Summer's (nearly) here - time to think about your boiler!

We may now be approaching the first throes of the summer months, but, surprisingly, now is the time to start thinking about your boiler.

The severe winter that hit the UK saw people keeping their heating on significantly longer, especially if they were at home most of the day. Of course, it’s your poor old boiler that has to take the strain. Many of us tend not to think about the boiler from one month to the next. It’s just there and as long as it does its job, we’re happy.

But what if it broke down? It’s not so bad in the summer, but how about during the colder months?

Just like a car or anything else we value, it’s worthwhile having a boiler serviced regularly. Most manufacturers will recommend a service at least once a year. It becomes more important as the boiler gets older and if it has an open flue (one that goes up vertically through a chimney). This is because these types of ‘open flue’ boilers are responsible for most deaths caused by carbon monoxide. Making sure your boiler is regularly serviced will ensure your family doesn’t face this danger.

Some top tips for finding a trustworthy installer

The last thing you want is for someone to come into your house and leave after a few minutes of tinkering with the boiler, leaving you with a big bill and the suspicion whether the boiler has really been looked at properly or not. So, what should a good boiler service consist of?

A good service company will check the boiler’s operation, in accordance with manufacturer instructions, clean it, test it and look at any faults that could crop up in the future.

This boiler service checklist will help you ensure you are getting a proper boiler service for your money, one that will ensure safe and efficient operation.

• Boiler flue output should be analysed

• Pipework should be inspected – this should include a ventilation and clearance check

• All boiler components should be tested and their correct function ensured

• All key components should be inspected and cleaned, if required.

• Any boiler components that are faulty or nearing end of life should be disclosed to the owner and replaced ASAP.

If your service engineer can satisfy this checklist, most problems should be detected earlier on and fixed without causing unnecessary problems.

Think twice if you see someone advertising something like an annual safety check, interim boiler service or quick boiler service. It might sound like the real deal, but it may not cover all the safety and cleaning tasks that a full boiler service should entail.

Sutton and East Surrey Water Services offers a scheme that looks after your boiler. As well as an annual service of your boiler and a system safety check, our scheme covers radiators and repairs to pipework, your hot water cylinder and feed and expansion tank.

For more details, visit our heating services page and give your boiler a break!