Your boiler works hard all year round to keep your home warm and provide hot water on demand. Yet many homeowners only think about their boiler when something goes wrong. At Innovation NW - Plumbing and Gas Safe Engineers, we can't stress enough how important an annual boiler service is – not just for your boiler's performance, but for your family's safety and your wallet too.

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Legal Requirements You Need to Know

If you're a landlord in Blackburn with Darwen or anywhere in the North West, annual gas safety checks aren't optional – they're a legal requirement. You must have all gas appliances, including boilers, checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer like Innovation NW - Plumbing and Gas Safe Engineers.

Homeowners aren't legally required to service their boilers annually, but it's one of the smartest investments you can make in your property.

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Protecting Your Boiler Warranty

Most boiler manufacturers require annual servicing to keep your warranty valid. Skip a year, and you could find yourself facing a hefty repair bill that would have been covered under warranty. Modern boilers from brands like Baxi (which Innovation NW - Plumbing and Gas Safe Engineers are approved installers for) typically come with warranties of 7-12 years – but only if you maintain them properly.

When you consider that a new boiler can cost anywhere from £1,500 to £4,000+, protecting your warranty with a £80-120 annual service makes perfect financial sense.

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Safety First: Carbon Monoxide Prevention

This is perhaps the most crucial reason for annual servicing. A faulty boiler can produce carbon monoxide – an odourless, colourless gas that can be fatal. Every year, around 50 people die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in the UK, with hundreds more hospitalised.

During an annual service, our Gas Safe registered engineers check for any signs of carbon monoxide leaks, ensuring your boiler is burning gas safely and that flue gases are being properly expelled from your home.

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Efficiency and Energy Savings

A well-maintained boiler runs more efficiently, which means lower energy bills. Over time, boilers accumulate dust, debris, and limescale that can reduce efficiency by up to 15%. During a service, we clean internal components, check gas pressure, and ensure everything is running at optimal performance.

In the current energy climate, with rising gas prices affecting households across Blackburn with Darwen and beyond, every percentage point of efficiency matters. An annual service typically pays for itself through energy savings within the year.

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What Happens During an Annual Boiler Service?

When Innovation NW - Plumbing and Gas Safe Engineers service your boiler, we carry out comprehensive checks including:

Safety Inspections

• Testing for gas leaks
• Checking carbon monoxide levels
• Inspecting the flue and ventilation
• Examining gas pressure and flow rates

Performance Checks

• Testing all controls and safety devices
• Checking the heat exchanger for corrosion or blockages
• Inspecting internal components for wear
• Ensuring the boiler is cycling correctly

Cleaning and Maintenance

• Cleaning the burner and internal components
• Checking and topping up system pressure
• Testing the condensate drain (on condensing boilers)
• Lubricating moving parts where necessary

Documentation

• Providing you with a service record
• Noting any potential issues for future monitoring
• Offering advice on system improvements or upgrades

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When Should You Book Your Annual Service?

The best time to service your boiler is during the warmer months – typically between May and September. This timing offers several advantages:

• Availability: Engineers are less busy, so you can book at your convenience
• Early Problem Detection: Any issues can be resolved before the heating season begins
• Peace of Mind: You'll know your boiler is ready for the colder months ahead
• Better Pricing: Some companies offer summer discounts when demand is lower

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Warning Signs Between Services

Even with annual servicing, keep an eye out for these warning signs that might indicate your boiler needs immediate attention:

• Yellow or orange flames instead of blue
• Black marks or staining around the boiler
• Unusual smells or sounds
• Pilot light frequently going out
• Increased energy bills without explanation
• Reduced hot water or heating performance

If you notice any of these signs, don't wait for your next annual service – contact Innovation NW - Plumbing and Gas Safe Engineers immediately.

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The Cost of Neglect

Skipping annual services might seem like a short-term saving, but the long-term costs can be significant:

• Breakdown Repairs: Emergency call-outs typically cost £150-300+ before any parts or major work
• Reduced Lifespan: An unserviced boiler may last 8-10 years instead of 15-20 years
• Higher Energy Bills: Poor efficiency can add hundreds to your annual heating costs
• Insurance Issues: Some home insurance policies require annual servicing
• Safety Risks: The potential cost to your family's health is immeasurable

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Book Your Annual Service Today

At Innovation NW - Plumbing and Gas Safe Engineers, we make boiler servicing straightforward. Our booking system provides confirmation and reminders, and with someone always available in our office, scheduling couldn't be easier. As a family-run business with decades of combined experience, we treat every home like our own.

We're Gas Safe registered, DBS checked, and as CARE Network Trusted Traders, we've been independently vetted for your peace of mind. Whether you have a budget boiler or a premium model, we service all brands to the highest standards.

Don't leave your family's comfort, safety, and your wallet to chance. An annual boiler service is a small price to pay for the assurance that your heating system is safe, efficient, and reliable.

Contact Innovation NW - Plumbing and Gas Safe Engineers today to book your annual boiler service. Because when it comes to your home's heating, prevention is always better than cure.