It's easy to forget to have your boiler serviced. When it's working as it should, you likely don't think twice about what could go wrong, but regular servicing can prevent costly repairs and ensure problems are picked up early. Servicing typically takes less than an hour to complete and common small problems can often be fixed there and then with no need for the engineer to schedule another visit.
Signs Your Boiler Needs Serviced
It's best to have your boiler serviced regularly, but if you're behind on your servicing schedule, there are some tell-tale signs your boiler needs to be serviced as soon as possible. Leaks are a relatively common problem, particularly with older boilers. Leaks can cause mould to develop and damage surrounding woodwork. Filters have a limited lifespan, and clogged filters are a sign your boiler needs to be serviced. Another common sign is your system becoming slower to heat up. Faulty or worn parts tend to cause the boiler to become sluggish and in addition to slowing down the heating process, worn parts can reduce the energy efficiency of your boiler. This can lead to your bills creeping up inexplicably. Other signs your boiler needs serviced include smoke marks on the appliance, a drop in water pressure and inconsistencies in the operation of the pilot light.
Checks Included In A Boiler Service
When an engineer comes to your home to carry out a boiler service they will visually inspect the boiler, check the controls are working as they should and clean the main components of the boiler, such as the heat exchanger, ignition pins and burner. They will also make sure the flue is safely installed and not obstructed and check there are no problems with the wiring. The integrity of the seals will be checked and readings will be taken to ensure the combusting of the boiler meets safety standards. If you need any parts replaced, you should be able to get a price there and then, and you should feel free to ask to see any worn parts of your boiler.
It's generally recommended you have your boiler serviced annually. Regular servicing can prevent you from unexpectedly being left with no heating or hot water and also gives you a record of how your boiler is performing year after year. This can help you establish when you may need to replace your boiler. If your boiler is overdue for a service, don't wait for it to break down. Schedule a servicing appointment as soon as possible and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your boiler is safe and performing efficiently. For more information on boiler servicing, contact a professional near you.