Are you wondering what’s included in your annual boiler service cost? Or perhaps you’re asking yourself, “Why should I get my boiler serviced at all?” It’s a fair question. Everyone wants to know where their money is going and whether it’s really worth the investment. Well, the answer is a resounding yes, and here’s why.
The truth is that many people only think about their boiler when it breaks down, “£120 for an annual boiler service? – what am I really getting for that?” The answer is, quite a lot.
If your boiler is new *(or new’ish), an annual service is essential to keep your warranty intact for its full duration, some of these new boilers come with up to 12 year manufactures warranty and most need to be serviced every 12 months or your warranty will become void.
Beyond that, there are numerous reasons to have your boiler serviced every year, the most important being the safety for you and your family.
Ok call me a bit of a geek, but I love the feeling of taking a boiler that hasn’t been serviced in a long time and putting it through its paces. It’s rewarding to know that by the time I leave, the customer’s home is safer and their heating system is running much more smoothly.
However, when the front cover comes off, that’s often when the surprises start, especially for the poor boiler engineer! Sometimes, removing the cover can reveal hidden issues like leaks or worn components that aren’t visible from the outside.
This is exactly why annual servicing is so important. Regular boiler servicing can catch these hidden problems early, reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns and ensuring your boiler continues to run safely and efficiently year after year.
I have been servicing boilers for 20 years, but it surprises me that most of our customers don’t really know what happens during a boiler service. That’s why I’m writing this blog to break down exactly what you can expect, from having your boiler serviced to receiving your service certificate. I will even throw in a bit of technical know how, so perhaps you can ask your boiler service engineer if they have done ‘this and that’ to your boiler….. It’s all about the ‘this and that’ after all isn’t it!
Top Tip! Ok, before your boiler service engineer arrives, turn off your heating and hot water at least 1 hour before the visit! If the boiler hasn’t had time to cool down properly, the engineer cannot service your boiler properly. It will also mean they don’t get burnt.
Every boiler service should start with a review of the boiler’s installation and service manual and that’s what we train our engineers to do. The engineer will then check the boiler’s basic operation, making sure your heating and hot water are working as they should be. If you have the manual to hand when the engineer arrives, they will think you are fantastic, trust me….
Top Tip: Look out your boiler manual if you know where it is, it will save the engineer time, meaning they spend more time attending to your boiler, rather than searching online for a copy of the manual.
Once the engineer has had a look at the boiler from the outside, they’ll take off the front cover to get a better view of the key parts inside. During this step, they’ll check for any leaks, torch marks, or other signs of trouble around the heat exchanger, main injector, burner, and spark probe. This internal check is important for spotting any hidden issues and making sure everything inside the boiler is in good shape and running safely.
Top Tip: Never try to remove the casing (or in other words the boiler front cover) yourself. It can be really dangerous.
The engineer will look over your flue installation and make sure it has been installed as per the manufacturer guidelines. This includes checking the flue to ensure it’s in good condition and nothing is blocking the flue terminal ( like a birds nest for example). Your flue is your boilers chimney, it takes away all the harmful gases to the outside.
A crucial part of the service involves carrying out a gas flue analysis test, this is a bit like what car mechanics do when they are testing your exhaust in your car. This checks that the boiler is burning fuel correctly and safely. If the readings aren’t within the acceptable range set by the boiler manufacturer, the boiler service engineer will (if possible) adjust the readings and retest, sometimes though, this may need further attention.
The engineer will check the gas pressure to make sure it’s at the correct level for your boiler. Proper gas pressure is essential for your boiler to run efficiently and safely, ensuring that your heating system performs as it should without any issues.
The engineer will take a look at the pilot light, which is the small flame that lights the boiler. They’ll make sure it’s working properly, as it’s needed to get the boiler going. The pilot light on your boiler should be a nice blue colour. It should never be yellow.
During a boiler service, the engineer will often take the chance to check that your radiators and thermostats are working as they should. This helps make sure your whole heating system is running smoothly and efficiently.
Top Tip. Ask your engineer about the efficiency of your radiators. You might want to find out if your radiator system could benefit from being balanced. Balancing ensures that all radiators heat up evenly, improving overall efficiency and comfort in your home.
The engineer will clean the filter and make sure the boiler water quality is of an acceptable level not to cause damage to your boiler.
Top Tip. Why not ask your engineer to top up your central heating boiler with inhibitor when they have cleaned out the system filter. Inhibitors are what keep your boiler system from corroding, and as Michael Caine would say “Not a lot of people know that”.
