Gas Boiler Service Checklist: What Do Technicians Actually Check?

In many Dublin homes, a gas boiler is the heart of the heating system. It keeps your house warm and gives you hot water when you need it. But like any machine, it needs care. That’s why getting your gas boiler serviced every year is very important.

A regular boiler service helps find small problems before they turn into big and expensive ones. It also makes your boiler work better, which means you use less gas and save money on energy bills. Most importantly, it keeps your family safe by checking for gas leaks and dangerous carbon monoxide.

Many people only call a technician when the boiler stops working. But waiting for a breakdown can lead to bigger damage, no heating in cold weather, and costly repairs. Instead, a yearly service by trusted professionals like Stillorgan Gas & Plumbing gives you peace of mind all year round.

In this blog, we’ll explain what technicians actually check during a gas boiler service. From safety tests to cleaning parts and checking pressure, you’ll know exactly what’s done and why it matters. If you’re a homeowner or landlord in Dublin, this guide will help you understand how to keep your heating system in top shape.

For more safety tips and advice, you can also check out Gas Networks Ireland – Boiler Safety Tips.

What Is a Gas Boiler Service?

A gas boiler service is a full check-up of your boiler to make sure it is working safely and properly. During a service, a qualified technician looks at all the important parts of your boiler, cleans them if needed, and checks for any issues that could cause problems later.

It’s a bit like going to the doctor for a health check – your boiler also needs regular care to stay in good shape.

A typical boiler service takes around 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the type of boiler and its condition. The technician will check for gas leaks, carbon monoxide, water pressure, and more. If they find something wrong, they’ll let you know what needs to be fixed.

We recommend doing a boiler service once every year, ideally before winter. This makes sure your heating works well when you need it most. Annual servicing is also required by many boiler warranties – skipping it could void your warranty.

If you're a landlord in Dublin, yearly boiler servicing is a legal requirement under the Residential Tenancies Board guidelines. You can learn more at RTB.ie – Landlord Responsibilities.

At Stillorgan Gas & Plumbing, our fully qualified team has years of experience in boiler servicing across Dublin. We make the process quick, clean, and professional — and we always give you a detailed service report.

Taking care of your boiler means lower bills, fewer breakdowns, and a safer home. Don’t wait until something goes wrong — book your service today with Stillorgan Gas & Plumbing.

Safety First: Checking for Gas Leaks & Carbon Monoxide

When it comes to gas boiler servicing, safety is always the number one priority. The first thing a technician checks is whether your boiler is leaking gas or producing harmful gases like carbon monoxide (CO).

Gas leaks are dangerous and can lead to fires or even explosions if not found early. That’s why our technicians at Stillorgan Gas & Plumbing use special tools to check for any gas leaks around your boiler and pipes. These tools can detect even the smallest leaks that you may not notice.

Another serious risk is carbon monoxide, often called the “silent killer.” It has no smell, no taste, and no colour, but it can be deadly. If your boiler is not burning fuel correctly, it can release carbon monoxide into your home.

That’s why part of every service includes a carbon monoxide test. Our team uses advanced equipment to check the air around your boiler. If we find anything unusual, we’ll tell you right away and explain what needs to be done.

To stay safe between services, we also recommend installing a carbon monoxide alarm in your home. You can read more about CO safety at Carbon Monoxide Awareness - HSE.ie.

At Stillorgan Gas & Plumbing, your safety comes first. We never skip this step, and we take extra care to make sure your home is gas-safe.

Regular checks can save lives — don’t take a chance. Book your boiler service with our trusted Dublin team today.

Visual Inspection of the Boiler

After safety checks, the next step in a boiler service is a full visual inspection. This is when the technician carefully looks at the outside of your boiler and the surrounding parts.

At Stillorgan Gas & Plumbing, our expert team checks for any visible signs of wear, rust, cracks, or water leaks. Even a small drip can lead to bigger problems if it’s ignored.

We also check the boiler casing, which is the outer cover. It needs to be strong and secure to protect the internal parts. If the casing is damaged or loose, heat and fumes could escape, which is unsafe.

Next, the technician inspects the pipework and connections around the boiler. This includes gas pipes, water pipes, and electrical wires. We make sure that everything is properly fitted, sealed, and not damaged.

We also check that there is no blockage or dust around the boiler that could affect performance. Keeping the area around your boiler clean and clear is important for both safety and efficiency.

A good visual inspection helps us spot problems early — before they turn into bigger repairs. It’s a key part of keeping your boiler running smoothly, especially during the cold Dublin winters.

