It can seem like an inconvenience when your boiler is due for a service and even appear like an unnecessary expense. However, it is crucial to get it checked, just like you do your car every year at its MOT.
If your service is due, the longer you leave it, the less efficient your boiler will be, the more money it will likely cost and the more at risk of total breakdown you would be. Having your boiler regularly serviced means a trained engineer can check it is working as it should be – ensuring all the functions, specifications and parts are working correctly and safely.
Here are the answers to some common questions our heating engineers get asked at MezCo …
How often should I get my boiler serviced?
It is recommended you have it checked annually by a trained heating engineer. If your boiler is relatively new and still under warranty, it is usually a requirement for making any claim.
What if my boiler is making noises, should I just wait for the service?
The annual service shouldn’t replace the usual maintenance and care you take of your boiler. It is there to supplement it. Therefore, if in between services you feel it needs checking for whatever reason then please still have it looked at by a professional.
My boiler is out of warranty do I still need to get it checked?
Yes. The annual boiler service is about much more than validating a warranty. It ensures your boiler is operating safely and efficiently.
What things can go wrong with a boiler apart from the obvious breakdown?
There are quite a few elements that can impact the way your boiler is working without you realising, which is why it is so important to get a regular service. Here are just a few:
Soot
One of the main things that can happen is excessive soot production. A certain amount of soot is normal for a gas or oil-burning boiler but it can build up. Excessive soot production can inhibit heat transfer, making your boiler much less effective than it should be. This leads to higher running costs and can cause further issues meaning your boiler likely won’t last as long as it could. It can cause wear of the components within the boiler and is often the cause of strange noises coming from it. Having a service will check for any build-up and will allow any potential issues to be flagged, typically early enough to do something about it.
Carbon monoxide
A much more serious issue could be the presence of carbon monoxide. If you have an open flue it is vital to get your boiler serviced annually. The majority of carbon monoxide related deaths are as a result of an open flue. The gas itself is colourless, odourless and tasteless and so impossible to detect until side effects are felt. The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headache, stomach pains, drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. CO symptoms are often described as flu-like so can easily be confused. Having your boiler serviced will help to eliminate this possibility. Also, we strongly advise the use of carbon monoxide alarms within the home. They work similar to fire alarms and will help keep you and your family safe.
What does it cost to get a boiler serviced?
The cost varies from £72 to £150 depending upon the type of boiler, its accessibility and the age of the boiler.
How do I check how much my boiler service would be?
Just give our teams a call on 0161 670 8144. We will ask a few simple questions and can provide you with a full quote over the phone.
How long does a boiler service take?
On average it takes between 45 minutes to an hour.
What exactly is involved in a boiler service?
The service begins with a visual check of the boiler and the associated pipework in place. The engineer will check if they correctly positioned and installed. The engineer then checks your boiler is operating correctly and identifies any initial problems.
Once these tests have been completed, the engineer will remove the casing of the boiler to look at tis components. They will check all components are working safely and efficiently and will clean all of the inside of the boiler.
The engineer will then check the:
- Gas pressure and flow
- Flue and combustion – using a flue gas analyser to make sure the boiler is burning correctly and that the flue isn’t blocked
- Electrical connections, making sure they are clean and in good condition
- Fans and other key components
- Seals are intact
- Electrodes are in a good condition
- Condensate trap and ensure it is not blocked
If there are any issues the engineer will inform you straight away. They will confirm if it meets building and safety legislation and quote you for any repairs or maintenance work required.
I am ready to book, where do I sign up?
That’s great news, it is easy to schedule your annual service with us just call 0161 670 8144 or email info@mezco.co.uk. If you want further information visit www.mezco.co.uk