Understanding Your Boiler Service

When Heat Excel's engineers service your boiler, you might wonder what actually happens during that hour or so we spend checking your heating system. With over 20 years of combined experience across the Southwest, we follow a thorough process to keep your boiler safe, efficient, and reliable.

Here's exactly what we check during every boiler service and why it matters for your home.

Safety First: Initial Checks

Before we start any technical work, we make sure everything is safe.

We check that nothing is stored too close to your boiler that could be dangerous. Garden tools, boxes, or cleaning products need to be moved away from the boiler area. We also make sure your carbon monoxide detector is working – this could save your life.

Our engineers test that we can safely turn off your gas, water, and electricity if needed during the service. This keeps everyone safe while we work.

Looking at Your Boiler: Visual Inspection

We examine your boiler inside and out, looking for any signs of problems.

On the outside, we check for rust, water stains, or damage that might show your boiler has internal problems. We look at all the pipes, connections, and the flue (the pipe that takes fumes outside).

What we're looking for:

• Leaks or water damage
• Rust or corrosion
• Loose connections
• Blocked vents or flues
• Any signs of wear and tear

In coastal areas like Burnham-on-Sea and Weston-super-Mare, salt air can cause faster rusting, so we pay extra attention to this.

Inside Your Boiler: The Important Parts

We open up your boiler to check the parts you can't see – the ones that keep it running safely.

The most important part is the heat exchanger – this transfers heat from the gas flame to warm your water. We check it's clean and not damaged. We also look at the burner (where the gas burns) and the fan that brings in air and takes out fumes.

Key parts we inspect:

• Heat exchanger for blockages or damage
• Gas burner and flame
• Fan and air systems
• Ignition system
• Internal pipes and connections

These parts need to work perfectly for your boiler to be safe and efficient.

Testing How Well Your Boiler Burns Gas

This is the technical bit that shows whether your boiler is working properly.

Using special equipment, we measure what comes out of your flue. This tells us if your boiler is burning gas cleanly and safely. We're checking that no dangerous carbon monoxide is being produced and that your boiler isn't wasting gas.

If the measurements aren't right, we can often adjust your boiler to make it work better. Sometimes parts need cleaning or replacing.

This testing needs professional equipment – it's not something you can do yourself, but it's one of the most important parts of the service.

Gas Pressure Checks

Your boiler needs exactly the right gas pressure to work safely.

We use special gauges to check that your boiler is getting the right amount of gas at the right pressure. Too much or too little pressure can make your boiler work poorly or even be dangerous.

Our Vaillant, Glowworm, and Viessmann training means we know exactly what pressure each type of boiler needs. We can adjust this if necessary.

Electrical and Control Testing

Modern boilers have lots of electrical parts and safety systems that need checking.

We test all the electrical connections and make sure the safety systems work properly. For example, we check that your boiler shuts down safely if something goes wrong.

We test:

• Thermostat and timer controls
• Safety switches
• Pump operation
• Ignition system
• Display and warning systems

All these need to work correctly for your boiler to be safe and reliable.

Water System Checks

We check the water pressure and quality in your heating system.

Your boiler needs the right water pressure to heat your home properly. Too high or too low pressure causes problems. We also check that water is circulating properly around your radiators.

In Southwest areas with hard water, we look for limescale buildup that can damage your boiler over time.

Flue and Ventilation Safety

Making sure dangerous gases go outside safely is crucial.

We check that your flue (the pipe taking fumes outside) is working properly and not blocked. We also make sure your boiler has enough fresh air to burn gas safely.

Important flue checks:

• No blockages or damage
• Proper connection to your boiler
• Fumes going outside, not into your home
• Adequate ventilation for safe operation

These checks prevent carbon monoxide poisoning – they're literally lifesavers.

Cleaning and Adjusting for Efficiency

We clean important parts and make adjustments to keep your boiler running efficiently.

Over time, parts get dirty and need cleaning. We clean the burner, heat exchanger, and other components to keep your boiler working at its best. We also make small adjustments based on our tests to improve efficiency.

These improvements can reduce your energy bills by making your boiler use less gas to heat your home.

Manufacturer-Specific Knowledge

Different boiler brands need different care – our accreditations mean we know what each one needs.

Heat Excel's training with Vaillant, Glowworm, and Viessmann means we understand your specific boiler model. We follow the manufacturer's exact service requirements and use the right parts if anything needs replacing.

This keeps your warranty valid and ensures your boiler gets the care it was designed for.

What You Get: Service Records and Advice

We give you clear documentation of what we've found and any recommendations.

After the service, you get a report explaining what we checked, what we found, and any suggestions for keeping your boiler in good condition. We explain everything in plain English – no confusing technical jargon.

Your service record includes:

• Safety check confirmations
• Efficiency test results
• Any issues we found
• Recommendations for future care
• Next service due date

Why Professional Service Matters

Boiler servicing isn't DIY – it needs professional skills and equipment.

The checks we do require specialist tools, training, and legal Gas Safe registration. Our 20+ years of experience means we spot problems that others might miss.

Regular professional servicing prevents most breakdowns, keeps your energy bills down, and ensures your family's safety. It's much cheaper than emergency repairs or boiler replacement.

Coastal Considerations

Southwest coastal properties face extra challenges from salt air and weather.

Properties in areas like Portishead and Weston-super-Mare need extra attention because salt air causes faster corrosion. Our local experience means we know what to look for and how to protect your system.

Your Investment in Safety and Savings

An annual boiler service is one of the best investments you can make in your home.

For the cost of a service, you get:

• Safety assurance for your family
• Maintained efficiency to keep energy bills down
• Prevention of expensive breakdowns
• Extended boiler life
• Valid warranty protection

Heat Excel's comprehensive service approach ensures you get maximum value from this investment.

What Happens Next?

After your service, we'll explain anything you need to know and book your next annual service.

If we find any issues, we'll explain what they mean and how urgent they are. Most problems we identify aren't emergencies – they're things to watch or plan for in the future.

We'll also remind you when your next service is due, so you don't have to remember.

Trust Heat Excel for Professional Service

With Gas Safe registration, manufacturer accreditations, and local Southwest experience, Heat Excel provides the thorough, honest service your boiler needs.

We take the time to do the job properly, explain what we find, and give you transparent advice with no hidden costs. Your boiler service is an investment in your family's comfort and safety – make sure it's done right.

Contact Heat Excel on 01934 784 046 or email info@heatexcel.co.uk to book your annual boiler service. Don't wait until winter – book now and ensure your heating system is ready when you need it most.