When does a new boiler need its first service?

You could be forgiven for thinking that a new boiler won't require servicing. But, regardless of age, any gas boiler will require regular servicing to keep it in tip-top form.

Servicing isn't simply about fixing problems with your new boiler, and it's also about picking up on symptoms that, if left unresolved, could spell trouble a little later down the line. As the old saying goes, 'prevention is better than a cure, and nothing could be more true for boilers.

Both the general performance as well as the efficiency levels are likely to drop over the years. Still, a regular boiler service, alongside replacing old and worn parts, will almost certainly extend the life of your boiler by many years.

On average, many boilers will come with a standard warranty of five years. Still, the warranty could be longer depending on the boiler's brand. There is one major stipulation for warranties; however, the boiler must be serviced regularly if a warranty remains valid.

But, when does a brand new boiler require its very first service?

When does a boiler need its first service and how often after that?

In most cases, the first boiler service needs to be carried out one year after any new boiler has been installed. After this time, it is recommended to service your boiler yearly.

But why?

• Preventing Carbon Monoxide poisoning-
  Carbon Monoxide is an odorless gas, resulting from a leak within a gas appliance. It can only be detected by alarms, and if exposed to long enough, can be fatal.
• Keep your boiler warranty valid-
  Most manufacture warranties stipulate that your boiler should be maintained by means of regular servicing.
• Maintain a high level of efficiency for your boiler-
  A poorly maintained boiler could cost you more in utility bills. A happy boiler is a cheaper to run boiler!

For this reason alone, boiler servicing is an essential part of life with a boiler which should never be put off - when it's time for a service, make sure you don't delay.

If you think there is a gas leak present or are worried about a carbon monoxide leak, evacuate the property immediately and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.

What does an annual boiler service involve?

With your boiler reaching its first anniversary, you will be wondering what a boiler service includes.

We have an in-depth guide on what does a boiler service include, but for this article, we've highlighted below what will take place during each annual gas boiler service.

• General inspection - A visual inspection will be the first thing your engineer performs.
• Pressure and flue check Once the visual check has been completed, and it is safe to do so, the engineer will begin with a series of checks to ensure that the boiler runs safely.
• Cleaning of essential parts - An engineer will clean certain parts of your boiler, to allow them to function at their optimal level. 
• Expansion vessel check 
• Component checks - Your engineer will inspect any electrical connections and check the fans and seals to ensure they are adequately maintained. 
• Final safety checks - Finally, your gas engineer will restart your boiler to check that everything is running as it should be, ensuring there are no unusual boiler noises, and your hotwater and radiators are getting warm.

For more information on boiler serving, we have detailed guides on boiler service costs, and how often should a boiler be serviced.