Beales Services

Why service a boiler? What are the benefits of boiler servicing?

It is advisable to have your boiler serviced annually to ensure it is running efficiently and safely. The importance of regular boiler maintenance should never be underestimated; a faulty boiler can be incredibly dangerous. By ensuring your boiler is operating as efficiently as possible, it will help prevent fuel wastage which will save money on your energy bills, reducing your carbon footprint and your impact on the environment. During a boiler service, a GAS SAFE® registered engineer will check that the boiler still meets current standards and requirements and look for any corrosion, leaks or other issues. They will check the components to ensure everything is working correctly and the fuel is burning efficiently, checking Co2 and Co levels. The engineer will ensure there are no obstructions in the flue terminals and that the flue is safely fitted. These checks will confirm the safety of the boiler, reduce the chance of breakdown and offer peace of mind. An annual boiler service is usually a requirement in the terms and conditions of a boiler manufacturer’s extended guarantee and must be carried out by a GAS SAFE® registered engineer in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Is a boiler service a legal requirement?

No, a boiler service is not a legal requirement but an annual Landlord gas safety check is, for any property that is partly or fully tenanted. A gas safety check must be carried out by a GAS SAFE registered engineer, who will issue a CP12 certificate which will document the outcomes of the checks and tests required for each gas appliance at the property. Although a boiler service is not a legal requirement it is advisable to have your boiler serviced once a year to ensure it is running efficiently and safely. A faulty boiler can be incredibly dangerous. An annual boiler service is usually a requirement in the terms and conditions of a boiler manufacturer’s extended guarantee and must be carried out by a GAS SAFE registered engineer in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

How do unvented cylinders work?

In an unvented hot water system, a cylinder is connected directly to the mains so there is no need for a cold water tank in the loft. The unvented cylinder is filled with cold water and kept under pressure from the incoming water supply. The cold water is then heated by either a boiler or electric immersion heater. Because water increases in volume as it gets warm, an unvented cylinder needs to include a mechanism that allows for this expansion to take place, thereby keeping the cylinder operating at a safe pressure at all times. The unvented cylinder will have outlet pipe work connected to it that will carry the hot water around the property to various outlets. As soon as a tap is opened the pressure of the incoming cold water forces the hot water in the cylinder out towards the opened outlet. Therefore, hot water is delivered to the tap or shower head at a pressure relative to the force of the incoming cold water mains pressure to the cylinder. Because unvented cylinders are limited by the pressure of the mains water supply that feeds them, it is important to check that there is adequate mains pressure at the property prior to installation, typically a minimum of two bar but preferably more.