Boiler Service

Don't cut corners with Gas

To quote more than one new customer: "My last gas engineer just waved his gas analyser over my boiler and did the service in 15 minutes" , often they say that it was cared for (or not) by large well known companies.

Similarly, I've heard many gas engineers bragging about their ways of cutting corners to save time.

Gas Safe say, DON'T CUT CORNERS WITH GAS, and I stick by that.

Annual Service

An annual service is done to ensure that your boiler is running safely and efficiently. The checks and service tasks will reduce the likelihood of unexpected break-downs by keeping it in tip top condition and are essential to maintain your boilers warranty.

An annual service typically takes around an hour and typically costs around £90 depending on your boiler and set-up.

Chemicals... As part of the boiler service I do check the concentration of corrosion inhibitor. Boiler manufacturers recommend this (and require it for their warranties). Corrosion inhibitor is important for maintaining the condition of the entire heating system. If the inhibitor concentration is low I will re-dose at your request for a small additional charge.

Deep Cleanse

Every now and then the boiler will need a deep cleanse. Consider this a major service on a car.

A deep cleanse (or full strip and clean service) is usually called for if it is seen to be particularly dirty on visual inspection, if the CO readings are higher than expected, or on some boilers when they reach a certain age.

Worcester boilers are very popular in our area and they benefit from having their heat exchanger and baffles cleaned every 5 years or so to prolong their life.

I can always discuss the merits of this with you in the context of your own boiler and its requirements.

This is a primary heat exchanger from a Worcester Bosch Greenstar boiler, a type that is very popular in our area. It has quite possibly been serviced annually but has clearly never had a deep cleanse. The inside of this heat exchanger was full of soot and would have been inefficient and prone to overheating.

The can has horizontal ribs which are a consequence of overheating and the pink seal on top has turned black and melted. If it were left much longer, gasses could have escaped and a dangerous situation could have occurred.

It was largely repairable but will never be as good as new. If it had been cleaned thoroughly when it was 5 or 6 years old this would never have happened.

The cost of a deep cleanse varies from one type of boiler to another as parts are usually needed, but would typically range from £100 to £150.

Landlord's Gas Safety Record

This is a legal document that declares you gas installation and appliances safe for your tenants. Checks are carried out on the meter, pipework and every gas appliance in the property. It needs to be done every year. Costs vary according to how many appliances there are in the home but start at around £90 (up to two appliances). For a little extra I will do a combined GSR and boiler service.

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