Central heating boiler servicing: why & how often?
A central heating boiler does its job year in, year out — until it suddenly doesn't on the coldest day. Periodic maintenance prevents breakdowns, keeps gas consumption low and safeguards your safety. Here you can read what maintenance involves and how often it's needed.
Many breakdowns announce themselves: pressure loss, strange noises, or a boiler running at full capacity but barely getting warm. Timely maintenance catches those signals before they lead to failure — precisely when you need the heating most.
Four good reasons
Maintenance is not a luxury but sensible — for these reasons.
Safety
Checks on gas and combustion safety, such as correct flue gas discharge. This prevents dangerous situations.
Longer lifespan
A clean, properly adjusted boiler wears out less quickly and lasts years longer.
Lower consumption
An efficiently adjusted boiler burns less gas for the same comfort.
Fewer breakdowns
Developing problems are noticed and remedied early — no cold surprise.
The rule of thumb for maintenance
For most central heating boilers, periodic maintenance (often once every one to two years, depending on type and use) is a good guideline. Also consult the manufacturer's advice. With intensive use or an older boiler, more frequent checks are wise.
- Cleaning of burner parts and heat exchanger.
- Check of pressure, ignition and adjustment.
- Safety check on gas and flue gas discharge.
Watch for these signals
Time for a check if:
- The boiler pressure keeps dropping and you have to top it up.
- The boiler gives an error code or locks out.
- Radiators no longer heating properly.
- You notice strange noises or an unusual smell.
What happens during a service and what can you do yourself?
During a service, the technician does not only clean the boiler. He checks whether the boiler is working safely, is properly adjusted and whether any parts are wearing. This prevents a small problem from becoming a breakdown in the middle of winter.
How a service visit works
- The technician asks if you have any complaints, such as pressure loss, noises or fault codes.
- He opens the boiler and cleans the burner and the heat exchanger.
- They check the ignition, the flame and the combustion settings.
- He checks that the flue gas outlet and air supply connect properly and do not leak.
- He checks the condensate drain and trap, so that condensate water can drain properly.
- He checks the water pressure and the expansion vessel.
- He tests the boiler in operation and tells you what he has seen and whether any parts need replacing.
What you can do yourself between two services
- Check the water pressure on the display or pressure gauge from time to time.
- Bleed the radiators if they stay cold at the top, and then top up if necessary.
- Keep the space around the boiler clear. Do not put things against it and do not hang washing in front of it.
- Keep ventilation grilles open, including in the room where the boiler is located.
- Install a carbon monoxide detector near the boiler and test it regularly.
Never remove the boiler casing yourself. Inside are gas components, and an incorrectly adjusted or leaking boiler can produce carbon monoxide. You cannot smell that gas.
Act immediately
Breakdown, pressure loss or a boiler that won't work? Call PandFix, day and night: 070 783 0224. We'll help you straight away and in emergencies often come the same day.
Only in case of danger does safety come first: if you smell gas, turn off the boiler, do not touch any switches, open windows, go outside and call the grid operator (0800 9009) – they will shut off the gas. If the carbon monoxide alarm goes off or someone experiences headache, nausea or dizziness, go outside and call 112. Once it is safe again, call us on 070 783 0224: we will check the boiler and resolve the cause before you use it again.
Would you like to schedule a service? On our boiler servicing page you can read how we arrange this.
Related services
Need help? View the related service or call us directly.
Good to know
Short answers to questions we're often asked.
Pressure loss means that water is escaping from the system somewhere, for example at a radiator, coupling or the boiler. Topping up once is fine, but if it keeps coming back there is a leak. Detection and repair are then necessary.
When cold, most central heating systems are around 1.5 bar. If the pointer is much lower, top up carefully. If it keeps dropping after topping up, call in a tradesman.
Yes. In the event of failure during the heating season, we handle breakdowns as a priority. Call 070 783 0224.
Need help in The Hague or the Randstad?
Feel free to call us for advice or an appointment. In emergencies we're available 24/7.
Need help straight away? Our technicians in The Hague and surrounding area can help you via central heating boiler — call 070 783 0224.