Boiler Servicing is a great way to keep your heating system working as it should. It also helps prevent carbon monoxide leaks and reduce energy bills.
Depending on the type of boiler you have, it can cost different amounts to service. The size and fuel type can also affect the cost.
This part of the service involves checking that the flue pipe is properly installed, insulated and free from damage. This will involve a visual inspection, looking for signs of rust or water stains and ensuring that the pipe is properly supported throughout its length. If the engineer notices any of these problems, they will recommend that the homeowner gets them repaired right away. It’s also important to check that the flue is not positioned too close to combustible materials.
The gas engineer will then connect a machine called a flue gas analyser to the boiler and take readings from it. This helps them to ensure that the flue is working as it should be and that it is within the parameters set by the people who manufacture the boiler.
During this part of the service, the gas engineer will also check that the boiler is at the correct pressure and that there are no leaks from the boiler or its pipes. They will also test that the pilot light is on and glowing a blue colour (an orange or yellow flame indicates that fuel is not being burned properly).
Other checks include checking for the presence of carbon monoxide alarms and making sure that the boiler is in an adequately ventilated area. The gas engineer will also make sure that the boiler is not situated too close to any combustible materials. They will also check that all of the boiler functions, controls and safety devices are working well and they will keep a record of all their tests.
This is one of the most crucial parts of a boiler service, and it’s very important that you don’t attempt to carry this out yourself. If you do, you could cause damage to the system and place yourself at risk. It’s also against the law for anyone to inspect a boiler without being qualified to do so.
Checking the controls
Boiler servicing includes an inspection of the control panel to ensure that all parts are working correctly. The inspection will include checking the modulating control for signs of deterioration and testing that the low gas pressure cut-off is functioning properly. The serviceperson will also inspect the recirculation pump and check that the heating system isolation valves are in good working order. In addition, the engineer will test the expansion vessel and ignite the boiler to listen for any unusual noises.
The water gauge glass on a boiler should be examined to verify that it is showing the correct level of water in the system. A stain or coating sometimes develops on the glass, which can give the appearance of sufficient water in the boiler when there is not. In some cases, this can result in the boiler operating in a low water condition.
Other items checked during the maintenance service include the fuel and water meters to make sure they are accurate. This will include comparing physical gauges with readings on the computerized systems. If the readings are not close, it will be necessary to calibrate the controls. The water quality is tested for proper chemical balance and a full visual inspection is performed to ensure that the system is clean.
Safety valves are tested to ensure that they can seat properly and are not leaking. In addition, the serviceperson will ensure that the gas supply is turned off and the fuel line is closed after each boiler cycle. This is to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
A carbon monoxide detector should be installed in the home. This will warn of any carbon monoxide leaks that may occur and prevent them from becoming worse. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause death if not treated as soon as possible. In fact, the number of deaths due to faulty central heating boilers has decreased dramatically over the last 20 years. This is largely because more people are installing carbon monoxide alarms in their homes and getting their boilers serviced regularly. This will help reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and save on heating bills.
Checking the vents
A boiler’s ventilation system is crucial. It takes fresh air from outside to fuel the flames inside the boiler and carries out waste gases from the furnace out of the house. Blockages in the vents and piping can lead to carbon monoxide being forced back into the home, which can cause illness and even death. This is why an engineer will check the air vents, flues and chimneys during a boiler service. They will also carry out a flue flow tightness test and what’s known as a spillage test, to ensure nothing combustible will leak from your boiler.
The engineers will also take the opportunity to check a few other things while they’re at it. For example, they’ll look for any foreign objects that might have fallen onto or near the equipment over the summer. These could include anything from kids’ toys to bits of dust. Boilers reach surprisingly high temperatures, so these kinds of items can be fire hazards.
They’ll also check the combustion air openings and pipes for blockages, leaking and general wear and tear. If the vents are blocked, your boiler will struggle to function properly, leading to a number of problems including stalling or shutting down completely. Taking care of these issues in the early stages can save you money, as well as time and hassle.
Another thing the engineer will do is take a look at your vent termination point, which is where the gas pipe comes out of the wall. This is usually on the roof or at the side of the property. They will make sure it’s not blocked by ice, snow, leaves or other debris. If it is, you may need to consider having it replaced.
Finally, they will do a final inspection of the boiler itself, looking for any signs of damage or wear and checking that all controls and electrics are working as they should. They’ll also check the pressure of the system and make sure it’s within the manufacturer’s recommended range.
Having your boiler serviced every year is one of the best ways to protect it and prolong its lifespan. A regular boiler service will maximise its efficiency, helping to reduce your energy bills and potentially cut down on emissions.
Checking the pressure
During boiler servicing, an engineer will take the time to check your boiler’s pressure. This is important because it prevents your heating system from overworking itself, which can lead to a breakdown. It can also reduce your energy bills by ensuring that your boiler is working as efficiently as possible.
Ideally, your boiler’s pressure should be between 1.5 and 2.5 bars. If the gauge needle starts to move into the red zone, then you will need to call a gas safe engineer for advice. Typically, this is caused by a leak or the need for a boiler service.
Low pressure can cause the heating system to malfunction or even stop working altogether. The good news is that this can usually be fixed by repressurizing the system. This will keep the boiler operating while you wait for a gas safe engineer to arrive.
In addition to checking the pressure, the engineer will look at the heating controls and make sure that they are working well. They will also check that the boiler is in an adequately ventilated area and that it is not close to any combustible materials. They will make a record of the results of all their tests and checks, which you can then use for reference.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the biggest risks posed by a faulty boiler. Between 1995 and 2019, over a quarter of unintentional carbon monoxide poisonings were caused by faulty central heating boilers. By having your boiler serviced regularly, you can ensure that it is not leaking any of this odourless and colourless gas, which can cause brain damage or even death.
It is a good idea to book your boiler service in the summer, as engineers are less busy at this time of year. This will mean that you can be sure that your boiler is in good working order for the winter when you will need it most. In addition, it will save you money as it is cheaper to get a boiler serviced than to repair or replace it later on.