How Often Should a Boiler Be Serviced?

The boiler is an essential component of your heating system. Without the boiler, the heating system no longer exists. An improper functioning or inefficient boiler will quickly leave you in the cold.

The key to preventing inconvenient boiler issues is regular servicing. If you’re wondering “how often should a boiler be serviced” or want to find out more about quality AC service by A Custom Services in Wilmette, IL, contact our team today.

HOW OFTEN?

The easy answer is that boilers require servicing at least once a year. However, the more specific answer is servicing frequency depends on the manufacturer, make, model, fuel type, and state regulations.

To know how often to service a boiler, you have several options. You can either contact the manufacturer or review the manufacturer’s recommendations online.

If the boiler runs on gas or oil, you’re required to have yearly inspections. Failing to regularly schedule servicing could void warranties. Furthermore, you’re risking insurance and liability issues should an accident happen.

Electric boilers do not require annual servicing; however, technicians strongly recommend it. Conversely, yearly servicing is mandatory by law for owners or managers of rental properties.

The lifespan of the average boiler is approximately 15-20 years. This lifespan declines significantly without proper yearly maintenance.

WHEN TO SERVICE?

There is no one answer to “how often should a boiler be serviced” or which time of year is best. The most important factor is that you get your boiler serviced once each year.

Many technicians will recommend summer as the best time for maintenance. Technicians tend to have more availability during summer. A summer inspection will also mean the boiler is ready for the colder weather.

Do not hesitate to schedule an appointment If it has been some time since your last boiler servicing. You should also book a consultation if the last service date is unknown. Once the cycle of yearly testing starts, you will have an easier time keeping the boiler updated and maintained.

Also, consider having the boiler serviced if any of the following issues appear:

• Malfunctioning thermostat
• Pilot light or ignition issues
• Leaks
• Internal noises indicating the build-up of mineral deposits
• Inefficient heating

Taking action when initial symptoms appear reduces costly and timely repairs. Service the boiler more frequently if it is more than 15 years old.

WHAT’S INVOLVED?

The first thing to know about boiler servicing is that it requires a certified and trained boiler technician. To ensure the servicing technician has the appropriate qualifications, request to see company identification. This identification should list the technician’s credentials.

For gas-run boilers, service technicians must be gas-safe registered. Service technicians require registration with the Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) for oil run boilers.

Proper servicing takes roughly 30 minutes and involves several steps, including:

• Checking for gas leaks
• Checking for cracks in the tank or pipes
• Checking for flame, flame color, and gas pressure
• Cleaning the system inside and out
• System start-up and testing
• Checking for rust-colored water
• Checking for odd smells

Most homeowners expect cleaning and checking for cracks or leaks. Many don’t realize that differences in flame color and gas pressure are critical indicators of boiler issues. As a part of annual servicing, the boiler system requires thorough flushing to remove sediment build-up.

Trained, certified, and registered boiler technicians should follow these steps with every service request. If they do not, request another evaluation or technician.

The average cost of a boiler servicing appointment runs between $75 to $125. This cost can increase slightly in larger, more densely populated areas where servicing companies are in demand. While these fees may seem costly, $75 to $125 is low compared to costs resulting from untimely repairs or replacement.

WHY SERVICE YOUR BOILER?

Boilers are responsible for heating the home and creating hot water for cleaning and cooking. You can benefit from regular boiler maintenance for numerous reasons.

Safety

Schedule a servicing appointment as soon as possible if you have just moved into a home. You should also book an appointment if you have not serviced the boiler in a while. Waiting until the system breaks down could leave you in the cold when you need the boiler the most.

Furthermore, failing to identify cracks, leaks, breaks, and faulty parts could be catastrophic in the long run. Undiagnosed and resolved issues such as cracks and damages can lead to gas leaks. Gas leaks result in carbon monoxide poisoning, which causes illness and death each year.

Efficiency

An annual boiler service appointment is an efficient and cost-saving practicality. Inefficient boilers run harder and longer to keep homes adequately heated. This inefficiency leads to increased monthly heating expenses and energy bills.

Eliminating Unexpected Repairs

Regular boiler servicing reduces the likelihood of unnecessary breakdowns and repairs.

WHO TO CONTACT?

One of the most significant causes of boiler breakdown is the lack of regular maintenance. Many homeowners will say that they don’t have time or don’t even consider a service appointment. However, it is possible to save time and effort by calling the professional team at A Custom Services, Inc.

A Custom Services, Inc. is a family-owned installation, maintenance, and repair company serving the Chicago area for nearly 30 years. In addition to maintaining a staff of highly trained and fully certified technicians, A Custom Services, Inc. strives for 100% customer satisfaction. We back our experienced and quality services with unbeatable service and product warranties.

At A Custom Services, Inc., we offer free consultations at affordable rates. Our technicians use only the highest quality equipment for installation and maintenance. We provide 24-hour emergency services to get you back on your feet as soon as possible.

Contact A Custom Services, Inc. if you’re wondering “how often should a boiler be serviced?” or if you want to learn about how long a boiler can last in Wilmette, IL. Don’t let your boiler become a hidden out-of-sight, out-of-mind problem. Call our friendly and professional staff today at (773)-831-4891.