Why now is the best time to get your boiler serviced – and what’s involved

“Boiler maintenance may be the last thing on your mind given the hot weather,” says Tyrone Ekrem, founder of Fair Fix, “but the summer months are actually the best time to check everything is in working order.

“Demand for engineers is lower,” he explains, “which means fewer delays for appointments, and it also means you can identify any potential issues before the winter months roll in and you’re left without hot water and heating.

“In doing so,” he adds, “your boiler will be far better prepared to make the jump between the reduced usage of the summer months and the heightened strain it comes under when the cold weather arrives. Not only will this save you money in the long run, but it will also prevent a considerable amount of inconvenience.”

We asked Ekrem and Delene de Haas, an expert at property maintenance firm, Aspect what to expect from an annual boiler service, and they tell us it’s more than just a perfunctory check.

It’s important not to take your boiler’s lack of protest during the summer as a sign that nothing is wrong. De Haas is keen to point out that servicing in the summer is important to maintain warmth in the winter.

“In the summer, when boilers are used less frequently or are even turned off completely, there are still several problems that a boiler service might identify,” he confirms .

“Some of these problems could be pressure issues, which can lead to poor performance or even boiler shutdown.” Something worth avoiding when, according to Fair Fix, the average boiler repair cost is £300.

“Leaks in the boiler system from pipes or valves can occur, regardless of whether the boiler is actively being used,” says de Haas, “so a service can identify these leaks to prevent water damage and improve efficiency.”

Ekrem adds that blocked pipes are also a common problem, especially in condensing boilers, which produce acidic condensate that normally drains away through pipes. Condensate – the liquid that condenses in these types of boilers – is usually mildly acidic, with a pH of around 3-5. White vinegar has a pH of around 2.4, while water has a pH of 7.

“Most commonly we find the condensate trap is full of debris,” he says. “We also find low water pressure causes the boiler to overheat. It then starts leaking because it’s too hot.”

The consequence of extra heat? The rubber seals start to fail, causing the boiler to leak from various components.

Although the reduction in use may mean problems take longer to show in summer, there are still clear signs that your boiler may be giving up the ghost.

De Haas, tells us: “A few common signs to look out for are lack of heat, strange noises or leaks and water damage.”

Ekrem confirms that, even if you aren’t using radiators, fluctuations in water temperature can be a sign of things going awry. Likewise, he says other common signs include leaks, or your boiler’s gauge indicating low pressure. Unfortunately, if you have noticed any of these, you may need a repair rather than a service.

Even though research suggests people may be attempting to tackle repairs themselves, as they have either had to wait up to five days for an engineer or the repair costs are prohibitive, it’s a task that should always be conducted by professionals.

“Always ensure your boiler engineer is ‘Gas Safe’ registered as they will have received the necessary training and certification in boiler servicing,” says Ekrem.

Your family will be at risk from gas leaks if the job is done badly. It’s advice that could have serious consequences if ignored.

As well as certification, Ekrem says it’s important not to forget the value of experience.

“Experience means engineers have seen it all before and know exactly what needs doing,” he says, “without having to go through a long, drawn-out diagnostics or trial-and-error process that takes ages and racks up the customer’s bill.”