Boilers or water heaters are integral to most homes, providing warmth and hot water all year round. These appliances work differently from other heating systems, so a qualified professional must have them regularly serviced. Depending on the type of heating appliances, the service frequency can differ, but most experts recommend an annual service.
Read more: Boiler vs. Furnace vs. Hot Water Heater – What’s the Difference?
Servicing these appliances keeps your home running smoothly but can also help you avoid expensive repairs down the line. Most boiler manufacturers will void the warranty if the appliance is not serviced regularly, so it's crucial to be proactive about maintaining your boiler.
Here are factors that affect the cost of a boiler service:
1. The Type of Boiler
Some types of boilers include:
- Combi
- System
- Regular or conventional
- Heat-only or open vent
A combi boiler is a unit that provides both heating and hot water directly from the boiler itself. A system boiler is similar to a combi boiler but has a water storage cylinder. A regular or conventional boiler typically uses a separate hot water tank.
A heat-only boiler does not have a water storage cylinder but relies on gravity to circulate the hot water.
2. The Age of the Boiler
Boiler servicing costs will also be affected by the age of your boiler. A boiler over 15 years old may not be as energy-efficient as a newer model and require more servicing. On the other hand, new boilers tend to be more reliable and require less servicing.
With age, these appliances will suffer more wear and tear. This means they will ultimately need to be replaced sooner than newer models.
3. The Make and Model of the Boiler
Some models have features like a self-cleaning function or built-in filter, which might require less maintenance. You can also find condensing boilers that are more energy efficient. All of these factors will affect the price of a boiler service.
Energy-efficient boilers have specialized parts that might be more expensive to service. If your boiler is still under warranty, you may need to use a registered engineer to avoid invalidating the warranty.
Make and model also affect how long the service will take. A simple back boiler in an old property will take less time to service than a new, high-tech one.
4. The Type of Service
Some types of boiler services are more comprehensive than others. A standard service might include a visual check of your boiler and its controls and a flue gas analysis to check for harmful gases.
A full service will also include an assessment of the boiler's pressure, combustion, heat input, and tests to ensure the safety devices are functioning correctly. This is a more thorough check and will take longer, so it will usually cost more.
If a boiler is over ten years old, you might consider having a powerflush carried out simultaneously with your service. This will clear any built-up debris from your boiler and pipes and improve your boiler's efficiency.
Call Moncrief for expert HVAC repair in Roswell. Our experienced professionals help you with all your heating and cooling needs, including boiler services. We know that the cost of a boiler service can be a concern for our customers, so we've put together this guide to give you an idea of what to expect.