Having an annual gas boiler service is more important than most people realise. As well as the many benefits of a regular boiler maintenance schedule, you’ll also avoid some potentially catastrophic risks. Below we’ll share all the main advantages and disadvantages you should be aware of when considering having work done on your boiler.
According to the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors Ireland (APHCI), up to 100,000 illegal gas boilers have been installed in the last decade. The gas industry is seeking stricter regulations and proactive change to help overcome this potentially lethal situation.
Gas boiler service benefits
Avoid living in an igloo
The colder months of the year are the toughest on your boiler. You’ll use your heating more often and at higher temperatures. This is the most inconvenient time for your boiler to break down and need a repair. This makes the period just before the real cold weather sets in the perfect time to book your gas boiler service with experienced professionals.
You’ll enter the winter months with the peace of mind that everything is in good working order and ready to keep you and your family nice and snug.
Save money on repairs
Taking the time to book a gas boiler service now can save you money in the long run. Not only does it mean any potential problems are spotted early, before they escalate and become bigger and more expensive problems, but it will improve the efficiency and reliability of your system.
If your boiler is fairly new, it may still be under warranty. Failing to have a gas boiler service at the recommended intervals could invalidate your warranty and leave you with a nasty repair bill. If your heating system fails and causes damage to other parts of your home or business and you haven’t had a regular gas boiler service, some insurance companies might argue the fact you failed to properly maintain your boiler as a reason not to pay out.
Save money and the planet
An efficient boiler is less likely to waste fuel, ensuring you get value for your money on your heating bills. A gas boiler service will ensure your boiler is running at its optimal efficiency, costing you less, and reducing your carbon footprint. Your bank manager and Mother Nature will both thank you.
Keep your loved ones safe
Having a professional perform a gas boiler service at regular intervals greatly reduces the chances of a gas leak, carbon monoxide poisoning, explosions, or fires happening due to a badly maintained boiler. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. The lethal gas has no noticeable smell and acts quickly. If you want to take extra precautions, you can have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted to warn you of a potential leak.
While all of us like to save a few euros wherever we can, the consequences of not getting a gas boiler service are far too great to ignore. You can’t put a price on peace of mind when it comes to the wellbeing of your own family.
Commercial boilers
Whether you own an office block or rent our private property, it’s critical you stay compliant with all legal requirements. If you don’t have a gas safety certificate issued every twelve months you’re breaking the law. You’re required by law to keep a maintenance record of all gas appliances (including your boiler), flues, and pipework for the last two years.
Gas boiler replacement
Even the best maintained systems will eventually reach a point where a gas boiler service simply isn’t sufficient to ensure the continued efficient and safe running of your heating system. The Sustainable Energy Association of Ireland (SEAI) provides comprehensive recommendations to help guide your decisions. They suggest you replace or upgrade your gas boiler if it’s more than fifteen years old.
After fifteen years most boilers will be so inefficient it becomes cost effective to have a new one installed. As well as being more reliable and safer, the newer technology in a modern boiler can save you up to 25% on your heating bills.
Guidelines to keep you and your family safe
The above benefits and potential risks clearly show what a smart choice having a regular service is. Below are a few quick guidelines to help you make the best choice when having your boiler serviced.
Keep an eye on the date
Whether you mark it on your calendar or set a reminder in your phone, make sure you know the date you’re boiler is next due a service. It can be a good idea to arrange the service after eleven months, so if it’s a busy time of year you can still ensure you have the service before twelve months has passed.
Only use accredited professionals
To ensure the person servicing your boiler has the required competency and experience you should always choose a professional company. It is illegal for anyone who isn’t a Registered Gas Installer to service or repair your boiler.
What should you expect from a service?
When you book a service with Gas Safe Engineering Ltd, there is a long and comprehensive list of items we check. All the work is carried out by RGII Approved Gas Installers in compliance with all Irish standards and Health & Safety Regulations. You can get more insight into what to expect on the Gas Boiler Service page on our website.
Use a company that puts your safety first
At Gas Safe Engineering, our primary concern is your safety. All our engineers are fully qualified and experienced. The customer support team in our office is friendly and helpful, and will efficiently deal with any query you might have. When you use us for any heating or plumbing work, you can rest assured you’re receiving the best possible service and quality of work from competent professionals.
For added peace of mind, we are also members of several trade organisations in Ireland, including the Register of Gas Installers of Ireland. Call us today on 01 969 5219, or email info@gassafe.ie for more information.
