What Does an Oil Boiler Service Involve?
An annual oil boiler service will keep your boiler working safely and efficiently.
Due to the wear-and-tear our oil boilers receive from regular use, they are prone to develop small faults which can make the boiler more expensive to run. These can include parts wearing down, the occasional judder and protest when we use more than our usual amount of hot water and a general reduction in energy efficiency.
Small faults, if ignored, will lead to more serious problems with your oil boiler. Problems such as leaks, breakdowns and significant damage to your own home. Find out when your boiler should be serviced and how much it could cost.
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Why does my oil boiler need servicing?
A regular check of your oil boiler may seem like another unwanted expense. But the price of a full boiler replacement will be much higher. Not to mention the damage that a faulty or poorly-maintained boiler can do to your property.
Regular maintenance by an OFTEC registered engineer will not only find any faults and keep heating bills to a minimum but will also put your mind at rest that your home is safe. There are several strong reasons why you should have your oil boiler serviced:
Safety
If an oil boiler isn't burning its fuel correctly it may be emitting carbon monoxide. This colourless and odourless gas replaces oxygen in the bloodstream when breathed in and can cause, dizziness, headaches and nausea at the very least and in extreme cases can lead to brain damage or even death.
Keep heating bills low
As an oil boiler ages it will become less efficient and may cost you more to run, but a regularly serviced boiler will stay in optimum condition for as long as possible. This keeps your heating bills as cheap as possible and reduces your carbon emissions.
Prevent breakdowns
A boiler service is an OFTEC qualified engineer's opportunity to identify small issues before they worsen and cause damage or a boiler breakdown.
Warranty
Boilers are usually covered by a manufacturer’s warranty which means any repairs needed during that period are paid for by the manufacturer. However, these warranties are only valid if the boiler is serviced by a professional every year.
When should I service my oil boiler?
We highly recommend getting your boiler serviced annually. The best time to get it done is between February and October when boiler companies are quieter, to ensure you receive the best value for money.
Issues often occur in oil boilers at the end of the summer, when boilers are switched on again after the warmer months – this is generally due to parts seizing up from inactivity. This means that the peak times for boiler engineers are often in the autumn months, through to February.
Need a gas boiler service?
Gas boilers should also be serviced annually to keep your home safe and ensure that the unit is running efficiently. Find out what’s involved and how much it’s likely to cost with our guide to getting a gas boiler service.
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What does an oil boiler service involve?
Oil boilers need to be serviced by an OFTEC engineer who will take a look at several things during the service:
- The controls of the boiler will be inspected to ensuring it’s working properly.
- They’ll check inside the boiler by taking off the outer casing and inspecting the main components.
- Safety is a big part of any service so the engineer will check for a carbon monoxide leak.
- As well as carrying out a full service on the boiler itself, they’ll also inspect any oil storage tanks.
- You’ll be left with a full report by the engineer which will explain everything that they’ve carried out.
- In addition to the boiler, your oil storage tank also need to be checked for signs of water contamination, oil leaks or filter elements which may need cleaning or replacing.
To find out more about boiler services for your make of oil boiler simply choose your brand from the list:
Grant Service
Viessmann Service
Warmflow Service
Worcester Bosch Service
Firebird Service
Mistral Service
Oil boiler service costs
Depending on where you live, a full and thorough service by a registered engineer is likely to cost from £60-£180. Residents in larger cities such as London will often be charged at the higher end of this scale than customers in smaller towns or villages and, generally speaking, the north is cheaper than the south.
When looking for an engineer, be sure to get quotes from as many qualified professionals as possible. That way, you’ll be able to compare prices and customer reviews to find the best deal for you and your home. Complete our simple online form and you’ll get free service quotes from up to 3 trusted engineers in your area.
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odourless gas that causes around 50 deaths every year across the UK. It’s produced by unsafe appliances which means that a regular service is vital to ensure that the boiler isn’t faulty.
You should have a carbon monoxide detector installed in the same room as your boiler which will go off should there be a leak. They tend to only cost around £20-30 and should be tested regularly to ensure that they’re working properly. Not only will this provide you with essential piece of mind about your safety, if a fault does occur with your oil boiler you will be informed quickly.
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