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Gas boiler - Boiler maintenance

Boiler maintenance, regular boiler services and gas safety checks are of key importance to ensure the safety and welfare of your guests.

In this blog our property experts will highlight several ways to keep your boiler in the best condition. As well as your key responsibilities as a holiday home owner.


Guide to boiler maintenance

Use our quick links below to navigate the content or read on for the full guide to boiler maintenance for your holiday let.


What are your responsibilities as a holiday home owner?

boiler maintenance

Your responsibilities as a holiday home owner are to ensure that all gas appliances, fittings, chimneys and flues are safe. They must be fit for purpose and working efficiently in line with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.

Your 3 main responsibilities are as follows:

1. Gas safety check and certification

For the safety of your guests, all gas appliances and flues within your rental property must be inspected every 12 months.

The gas safety inspection must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

2. Gas safety record

After you have had the gas safety check completed, you will receive two copies of your gas safety certificate (CP12).

One copy of the gas safety certificate should be displayed within the holiday let in a prominent position. Reputable holiday letting agents like Cornish Cottage Holidays, can store an electronic copy for you, which can be produced to your guests upon request.

You are required to keep copies of your gas safety certificate for a minimum of two years. However, we recommend you keep a record of all your gas safety certificates.

3. Regular maintenance

It is essential you make sure all gas pipework, appliances, chimneys, and flues are kept in a clean and safe condition.

The manufacturers of gas appliances will recommend how often an appliance should be serviced. Here at Cornish Cottage Holidays our property experts recommend most gas appliances are serviced annually.


Is a gas boiler service essential?

Common questions we get asked:

  • “My boiler is new; do I really need a service?”
  • “Can I service a boiler myself?”

You’re not alone if you’re asking these questions.

A study has found millions of UK home owners are potentially at risk because of improperly maintained gas-powered appliances (i.e. boilers). Many of these home owners don’t know there’s a problem until it’s too late.


What are the benefits of having a gas boiler service?

Holiday Home Lounge - Boiler Maintenance

1. Safety 

Gas leaks are rare. But the safety of your guests (and property) is paramount.

There are potentially severe consequences if a gas leak occurs. It could result in carbon monoxide poisoning and/or an explosion.

Having a regular gas boiler service will help avert problems related to gas leaks and other boiler maintenance issues.

2. Efficiency

Globally we are under threat to win the race against climate change. As individuals we have a duty to help protect the planet, and we can save money while doing it.

With that in mind, little differences like regular boiler maintenance are important. Ensure your boiler runs optimally and only uses as much energy as necessary to heat your holiday home.

The average household spends as much as 50% of their energy bill when heating their home. An inefficient boiler can, therefore, cost you a lot of money.

Don’t pay more for more energy than you have to. Instead, get a regular gas boiler service.

3. Cost-Savings

To replace a boiler can be costly. For most UK home owners, this is the single most expensive appliance in the home.

In order for it to be worth the outlay, you need it to last many years. As well as this, you don’t want to be without heat when you need it the most.

A well-maintained boiler should last you 15+ years. Poor or lack of boiler maintenance could cut this by 1/3 or more.

4. Boiler Cover Protection

If you have boiler cover protection, then your home insurance policy will need your service records for you to stay covered under their policy.

The insurance industry is highly regulated – mainly to ensure that they pay claims when you are entitled to payment through your policy. You also have the responsibility to do your due diligence to maintain and protect your home.

The insurance company isn’t obligated to honour their contract if you don’t take care to maintain the boiler. They will consider this breach of contract.

Regular gas boiler servicing allows you to keep your side of the bargain so they will keep theirs in the event that you must file a claim.

5. Peace of Mind 

Finally, and importantly, a gas boiler service provides you with peace of mind.

Considering the potential risks involved, it is vital you keep on top of boiler maintenance to avoid any unwanted surprises.


Holiday Letting Advice

At Cornish Cottage Holidays, our team of holiday letting experts are always on hand to offer advice. We’re happy to help answer any boiler maintenance or holiday letting queries you may have.

For more useful holiday home owners tips, head over to our Owner Advice blog.


Let your cottage with Cornish Cottage Holidays

Let with Cornish Cottage Holidays

With over 50 year’s experience in the self catering holiday cottage market. We pride ourselves on our selection of wonderful Cornish cottages, our local knowledge and personal service. We take the hassle out of holiday letting so you can relax and enjoy the rewards.

Find out more about letting with Cornish Cottage Holidays, request your FREE owners guide or call our knowledgeable team on 01326 336773 (select option 2) today.