products are venting safely
- Run a flue gas analysis to check the boiler is burning cleanly and efficiently
- Check system pressure, the expansion vessel and the safety devices
- Test the gas pressure and look for any gas tightness issues
Why it matters
Safety. A faulty boiler can produce carbon monoxide, which you cannot see or smell. A service picks up combustion problems before they become dangerous. Fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm near the boiler and any other fuel-burning appliance, and test it regularly.
Fewer breakdowns. Most winter breakdowns start as small faults that were easy to spot in autumn: a weak pump, a blocked condensate pipe, a sticking diverter valve.
Efficiency. A boiler with a dirty heat exchanger or poor combustion works harder for the same heat, and your gas bill shows it.
When is the best time?
Early autumn, before the heating goes on properly. Engineers are busiest the first cold week of the year, so booking in September or October means you pick the day rather than wait for one.
Signs your boiler cannot wait for its next service
- A yellow or orange flame instead of a steady blue one
- Black marks or staining around the boiler
- Unusual banging, whistling or gurgling
- Pressure that keeps dropping, or the boiler locking out
If you ever smell gas or suspect a carbon monoxide leak, turn off the appliance, open windows and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.
Gastech carries out annual boiler servicing across Hull, Cottingham, Beverley, Hessle and the surrounding villages. See the boiler servicing page for what is included.