It might feel far too early to start thinking about your central heating while the weather is still warm, but late summer is actually an excellent time to arrange your annual boiler service.
At 24/7 Trades, we provide boiler servicing and heating services throughout our local area, including Redbridge, Clayhall, Hainault, Chigwell, Woodford Green, Buckhurst Hill and Loughton, covering postcodes IG4 through to IG10.
Rather than waiting until the first cold spell of the year — when suddenly everyone remembers their boiler again — having it checked beforehand gives you the opportunity to make sure everything is operating correctly before you actually need to rely on it.
How Often Should You Have Your Boiler Serviced?
For most domestic gas boilers, an annual service is recommended.
The Health and Safety Executive strongly advises homeowners to have gas appliances, flues and pipework regularly maintained and gas appliances serviced at least annually by a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer.
Your boiler manufacturer may also specify its own servicing requirements, particularly where the appliance is still covered by a manufacturer’s warranty, so it is always worth checking the documentation supplied with your boiler.
An annual service isn’t just about dealing with an existing problem. It is an opportunity for an engineer to inspect the boiler while it is operating, check its condition and identify anything that may require attention.
Why Book a Boiler Service Before Autumn?
There is a fairly simple reason: your boiler is much less critical to you in August than it will be in November.
During warmer weather, many boilers spend months doing little more than producing domestic hot water. Once temperatures start falling, the central heating is suddenly expected to run for hours every day.
If there is an underlying problem, that is often when it becomes noticeable.
By arranging your service before autumn, you have time to deal with any maintenance or repair recommendations without the pressure of having a cold house while you wait for something to be fixed.
It also gives you a chance to switch the heating on before the colder weather arrives and make sure the rest of the system is behaving as it should.
What Happens During a Boiler Service?
Exactly what is required can vary depending on the make, model and condition of the boiler, and servicing should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
As part of an effective maintenance programme, the HSE says consideration should be given to the physical condition and safe operation of the appliance, its flue, ventilation and associated installation, together with appropriate performance testing and any necessary remedial action.
During a boiler service, your engineer will therefore inspect and test the appliance and look for anything that could affect its safe or reliable operation.
Depending on the boiler and its servicing requirements, this can include examining its components, checking the flue and combustion, looking for deterioration, leaks or corrosion and checking that the appliance is operating correctly.
If anything requires further work, your engineer can explain what has been found and what action is recommended.
Can a Boiler Still Work Even if Something Is Wrong?
Yes.
One of the common misconceptions with heating systems is that if the boiler turns on and produces hot water, everything must be fine.
Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case.
Some developing issues won’t immediately stop a boiler from operating. Wear, deterioration or incorrect combustion can potentially become apparent during proper inspection and testing before they result in a complete breakdown.
That is one of the reasons regular maintenance is worthwhile rather than simply waiting until the boiler stops working.
A Boiler Service Is Not the Same as a Gas Safety Inspection
This is particularly important for landlords and property managers.
A boiler service and a Gas Safety Inspection are related, but they aren’t the same thing.
A service is focused on maintaining the appliance in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements and checking its operation and condition.
A landlord’s gas safety check is a statutory safety inspection covering relevant gas appliances and flues provided within a rented property.
The HSE specifically warns that you shouldn’t automatically assume an annual service includes all the requirements of a gas safety check, or that carrying out a gas safety check alone provides all of the maintenance an appliance may require.
If you’re a landlord, we can advise you on what is required for your property and arrange the appropriate inspection and servicing.
Why Must Gas Boiler Work Be Carried Out by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer?
Gas work in domestic properties must be undertaken by someone who is appropriately Gas Safe registered and competent for the type of appliance they are working on.
Gas Safe engineers carry an identification card showing their registration details and the categories of gas work they are qualified to carry out. Consumers are encouraged to check this before allowing gas work to begin.
24/7 Trades provides gas and boiler work using Gas Safe registered engineers, alongside our wider plumbing, heating, electrical and property-maintenance services. Our current service information also includes fixed-price boiler servicing with a digital certificate issued following the service.
Don’t Forget About the Rest of Your Heating System
The boiler is only one part of your central heating system.
Before autumn is also a good opportunity to switch the heating on and check things such as whether all of your radiators heat correctly, whether any thermostatic radiator valves have become stuck over the summer, whether the system pressure remains stable and whether your heating controls and thermostat are operating properly.
If some rooms take much longer to warm up than others, radiators remain cold in certain areas or the system is noisy, it may indicate that further investigation or system balancing is needed.
Finding this out now is much better than discovering it on the first genuinely cold evening of the year.
Boiler Servicing Across IG4–IG10
We’re locally based and provide heating and boiler services throughout the surrounding area.
Our regular service area includes Redbridge (IG4), Clayhall (IG5), Hainault and Barkingside (IG6), Chigwell (IG7), Woodford Green (IG8), Buckhurst Hill (IG9) and Loughton (IG10).
Being local means our engineers are regularly working throughout these areas carrying out boiler servicing, heating repairs, radiator work, controls, plumbing maintenance and other property repairs.
So whether you’re looking for a boiler service in Ilford, a Gas Safe engineer in Hainault or help with your heating in Chigwell, Woodford Green, Buckhurst Hill or Loughton, our team can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have my boiler serviced?
Generally, once a year. You should also check your boiler manufacturer’s servicing requirements, particularly if the appliance is under warranty.
Does my boiler have to be serviced in winter?
No. In fact, servicing it before the colder weather arrives can be a sensible option because you aren’t as reliant on the heating system while the work is being carried out.
How long does a boiler service take?
This depends on the boiler, its condition and what the manufacturer’s servicing instructions require. If an issue is discovered that needs additional investigation or repair, your engineer will discuss this with you.
Will a boiler service guarantee that my boiler won’t break down?
No service can guarantee that a mechanical appliance will never develop a fault. Regular servicing can, however, provide an opportunity to identify deterioration or problems that require attention before they develop further.
Do you provide boiler servicing in Chigwell and Loughton?
Yes. We cover the surrounding IG4–IG10 postcode area, including Chigwell, Woodford Green, Buckhurst Hill and Loughton as well as Hainault, Clayhall and Redbridge.
Can you service my boiler and carry out other heating repairs at the same property?
Yes. 24/7 Trades provides plumbing and heating services, so if you also have issues with radiators, valves, thermostats, heating controls or other parts of the system, let us know when arranging your appointment.
Get Your Heating Ready Before Autumn
Your boiler might be the last thing on your mind while the weather is warm — and that’s precisely why now can be a good time to deal with it.
A relatively simple annual service now could mean going into autumn knowing your boiler has been professionally inspected before you start relying on it every day.
If your annual boiler service is due, or you’re not sure when it was last completed, get in touch with 24/7 Trades and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment.
📞 020 8501 0175
24/7 Trades Ltd
Tradespeople you can trust.
Serving Redbridge, Clayhall, Hainault, Chigwell, Woodford Green, Buckhurst Hill, Loughton and surrounding areas.