Gas Boiler Maintenance: What is a Boiler Service
Gas Central Heating Maintenance Includes Regular Furnace Servicing
Gas central heating is commonly used to heat homes in Northern Europe and America. In Europe the appliance behind the central heating is a boiler, in America it is a furnace. The boiler heats water which flows through radiators or pipes, the furnace heats air that is blown through ducts. This article will use English terms but the implications are the same for the maintenance and servicing of American furnaces.
Within the boiler the heat from combustion is transfered to water which inturn is used for a central heating system and hot water. Manufacturers usually recommend boilers are serviced annually. What does this mean for the home owner?
Annual Gas Boiler Service or Boiler Breakdown Repair
A boiler service should only be carried out by a qualified and registered heating engineer who will:
- check that the heating system is correctly installed inline with regulations,
- check that it is working safely and
- check it is working correctly and efficiently according to the manufacturers' instructions.
The engineer is checking and testing to a well defined set of criteria, standards and regulations. There is a guide to the service procedure in the manual which accompanies the boiler and should be retained by the homeowner from when the boiler was installed.The boiler must be working for it to be serviced.
A boiler service is not:
- repairing a faulty appliance, this is a different job altogether,
- a homeowner's or landlord's gas safety check, although checking safety is a part of it.
What Does Maintenance of a Gas Furnace or Boiler Involve?
Different types of boiler will require different work, at the very least the engineer should:
- check the condition of the boiler;
- test for leaks;
- test the gas pressure;
- check valves and pump;
- check the appliance is working correctly;
- ensure it is not producing carbon monoxide;
- check that there is adaquate ventilation
- and make sure that the flue is clear and safe.
They will also check the position of the boiler. Things that have happened around the heating sytem since the previous inspection may have an impact on the safety of the system, such as anything which blocks the flue or ventilation.
An old style cast iron boiler with open flue will involve lots of dismantling and cleaning which is not required for modern boilers. A modern boiler may require more of a system performance test rather than a full clean.
How Long Will a Boiler Service Take?
The engineer could take from as little as thirty minutes to well over an hour, this will depend on the work involved, the type and condition of the boiler. It is not the same thing as a Homeowner or Landlord Gas Safety Record as defined by law in in the U.K. which requires the completion of form CP12.
How Much Should a Boiler Service Cost?
Obviously the price will vary because of the different work involved. Some of the major British companies advertise prices in the range of £60-£75, however, in excess of £100 may be reasonable for some situations. It is usually cheaper in the summer months as heating engineers are busy with faults in the winter.
You are paying for an expert who has trained and undertakes regular training; who is qualified; who holds insurance; and who pays for annual registration with the professional licensing body. This is a very competitive industry, therefore, many gas engineers will offer you a good deal for your annual service in the hope that they will also win the more lucrative work of undertaking your boiler repairs and eventually replacing your boiler.
How to Find an Engineer to Maintain or Repair the Boiler or Furnace
The first point of contact should be the person or company who installed it, if they are still registered. If the installer is not available then you could enquire with the manufacturer who many have a list of locally approved engineers or may employ their own engineers directly. The manufacturer should be contacted for boiler repairs whilst within the warranty period.
You must ensure the Heating Engineer is suitably qualified and registered. They must be on the Gas Safe Register in the U.K. or Corgi Registered in Northern Ireland and the Channel Isles. Other countries have their own licensing systems. There is a guide to finding gas installers here.
When do I Need a Gas Boiler or Furnace Service?
The boiler or furnace manufacturer will probably recommend it be serviced every year.
The details of frequency of servicing and what is involved will be detailed in the user manual. The manufacturer can be contacted for any queries and will give advice freely by phone, email and via their website.
In the UK the boiler service is a well defined procedure which can only be carried out by a qualified gas heating engineer.
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