What service covers, carbon monoxide safety and the cost of not servicing.
The boiler is the most critical appliance in the home in winter, and servicing it once a year is the simplest investment for both safety and cost. Even so, many homes do not service the boiler until it fails. Here is a summary of what the annual service really includes and why it matters.
Why service every year?
A boiler runs 3,000-4,000 hours a year. In that time soot builds up in the combustion chamber, scale in the heat exchanger and dirt in the filters. A scale layer impairs heat transfer; 1 mm of scale raises fuel use by about 7-10%. Regularly serviced boilers last 10-15 years on average, unserviced ones 6-8 years.
What does the annual service cover?
- Cleaning of the combustion chamber, burner and ignition electrode.
- Flue gas analysis: CO and CO₂ measurement and efficiency value.
- Scale check of the plate and main heat exchangers, with chemical cleaning if needed.
- Expansion vessel air pressure check and setting system pressure to 1-1.5 bar.
- Checks of the circulation pump, three-way valve, sensors and filter.
- Gas leak test and flue connection check.
- A written service report.
The safety dimension
Carbon monoxide (CO) is colourless and odourless; faulty combustion or a blocked flue can lead to poisoning. The flue gas measurement made during service shows whether combustion is correct. Always keep a carbon monoxide alarm at home and keep the boiler room ventilation open.
When and how much?
The best period is September-October, but you can also have it done at the end of summer because of appointment congestion. At Hızır the annual boiler service is 1,450 TRY with a 12-month written warranty. You can also take an annual plan with service included through the Service Assurance Membership.
The cost of not servicing
- Replacing a scaled heat exchanger: 3,500 – 6,500 TRY.
- An emergency call in mid-winter at night tariff: 900 TRY plus parts.
- A 10% higher annual natural gas bill; for a home with a 20,000 TRY annual gas bill, a 2,000 TRY loss.
What you can do yourself
Check system pressure monthly (1-1.5 bar when cold), bleed the radiators at the start of the heating season, remove flammable items around the boiler and do not hang laundry on it. If you see an error code, note it and send it to us; most of the time we can pre-diagnose remotely.
To book a service, simply choose a day and time on the online booking screen.
What to expect after service
After service the boiler runs more quietly, warms up faster and hot water fluctuates less. Keep the flue gas measurement report; it proves regular servicing when selling or renting and serves as evidence in any warranty claim.