Your boiler is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home. It quietly keeps your family warm and provides hot water all year round. But like any machine, it needs regular care to keep running safely and efficiently. That’s where an annual service from a registered OFTEC (for oil boilers) or Gas Safe (for gas boilers) engineer comes in.
Too often, homeowners put off servicing until something goes wrong. The problem is, by the time a boiler breaks down, the repair can become significantly more costly — and in some cases, dangerous. Here’s why annual servicing is worth every penny.
1. Safety Comes First
Whether your boiler runs on oil or gas, safety should never be overlooked.
- Gas boilers: A Gas Safe service includes checks for gas leaks, carbon monoxide risks, and combustion safety.
- Oil boilers: An OFTEC service includes inspecting oil supply lines, checking flues, and testing for safe combustion.
Annual servicing reduces the risk of hazards like leaks or carbon monoxide, protecting your home and your family.
2. Lower Energy Bills
A well-maintained boiler runs more efficiently, using less fuel to heat your home. During a service (a “proper” service, NOT the ever-increasing “30 minute stop-n-go” service where just gas tightness and the emission values are quickly tested & measured for safety purposes), GASSING IT UP tests safety controls and cleans components, adjust settings, and tests performance to ensure your boiler isn’t working harder than it needs to. Over time, the savings on your energy bills can often outweigh the cost of the service.
3. Fewer Breakdowns and Repairs
Most boiler breakdowns start with small faults that go unnoticed. Annual servicing catches these early, before they become expensive failures. Replacing a worn part during a service costs far less than a full call-out for a breakdown in the middle of winter.
4. Protecting Your Warranty
Many manufacturers require annual servicing by a registered engineer to keep warranties valid. Skip a service, and you could lose cover for parts and labour if your boiler develops a fault.
5. Extending Boiler Life
A serviced boiler can last years longer than a neglected one. Regular care prevents corrosion, keeps seals in good condition, and reduces unnecessary strain on components. Replacing a boiler is a big expense; servicing helps delay that for as long as possible.
6. Peace of Mind
When we complete a service, we provide a full record of the checks carried out. For oil boilers, this means compliance with OFTEC standards, AND the Manufacturer’s recommended service checks/actions. For gas boilers, again not just meeting the legal Gas Safe requirements, but also performing the Manufacturer’s recommended service checks/actions. Either way, you know your boiler is operating safely and efficiently.
Cost vs. Benefit
Annual servicing is a small, predictable expense compared to the risks of doing nothing.
- Service cost: A fixed, affordable annual fee.
- Breakdown cost: Emergency call-outs, major repairs, or even full replacement — often many times higher.
- Safety and peace of mind: Priceless.
Final Word
Boiler servicing isn’t just a tick-box exercise. It’s about safety, efficiency, reliability, and protecting your investment. By choosing a Gas Safe or OFTEC registered engineer, you’re guaranteed expert servicing, full compliance with safety regulations, and peace of mind that the job is done properly.
As both OFTEC and Gas Safe registered engineers, GASSING IT UP is qualified to look after both oil and gas systems, ensuring your boiler gets the expert care it deserves.
If your boiler is due for a service, get in touch today to book an appointment