Does a gas safety check include a boiler service?

Landlords often ask us if a boiler service is included with their gas safety check.

In short, the answer is no.

In this article, we’re going to explain what the differences are between a gas safety check and a boiler service.

And, most importantly, we’ll also tell you the TWO crucial things you need to know when it comes to your boiler’s guarantee.

So with that, let’s dive right in.

Do I need a gas safety check?

If you’re a landlord, it is a legal requirement to have a gas safety check at any property that you intend to let.

It is imperative that you have a Gas Safe Engineer carry out the checks so that you receive the proper legal certification.

If you’re a homeowner, you’re not legally obliged to have a gas safety check. However, we would always advise that you have your appliances checked regularly for safety purposes.

REMEMBER: Faulty gas appliances can result in harmful – and potentially fatal – gases like carbon monoxide escaping into your home. Hence, a qualified person needs to make sure your appliances are safe.

What does a gas safety check involve?

A gas safety check (or gas safety inspection) involves a Gas Safe Registered engineer checking all your gas appliances to make sure they’re working as they should. Your gas boiler, gas fire, and gas cooker will all be tested during the inspection.

The key thing to bear in mind here, however, is although your boiler is being checked to make sure it’s safe and secure, the checks are not as in-depth as those of a boiler service.

So, what is involved?

Well, during a gas safety check, your engineer will make sure:

• The gas is burning correctly;
• Your boiler is securely fitted and connected to the pipework;
• Your boiler has an adequate air supply;
• It is suitable for purpose in its current location;
• All safety devices are functioning;
• Your other gas appliances are working properly at the correct operating pressure; and
• The flues and chimneys are clear so that harmful gases are transferring cleanly outside the property.

What’s a Gas Safety Record?

A Gas Safety Record (also referred to as a CP12 or Gas Safety Certificate) is what your Gas Safe Engineer will present you with following the gas safety check. The image below is an example of a Gas Safety Record.

What does a Gas Safety Record show?

A Gas Safety Record will show the:

• Gas Engineer’s details, their Gas Safe Number and their signature;
• Address of the property where the check has been carried out;
• Name and address of the landlord or homeowner;
• Number of appliances that have been tested;
• Appliance details (make, model, location etc.);
• Results of the safety checks and if an appliance is safe to use;
• Defects that have been identified during the testing, if any;
• Remedial action that has been taken, if any; and
• Date the gas safety check was carried out.

So, why is a boiler service different?

A boiler service is a more in-depth check of your boiler than that of a gas safety check.

During a boiler service a Gas Safe Engineer will not only make sure your boiler complies with safety standards and regulations, but also:

• Inspect the boiler as per manufacturer guidelines (servicing requirements vary between makes and models);
• Remove the boiler casing, check the internal components, and also the effectiveness of the seals and gaskets;
• Look for signs of distress;
• Repair or replace any damaged parts;
• Clean away any dirt or debris in the system;
• Conduct a ‘gas tightness’ test to make sure there are no gas leaks; and
• Check that the flues are free from obstruction and properly sealed.

If any parts need to be repaired or replaced, there would normally be an additional charge.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this article has helped clarify the differences between a gas safety check and a boiler service.

In a nutshell, a boiler service will involve a thorough examination of your boiler and – as long as you’ve employed a Gas Safe company such as SDB to carry it out – it will satisfy your boiler’s guarantee.

However, as a landlord, you must have a gas safety check to ensure that all your appliances are safe and, therefore, your tenants are too.

More useful information

You can read more detailed information on the dangers of unsafe gas appliances by clicking this link.