Gas boilers are much more common than oil or LPG boilers. Around 74% of UK homes use mains gas to heat their water and homes. However, while gas boilers are efficient, it’s important they are serviced regularly, to ensure their safety, efficiency, and longevity. In this article, we will explore the reasons why gas boilers must be serviced once a year, whether this is your home, or you are a landlord.
Gas Safety
One of the main reasons why it is essential to have a gas boiler serviced once a year is to ensure the safety of your family, your tenants, and the property. Gas leaks are really dangerous, as they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, explosions, and fires. During a boiler service, a qualified heating engineer Colchester will thoroughly inspect the boiler to check for any potential leaks, faults, or malfunctions – you can learn more by following the link.
Regular servicing helps detect and rectify any issues before they escalate into major safety hazards, which not only saves you money but also keeps your family and tenants safe.
Maximising Efficiency
Having your gas boiler serviced regularly helps to keep it running more efficiently. Over time, boilers can accumulate dust, debris, and deposits, resulting in reduced efficiency. This leads to higher energy consumption and increased utility bills, which is an important issue right now with energy costs at an all-time high.
During a service, the engineer will clean various components of the boiler, including the burners, heat exchanger, and condensate trap. They will also check the boiler’s settings and controls, ensuring it operates at its optimum level.
Servicing Helps Prolong the Lifespan of a Boiler
Investing in a gas boiler is a significant financial commitment, with a decent brand costing around £900, plus the cost of installation and sundries. To protect this investment, regular servicing is crucial. The wear and tear that occurs over time can lead to component failures and breakdowns. Booking an annual service means potential issues can be identified and addressed early, preventing costly repairs or the need for premature replacement.
Legal Requirements for Landlords
There are legal requirements regarding gas safety in rental properties. Landlords have a legal obligation to ensure gas appliances, including boilers, are properly maintained and annually serviced. This helps protect tenants from potential hazards while ensuring compliance with the law.
Warranty Validation
Most gas boilers come with manufacturer warranties that cover certain parts and repairs. However, these warranties only remain valid if the boiler is serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Failure to service the boiler as per the manufacturer’s recommendations may result in the warranty being voided. You might get away with missing the annual service by a day or two, but much more than that and the manufacturer won’t honour the warranty if something breaks.
Once you have a new gas boiler installed, make a note in your diary for an annual service in 12 months. Thereafter, if you stick with the same heating engineer, you should receive a reminder from them when your next service is due.