How essential is an annual boiler service?

[SunnyUpNorth]

We have an 11 year old Alpha boiler and megaflow system.

We had it serviced in Feb when we moved into our house. Just wondering if it is worth getting done every winter/year or is it ok to wait longer?

I think you should have it done every year; if you were renting it's compulsory on safety grounds. It also extends the life of your boiler so worth it in the long run.

I would do it for safety's sake, if nothing else. If it was done in Feb by all means wait til the spring though.
We have emergency cover under our home insurance and they won't come out for a boiler problem if it's more than a year since last service, and it broke down last winter, so we're pretty diligent about it now!

I think it's important anyway, but with the age of yours I would defo do it. Unless of course it's on its last legs, then I wouldn't bother.

we get ours done annually as part of our boiler cover

On a boiler that age - essential. For one that is only a couple of years old less so.

Personally I prioritise servicing as I don't want to experience CO poisoning.

Thanks all. That is also a good point about the CO poisoning. We need to get the plumber out about a few other things anyway so I was thinking we could just get it done while he is here as its been 10months or so.

Thanks again.

Alpha and Megaflo indicates a high-quality installation. Make sure the corrosion inhibitor is up to strength and has not been diluted, e.g. by topping up of taking rads off for redecoration. Keep the label showing what type was used.

The annual service of a modern boiler will probably be just a safety check, he might not even take the covers off unless he detects poor combustion or a flue problem. To service a Megaflo he needs an extra qualification for unvented cylinders, check that he has this otherwise you will have to get an extra call in from someone else. I have an idea Megalflos have to be checked every two years, it's only to verify their safety devices are in good order.

If you have a system filter such as a Magnaclean or one of the later designs, ask to be shown how to service it, it doesn't need an engineer, but ought to be done at least once a year, more often if there is more than a smear of sediment.

Having a boiler service isn't compulsory for a rented property. Having an annual gas safety test, and certificate issued, is compulsory.

The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning with a modern balanced flue boiler is minimal. Air is drawn from outside and the gases are expelled outside so unless they're seeping back through a window or air brick there is very little risk.

But, having a boiler serviced can improve the efficiency and spot potential problems.

Look into getting a British Gas homecare agreement. This covers the annual service and all call outs and repairs. It is reassuring to know that a problem isn't going to land you with a big bill.

I have no idea about megaflows though.

Npower boiler insurance starts at under a tenner a month which includes an annual service.

I never bothered. It seems fine without it. Last Xmas the boiler broke down so u had it serviced then. First time in the 6 years since we had it fitted..

Thanks all.

Pigletjohn - the company who I get in to do the service are a local firm who originally installed both the boiler and megaflow. They are really good and seem to know what they are doing...I hope!

I dont know if it has a cleaning system or not. I will ask them about it when they come out.

Thanks again.