The cost of gas fire servicing

16th June 2022

Gas fires are one of the best ways to heat your home but to keep them working safely, they require an annual service, carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Wondering what a gas fire service is? How it’s different from a gas safety check? Luckily for you, we’ve got the answers!

What is a gas fire service?

A gas fire service is a little different to annual gas safety checks. Essentially, it involves inspecting each part of an appliance to check everything is working safely and efficiently. Unlike yearly gas safety checks, a gas fire service is not a legal requirement for landlords. However, both landlords and homeowners will highly benefit from having their gas fires serviced.

Why is gas fire servicing important?

We hate to say it but all gas appliances fitted in the home pose a potential risk of producing carbon monoxide. This highly poisonous gas is created when natural gas or LPG (liquid petroleum gas) doesn’t burn correctly due to poor installation, a need for repair or a blocked flue or vent.

Other potential safety hazards include gas leaks, fires and explosions, hence why it’s so important to have your gas appliances, including your gas fire, checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Only engineers that are registered with Gas Safe and qualified to work on gas fires should carry out your safety checks. A Gas Safe registered engineer will give you peace of mind that upon completion of the service, your gas fire will be operating safely and to its optimal efficiency.

Keeping your gas fire under warranty

Ensuring the safety of your family or tenants is more than enough reason to have a gas fire safety check. However, it’s also worth noting that if your gas fire is under guarantee and you fail to have it serviced annually, it may invalidate its warranty. Some gas fire manufacturers now offer extended guarantees of up to 15 years, so it’s well worth ensuring you meet their requirements in terms of service.

Save money in the long run with a gas fire service

Although you will usually have to pay for a gas fire service (something we’ll discuss further in a moment), doing so can save you money in the long run. Having your gas fire serviced will highlight any small issues before they become more significant and expensive problems. Makes sense, right?

Servicing a gas fire may take an hour or two, but it’s time well spent. It will keep your gas fire in good working order and prolong its lifespan, ensuring you get greater value from your appliance. So to sum things up, gas fire servicing will help to keep your family safe, maintain your appliance’s warranty and save you money in the long run.

16th June 2022

What does gas fire servicing involve?

Now you know why gas fire servicing is essential, we’re sure you’re keen to hear what exactly is involved.

Remember, only Gas Safe Registered engineers can carry out a gas fire service. They should be fully trained and certified before they can begin to inspect both the physical condition and performance of your gas fire. The inspection will include:

• Making sure your gas fire has been installed correctly
• Checking it is suitable for the room it has been installed in
• Checking it is burning correctly at the right operating pressure
• Ensuring harmful gases are being safely removed and there is sufficient ventilation
• Testing all safety devices to ensure they are functioning properly
• Checking the flue to make sure it’s free from debris and blockages
• Highlighting any defects or issues and the required gas fire repairs

A reliable engineer will also give your gas fire a quick clean up as part of the gas fire safety check. A gas fire clean is likely to include clearing the gas jets, frets and frames, polishing the brass and giving the fire-proof coals or logs a quick re-spray.

How often do you need a gas fire service?

Most gas fire specialists and manufacturers will recommend that you have your appliance serviced annually. However, if you notice that something is wrong with your gas fire, including if it’s burning a yellow flame instead of blue, or if there’s black soot around your appliance, it’s important to get it checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer immediately. Do not wait for your annual gas safety check, as there could be a serious fault on your appliance that needs fixing straight away.

How much does a gas fire service cost?

Gas fire service costs will vary from one company to the next but will typically cost around £45-£60. It’s a good idea to get a few quotes to make sure you secure a fair price.

Some gas suppliers may offer gas safety checks free if you are a pensioner, registered as disabled or have a child under the age of 5 living in your property. It’s worth getting in touch with them and reading through the terms and conditions in your contract to find out for sure.

If you aren’t eligible for a free gas fire service, think about booking one in the summer. It’s usually the quietest time of year for gas fire service engineers, so they may be more inclined to offer you a discount! Plus it means you can get the service out the way and have peace of mind knowing your gas fire is ready to keep you warm through the winter.

Save money with home cover including gas fire protection

Do you have an existing home cover policy? It’s worth checking to see if you are entitled to a free gas fire check. Some policies may include annual gas appliance servicing, in addition to annual gas safety checks for homeowners and landlords.