A homeowner in Ealing contacted me because their five-year-old combi boiler was taking much longer than usual to heat the radiators. They had also noticed the hot water running cold part way through a shower.
When I asked when the boiler had last been serviced, the answer was: “probably two years ago, maybe longer.”
Two years without a boiler service is enough time for dirt, carbon deposits and general wear to start affecting performance. In this case, the boiler had not completely broken down, but it was clearly working harder than it needed to.
Here’s what I found during the service, what was cleaned and checked, and how the boiler performed once the work was complete.
Job Snapshot
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Customer type | Homeowner |
| Location | Ealing, West London W5 |
| Boiler | 5-year-old combi boiler |
| Problem reported | Slow radiator warm-up and hot water running cold |
| Problem found | Carbon deposits on key internal components affecting performance |
| Work carried out | Full annual boiler service, internal clean, flue gas analysis, pressure check and safety testing |
| Plan chosen | £9.99/month service plan after the visit |
| Serviced by | Vincent O’Gara, Ealing Boiler Services |
What I Carried Out on This Ealing Boiler Service
A proper boiler service is not just a quick look at the appliance. It is a step-by-step check of the key parts that affect safety, efficiency and reliability.
On this visit, the boiler was still working, but it was showing clear signs that it had not been serviced for some time.
1. Visual Inspection
Before removing the casing, I carried out a visual inspection of the boiler, surrounding pipework and flue.
I checked for signs of corrosion, leaks, damage, heat marks and anything that could suggest the appliance was not operating safely.
In older West London properties, flue routes and boiler positions can vary, so it is important to confirm that the flue is secure, correctly positioned and safely discharging outside.
No major external issues were found at this stage, so I moved on to the internal inspection.
2. Internal Clean and Component Checks
Once the casing was removed, the main issue became clear.
There were carbon deposits on the burner and around the internal components. This kind of build-up can affect how efficiently the boiler burns gas and transfers heat into the system.
The boiler had not failed completely, but the build-up was enough to explain why the radiators were taking longer to heat and why the hot water performance had become less reliable.
I cleaned the burner, heat exchanger area and ignition components carefully as part of the service.
3. Flue Gas Analysis
After the internal clean and checks were complete, the boiler was reassembled and tested using a calibrated flue gas analyser.
This test measures the gases leaving the boiler through the flue. It helps confirm whether the appliance is burning safely, cleanly and within the manufacturer’s expected range.
After the clean, the flue gas readings were back within specification, giving the customer reassurance that the boiler was operating safely and more efficiently.
4. System Pressure and Safety Device Testing
The system pressure was also checked during the visit.
On this boiler, the expansion vessel pressure was low, so it was adjusted to bring the system back into the correct operating range.
I also tested the safety devices to make sure the boiler would shut down correctly if a fault occurred. These checks are an important part of a proper service and help confirm the appliance is safe to continue using.
The Result
Once the boiler was cleaned, checked and recommissioned, the improvement was noticeable.
The radiators started heating up more quickly, and the hot water delivery became stable again. The boiler was no longer having to work against the same level of internal build-up, which should help reduce wasted energy and lower the risk of a future breakdown.
The homeowner now had a safer, cleaner and more reliable boiler heading into the colder months.
Boiler Service Options: One-Off Service vs Monthly Plan
After the service, I talked the customer through the options for keeping the boiler maintained going forward.
| Feature | One-Off Service | Monthly Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | £99 one-off payment | £9.99/month |
| Annual Boiler Service | Single visit | Included automatically |
| Internal Clean and Checks | Included | Included |
| Flue Gas Analysis | Included | Included |
| Priority Call-Outs | Not included | Included |
| Best For | Landlords or pay-as-you-go customers | Homeowners who want peace of mind |
The homeowner chose the £9.99/month service plan. This means their annual boiler service is taken care of, and if they need support between services, they get priority call-out support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a boiler be serviced in the UK?
Your boiler should be serviced once a year by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Annual servicing helps keep the boiler safe, efficient and reliable, and it may also be required to maintain the manufacturer’s warranty.
What does a boiler service cost in Ealing?
Ealing Boiler Services offers a one-off boiler service from £99. There is also a £9.99/month service plan, which includes the annual boiler service and priority support.
Do you cover Hanwell, Chiswick and Acton?
Yes. Ealing Boiler Services covers Ealing, Hanwell, Chiswick, Acton, Brentford and the surrounding West London area.
Can I service my own boiler?
No. Gas boiler servicing must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Working on gas appliances without the correct registration is dangerous and illegal.
Is a boiler service the same as a repair?
No. A boiler service is preventative maintenance. If your boiler has stopped working, is showing fault codes, or has a specific fault, you may need a diagnostic repair visit instead.
Need Boiler Servicing or a Boiler Care Plan in Ealing?
If your boiler has not been serviced for a while, or you want to avoid unexpected problems through winter, Ealing Boiler Services can help.
We provide detailed boiler servicing across Ealing, Hanwell, Chiswick, Acton, Brentford and the surrounding West London area. Every service includes safety checks, combustion testing, clear advice and honest feedback on the condition of your boiler.
For ongoing peace of mind, we also offer boiler care plans from £9.99 per month. This helps keep your annual service organised and gives you priority support if you need help between visits.
To book your boiler service or ask about a care plan, call Ealing Boiler Services on 02081234567 or visit ealingboilerservices.co.uk.
