Boiler service checklist – what we check

What is a boiler service?

A boiler service can help ensure your boiler and central heating system are running as smoothly and efficiently as possible. The service usually takes less than an hour, though this will depend on the appliance.

During the service, a professional Gas Safe engineer will follow a comprehensive boiler service checklist to make sure everything has been checked and is working well. Booking an appointment can provide peace of mind that your boiler is as safe and efficient as it can be.

Unsure whether your boiler needs servicing? Here are 5 reasons why should you book an annual boiler service.

What happens during a boiler service?

Our qualified Gas Safe engineers have the expertise needed to provide you with a thorough boiler service. Conducting various tests, we aim to ensure that your boiler is functioning effectively and efficiently.

Boiler service checklist

A typical boiler service checklist will include:

1. Visual inspection

The engineer will visually inspect the boiler, clean and adjust components as necessary, look for any signs of damage, and identify any signs of distress that are immediately visible.

2. Operation and control

Your boiler has a number of controls and safety devices that will be tested for correct operation. An engineer will check that all of the boiler functions are working correctly, should they be required.

3. Flue and combustion releases

The engineer will check the construction, termination and route of the flue (pipe from your boiler to the outside of your house). They will make sure there are no obstructions in the flue terminals and that the flue is safely fitted.

4. Clean the main boiler components

During a boiler service, the engineer will remove, inspect and clean the main components in the boiler to ensure they are fit for purpose and have no noticeable defects. This will include the main burner, heat exchanger, flue ways, and ignition pins.

5. Checks, checks, checks

There are lots of tests to tick off during a boiler service checklist inspection. These include:

• Flame sense device and whether it operates correctly
• Pilot burner and any cables and probes
• High-limit thermostat 
• Boiler operation
• Provision of adequate ventilation
• Flue effectiveness
• Heating controls
• Electrical wiring connections
• Location of the boiler and nearby combustible materials
• Gas and pressure flow 
• Safety devices
• Seals

6. Conduct a record

The engineer will undertake a series of tests and checks, making a record of each – this will include a record of the boiler pressure or heat input. As the homeowner, you’ll then be able to keep this information for future inspections or when problems arise.

7. Ensure the boiler is ready for use

At the end of a boiler service, the engineer will make sure the boiler is working well. Any controls or settings that were altered during the service will be either put back to the customer’s settings or left so that the customer can easily adjust the settings themselves.

At HomeServe, our Gas Safe registered engineers are happy to offer advice and explain how we conduct a boiler service. While the seven steps above are how we conduct most boiler services, there are additional checks depending on the boiler type you have. For example, if you have a condensing boiler, we’ll also check the drainage system of the boiler.

Is it time to book your boiler service?

If you answer YES to any of the following, we recommend getting in touch as soon as possible to book in a boiler service:

• The flame in the boiler is irregular
• The boiler flame is yellow
• There are new stains or smoke marks on the appliance or nearby
• The boiler overheats or refills regularly
• The water pressure drops
• The pilot light often goes out
• It’s been a year or more since the last service.

Get in touch with HomeServe today to book your next boiler service and ensure your boiler is healthy, efficient, and ready for winter.