Boiler FAQs: When Does My New Boiler Need Its First Service?

Are you wondering when a new boiler might need its first service? During a boiler inspection a Gas Safe registered engineer will inspect your home's gas appliances and heating systems, including your boiler. Unless you are a landlord, it is not a UK legal requirement to have an annual service and obtain a CP12 certificate. However, an annual gas safety check will keep your home safe and your boiler under warranty. 

In this blog, we explain when and how to book your first service, the importance of annual boiler services and how to extend the lifespan of your boiler. 

Do New Boilers Need Servicing? 

If you have just got a new boiler installed you will certainly want to consider when it needs servicing. This will ensure it stands the test of time and always keeps your home feeling toasty and warm. Boilers need regular check-ups, just like other appliances, to enable them to run as smoothly and safely as possible. 

Getting your new boiler serviced within the first 12 months of install will allow you to stick to the terms of your warranty, and will prevent any serious issues occurring in the future from an ill-managed boiler. 

Who Can Service a Gas Boiler? 

Your gas boiler should always be serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer, as they are qualified to uncover any minor issues. If you had your boiler professionally installed, the company that installed it will also be able to provide the service - so remember to get it booked! If your gas boiler is still under warranty, any repairs that may need doing should be free of charge - but note that if you haven't stuck to the terms of your warranty you may be charged. 

What Does a Boiler Service Involve? 

A boiler service will take around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on any faults the engineer may find. Firstly, the Gas Safe registered engineer should always show you their Gas Safe ID card as this demonstrates that they are qualified to be working on your gas boiler and heating systems. 

Your engineer will check for any signs of leaking water, which could indicate that there's a problem with your boiler. They will also check that the system controls, central heating and hot water are all in perfect working order. A Gas Safe engineer will carry out the work carefully to make sure there are no risks placed on your home or family during the service. 

Who Needs to Obtain a Gas Safe Certificate?

A Gas Safe certificate or CP12 is a document that states compliance with regulations and proves that your gas appliances are safe to use. These are obtained from your engineer once they have finished a service on your gas boiler and are a legal requirement for UK landlords. When your boiler inspection is completed, the engineer will supply you with your Gas Safety Record, which should be updated every 12 months. 

What are the Benefits of Your Annual Gas Boiler Service?

Having your boiler serviced annually has an abundance of benefits, from keeping your energy expenses low to checking for gas leaks which, most importantly, protects your home and your family. An annual boiler service will ensure your boiler is running efficiently, which could save you money over time. The engineer will also check for gas leaks which, left unfound, could potentially lead to dangerous fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Regular checks and maintenance will keep your boiler under warranty whilst minimising any future repairs. An annual gas inspection will help fix any issues right away, so your boiler is less likely to cost you a fortune in the future. 

How Do You Extend the Lifespan of Your Boiler? 

Ensuring you maintain a healthy boiler will most likely help to expand the lifespan of your boiler. Having annual Gas Safe registered services will not only keep your boiler running smoothly, it will ensure any faults are dealt with at the time of the service, which could improve the lifespan of your boiler. 

If your boiler is around15 years old, which is the average life of a gas boiler, you may want to consider a newer model. New boilers have a wide variety of features that can help them run more efficiently. This not only makes them cheaper to run, but also helps to lower your carbon footprint. But remember, a new boiler still needs an annual service! 

How Do You Find an Engineer for Your Boiler Service?

Are you wondering how to book your annual boiler service? It's simple - you can find a local Gas Safe registered installer in your area using Ideal Heating’s ‘Find an Installer’ tool. Alternatively, give us a call on 01482 498660 or get in touch online by visiting our Contact Us page. 

For more information on gas boiler services, take a look at our FAQs and find more essential guides on our blog. Why not get in touch with any questions on Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook and we’ll be able to point you in the right direction.