Why an annual service matters
Most manufacturers recommend a boiler service every 12 months, and many warranties require it to stay valid. A service isn't just a box-ticking exercise: it's the point at which small issues, a worn seal, a dropping pressure, an early warning sign on a flue, get caught before they turn into a breakdown or a safety risk.
An unserviced boiler can also run less efficiently over time, which means higher energy bills for the same amount of heat.
What happens during a boiler service
A typical service takes around 30 to 45 minutes and includes:
- A visual inspection of the boiler casing, seals and flue
- Checking the gas pressure and burner condition
- Testing safety devices and ventilation
- Checking for corrosion, leaks or unusual noises
- A final safety check and a written service record
You'll be given a written record of what was checked, which is worth keeping alongside any gas safety certificate for the property.
What can happen if you skip a service
Beyond the safety risk, an unserviced boiler is more likely to break down when you need it most, typically in winter when engineers are busiest. Many manufacturers will also refuse to honour a warranty claim if there's no service history, which can turn a covered repair into an expensive one.
Landlords: this is separate from your CP12
A boiler service and a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) are related but not the same thing. The CP12 is a legal safety check across all gas appliances in the property, while a service is specifically maintenance for the boiler itself. Many landlords choose to book both at the same time to minimise disruption to tenants. Read our guide on what a CP12 certificate covers for more detail.
Booking your service
We send friendly reminders ahead of your service date so it's never a scramble, and we can align servicing with any gas safety certificate renewals if you're a landlord managing multiple properties.