As most boilers are usually tucked away out of sight, oil fired boiler maintenance is often overlooked. It's easy to forget how important boiler maintenance is to provide warmth to your home in the colder months. Here, we take you through our top maintenance tips on why servicing a boiler is so important and who is responsible for it.
1. Efficient fuel and reduced costs
A serviced boiler gives you peace of mind that your boiler is working efficiently. An efficient boiler burns less domestic heating oil whilst producing the same amount of heat, meaning your heating bill accurately reflects how much warmth you are receiving.
2. Prolongs the lifespan of your boiler
When a boiler is serviced, an engineer ensures it is as safe and healthy as possible for your home. Not only does a serviced boiler guarantee that each component has been looked at carefully, but an annually serviced boiler has a lifespan of between 10 and 15 years.
3. Prevents against carbon monoxide
Boilers that aren't properly installed, maintained or ventilated can give out carbon monoxide. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, drowsiness, nausea, breathlessness and stomach pains. However, these signs are sometimes difficult to identify and can be confused with tiredness or a cold. Unfortunately, this silent killer can't be seen or smelt, so it is important to make sure your boiler is serviced to reduce the chance of this happening. Carbon monoxide alarms are readily available on the market and should be fitted near to your boiler to keep you safe.
4. Prevents against unexpected costs
Without servicing your boiler regularly, you are risking a breakdown. Depending on the type of boiler you have, a full replacement can cost anywhere between £500-£2,500 with additional labour costs on top. That's a considerable cost to cover!
A boiler service is far cheaper than repairs or a full replacement, so be sure to keep a note of when your next service is due.
The Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) recommends a boiler be serviced each year or as per the manufacturer's recommendation. To ensure your boiler operates efficiently and safely, a qualified and experienced OFTEC engineer should carry out the service. For more information, please take a look at our dedicated page which answers our most frequently asked questions about how often your boiler should be serviced?
Under the 1985 Landlord and Tenant Act, landlords have a legal responsibility to ensure the safe supply of sanitation, water, gas and electricity. Therefore, it's the landlord's responsibility to stay on top of oil fired boiler maintenance by having the boiler serviced annually. It's also the landlord's responsibility to fix any issues found within the boiler once serviced. If you have noticed any boiler issues, inform your landlord straight away.
No legislation states homeowners must have their boiler serviced. However, if you don't get your boiler serviced, this could void your warranty. Hence, if you run into an unexpected issue, you may have to pay the full cost of the repairs yourself. To avoid this scenario, be sure to read the terms of your oil fired boiler warranty carefully.
1. Know your boiler
Familiarise yourself with your boiler's location, make, model and it's different functions. This way, you will recognise any obvious issues and supply your engineer with the correct details.
2. Look and listen out for any issues
To ensure your oil fired boiler is running smoothly, use your senses to look, listen and smell for any issues. If you haven't had your boiler serviced for a while, then you may begin to notice some of the following signs that your boiler isn't running efficiently:
If you notice any of the above issues, this may mean that the oil isn't being effectively burned. In this instance, contact an OFTEC registered engineer.
3. Book your boiler maintenance service in the summer
There's nothing worse when it's cold than realising that your boiler isn't running at maximum efficiency. Booking your oil fired boiler maintenance service in advance of the cold months ensures that you won't run into any problems. By being prepared and having your boiler serviced before the temperatures drop, you can rest assured that you can comfortably heat your home.
As well as our heating service, our professional OFTEC registered engineers provide oil boiler services and repairs. A regular check-up can reduce the risk of finding yourself in an emergency breakdown. Although, if you find yourself with an oil boiler emergency, we have a dedicated team of professional engineers who can resolve the issue.
Booking an annual service is one of the best ways of making sure your heating system is operating correctly. At Rix, our oil boiler service ensures your energy bills are reduced, you and your family have a safe boiler, and there's no chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you have any queries or questions, please don't hesitate to get in contact with one of our experienced team members. If your boiler is past the point of repair, please take a read of our guide on choosing a new oil fired boiler.
