How Often Should a Commercial Boiler be Serviced?

In this guide, we’ll discuss how often your commercial boiler needs to be serviced and how you can stay legally compliant. 

What is the lifespan of a commercial boiler?

The lifespan of a commercial boiler is usually around 15 years. However, as with any kind of machinery, there are several factors that come into play with how long your commercial boiler will last, such as:

• How often your commercial boiler is serviced
• If your commercial boiler was correctly installed 
• The type of commercial boiler you have
• If your commercial boiler is the right size or correct type of boiler for your property

Is it a legal requirement to have your boiler serviced?

As a landlord or commercial property owner, it is your legal obligation to ensure your commercial boiler is serviced at least once a year. 

Not only is this to ensure everyone who visits or works in the property is kept safe, it is also to make sure if an accident were to happen, you’d be able to prove to your insurance company that you are legally compliant.

Commercial property owners who don’t comply with Gas Safety Regulations and fail to have their boiler serviced in the UK can face criminal charges. 

These charges can include the following 

• A fixed penalty notice 
• Termination of your business contract 
• Potential prison sentences if someone is injured due to non-compliance

How often should a commercial boiler be serviced?

Ideally, your commercial boiler should be serviced at least once a year. Commercial boilers can be especially susceptible to wear and tear due to their heavy usage on a daily basis. 

At Lacey Plumbing & Heating, we can create servicing plans to suit your businesses specific needs. After initially servicing your commercial boiler, we can suggest custom servicing time frames to meet the needs of your boiler. 

For example, if you have a boiler that is older than 10 years, or it has a particularly high usage, we may suggest a bi-annual service plan to ensure all the parts keep working as they should be. 

Signs that a commercial boiler needs a service

There are a few common warning signs that your commercial boiler needs servicing, and it’s a good idea to be aware of them so you know what to look out for. 

Unusual noises 

Your commercial boiler should run relatively quietly, so any unusual noises can signal potential issues that may require maintenance or repairs. 

Some common noises are:

• Banging or knocking 
• Whistling 
• Gurgling 

Visible leaks 

Leaking and/or pooling water around your commercial boiler is not a good sign and it indicates that repairs are necessary. 

Some potential causes of leaks include:

• Damaged seals
• Corrosion 
• Cracks in the heat exchanger

Poor efficiency 

If you notice a sudden or gradual increase in your energy consumption, it may be a sign that your commercial boiler system requires maintenance. 

What is the best time of year for a commercial boiler service?

The best time of year to have your commercial boiler serviced is in the months leading up to winter, such as August and September. This is because it is vital your boiler is ready for the cold months in which it will be in higher demand. 

Our specialist team can ensure any problems with your commercial boiler are fixed before the colder months begin, meaning you will be ready for an increase in usage. 

Although it is beneficial to have your boiler serviced in the summer months, it’s important that you are also prepared if an emergency occurs during the winter. 

Our team can provide commercial boiler repairs all year round, meaning you are covered through every season, no matter what the issue is.