Your boiler is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home, providing heating and hot water day in, day out. Yet many homeowners put off servicing, either to save money or simply because it slips down the to-do list.
But what really happens if you skip your annual boiler service? The answer is: potentially more than you think. From safety concerns to higher bills, missing a yearly check could cost you in the long run.
1. You Could Put Your Safety at Risk
One of the biggest dangers of not servicing your boiler is the risk to your household’s safety. A poorly maintained boiler can develop faults that may lead to:
- Gas leaks – dangerous and costly if not detected.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning – a colourless, odourless gas that can be fatal.
- Faulty combustion – where the boiler doesn’t burn fuel safely or efficiently.
A Gas Safe registered engineer will check all safety-critical components during a service, ensuring your boiler is running as it should.
2. Higher Energy Bills
Over time, dust, soot, and limescale can build up inside your boiler. Without regular cleaning and adjustment, your system has to work harder, using more fuel to produce the same amount of heat.
Skipping your service could mean rising gas bills – a false economy compared to the relatively low cost of annual maintenance. For more on this, see our guide to boiler efficiency.
3. Increased Risk of Breakdowns
Minor issues, such as worn seals, loose connections, or low pressure, can easily be spotted during a service. Left unchecked, they may escalate into serious faults, leaving you without heating or hot water when you need it most.
In fact, many winter callouts for boiler breakdowns could have been prevented with routine servicing. Our post on common boiler problems and how to fix them highlights some of the most frequent issues.
4. You Might Invalidate Your Warranty
If your boiler is still under warranty, you’re usually required to have it serviced annually by a qualified engineer. Skip a service, and you could lose your cover.
That means if the boiler breaks down, you’ll be footing the full repair or replacement bill yourself – even if the fault would have been covered under warranty.
5. Shorter Boiler Lifespan
Boilers are designed to last for years, but only if properly maintained. Regular servicing helps to keep everything in good working order, extending the life of your system. Without it, wear and tear will take its toll faster, meaning you’ll be looking at a costly replacement sooner.
For guidance on when a new system might be needed, check out 7 signs you need to replace your boiler.
Protect Your Home with an Annual Service
At NJ Lees Heating & Plumbing, we provide professional boiler servicing across West Sussex, including Worthing, Littlehampton, Rustington, Shoreham-by-Sea, and the surrounding areas. All of our engineers are Gas Safe registered and experienced in working with all major boiler brands.
Don’t risk the cost, inconvenience, and danger of skipping your service.
Book your boiler service with NJ Lees today and enjoy peace of mind all year round.