If you run a business, you probably don’t think about your boiler much – until it breaks down on the coldest day of the year. Commercial boilers keep offices, shops, schools, and other buildings warm and supplied with hot water. But here’s the thing: they need regular check-ups to keep working properly.
So how often should you actually service your commercial boiler? Let me break it down for you.
The Legal Stuff You Need to Know
In the UK, you don’t really have a choice about this. The law says you have to keep your commercial boiler maintained properly under the Gas Safety Regulations from 1998. If you’re a business owner, landlord, or manage a property, you’re legally responsible for making sure the boiler is safe for anyone who uses the building.
The basic rule is simple: get your commercial boiler serviced at least once a year by someone who’s Gas Safe registered. This isn’t just a good idea – it’s actually required by law in most commercial buildings, especially if you have employees or tenants.
Why You Should Actually Care About Annual Servicing
I know, I know – it’s another expense and another thing to remember. But here’s why it matters:
Safety is the big one. Faulty boilers can leak gas or produce carbon monoxide, which can seriously hurt people. Getting it checked regularly helps prevent these scary situations.
It saves you money. A boiler that’s been serviced runs better and uses less energy. That means lower bills and fewer expensive repairs down the line. If your current boiler is constantly giving you problems, it might be time to consider whether a replacement would actually be more cost-effective in the long run.
Your insurance might require it. Many insurance companies won’t pay out if something goes wrong and you haven’t been keeping up with servicing.
It lasts longer. Just like your car, a boiler that gets regular maintenance will keep going for years longer than one that’s ignored.
Some Places Need More Than One Service Per Year
While once a year is the minimum, some businesses should probably get their boiler checked twice a year. This includes:
- Hotels and gyms (they use loads of hot water all the time)
- Big office buildings (especially ones that need lots of heating in winter)
- Factories and manufacturing places (where the boiler runs constantly)
If your business falls into one of these categories, getting a mid-year service can help prevent breakdowns when you really can’t afford them. Don’t wait until something goes wrong – being proactive with maintenance is always cheaper than dealing with emergency repairs.
What Actually Happens During a Service?
When a Gas Safe engineer comes out, they’ll do things like:
- Look over the whole system for obvious problems
- Clean the important bits like burners and heat exchangers
- Test all the safety features to make sure they work
- Check the flue and ventilation
- Test gas pressure and how efficiently it’s running
- Spot potential problems before they turn into expensive disasters
A proper service should also include advice on whether your system is still fit for purpose or if you’d benefit from upgrading to something more efficient.
Don’t Forget About Gas Safety Certificates
If you’re a landlord or manage commercial property, you’ll also need your annual gas safety certificate. This is separate from servicing but equally important – and it’s something that should be done by qualified professionals who know exactly what they’re looking for.
The Bottom Line
Most businesses need their commercial boiler serviced once a year – that’s the law and it’s the smart thing to do. If you’re in a high-demand situation, twice a year is probably better.
Regular servicing keeps you on the right side of the law, keeps people safe, and saves you money in the long run. Plus, you won’t have to deal with the stress of your heating breaking down when you need it most.
One last thing: Make sure you only use Gas Safe registered engineers. They know what they’re doing and their work meets all the legal requirements. Don’t try to save money by using someone who isn’t properly qualified – it’s not worth the risk.
Need Your Commercial Boiler Serviced?
At ROMA Heating & Plumbing Services, we’re a family-run business with over 30 years of experience serving commercial and domestic customers across Milton Keynes and the wider South East. Our Gas Safe registered engineers handle everything from routine boiler servicing and repairs to full installations and upgrades.
Whether you need your annual service, emergency repairs, or you’re thinking about replacing an old system, we can help. We also provide gas safety certificates for landlords and offer flexible finance options for larger projects.
Don’t wait until your boiler lets you down. Get in touch today to book your service or discuss your heating needs. You can find us on Checkatrade and Trustpilot, where our customers regularly recommend our reliable, professional service.
