Key Takeaways
- A boiler service is a comprehensive inspection and maintenance procedure performed by a certified gas engineer, designed to ensure the optimum performance, safety, and efficiency of the boiler.
- A Gas Safety Certificate is a legal requirement in the UK for landlords, demonstrating that all gas appliances, fittings, and flues provided for tenants are safe.
- Though they might seem similar, a boiler service and a gas safety check are fundamentally different. While both are essential for safety and efficiency, they have different scopes, purposes, and legal implications.
What is a Boiler Service?
A boiler service is a full-scale inspection and maintenance routine carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Its purpose is to ensure the boiler’s optimum performance, safety, and efficiency, which helps to prolong the boiler’s lifespan and prevent potential breakdowns.
So, what does a boiler service include?
Components of a Boiler Service
1. Visual Inspection
The engineer assesses the boiler and its controls to ensure they are operating correctly.
2. Inspection of Internal Parts
The casing of the boiler is removed to check the components inside, such as the heat exchanger, burner, and main injector.
3. Flue Check
The engineer checks if the flue is safely installed and no emissions are leaking.
4. Gas Pressure Check
The engineer ensures that the boiler is operating at the correct gas pressure.
5. Boiler Firing Up
The boiler is fired to identify any working faults.
6. Clean Up
All parts prone to dirt and blockage are cleaned up to prevent potential issues.
A boiler service certificate or boiler service report is then issued after the service, detailing the checks carried out.
This document is crucial as it validates the boiler warranty and can be valuable when selling the property.
What is a Gas Safety Check?
In contrast, a gas safety check, or a gas safety certificate, is a legal requirement in the UK for landlords, ensuring that all gas appliances, fittings, and associated flues provided for tenants are safe for use.
A gas safety check aims to protect tenants from potential gas leaks, which could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, explosions, or fires.
Elements of a Gas Safety Check
A gas safety check involves the following procedures:
1. Gas Appliances
Check for gas tightness. If any test points are available, standing and working pressure will be checked.
2. Burner Pressure/Gas Rate
The engineer checks against the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure it’s accurate.
3. Ventilation
Proper ventilation is essential to ensure harmful gases are safely expelled..
4. Flue Flow
The engineer will ensure there are no obstructions in the flues and chimneys.
5. Safety Devices
All safety devices are checked to ensure they are working correctly.
6. Investigation of any evidence of unsafe operation
If this is found, the engineer will fix the issue, or the appliance will be labelled “At Risk.”
A Gas Safety Certificate is then issued, recording all the checks done, making it an important document for landlords.
Is a Boiler Service and Gas Safety Check the Same?
While both boiler service and gas safety checks aim for safety and efficiency, they serve different purposes and have different legal implications. Let’s dive into their key differences.
Scope
A gas safety check focuses on the safety aspects of a boiler and any other gas appliances in the property, such as a gas stove or gas fireplace.
It checks whether the appliances are operating safely and whether they pose any risks, like gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning.
On the other hand, a boiler service is a more in-depth check of the boiler alone, ensuring that every part of it operates efficiently and effectively, and maintaining it for optimal performance.
Legal Obligation
In the UK, landlords are legally obliged to carry out an annual gas safety check.
A Gas Safety Certificate must be provided to tenants within 28 days of this check and given to new tenants before they move in.
Failure to comply can result in heavy fines or imprisonment.
Contrarily, while a boiler service is recommended annually, it is not legally required.
However, it might be necessary to maintain the manufacturer’s warranty.
Costs of Boiler Servicing and Gas Safety Certification
When it comes to maintaining the safety and efficiency of your property’s heating systems, it’s important to factor in the costs of annual boiler servicing and gas safety certification.
Here, we outline what you can typically expect to pay for each.
Boiler Servicing Costs
The cost of a boiler service can vary considerably, depending largely on your location within the UK and the specific company or engineer you choose to undertake the service.
As a general rule, you can expect to pay anywhere between £60 to £120 for a standard boiler service. Having a Boiler cover plan can also reduce the cost of servicing a boiler.
| Service Type | Cost Range (£) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Boiler Service | 60 – 120 | Includes inspection, cleaning, minor part replacement. Significant parts and labour cost extra. |
| Boiler Cover Plan | 9 – 13 per month | Many plans include an annual boiler service as part of the package. |
Gas Safety Certificate Costs
Landlords are legally obliged to hold a current Gas Safety Certificate, and this must be renewed on an annual basis.
The cost of obtaining a Gas Safety Certificate, or CP12, can again vary.
On average, a Gas Safety Certificate inspection for a property with one appliance (usually the boiler) will cost around £60 to £80.
Some companies offer landlord cover plans, which for a monthly or annual fee, which cover the cost of the annual Gas Safety Certificate inspection among other benefits.
| Service Type | Cost Range (£) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate for 1 Appliance | 60 – 80 | Price varies depending on the number of appliances and location within the UK. |
| Each Additional Appliance | 10 – 20 | Addition to the total cost for each extra appliance. |
| Landlord Cover Plan | Varies | Covers the cost of the annual Gas Safety Certificate inspection, among other benefits. Particularly cost-effective for multiple properties or appliances. |
Legal Obligations for Landlords (Gas Safety Checks and Boiler Servicing)
UK landlords have a legal responsibility under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 to maintain gas appliances.
They are required to have annual gas safety checks done on every gas appliance/flue. These checks must be conducted by a Gas Safe Registered engineer.
A Landlord should provide new tenants with a copy of the gas safety check record before they move in and to existing tenants within 28 days of the annual check.
They must also maintain a record of each safety check for two years.
Although landlords are not legally obliged to get a boiler service done, regular maintenance helps prevent potential issues, keeping the boiler running efficiently and safely, which is beneficial for both landlords and tenants.
The Differences between Residential and Commercial Rented Properties
While the fundamentals of boiler services and gas safety checks remain the same, the context of residential and commercial properties brings about different considerations.
In residential properties, landlords must provide a Gas Safety Certificate to the tenants, ensuring all gas appliances, pipework, and flues are safe.
As for boiler services, while not a legal obligation, it is beneficial for landlords to maintain the heating system’s efficiency and lifespan.
Commercial rented properties, on the other hand, often have more complex heating systems due to the size and usage of the building.
This might involve multiple boilers, more extensive pipework, and additional appliances, leading to more elaborate servicing requirements.
However, the legal obligation to perform an annual gas safety check and provide a certificate remains the same.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do you get a gas certificate with a boiler service?
No, a gas safety certificate and a boiler service are two separate procedures.
A gas safety certificate is issued after a successful gas safety check, ensuring all gas appliances and fittings are safe.
On the other hand, a boiler service certificate is provided after a thorough boiler service, showing the boiler is operating efficiently.
Should I get any certificate when my boiler is serviced?
Yes, after your boiler has been serviced, you should receive a boiler service certificate or a boiler service report.
This document outlines the work done on the boiler and shows that it has been serviced correctly, which is necessary to keep your warranty valid.
Conclusion
Understanding the distinction between a boiler service and a gas safety certificate is crucial, especially for landlords, to ensure safety, efficiency, and legal compliance.
Regular boiler servicing and mandatory annual gas safety checks are critical in maintaining the wellbeing of tenants, the longevity of gas appliances, and the security of your property [investment]..
With the awareness of what each process entails and the importance of each, landlords and homeowners can ensure that their properties are safe, energy-efficient, and legally compliant.
Remember, it’s not just about meeting legal obligations; it’s about ensuring the safety and comfort of all occupants in a property.
If you have a home or properties in London that require an annual boiler service, our fully qualified engineers will be more than happy to help. Get in touch today.
