When to Get Your Boiler Serviced (And Why!)

Boilers work tirelessly behind the scenes to heat your home and keep the hot water flowing. But just like your car needs an annual MOT, your boiler needs a yearly checkup to keep it ticking along nicely.

Wondering when to get your boiler serviced? Here’s everything you need to know about when to pencil in your boiler service and why it’s so important.

How often should you service your boiler?

The general rule is to have your boiler serviced once a year. This helps keep your system safe and efficient. An annual service can also extend the lifespan of your boiler.

A note on warranties

Most manufacturers require proof of annual servicing to honour their warranties. Having your boiler servicing paperwork on hand can save you a lot of hassle and expense if anything goes wrong down the line.

The best time of year to service your boiler

There’s no “bad” time for when to get a boiler serviced. That said, each season comes with its own benefits. Here’s a rundown of the pros and cons of different times of the year.

Late summer / early autumn (August to October)

Why it’s great: Give your heating system a head start and get your boiler serviced in the late summer or early autumn. A good once-over from an engineer will make sure your boiler is in prime condition before the cold weather sets in.

Got a busy schedule? August to October is generally a quieter period for plumbing and heating companies, which means you’re more likely to get an appointment that suits you.

Ideal for: Homeowners who like to stay ahead of the game and avoid last-minute panics (or unexpected boiler breakdowns) when the first frost hits.

Winter (November to February)

Why it’s great: Your boiler works double time during colder months. A mid-winter service can help catch any issues early and keep it running when you need it most.

Ideal for: If you’re run off your feet in the warmer months and don’t have time to book a boiler service, waiting until winter might be the only option. Just be aware that boiler engineers are often busiest during winter. Issues like breakdowns and full replacements can sometimes mean longer wait times for things like a simple service.

Spring (March to May)

Why it’s great: As the weather starts to warm up many Cambridge homeowners naturally forget about their boilers. And rightly so. Why would you think about heating when the Botanic Gardens are in full bloom and the city’s rooftop terraces and riverside pubs are in full swing?

But a spring service is a clever move. Why? It gives you time to address any issues that materialised over winter and make sure your boiler is ready to go for the next heating season.

Ideal for: Planners and people who like nothing better than to tick things off a to-do list. If this sounds like you a spring boiler service will have you feeling all kinds of satisfied.

Summer (June to August)

Why it’s great: Summer is unsurprisingly the quietest time for boiler servicing. This means you’ll likely have your pick of appointments. It’s also a good time to service your boiler because any issues discovered won’t leave you in the cold. Plus, with the heating switched off for the summer, your heating engineer will have easy access to your system without needing to cool things down first.

Ideal for: Homeowners with busy schedules. Whether you’re run off your feet at work, busy with kids and pets or simply enjoying the sunshine, summer gives you lots of flexibility when it comes to the time and day of your appointment.

Just don’t fall victim to the “out of sight, out of mind” mentality. You’ll need to remember to book your boiler servicing appointment when you’re not necessarily thinking about heating. Chances are, you’ve got garden parties, trips to the seaside and a refreshing glass of Pimm’s on your mind… But hey, set a reminder, and you’re golden!

Why regular boiler servicing is a must

Safety first

Knowing when to get a boiler serviced isn’t just about staying warm. An annual service helps catch issues early, including carbon monoxide leaks. The gas is invisible, odourless and not something you want in your home. Regular checks keep everything in tip-top shape and give you peace of mind that your home is safe. It’s all about prevention, not panic.

Maximise efficiency and enjoy cost savings

A well-maintained boiler is more efficient and, as a result, can shrink your energy bills. The savings are especially noticeable during the colder winter months. Yes, servicing incurs a fee. But at the end of the day, you could end up saving a tidy sum.

Prevent breakdowns

There’s never a convenient time for a boiler breakdown, but they always seem to happen at the worst possible moment. Usually when it’s freezing outside, or you’ve got a house full of guests for Christmas dinner! Regular servicing helps detect issues before they turn into a full-blown breakdown.

Extend the lifespan of your boiler

Regular servicing helps catch minor issues before they turn into big (and expensive) problems. Stay on top of maintenance and you can ultimately add years to your boiler’s life. Yes, it’s an expense. But a little upkeep now means fewer headaches down the road.

Let Plumbox give your boiler the TLC it deserves

At Plumbox, we know our way around boilers. Old, new, energy-efficient or seen better days – you name it and we’ll service it.

Our experienced team is here to help keep your boiler running safely and efficiently all year round. Whether it’s a routine summer service or a last-minute check-up before a cold snap hits, we’re here to make sure your boiler’s ready for whatever the Cambridge forecast throws your way.

Want to know more about when to get your boiler serviced? Give us a call or visit our visit our website to schedule an appointment with a professional, Gas Safe registered heating engineer.