What does a boiler service actually include?

ChasingtheWelshdream

Hi folks,

Back story, and I know this isn't particularly moneysaving. But I do need to make sure we're getting what we expect.

We always have our own boiler serviced by whichever independent local company is available at the time, and haven't really taken much notice as to what actually happens - we just get a couple of printouts to put with the service books and paperwork confirming it's safety. We tend to keep an eye on our own magnaclean filter and pressure etc ourselves, so understand that bit, but I'm not sure what else gets done.

We now need to arrange a service plan for an elderly relative (lives far away) who would like to just pay a monthly amount and know there will be no hassle of finding someone available each year. We know (and have explained) this will cost more and have offered alternatives, but they would like the peace of mind and ease, so we respect that and have agreed to help them set one up.

So I'm looking at Homeserve, British Gas etc and suddenly realise I don't know what a service actually does!

Could someone tell me if this covers everything an independent gas engineer would usually do?  My concern is I've heard these providers may decide a  boiler needs replacing, rather than attempting to repair, whereas an independent guy may try harder (appreciate this is only heresay), but we can cross this bridge if we need to.  In the meantime, we're looking for a basic, service included plan for a boiler approx 11 years old. (We arranged installation and are familiar with the boiler, so far there have never been any issues).

Many thanks!

TELLIT01

Do not use British Gas Homecare, as it should really be called "British Gas We Now Have Your Money So Don't Give a Damn".  We have been with them for years and seen the price go up at the same rate as the quality of customer service has gone down.  Annual service was always the same month each year, and then it started sliding by a month or so each year.  British Gas then said 'annual service' meant some time in the 12 months of the contract.  That means you could have a service in January of Year 1, followed by a service in December of Year 2 and then in January of year 3.  This year they have cancelled the service completely and given a £65 refund - far less than it's possible to get a service independantly.

grumbler

I have never serviced my basic boiler.

For a more sophisticated ones most lines in the above list are just laughable

visual check?!

inspecting IF NECESSARY ?

cleaning IF NECESSARY ?

check that it's in accordance with current regulations ? Every year? And what if it isn't?

confirmation?! Ha-ha

When you service your car, you pay money for something real. In this case you pay mainly for the visit.

ChasingtheWelshdream

I know, I know. But the relative would like it done regardless so I’m hoping to have as little rip-off as we can. 

We have ours serviced as a condition of the extended warranty :-) and only costs £50-60 per year. So these plans seem so costly, but we are respecting their decision.

EssexExile

As you've found out, a service is just a safety check really, no actual servicing is involved. Have you looked at this?
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/boiler-insurance/

Bendy_House

Do you know what make it is, CtWD? See if they do a servicing plan that'll include a warranty.

Our GlowWorm has only been 'serviced' around twice in 15 years. The first time, the guy told me he had the exact same boiler himself - and didn't even service his own one each year...

The second time - probably 5 years after that - I was aware the guy wasn't doing a lot, just checking connections, taking the odd reading, etc. I had, prior to the visit, had to clean out the condensate trap as it was full of grit, so I was pretty sure the combustion chamber must have some debris inside it. I tentatively asked - as I handed over a cuppa - whether he'd be cleaning out the comb'n chamber, and he said they normally don't, but he went on to do so this time. Yup, it had a nice layer of dusty grit in it.

Boilers obviously don't require oil and filter changes like a car, so I suspect strongly that 'services' consist mainly of looking for any obvious impending issues - leaks, corrosion, that sort of stuff. Checking and tweaking readings too, of course.

coffeehound

Is the incoming air not filtered on modern boilers?

grumbler

coffeehound said:

Is the incoming air not filtered on modern boilers?

What for?
.......

[Deleted User]

Ours doesn't cost a lot and they follow the manufacturer required for warranty but also test the flue and how it burns. Also some clauses in my home emergency cover if they are not serviced.

Bendy_House

coffeehound said:

Is the incoming air not filtered on modern boilers?

I can't see where any filter would reside. The stuff I took out of the cond trap was very gritty, so either very fine dust was being drawn in from outside and the combustion process formed it into grittier grit, or perhaps there was some corrosion taking place within the chamber - although I'm sure mine is SS.

I suspect the former.

[Deleted User]

Our plumber reckoned our sandy trap on the first service was probably due to leftovers in the casting. Not sure about subsequent services but the bowl they use to drain and check has a few bits in it but nothing like the first service.
I don't know how these things are bolted together so have to accept his commentary.