ATAG Boiler Service & Maintenance
ATAG offer one of the longest standard warranties on their boilers of an impressive 10 years, but even the best boilers don't last forever.
To help your ATAG boiler stay on top form for as long as possible (and to keep the 10 year warranty valid) you need to get it serviced every year by a Gas Safe heating engineer.
What is a boiler service?
Just as you would service your car to keep it running smoothly and catch wear and tear, you should also service your boiler every year. During a boiler service a Gas Safe* engineer will check that your boiler is operating efficiently, effectively and safely.
ATAG boilers need to be serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This is a heating engineer who is registered on the UK's official list of engineers legally allowed to work on gas appliances. You should always ask to see their Gas Safe ID card when they arrive to service your boiler and use the Gas Safe register website to check their ID number.
*If you have an oil boiler the service should be carried out by an OFTEC registered engineer.
Why it’s important to service your ATAG boiler
Safety
During a boiler service the engineer will check that everything is working safely and there are no potential risks. For example, a boiler which is not correctly burning its fuel may leak the potentially deadly gas carbon monoxide.
Keep heating Bills Low
An efficient boiler will use less fuel to heat your home which means your energy bills will be lower. An annual service ensures the boiler is in the best possible condition so it can work at maximum efficiency for longer.
Catch problems early
The smallest fault can cause a very expensive a breakdown if it's not caught early. The annual boiler service gives the engineer the opportunity to identify components failing or may need replacing in the near future.
Don't lose Out on the warranty
A boiler's warranty is the period in which the manufacturer guarantees to cover the cost of any repairs needed during that time. All ATAG domestic boilers come with a 10 year warranty for all parts and labour as standard which is a great sign of how much faith the company has in their design. However, to keep the warranty valid for the full 10 years, it needs to be serviced on an annual basis by a Gas Safe engineer.
Boiler service checklist
An ATAG boiler service by a competent Gas Safe engineer should last at least 30 minutes but this may vary depending type of boiler you have and if they come across any faults that need fixing. The engineer will carry out some efficiency and safety checks and ensure no components need replacing. During the service the engineer will usually:
- Check the boiler over visually to for signs of damage like corrosion or leaks. The engineer will also check that the pilot light is blue which means it is burning its fuel completely.
- Remove the boiler casing to clean and check the internal components are still in good working condition, e.g. the heat exchanger, burner, main injector, safety devices and spark probe.
- Make sure that the flue terminals aren't cluttered and are clear of obstruction. They will also check that the flues are fitted safely and that seals and pipework are intact.
- Check the pressure gauge and flow settings are set at the correct level.
- Start the boiler up again to look for any faults with the way the boiler or temperature controls are working.
- Provide you with a report detailing what checks they've carried out and any repairs that were needed. There may be extra charges for the repairs but if you don't understand anything on the report the engineer will be able to explain.
ATAG boiler service costs
You should expect to pay between £60 – £120 for a boiler service but this may differ slightly depending on where you live in the UK and what type of boiler it is. In addition, if it's older and needs repairs or new parts this will add to the cost.
It's often possible to save money on the cost of a boiler service by getting it taken care of in the summer rather than the winter. This also means you can get any small problems taken care of before the really cold weather hits and you're relying on your boiler for heating and hot water.
Remember... NEVER try to carry out a boiler service by yourself – always find a Gas Safe registered boiler engineer.
Boiler service plans
Some people may be deterred from booking an annual boiler service as they can't afford the lump sum payment. If this is the case for you, you might want to consider a boiler service plan. These plans mean the service cost is broken down into smaller monthly payments over the course of a year. When all the payments are added up this is a more expensive way of paying for a service but it can make it more affordable for some.
For owners of boilers which are 8 or more years old and no longer under a manufacturer's warranty, a boiler cover and service plan can give great peace of mind that they won't face repair costs should the boiler break down.
Boiler maintenance
As well as the annual service, there are some other things you can do to keep your ATAG boiler working as efficiently as possible. Here is some simple boiler maintenance you can do yourself.
Insulate Your Pipes
Frozen pipes can cause blockages which can lead to increased pressure, leaks and complete breakdown. You can easily insulate pipes with lagging such as mineral or glass wool, polyethylene or foam.
Monitor the pressure
Boiler pressure should sit between 1 and 1.5 bar; if it's too low the boiler will struggle to fire and if it's too high it can cause damage. You can adjust the pressure yourself using your manufacturer's instruction manual but if you're unsure it's always best to get a professional engineer to help.
Keep the boiler ventilated
To run safely the boiler and the flue need space around them for ventilation. This will also make access to the boiler for maintenance, servicing and repairs much easier.
Insulate your home
If heat is escaping through window seals, letterboxes, chimneys or other draughts your boiler is having to work harder to keep you cosy. In the long run this is going to increase wear and tear on the boiler and it may not live as long.
Book your next ATAG service!
These checks are the things you should be doing to help you boiler do its job as well as possible, but none are a substitute for an annual service by a Gas Safe engineer.
Need an ATAG boiler service?
To ensure you're paying a fair price for your boiler service you should compare prices from at least 2 or 3 different heating companies. This can be done quickly and easily by using our free service to find quotes.
Simply complete our form, tell us what you need and we'll find up to 3 Gas Safe engineers in your area who will provide their best boiler service quotes. It's up to you which quote you choose and you're under no obligation to accept any of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does a boiler need service?
Servicing your boiler ensures that your boiler runs smoothly and that you can catch possible problems early on.
How often should a boiler be serviced?
A boiler should be serviced every year. A service once a year will leave you with the security that your boiler is working at its best.
How long does a service last?
A full boiler service will last about 30 minutes. During this, the engineer will run some efficiency and security checks and make sure that no components need replacing.
