Modern boilers are more energy-efficient than old ones, but they are expensive and have a limited lifespan. Unless you are rich and reckless with your money, good maintenance is essential to make sure they last as long as possible before you face the problem of replacing them. Gas and electricity are also scarily expensive, and good maintenance is needed to keep them using fuel as efficiently as they should.

Since annual gas safety checks are mandatory anyway, boiler cleaning and servicing at the same time is plain good sense. The question is – how do you know which service procedures you need so that you can make sure you get them?

There are two initial questions to ask a boiler servicing company: Are they qualified and experienced; and are they boiler retailers. Some companies concentrate on installations and servicing, while others are primarily outlets for boiler makers. There are many good people in both types of company, but engineering companies are more likely to take a pride in keeping your boiler going than retailers who will profit from its replacement.

Service Checklist

Your maintenance examination should involve checking for leaks, inspecting seals and gaskets, examining the condition of switches and wiring, inspecting your burner flames and pilot (if you have one) and the condition of the burner assemblies, diffusers and (gas, water and relief) valves for cracks or deformation. They should also examine the heat exchanger and flues and confirm the condition of your insulating materials.

If your system uses accessories, you may need additional checks on booster pumps and chemical feeds like de-aerators, de-alkalisers or water softeners. If you have external equipment, always confirm that your quote includes them.

Your engineer will also investigate temperatures, pressures, noises, vibrations, alarms and control panel lights and record their findings for you in a report or log book.

MK Electrics are experienced providers of boiler services for all kinds of heating system including combis, condensing boilers and unvented systems.