Gas Boiler Service: Why and When

If you’re a homeowner, you are responsible for organising your gas boiler service.  By law, landlords must service and safety check gas appliances in the homes they let – there are reasons for this requirement, and they’re something that all homeowners should take into account.

Why do I need a gas boiler service?

An annual gas boiler service is arguably a vital part of your home care schedule.  Your gas boiler service will ensure that your boiler:

…is running at its optimum efficiency.  A gas boiler that is running efficiently is more economical, saving you money and limiting greenhouse gas emissions caused by the burning of fossil fuels.

…is safe to use.  During a gas boiler service, the engineer checks key components and safety devices to make sure that your boiler is safe to use.  Carbon monoxide is a by-product of natural gas combustion, and is highly dangerous when breathed in.  It is colourless, odourless and undetectable without a carbon monoxide alarm.  Additionally, carbon monoxide poisoning is sometimes hard to diagnose, as the gas leaves the body fairly quickly when exposure ceases – therefore, by the time the doctor runs the tests, the level of carbon monoxide in the body may be too low to detect.

…is in good working order.  During a gas boiler service, the technician may notice problems arising that can be fixed quickly and easily before they develop into a larger, more expensive problem.

Many people feel as though a gas boiler service is surplus to requirements, especially during times of financial hardship, but it should be seen as an investment to save you money – and keep your family safe – in the long run.

When do I need a gas boiler service?

It is generally recommended that you organise a gas boiler service annually.  Some gas boiler experts will recommend that new boilers only need to be serviced every two years, but annually is a good rule.  Be sure that you know what you are paying for, too – gas boiler services can differ between companies.

Now that the summer holidays are over and the children are back at school, it may be a good time to start thinking about organising a gas boiler service.  The nights are quickly drawing in, and we are all switching our boilers back on after possibly months of limited use.  This is a very common time for boiler breakdowns, as gas boiler components can ‘freeze up’ if not used for long periods of time.  To avoid getting stuck in the depths of winter with no heating or hot water, and having to pay large callout fees and repair costs, invest in a thorough gas boiler service with Gas Services LTD.  Unlike many other companies, we will even give you a specific time slot, so you don’t have to worry about missing us when you’re doing the school runs.