Boiler servicing and repairs in the Cotswolds

What a service involves

A service is a safety and efficiency check. The engineer inspects the boiler, the flue and the controls. They test the gas pressure or oil supply and analyse the flue gases. They clean or replace parts where the maker says so.

An oil boiler service usually takes longer. The technician changes the nozzle and filter, cleans the burner and checks the oil line from the tank.

At the end, the engineer writes a service record. Keep it. Most boiler warranties need a yearly service.

Signs your boiler needs a repair

Call an engineer if the boiler shows a fault code that a reset does not clear. Other signs are below.

• The pilot light or flame is yellow or orange, not blue.
• There are black or brown marks on or around the boiler.
• The boiler pressure drops again and again.
• The boiler makes banging, gurgling or whistling noises.
• The carbon monoxide alarm sounds. Turn off the appliance, open windows, go outside and call 0800 111 999.

Local factors in the Cotswolds

Many Cotswold homes use oil or LPG, not mains gas. Make sure the engineer is competent for your fuel. A gas engineer must be Gas Safe registered for LPG to work on an LPG boiler.

Rural homes can be a long way from the engineer's base. Ask about travel charges and how quickly the firm can come in winter.

Many Cotswold homes are holiday lets. If you let a home, you may need a yearly landlord gas safety check as well as a service.

The rules

The law says anyone who works on gas appliances in your home must be on the Gas Safe Register. It is also illegal to use a gas appliance you think is unsafe. Turn it off and leave it off until a Gas Safe engineer checks it.

There is no legal duty for owner-occupiers to service a boiler. HSE advises a service at least once a year. Landlords must have every gas appliance they supply checked for safety every year.

Most repairs are not notifiable. A replacement boiler is notifiable, so you get a Building Regulations certificate.

What to ask a firm

Ask what the price includes before you book. These questions help.

• Are you Gas Safe registered for my type of boiler, or OFTEC registered for oil?
• Does the service follow the maker's instructions, and do you include a flue gas analysis?
• Are parts and a second appliance included in the price?
• Do you charge a call-out fee for repairs? What are your rates out of hours?
• Do you offer a yearly service reminder?

Questions

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