Boiler Care, Maintenance and Service Tips

How often should a boiler be serviced?

As the weather gets colder, we rely on our boilers to keep our houses warm but we also need them year-round for a steady supply of hot water. As such, we recommend regular boiler checks throughout the year as well as an annual service.

What maintenance does a boiler require?

Gas, oil and electric boilers all need servicing. Steady maintenance is far better than facing boiler replacement costs and could save you money over time.

Our recommended boiler maintenance yearly planner

Every month

Boiler water pressure

Check your boiler water pressure as low levels can cause problems. The pressure gauge should be consistently between 1 and 1.5 bar to allow water to circulate properly around pipes and radiators.
Refer to your boiler’s instruction manual for details on how to re-pressurise it. It's a fairly simple task but be careful not to overfill. If the pressure keeps dropping, you’ll need to seek professional help.

Radiator checks

Efficient radiators put less pressure on your boiler. When you switch the heating back on, keep an eye on your radiators and bleed them whenever you notice they have cold spots at the top or if there’s an odd clunking noise.
Check radiator valves are working properly.
Check your pressure gauge after bleeding (see boiler water pressure above).
When your heating system is off, release the air using the valve on the side. If you have a key to bleed your radiators, put a bowl underneath to catch any excess water.
If the radiators nearer the boiler are hotter than those further away, they could need balancing by adjusting the valves.
If the heat is still uneven after bleeding or balancing the radiators, you may need an engineer to do a power flush to clean the system.

Every couple of months

Run the boiler for 15 minutes, even in summer to make sure it’s working fine.
Check the ventilation around your boiler, especially in confined spaces. Keep the area free from dust and debris to maintain airflow.

Pre-winter

Prevent pipes from freezing with insulation and keep the heating on a low, constant level throughout the colder months.
Set your thermostat to between 18°C-21°C and leave it there. Use the radiator dial to adjust the heat in a room and turn off radiators if a room is not in use.

Annual boiler service

Whether you need to protect your warranty or just want to keep your boiler running at maximum efficiency, it’s wise to have an annual boiler check with a certified engineer.

Ideally, you should book it in for September or October. Check your thermostat and timer are on the correct setting when the clocks go back at the end of October.

How do I take care of my boiler?

Make sure your boiler is well ventilated. There must be a 300mm gap at the top and 100mm from the base of the boiler if it’s housed in a cupboard. Do not hang coats around the boiler and do not keep flammable or combustible materials anywhere near it.
Fitting a magnetic filter can increase the lifetime of your boiler and lower the cost of heating bills. Boiler filters can improve energy efficiency by removing impurities such as fine metal, sludge and debris from your central heating system.
Some manufacturers offer an extended warranty if you get a filter with your new boiler. For existing boilers, check with a certified engineer to see if they can fit one to your system.

How to look after your gas boiler

Check your gas boiler has a strong blue flame. If it is yellow or orange, contact a Gas Safe engineer straight away as there could be a risk of a carbon monoxide leak. You should test your carbon monoxide alarms twice a year and have one for every room with a gas appliance.

Oil boiler maintenance

Oil boilers need regular cleaning to prevent build-up and maintain reliability. Seals, filters and nozzles can get clogged by contaminants and both the tank and pipes require thorough inspection for leaks.

Electric boiler checks

There are fewer parts to consider and a lot less cleaning involved in servicing an electric boiler. However, it’s important to check all the wiring, the thermostat, electrical connections and valves are in good working order.

How much does a boiler service cost?

Costs for a one-off boiler service range between £70-£120 for gas, oil or combi boilers.

Saga Home and Heating Emergency

Saga Home and Heating Emergency can be obtained on any Saga Home Insurance policy from £69.99 and covers your home for emergencies such as:

Boiler cover for sudden and complete breakdown of your boiler or main heating or hot water system. In addition, we can provide an annual boiler service for an additional £83. Please note, our boiler services are for gas boilers only and are not available on let properties.
Leaks from hot water pipes or a radiator that can't be turned off.
Blocked drains or burst pipes.
A fault in the internal electrics.
Pest removal such as wasp or hornet nests, mice or rats.
Cover includes an emergency 24/7 helpline, call out charges, and emergency home repairs carried out by approved tradespeople. It will also pay for up to three nights alternative accommodation in your local area if you can’t stay at home while it’s under repair.

Existing customers can add Saga Home and Heating Emergency at any time by calling 0800 056 9102.

Who are Saga's home insurance policies underwritten by?

Saga Home Insurance policies, exclusively for people over 50, are unique products designed specifically for our customers. They are underwritten by a number of carefully selected insurers that provide our high standards of quality and service.

Saga Home Emergency Insurance is provided by Inter Partner Assistance S.A, part of the AXA group.