Recognising when you require a boiler service versus a heating repair is vital. Boiler servicing, akin to a car’s MOT, is an annual check-up for safety, efficiency, and performance, including replacing specified parts as instructed by the manufacturer. Mainly, a boiler service is preventive, catching issues before a complete failure, the annual MOT for your boiler!
Boiler repairs, however, are required when a breakdown occurs and your boiler stops producing heating or hot water. Our standard boiler servicing and “Cosy Plan” service plan does not cover repairs or faulty boilers, focusing instead on preventive maintenance.
The Newcastle Boiler Service includes all tests and inspections required by Gas Safe and the Boiler manufacturer.
Safety & Performance Tests
Every boiler may have slightly different instructions but mostly include the following. The installation meets regulations, testing safety devices are still functioning, flue gas analysis, checking gas consumption, water leaks, cleaning the condensate trap and most importantly, testing that there are no gas leaks!
Gas Rating Explained
Gas Rating confirms that all other test results recorded during the boiler service are measured as the boiler runs at full capacity. The gas rating test also ensures the boiler’s Gas consumption is correct and as listed in the manufacturer’s specifications, confirming efficiency and safety.
The FGA Flue Tests
WB Fan Test
If you have a Worcester Bosch boiler, the fan test verifies the fan’s function and if the boiler requires a main service. The main service could be required in any year, but normally when the boiler is 6-9 years old.
Expansion Recharge
From time to time, the boiler or heating system expansion vessel will need pumping up to the correct pressure. A quick test on service may identify an imminent issue.
Cleaning the Trap
Condensing boilers use a device known as a condensate trap to prevent harmful gases from escaping into the condensate pipe. Cleaning the condensate trap removes residue and prevents blockages. If not cleaned, a blocked condensate trap will cause the boiler to shut down.
Cleaning the Heat Exchanger
Cleaning the heat exchanger prevents debris buildup and optimises the heat transfer from the burning gas to water. Cleaning the heat exchanger ensures maximum efficiency and longevity of the boiler.
System Water Quality
Checking the heating systems’ water has long been good practice, but the recent changes in building regulations now require boiler servicing to include testing the water flowing through the heating system. Although the standard service includes the testing of system water, additional chemicals may be required after the test. Chemical dosage is not included in the standard service.
Boiler "Main" Service Requirements
The boilers manufacturer’s instructions will list the year or point that a main service is required. Unlike the standard annual service, a main service often requires that gaskets and electrodes are replaced as part of the service. This is normally around the fifth-year service but could depend on a performance test.
Required following negative test of your heating system water.
Gaskets must be replaced when stated in the manufacturer's service documentation or when showing signs of wear. Failure to do so can lead to dangerous boilers.
Serviceable parts that ignite your boiler. Ignition electrodes are normally replaced around year five as part of a main service.
The 2022 Building regulations now require that every five years, every heating system is drained and chemically protected as part of the annual service.
Save money on expensive repairs in the middle of winter and upgrade your old plastic magnetic filter to a modern brass system filter.
We now offer the Greenside Cosy Plan for the good people of Newcastle that require that little extra help, support & service.
Includes the Standard Newcastle Boiler Service
Checking the safety & performance of your boiler is standard procedure for our team of experienced service engineers. Every boiler may have slightly different instructions but mostly include the following, testing safety devices, flue gas analysis, checking gas consumption, water leaks, cleaning the condensate trap and most importantly, testing that there are no gas leaks!
Upgraded System Water Protection
Recent changes in building regulations now require boiler servicing, including testing the water flowing through the heating system. The “Cosy Plan” includes new protective chemicals if required after testing the heating systems’ water.
Upgraded Boiler "main" service requirements
The boilers manufacturer’s instructions will list the year or point that a main service is required. Our “Cosy Plan” includes the main service gaskets and electrodes when needed.
We now offer the Greenside Heat Pump Plan for the super green people of Newcastle wanting to keep their investment running as efficiently as possible whilst the penguins still enjoy their ice skating.
The Newcastle Heat Pump Plan
Every Heat Pump may have slightly different instructions, but they mostly include the following, checking the safety & performance of your Heat Pump requires inspecting the thermostat & electrical connections, cleaning the filter, coil & fan, checking the defrost cycle and listening for any unusual noises.
Upgraded System Water Protection
Recent changes in building regulations now require that the water flowing through the heating system be tested during the heat pump service to ensure adequate levels of chemical protection.
The Greenside Heat Pump Plan includes re-dosing the protective chemicals if required after testing the heating system’s chemical protection.
Heat Pump "main" service requirements
All Heating manufacturers require the annual serving of their appliances to maintain safety and performance. Most will state that certain parts will require replacing at given points in time.
The Greenside Heat Pump plan includes all serviceable parts within the warranty/guarantee period. Mechanical or electrical failure of the Heat Pumps major components are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty/ guarantee.
Baxi Approved Installers (BAI’s) must attend regular training sessions at the Baxi Centre of training to maintain our knowledge of their boilers and the standards required for servicing Baxi Boilers.
If you are looking for a BAI to service your Baxi Boiler, please fill out the book a boiler service form below, and we will contact you within 24 hours to agree to a suitable date for the service.
Worcester Bosch boilers, a favourite among many of our Newcastle customers, require regular servicing to ensure safe use & energy efficiency. Our Worcester Acreddited WAI expert technicians provide top-notch servicing, covering checks for safe operation, potential leaks, correct gas pressure, and proper functioning of components, ensuring your Worcester Bosch boiler stays reliable year-round.”
If you are looking for a WAI to service your Worcester Bosch Boiler, please fill out the book a boiler service form below, and we will contact you within 24 hours to agree to a suitable date for the service.
Is the boiler on the blink? Thinking it needs more than the annual visit to get the house warm again?
Head on over to our boiler repair page for some quick tips on getting you warm as quickly as possible.
We will add quick answers to your questions here and write longer blog articles for the best questions that need detailed answers!
You should have your boiler serviced annually to ensure optimal operation and prevent unexpected breakdowns during peak usage times.
A typical boiler service usually takes between 1 to 2 hours, depending on the boiler’s condition and ease of access.
A boiler may fail during servicing due to aged components, wear and tear, or underlying issues like leaks or corrosion.
Late summer or early autumn is ideal for boiler servicing, preparing it for the high demand of the winter months.
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