The short answer
Have your boiler serviced once every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer. That’s the usual manufacturer guidance, and it applies however old the boiler is — if anything, older boilers benefit more.
Why every 12 months
A boiler works hard for months at a time and its parts wear gradually. A yearly service catches poor combustion, a tired component or a developing leak before it becomes a breakdown or a safety problem, and keeps the boiler running efficiently. See what a proper service includes and why an annual service is worth it.
Warranties and your service record
Many manufacturers make an annual service a condition of the warranty and will ask for proof. Keep the service record somewhere safe — our guide to boiler warranties explains how this works.
If you’re a landlord
You also need an annual gas safety check, which is a legal duty and a separate job from a service. They can be done in one visit — see gas safety certificate vs boiler service.
When it shouldn’t wait
Don’t wait for the 12 months to be up if the boiler is making new noises, losing pressure or showing a fault code (see common boiler fault codes). If you ever smell gas, turn it off at the meter, open the windows and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.
The best time to book
Early autumn, before the cold weather arrives. Engineers are busiest in a cold snap, and a breakdown is hardest to live with then.
Due a service? Book a proper Gas Safe boiler service with us across South Manchester and Cheshire.
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