Why it matters
Safety criticalThis task protects people, not just the house. Do it on a schedule to make sure it gets done.
Staying on schedule matters beyond the repair bill: a consistent maintenance record is one of the factors in a home's Roots Home Health Score, and well-kept homes typically sell faster and closer to asking price.
How to do it
A boiler heats water for radiators or hydronic floors under pressure and, if gas or oil, burns fuel indoors. An annual professional service catches leaks, pressure faults, and combustion problems before the cold sets in.
- Book a qualified heating engineer in late summer or early fall, ahead of the season rush.
- Have them check combustion, flue integrity, pressure, and the expansion vessel, and test safety cutoffs.
- Ask them to note the pressure reading and any parts showing wear.
- Keep the service record; many manufacturer warranties require annual servicing to stay valid.
Alternatives & optional extras
- Combi, system, and conventional boilers all need annual service; the checks differ but the schedule doesn't.
- Oil boilers usually need the nozzle and filter changed yearly, which is part of a proper service.
Time: ~1.5 hours · Typical cost: $100–$250 for an annual service
This is a professional job: it involves combustion, gas or oil, and flue safety that require certified tools and training.
If you skip it
An unserviced boiler can develop leaks, lose pressure mid-winter, or vent combustion gases including carbon monoxide into the home.
Other boiler / radiators maintenance
- Bleed radiators and check boiler pressure — once a year, ideally in October
Related systems to keep on schedule
- Furnace / heating system — start with: replace hvac air filter, every 3 months
- Mini-split / ductless AC — start with: clean mini-split filters, once a month
- Air conditioner — start with: schedule ac tune-up, once a year, ideally in April
- Tankless water heater — start with: descale tankless water heater, once a year