Annual Boiler Servicing: Why It Matters & What to Expect
Your boiler works hard year-round, but especially during Exeter's chilly winters. Like your car, it needs regular servicing to run safely and efficiently. Yet thousands of homeowners skip this crucial maintenance—often with expensive consequences.
By law, all gas work must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Our registration number is 565047.
Why Annual Boiler Servicing Is Essential
1. Safety First: Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent killer. It's colorless, odorless, and can leak from faulty boilers. According to the Office for National Statistics, around 50 people die each year from accidental CO poisoning in England and Wales.
A Gas Safe engineer checks your boiler's combustion, flue, and ventilation to ensure no CO is leaking into your home. This alone makes servicing worthwhile.
2. Maintain Your Warranty
Most boiler manufacturers require annual servicing to keep warranties valid. Skip a year, and you might void your warranty—meaning thousands in repair costs if something goes wrong.
- Worcester Bosch: Annual servicing required
- Vaillant: Annual servicing required
- Ideal: Annual servicing required
- Baxi: Annual servicing required
3. Improve Efficiency & Lower Bills
A well-maintained boiler runs more efficiently. According to the Energy Saving Trust, a poorly maintained boiler can lose up to 30% efficiency, costing you £100+ extra per year.
During a service, we clean components, check gas pressure, and optimize settings—helping your boiler use less energy.
4. Catch Problems Early
Many boiler breakdowns are preventable. During servicing, we spot wear and tear before it becomes a failure. Replacing a £20 seal during service is much better than a £500 emergency callout on Christmas Day.
5. Extend Your Boiler's Lifespan
The average boiler lasts 10-15 years. With annual servicing, you can extend this significantly, delaying the £2,000+ cost of a new boiler.
What Happens During a Boiler Service?
A professional boiler service takes 30-60 minutes. Here's what our Gas Safe engineers check:
Boiler Service Checklist:
- Visual inspection: Check for leaks, corrosion, and damage
- Combustion analysis: Test gas pressure and burn efficiency
- Flue check: Ensure safe exhaust of gases
- Clean components: Heat exchanger, burner, and electrodes
- Safety devices: Test pressure relief valve and gas valve
- Controls check: Thermostat, programmer, and safety controls
- System pressure: Check and adjust if needed
- Condensate pipe: Check for blockages
- Ventilation: Ensure adequate airflow
- Written report: You receive a service certificate
How Much Does Boiler Servicing Cost in Exeter?
Expect to pay £70-£120 for a standard boiler service in Exeter. The exact cost depends on:
- Boiler type (combi, system, or regular)
- Boiler age and condition
- Whether you have a service plan
- Time of year (pre-winter is busiest)
Pro tip: Book your service in summer when engineers are less busy. You'll often get better prices and faster appointments.
When Should You Service Your Boiler?
Once a year, every year. Most people book in late summer (August/September) so their boiler is ready for winter. This timing also means:
- Engineers are less busy
- If repairs are needed, you have time before cold weather
- You're not waiting weeks for an appointment
For Landlords in Exeter
If you rent out property, annual boiler servicing isn't just good practice—it's the law. You must have a valid Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) renewed annually. Failure to comply can result in:
- Fines up to £20,000
- Up to 6 months in prison
- Invalidated landlord insurance
How to Choose a Boiler Engineer in Exeter
Not all engineers are created equal. Here's what to look for:
1. Check Gas Safe Registration
NEVER use an unregistered engineer. Check the Gas Safe Register at gassaferegister.co.uk before booking. Our registration is 565047.
2. Read Reviews
Check Google Reviews, Trustpilot, or Checkatrade. Look for consistent 4-5 star ratings and detailed feedback from Exeter customers.
3. Ask About Experience
Different engineers specialize in different brands. If you have a Worcester Bosch, make sure your engineer is experienced with them.
4. Get a Written Quote
Avoid engineers who won't provide upfront pricing. At Absolute Plumbing & Heating, we give clear quotes before starting work.
What If My Boiler Fails Its Service?
If our engineer finds a safety issue, we'll explain:
- What's wrong
- How serious it is
- Whether it's safe to use
- Repair options and costs
In serious cases (e.g., CO risk), we may have to turn off your boiler for safety. We'll always explain why and help you arrange urgent repairs.
Common Boiler Problems We Find During Services
- Low system pressure: Usually an easy fix, but left unchecked can damage components
- Worn seals: Can lead to leaks and water damage
- Flue blockages: Serious safety risk
- Limescale buildup: Common in Exeter's hard water areas, reduces efficiency
- Faulty pressure relief valve: Can cause dangerous pressure buildup
Book Your Boiler Service Today
Gas Safe registered engineers serving Exeter and East Devon. Book online or call for same-day appointments.
Final Thoughts
Annual boiler servicing is one of the smartest investments you can make as a homeowner. For less than £100, you get:
- Peace of mind your family is safe from CO
- Lower energy bills through improved efficiency
- Fewer breakdowns and emergency callouts
- Extended boiler lifespan
- Valid warranty protection
Don't wait until your boiler breaks down. Book your service today with Absolute Plumbing & Heating—Gas Safe registered (565047) and trusted by Exeter homeowners for over 10 years.
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