After the service, the engineer will complete your boiler’s log book and provide a gas safety certificate, confirming that the boiler is safe to use. If you’re a landlord, you’ll receive a gas safety certificate called a CP12 certificate, which you’ll need to keep for at least two years.
So, whether it’s your first service or just time for your annual check, you can now be confident in what should be happening. Don’t hesitate to ask your engineer about the specifics of their checks, it’s all about those detailed adjustments that keep your boiler running safely and efficiently!
At Celsius, a standard boiler service typically lasts between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, allowing enough time for a thorough inspection without taking up too much of your day. Just keep in mind, if you offer the engineer a cup of tea, it might add an extra 5 minutes or so to the visit!
If something’s wrong with your boiler, don’t worry, we’ve got it covered. During the service, we’ll check for any issues, and if it’s something minor, we can usually fix it right then and there, especially if we have the necessary parts in the van, like seals or ignition leads. However, if it’s a more complex problem or needs parts we don’t have in the van, we might need to schedule a follow-up visit to sort it out.
Here’s a Tip: if you’re aware of any faults before the service, let us know when you book. It helps us come prepared and could save us both some time and get your boiler up and running sooner.
It’s not always easy to spot when your boiler needs attention, but there are a few clear signs that it’s time to book a service with us:
Unusual Noises: If your boiler starts making strange noises like banging, whistling, or gurgling, it’s a sign that something isn’t quite right. These sounds could mean air in the system, low water pressure, or a build-up of limescale.Inconsistent
Heating and Hot Water: If your radiators are slow to heat up or you’re experiencing intermittent hot water, it’s a good indication that your boiler isn’t performing as it should.
Pilot Light Issues: If the pilot light keeps going out or is burning yellow instead of blue, it’s a signal that your boiler isn’t working correctly and could be dangerous.
Frequent Shutdowns: If your boiler keeps switching itself off, there could be a safety issue, like overheating or low water pressure.
Unusual Smells: If you notice a faint smell of gas or a metallic odor, it’s a red flag. This could point to a gas leak or improper fuel burning, which is something we’d need to address immediately.
Higher Energy Bills: A sudden spike in your energy bills, without an obvious reason, could mean your boiler is working harder than it should. That’s a sign it’s time for us to take a look.
Visible Leaks or Drips: Spotting water leaks or drips around your boiler or nearby pipes is a clear sign that it needs servicing.
If you’re noticing any of these signs, don’t wait. Give us a call, and we’ll make sure your boiler gets the attention it needs to keep running safely and efficiently!
We always recommend getting your boiler serviced in late summer or early autumn, just before the chill of winter sets in. Here’s why we think that’s the best time:
Be Prepared for Winter: By servicing your boiler before the cold weather hits, we make sure it’s in top shape when you need it most. Trust us, you don’t want to be dealing with a breakdown on a freezing day!
Avoid the Rush: Most people only start thinking about their heating when winter arrives, so engineers tend to get booked up quickly. By scheduling your service a bit earlier, you’ll have more flexibility and can avoid the busy season rush.
Catch Issues Early: Servicing your boiler before it’s working full blast in winter helps us spot any potential problems early. This way, we can fix them before they turn into bigger issues during the cold months.
Keep Things Efficient: Regular servicing keeps your boiler running efficiently, which means you’ll save on energy bills throughout the year, not just in winter.
By getting your boiler serviced ahead of the busy season, you’ll have peace of mind knowing it’s ready to keep your home warm and safe all winter long. So, why not get ahead and book your service with us now?
You’re likely to pay between £70 and £150 for a boiler service here in Edinburgh, but it really depends on a few things, like the size of your property, the type of boiler you have, and if any parts need replacing during the service. I always recommend getting a quote first so you know exactly what you’re paying for before deciding who to go with. Your boiler plays such a crucial role in keeping your home comfortable, so make sure you choose someone you trust to take good care of it.
I definitely think service plans are worth it and it’s not just because we provide service plans, it wasn’t too many year ago I didn’t believe in service plan. However, as the years have gone by, I see the benefits of having a service plan and here’s why:
A Celsius boiler service plan are designed to give you peace of mind by spreading the cost of your annual boiler service into easy monthly payments. With a plan, you’ll get regular servicing to keep your boiler running efficiently, which most people don’t do, life tends to just get in the way. It’s a simple and stress-free way to keep your boiler in top shape and your home warm and safe all year round.
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ALAN SMITH says: Very useful. Thanks for sharing. I found the top tips really helpful.
Michael says: Thank you Alan. You are most welcome. I am glad you found the blog and found the top tips helpful.
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