gas boiler service

[Itsallsoboring]

Hello all, what does a gas boiler service include? What do they actually check/inspect? Do they give a certificate to you or do they send it to Building Control?

Is the outcomes pass or fail on the certificate?

I have no idea how this works.

thanks

bump

Is this a normal service on an existing boiler or a new boiler installation?

A normal service would, for the company I work for, involve cleaning and inspecting the boiler. Checking readings and making sure it's working safely. Pressure and tge expansion vessel are topped up if needed. It usually takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

We issue an email invoice with the date of the service and information about the readings/emissions. It goes to the homeowner. Why would building control be involved in a service?

A service is different from a gas safety inspection. That would be a check on all gas appliances in the property ie gas hobs, gas fires etc. A certificate of safety is issued to the homeowner and the tenant if the property is rented. Usually only businesses or landlords need a gas safety certificate. Normal homeowners don't need it.

thanks! this is for a normal gas boiler service (not a new installation). your response was super helpful.

I also need to check the fireplaces for gas safety. I don't have gas anywhere else in the property. do you know if they just check the fireplace I'd get a gas safety certificate?

A Proper Boiler service involves :
Checking the pressure at the gas meter
Removing the boiler case, checking the seals, running the boiler for hot water and heating, using a gas analyser to take readings from the flue, visual check of the external part of the flue. Giving paperwork or emailing a digital version of the form.
A lot of engineers do the bare minimum of gas readings only.
If it takes less than 30 minutes it’s NOT a proper service.
DH is a gas engineer.

Checking / cleaning the condense trap too.

You get a document showing service date and whether any issues or non compliance. Unless the property is rented out there is no obligation to service boiler or appliances regularly nor for certification.

You can have a Safety cert for one appliance or multiple ones. DH does a lot of them for people selling their homes and for landlords.

Mostly a scam.

One of the easiest ways to get all this done is to sign up for the British Gas Homecare scheme if you own the property. If you don't then the landlord can sign up, if it's council they should do all this for you.
Other companies such as Swale Heating do these schemes too.
You pay monthly, you get an annual service of whatever gas appliances you have (you might have a boiler, a gas hob, a fitted fire in the lounge), and you are also covered in case of breakdowns or if you have any concerns about your appliances.
It's important to make sure that anything gas is safe from carbon monoxide leakages, and that it's going to work when you need it too, and it's reassuring to know who to call if the boiler breaks down.