Boilers are one of the most important appliances in the home, yet they’re also among the most misunderstood. Misinformation about boiler maintenance is everywhere—from neighbours, social media, and even well-meaning DIY enthusiasts. Unfortunately, believing these myths can lead to costly breakdowns, invalid warranties, and higher energy bills.
At Boiler Sure, we believe in giving homeowners accurate, reliable advice to keep their heating systems running safely and efficiently. In this blog, we’ll bust the most common boiler maintenance myths and set the record straight—so you can make informed decisions and avoid preventable problems.
Myth 1: “If it’s working fine, it doesn’t need a service.”
Truth: Even if your boiler seems to be working perfectly, it still needs an annual service.
Just like a car, a boiler requires routine checks to keep it running efficiently and safely. Internal components wear down over time, and minor faults can go unnoticed—until they cause a full breakdown.
Why it matters:
- Prevents carbon monoxide risks
- Detects leaks, corrosion, and pressure issues
- Maintains fuel efficiency
- Keeps the boiler within warranty terms
At Boiler Sure, our annual servicing includes a thorough inspection, safety tests, and cleaning—all completed by Gas Safe engineers.
Myth 2: “Servicing is just a money-making scam.”
Truth: A properly performed service is a genuine safeguard against costly repairs or dangerous failures.
Annual servicing isn’t just a box-ticking exercise—it identifies early signs of wear and keeps your system running efficiently. For example, catching a worn seal or faulty sensor early can save you hundreds in emergency repairs later.
Bonus: Regular servicing is often a condition of your boiler’s warranty. If you skip it, you may void your coverage—leaving you to foot the bill if something goes wrong.
Myth 3: “I can service my boiler myself to save money.”
Truth: DIY boiler servicing is illegal and unsafe unless you’re Gas Safe registered.
Boiler servicing involves working with gas, high-pressure systems, and potential carbon monoxide risks. Only a qualified, registered professional is legally allowed to perform these checks and issue a service certificate.
Trying to do it yourself could:
- Endanger your household
- Invalidate your home insurance
- Breach your boiler warranty
- Leave you without the correct paperwork for future property sales
Always check that your engineer is on the Gas Safe Register. At Boiler Sure, every technician is fully qualified and insured.
Myth 4: “Modern boilers don’t need servicing—they’re self-cleaning.”
Truth: While modern condensing boilers are highly efficient, they still require regular care.
Even the most advanced boilers accumulate soot, scale, and debris. Condensing boilers in particular produce condensate, which can cause blockages or corrosion in traps and pipes. Sensors and expansion vessels can also fail over time.
Skipping service on a modern boiler is like skipping oil changes on a new car—you might not see the problem immediately, but the long-term effects are serious.
Myth 5: “Bleeding the radiators fixes any heating issue.”
Truth: Bleeding radiators only addresses trapped air—not deeper problems in your boiler or system.
If your radiators are cold, patchy, or slow to warm up, the cause could be:
- Sludge build-up
- Circulation pump failure
- Thermostat problems
- Incorrect system pressure
Bleeding is a good first step, but if the issue persists, a professional diagnosis is needed. Boiler Sure engineers use thermal imaging and system diagnostics to get to the root cause—fast.
Myth 6: “A new boiler doesn’t need servicing for the first few years.”
Truth: Most new boiler warranties require annual servicing from day one.
If you skip a service—even in the first year—you could lose your warranty protection. Manufacturers like Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, and Ideal all include servicing clauses in their terms.
Boiler Sure will not only carry out your annual service but also provide a valid service certificate for your warranty and keep a record of all checks.
Myth 7: “You only need to call a professional when the boiler breaks down.”
Truth: Waiting until your boiler fails can be dangerous and expensive.
Preventative maintenance is far more affordable than reactive repairs. Routine checks help you avoid:
- Emergency call-out fees
- Prolonged downtime in winter
- Costly part replacements
- Damage to other parts of the heating system
Regular maintenance helps you spot small problems before they escalate—like a slight pressure loss or sensor fault—avoiding a full system shutdown.
Myth 8: “Boiler maintenance isn’t important in summer.”
Truth: Summer is actually the best time to get your boiler serviced.
You’re not relying on the heating system daily, so any disruption won’t impact your comfort. Plus, engineers are less busy during the warmer months, so you can usually get faster appointments and better pricing.
Servicing in summer also ensures your system is in peak condition when colder weather returns—avoiding breakdowns during the winter rush.
Myth 9: “All boiler engineers offer the same service.”
Truth: Not all engineers or companies are equal.
Some providers offer a basic “tick-box” inspection with limited testing, while others (like Boiler Sure) go much further, including:
- Flue and combustion analysis
- Gas pressure and safety checks
- Internal component inspection and cleaning
- Condensate trap clearing
- System pressure and expansion vessel checks
- Radiator balance recommendations
We provide a complete, honest service with no unnecessary upselling—just practical advice and dependable expertise.
Why Trust Boiler Sure for Your Maintenance Needs?
- Gas Safe Registered engineers with years of experience
- Comprehensive servicing that meets warranty standards
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Fast, friendly, and reliable local service
- 5★ customer satisfaction across boiler installs and repairs
Whether you have a new combi boiler, an older system model, or a full central heating network, we’ll keep it running safely and efficiently all year round.
Conclusion: Don’t Fall for Boiler Maintenance Myths
Boiler servicing isn’t a gimmick—it’s a vital step in protecting your home, your finances, and your safety. By debunking these common myths, we hope to empower homeowners to take control of their heating systems with confidence.
Contact Boiler Sure today to book your next service or schedule a system health check. We’ll give you honest advice, top-class care, and total peace of mind.
