We all know how important a boiler is to a home, especially during the cold winter months when we want to keep our homes nice and toasty.
When something goes wrong with a boiler, particularly during frosty weather, it can be a nuisance for everyone in the house. Many homeowners neglect boiler maintenance services in order to save money.
In fact, investing in annual boiler maintenance could be cheaper than not. Much like you would get a car MOT, keeping your boiler in check regularly can save you money in the long term.
Boiler services are manual inspections to check for potential faults or abnormalities with the parts which, if not serviced, can result in major issues or breakdowns.
Annual maintenance on your boiler is recommended and is a great way of ensuring that it is running safely and efficiently, not to mention that it can prevent costly repairs in the future.
Reasons to get your boiler serviced
As mentioned above, a broken down boiler can cause havoc in a household during the cold months.
Prevention is better than a cure, and when it comes to avoiding a boiler breakdown, maintenance is key.
Here are some of the reasons why you should consider getting your boiler serviced:
Prevent costly repairs
Professional gas engineers know the ins and outs of boilers and are able to diagnose any potential faults in your boiler quickly. This means that any issues can be prevented before they worsen, preventing your boiler from breaking down in the future. The average cost of a broken boiler is around £200, whereas the cost of a boiler service is substantially less. By investing in an annual boiler service, you can save money in the long term.
Prevent a full replacement
Boilers which are regularly serviced are more likely to keep running smoothly, meaning they don’t need to be replaced as often as those which only get looked at when they require a repair. New boilers are costly, so ensuring that your boiler is regularly checked is a good way of avoiding frequent repairs and perhaps even purchasing a new boiler.
Cut down on household bills
Malfunctioning boilers can end up costing you more money in energy if they’re not working efficiently. Broken parts can cause your boiler to work harder than it usually would, increasing your monthly energy bills. By getting an experienced boiler engineer to maintain your boiler once a year, you can rest assured that your boiler is running as it should and not costing you additional money in the process.
Safety is important
Faulty home boilers can be exceptionally dangerous due to the release of carbon monoxide that can leak from broken boilers. Carbon Monoxide currently sends around 4,000 people a year to A&E, as a result of faulty heating and cooking appliances. Maintaining a safe boiler is key to ensuring you and your whole family are safe from harm.
Keep the warranty
In many boiler manufacture handbooks, you must have your boiler regularly maintained in order to claim on any faults on the warranty. Usually, the boiler manufacturer would refuse to cover the cost of a repair if your boiler hasn’t been serviced within 12 months prior to the claim.
What does a boiler service involve?
There are a number of key checks that a boiler engineer will use to ensure that the boiler is in complete working use.
Visual and internal checks
Your boiler engineer will look out for any visual signs of corrosion or aesthetic abnormalities, including checks on the pipework to make sure it is in the correct position. They will usually remove the main boiler compartment and make sure it is clean before carrying out tests on the gas pressure. They will also ensure that there is correct ventilation and that no components are blocked, that the controls are working correctly and that there are no leakages. The engineer will inspect the inside of the boiler to check that all components are working correctly- including the heat exchanger, burner, spark probe and main injector. There should also be no obstructions in the flue terminals, which will be checked by an engineer.
Safety Checks
During the safety check, the engineer will be looking to make sure that the correct pressure and flow is running, that electrical connections are intact and all components are working correctly. This ensures that no toxic emissions are being released which could potentially cause danger to your family.
Prepare for your boiler service
Research for a reliable gas engineer
All gas engineers should hold a gas safe qualification in order to safely check and repair your boiler. It’s a good idea to research local and reliable gas engineers prior to booking an appointment to ensure that you’re hiring a reputable company who can get the job done properly.
Clear the area
Firstly, it’s a good idea to ensure that the area around the boiler is clear. When your gas engineer arrives they will need to easily access the area- so clearing it of objects or items that might obstruct access is key.
Switch off
If possible, it’s useful to switch off your boiler before an engineer arrives. This will allow time for your boiler to cool down before the engineer can start work, so they can get started on the job as soon as they arrive.
Keep pets away
To prevent accidents, it’s a good idea to keep your pets away from the area of the boiler until the engineer has completed the job.
Boiler repairs: What do I need to know?
There are a number of reasons your boiler might need repairing. It’s always a good idea to get a gas safe boiler engineer to inspect your boiler if you suspect that there is a potential fault. As mentioned previously, getting your boiler maintained annually is a positive step towards ensuring that these issues don’t occur.
Some of the most common boiler issues that can occur if your boiler isn’t maintained include:
Lost pressure
Boilers can lose pressure if your heating has been turned off for a long period of time, or if there is a leak in your central heating system. This means that the boiler won’t work efficiently and is an indication that it needs looking at by a professional.
Lack of hot water
Lack of hot water throughout the winter months can be frustrating, and it’s likely to be down to a faulty part in your boiler. It’s worth checking the pilot light on your boiler to make sure that it is working correctly- or get a boiler engineer to look at the problem.
Kettling
If your boiler is making strange noises, it could be caused by something known as ‘kettling’- a build-up of sludge or limescale in the heat exchanger. When such substances build up, it can limit the water flow resulting in it boiling. This means your boiler is working harder and is costing more to run due to this reason. If this is the case, your gas safe engineer will look to flush out the system.
Getting the best boiler installation
Generally, boilers can last for up to fifteen years. As mentioned previously, keeping your boiler maintained annually can lengthen its lifespan.
If you’re concerned about the age of your boiler or think it might be time to get it replaced, you can ask for the opinion of your boiler engineer who will be educated with the necessary information. They might also be able to inform you of the most reliable boilers!
Before investing in a brand new boiler, consider scoping out the market before making a decision. There are a number of different boilers to choose from, and if you’re planning on expanding your family or adding more bathrooms to your property, you might want to tailor your choice to these factors.
John Mutch Building Services: Reliable boiler repair and installation services in Aberdeen
Are you looking for a reliable property maintenance company to keep your home or business running smoothly?
Look no further than John Mutch Building Services in Aberdeen. We not only provide reliable boiler repair and maintenance services, but we also offer a full range of joinery, electrical, building, locksmithing and plumbing services. We’re dedicated to providing first-class repairs and installations and are proud to be the go-to provider for top quality property maintenance in the area.
Get in touch with our friendly team today to see how we can help you.
