How often should I have my combi boiler serviced?

A combi boiler is a reliable and energy-efficient heating system that can provide hot water and heating on demand. Like all heating systems, a combi boiler requires regular servicing to ensure it is working safely and efficiently. In this guide, we’ll explore how often you should have your combi boiler serviced.

Why should you service your combi boiler?

There are several reasons why you should service your combi boiler regularly:

1. Safety: A combi boiler can produce carbon monoxide if it is not working correctly. Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that can be fatal, and it is odorless and colorless. Regular servicing can help to identify any issues that could lead to the production of carbon monoxide and keep your home and family safe.
2. Energy efficiency: Regular servicing can help to ensure that your combi boiler is working efficiently. This means that it will use less energy to heat your home and hot water, which can help to reduce your energy bills.
3. Reliability: Regular servicing can help to identify any issues before they become major problems. This can help to prevent breakdowns and ensure that your combi boiler is working reliably all year round.

How often should you have your combi boiler serviced?

The frequency of servicing your combi boiler depends on several factors, such as the age of the boiler, its condition, and its usage. However, in general, it is recommended that you have your combi boiler serviced annually.

Annual servicing is recommended by most manufacturers and heating engineers to ensure that your combi boiler is working safely and efficiently. Regular servicing can help to identify any issues with your combi boiler and prevent breakdowns. It can also help to maintain the warranty of your combi boiler.

If your combi boiler is more than ten years old, you may want to consider having it serviced more frequently. Older boilers can be more prone to breakdowns and may require more frequent servicing to ensure that they are working correctly.

What happens during a combi boiler service?

During a combi boiler service, a qualified heating engineer will inspect your boiler and its components. They will check for any signs of wear and tear, corrosion, leaks, or blockages. They will also clean and adjust the boiler’s components as necessary, such as the burners, pilot light, and heat exchanger.

The heating engineer will also test the boiler’s safety features, such as the pressure relief valve, expansion vessel, and carbon monoxide detector. They may also carry out a flue gas analysis to ensure that the boiler is burning gas correctly and safely.

After the service is complete, the heating engineer will provide you with a report detailing the work that has been carried out and any issues that have been identified. They may also provide recommendations for any further work that may be required to ensure that your combi boiler is working safely and efficiently.

What can you do to maintain your combi boiler between services?

There are several things that you can do to maintain your combi boiler between services:

5. Check the pressure: The pressure gauge on your combi boiler should be between 1 and 1.5 bar. If the pressure is too low or too high, it can affect the performance of your boiler. You can check the pressure and adjust it if necessary.
6. Bleed the radiators: If your radiators are cold at the top or have cold spots, it could be due to air in the system. You can bleed the radiators to release any trapped air and improve their performance.
7. Keep the area around your combi boiler clear: Your combi boiler needs air to circulate around it to work efficiently. Make sure that the area around your boiler is clear of clutter and debris.
8. Use your heating system regularly: If you don’t use your heating system regularly, it can lead to issues with the boiler. It’s important to use your heating system at least once a month, even during the summer months, to ensure that it is working correctly.
9. Turn off your boiler during the summer: If you don’t need to use your heating or hot water during the summer, you can turn off your combi boiler to save energy.
10. Check the pilot light: If your combi boiler has a pilot light, you should check it regularly to ensure that it is burning correctly. A yellow or orange flame can be a sign of a problem, and you should contact a heating engineer if you notice this.

In conclusion, a combi boiler is an excellent heating system that can provide hot water and heating on demand. However, to ensure that your combi boiler is working safely and efficiently, it’s important to have it serviced annually by a qualified heating engineer. Regular servicing can help to identify any issues before they become major problems, and it can also help to maintain the warranty of your boiler. Between services, you can carry out some simple maintenance tasks to ensure that your combi boiler is working correctly and efficiently.