There are certain home repair tasks that are best left to professionals, with key among them being boiler service and repair. Working with electricity and gas is not only highly risky but can also prove to be very costly if not done correctly. This is why it is highly recommended that you always use a professional boiler service. A professional boiler service typically costs up to £100.
Note that local companies charge less than corporations and franchises.
Why A Professional Boiler Service Is Worth Every Penny
There is nothing more frustrating and uncomfortable than having a broken-down boiler, especially during the cold season. Besides dealing with the lack of hot water, you also have to adapt to living in a cold home, which can make life very unpleasant.
This is why the gas safe engineers recommend having your boiler inspected at least once annually. Compared to the constant need to put on additional layers of clothing, tuck yourself deep under heavy blankets, and not to mention the much greater costs of resolving a breakdown, putting aside £120 for professional boiler service seems like a much better option.
Signs That Your Boiler Needs Servicing
Boiler problems often occur at the most unexpected times. However, you can keep these issues at bay by scheduling regular inspection and servicing sessions. If you’ve noticed that your hot water system isn’t functioning as expected or that the radiators have become cooler, you need to check for the following signs:
A spike in your energy bills
Strange noises coming from the boiler
Fluctuating boiler pressure readings
The pilot light not burning in steady blue flame
If you’ve identified any of the above issues, contact a gas safe engineer as soon as possible for advice.
What to Expect From A Boiler Service
A gas safe engineer will visit your home as scheduled. Boiler inspection typically takes around half an hour, and this is what happens during the inspection:
The boiler is first turned off to avoid the risk of an electric shock
The engineer then carefully checks for any signs of leaks or rust on the exterior of the boiler
Next, the outside cover is removed and the engineer checks to ensure that everything is working correctly
The inside components are thoroughly cleaned and given a detailed inspection
The engineer then ensures that the flue is intact, attached properly, and working correctly
The outside cover is then replaced and the engineer ensures that all the seals are intact
The boiler is restarted and the engineer confirms whether the pressure is correct
Once the work is complete, you will be given a checklist detailing everything the engineer did as well as any faults that need to be addressed. Take this chance to ask any questions you might have about the report. All of this is covered in the price.
Choose the Right Service Company for Your Boiler
The UK has in place certain health and safety regulations in regards to who can work on a boiler. If you have a gas boiler heating system, it is imperative that you use a gas safe engineer to remain in compliance with the law.
If your boiler runs on oil, you should use an OFTEC-approved technician – the oil and renewable heating technologies association. For coal-based boilers, you need to call in a HETAS-registered specialist.
To avoid voiding your home insurance policy, it is utterly important that you comply with these requirements.
How Much Does a Boiler Service Cost and How Do I Pay?
The total cost of having your boiler serviced will actually depend on the service company and if any repairs are required. Regardless, there are two options available when it comes to paying for the service:
Purchase boiler insurance that also covers annual inspection visit www.corgihomeplan.co.uk
Pay a one-off fee for every inspection
A one-off boiler service will cost you up to £100. Remember, big nationwide companies will often charge more than local service providers, it’s all up to you to decide.
It is important to note that boiler insurance is more expensive since it covers you against failing parts. The majority of policies will also include annual servicing. This is very useful since it helps to keep your boiler from breaking down. Boiler cover costs around £12.50 per month which translates to £150 yearly.
You can also add an emergency cover package to your home insurance policy to cover servicing and repairs. This can prove to be much cheaper in the long run, however, it is crucial that you check the small print to ensure that you are getting like for like.
Here are some other key things that you need to look out for:
If the policy covers your specific type of boiler
If you can enlist your preferred technician
If there are deductibles or other exclusions
For an unvented boiler system, have the insurance company confirm cover in writing
Should I Just Get Insurance Cover with Servicing?
The majority of our clients prefer one-off annual service since most boilers are pretty reliable. With this in mind, it is all up to you to decide whether it is better to pay a monthly fee and do away with the risk of incurring hefty repair costs.
It is worth pointing out that old boilers are much more likely to break down since they also have a finite service lifespan. In such a case, you will be pleased with your decision to take out the cover should your old boiler need some expensive repairs.
It may be helpful to know that a typical boiler repair will cost between £100 and £400 (for an average cost of £275). Keep in mind that this includes both parts and labor. For new boilers, provided that you’ve complied with all warranty requirements, then you shouldn’t have to worry about spending your own money.
