We all want our homes to be safe, warm and energy efficient, but how do we make sure this is consistent throughout the year? An annual gas boiler service is an important step as it helps to prevent carbon monoxide risks, reduces the chance of unexpected and unwanted breakdowns and maintains efficiency. It also protects your manufacturer’s warranty, as many are only valid if you can show proof that you’ve had a boiler service carried out by qualified professionals such as Kerry Maintenance.
All our customers and clients across Gloucestershire come to us time and time again as they trust our Gas Safe-registered engineers to give them complete peace of mind in all works carried out. We understand the needs of local properties and have operated in countless modern housing developments and period homes with older heating systems, demonstrating our breadth of experience and skillset.
Before the Engineer Arrives
Our engineers at Kerry Maintenance make the entire process of an annual boiler service nice and simple. Once you have booked an appointment, there are a few steps to help the visit run smoothly. Firstly, make sure there is clear access to your boiler. Remove any clutter, stored items from cupboards and the surrounding areas so that the engineer can comfortably reach without any challenges.
If you haven’t done so already, check the pressure gauge. If you’ve noticed that it frequently drops or rises, make a note ready to inform the engineer. There are other signs to watch out for, including unusual noises, error codes and issues such as radiators not heating evenly or hot water taking longer than usual. While it’s recommended to have a boiler service every 12 months, if you forget, then don’t worry, as we’ll send you a yearly reminder so that your service date doesn’t go unnoticed.
What the Engineer Checks
If this is your first time having a boiler service, you may wonder what happens during your appointment. Here’s our guide on what to expect from the typical checklist our qualified engineers will go through.
Visual Inspection
Upon arrival, a visual inspection of the boiler and the surrounding area will be conducted, checking for signs of any damage, corrosion or leaks. We’ll also inspect the flue, the pipe that removes waste gases from your home, to ensure that it has been correctly fitted and is free from any cracks or obstructions that might hinder performance. Soot deposits, staining or any signs of overheating are also checked as they can highlight any potential safety concerns.
Internal Inspection
Once the visual inspection is complete, our engineer will then remove the boiler casing to look at the heat exchanger, burner, main injector, seals and gaskets for any indication of wear, debris, or corrosion. It’s natural that components can accumulate dirt or begin to degrade. Cleaning key parts helps to maintain efficiency while reducing strain on the system. If you notice any leakage, this could impact safety, so do report it.
Gas Pressure and Combustion
Confirming the correct gas pressure is one of the most important safety checks during a gas boiler service, so that it meets manufacturer specifications. Next, a flue gas analyser is used to assess combustion and to confirm that fuel is burning safely and efficiently with the right balance of gases. Otherwise, incorrect combustion can reduce efficiency and can pose concerning safety risks.
Electrical and Controls
If you have a modern boiler, they usually rely on electronic components and safety systems to work properly. During your service, the engineer will check the thermostat, programmer and boiler controls to make sure that they respond correctly. We’ll also test safety areas such as flame supervision devices and overheat protection, as these are key to preventing unsafe operation. It’s important to identify these faults now, as they can help avoid larger, more expensive problems later.
Flue and Ventilation
To safely remove combustion gases from your home, an engineer will check that the flue system is securely connected, unblocked, and correctly sealed. Ventilation is also checked as boilers require an adequate amount of airflow to operate safely. It’s critical that vents are not covered or blocked, if they are, then this will be flagged and addressed.
Water Pressure and Heating System
To ensure that your home stays warm, system pressure is checked and adjusted if required, and radiators are looked at for even heat distribution. Low pressure can affect performance, while high pressure can put stress on components. If air is present, then radiators may need to be bled to bring them back to full efficiency. At Kerry Maintenance, we don’t just focus on the boiler, we take a detailed look at the wider heating system to see that it is functioning correctly.
Service Report
At the end of the service, you’ll receive a written service record explaining what was inspected, tested and cleaned. We’ll identify any faults and clearly explain what remedial work is necessary, with our recommendations for carrying this out. Make sure to keep hold of this documentation as it’s needed for warranty purposes and can also be helpful if you choose to sell your home, as it showcases responsible maintenance.
What Is Not Included in a Standard Service
While our services are always comprehensive, they do not include replacing faulty parts. If during your service any issues are spotted, the engineer will explain the problem and provide a tailored quotation for parts and labour. Our competitive boiler servicing cost of £60+VAT covers the inspection and labour. It’s also worth noting that gas-fired and pressurised cylinders can also be serviced during the same visit for an additional £40+VAT per appliance to maintain your entire heating system at a time that’s convenient for you.
How Long Does It Take?
We understand that homeowners are busy, and a common question we get asked is how long does a boiler service take? If your appliance is well-maintained, then a standard service usually takes between 45 minutes and one hour. However, if this is your first time having a service or it’s been a while, then this may take longer if faults are found. Rest assured, our engineers work efficiently to avoid any unwanted disruption to your home and schedule whilst keeping all areas clean upon completion.
Kerry Maintenance’s Gas Boiler Service
Choosing a trusted local company makes all the difference, not only because they’re part of your community, but also because you can rely on real reviews and word of mouth. Kerry Maintenance’s team of fully Gas Safe registered engineers has over 50 years’ combined experience working across Gloucestershire.
Our competitively priced annual gas boiler service costs £60+VAT, with a helpful annual reminder system so you never forget to book. We assist homeowners across Stroud, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Nailsworth, Stonehouse, Cirencester, Tetbury, Dursley, Cam, Quedgeley and surrounding areas. In the event of a boiler breakdown, a call-out charge of £70+VAT applies for repairs (subject to the engineer’s discretion). Whatever your issues, you can always expect honest advice, professional workmanship and local expertise.
FAQs
Do I really need my boiler serviced every year?
The short answer is yes. Even though you may not have experienced anything wrong with your boiler, an annual service keeps it safe, efficient and is often needed to keep your manufacturer’s warranty valid. A regular check also lowers the risk of any breakdowns and can also spot small issues before they become big ones.
What happens if a fault is found during the service?
Unexpected problems with your boiler aren’t ideal. But if one of our engineers does identify one, they’ll be able to explain the best steps forward and provide a quotation for repair to prevent serious damage. We always ensure that additional work is carried out with your approval.
Can I service my own boiler?
No. Only a qualified Gas Safe-registered engineer is legally permitted to service a gas appliance. Boilers involve gas combustion and safety controls that require specialist tools and certification to inspect properly.
Is a service the same as a Gas Safety Check?
A Gas Safety Check is a legal requirement for landlords and gives you reassurance that the appliance is safe to use, meanwhile, a service is more comprehensive as it includes cleaning, efficiency testing and component inspection, designed to protect your property and those inside.
We accept bookings for an annual boiler service all throughout the year for new and existing clients. Kerry Maintenance are there to keep your heating system running to its best ability. Get in touch to find out how we can assist.