At Stillorgan Gas & Plumbing, we believe in doing the job right. That means checking every detail, even the ones you can’t see.

To learn more about why visual inspections matter, visit Safe Electric Ireland – Home Safety.

Need a trusted local team for your next boiler service? Contact Stillorgan Gas & Plumbing today and stay warm, safe, and stress-free.

Boiler Controls and Settings

After checking for safety and visible issues, the next important step is to inspect the boiler controls and settings. These are the parts that help you manage heat, hot water, and energy use in your home.

At Stillorgan Gas & Plumbing, our technicians start by testing the thermostat. This is what controls the temperature in your home. If the thermostat is not working properly, your rooms may feel too cold or too hot, and you could waste energy.

We also check the boiler pressure, which should be at the right level for the system to work smoothly. If the pressure is too low, the boiler may stop working. If it’s too high, it could damage the parts. Our team adjusts it if needed and explains what to do if it drops again in the future.

Next, we look at the timer and heating controls. These allow you to choose when your heating turns on and off. We make sure the settings are working correctly so your home heats up when you need it — especially important during the cold Dublin mornings!

Having the right settings helps your boiler run more efficiently. This means lower energy bills and a longer life for your boiler.

A properly set-up system not only keeps you warm but also helps the environment by reducing energy waste. For more tips on using heating controls smartly, visit SEAI – Heating Controls Guide.

At Stillorgan Gas & Plumbing, we check every button, dial, and setting — so your home stays comfortable without wasting money.

Boiler Internal Parts Inspection

Once the outside of your boiler is checked, it’s time to look inside the boiler. This is one of the most important parts of a gas boiler service, and it should only be done by a trained and registered technician.

At Stillorgan Gas & Plumbing, our experts carefully open the boiler casing to check the main components inside. These parts work together to heat your home and hot water, so keeping them clean and working well is key.

We start by inspecting and cleaning the burner, which is the part that burns gas to create heat. If the burner is dirty or blocked, your boiler won’t run efficiently and could produce harmful gases.

Next, we check the heat exchanger, which moves heat from the burner into your heating system. If this part has rust or dirt, it can cause overheating or reduce your boiler’s performance.

We also inspect and clean the spark probe, which helps ignite the gas. If this part fails, the boiler may not start at all.

During this step, we look for any signs of rust, wear, or blockages that might stop your boiler from working properly. Even small build-ups of dirt can cause future breakdowns if not cleaned.

All of this work helps extend the life of your boiler and avoid sudden failures, especially in the cold winter months.

Our team at Stillorgan Gas & Plumbing always takes time to do this step properly, using safe methods and trusted tools.

Flue and Ventilation Check

Another important part of a gas boiler service is checking the flue and ventilation. This step makes sure that dangerous gases leave your home safely.

The flue is a pipe that carries fumes like carbon monoxide from your boiler to the outside of your house. If the flue is blocked, leaking, or damaged, these gases could enter your home, which is very dangerous for your health.

At Stillorgan Gas & Plumbing, our trained technicians carefully inspect the entire flue system. We check for cracks, loose joints, rust, or any signs of blockage (like bird nests, leaves, or dirt). If we find anything wrong, we fix it or suggest a safe solution.

We also check the ventilation around your boiler. Every gas boiler needs enough fresh air to burn gas properly. Poor ventilation can cause your boiler to run poorly or switch off suddenly. Worse, it can lead to unsafe gas levels in the room.

Our team makes sure there’s enough space and airflow around your boiler. If the area is too tight or sealed off, we’ll let you know how to improve it for better safety and efficiency.

This step is especially important in Dublin homes where boilers are often installed in kitchens or small utility rooms.

For more safety info, visit the Gas Networks Ireland – Flue Safety Guide.

At Stillorgan Gas & Plumbing, we don’t skip any detail. Your safety and peace of mind are our priority, and that starts with proper flue and ventilation checks.

Water Pressure and Radiators

A key part of every gas boiler service is checking the water pressure and making sure your radiators are heating properly.

Your boiler needs the right amount of water pressure to move hot water through the pipes and radiators. If the pressure is too low, your home might not get enough heat. If it’s too high, it could damage the boiler over time.

At Stillorgan Gas & Plumbing, our technicians check the pressure gauge on your boiler. If it’s not within the safe range (usually between 1.0 and 1.5 bar when cold), we adjust it and check for any leaks or issues.

We also look at your radiators. Sometimes, air can get trapped inside them, stopping hot water from flowing properly. This means the radiator might feel warm at the bottom but cold at the top. In this case, we bleed the radiator — this simply means releasing the trapped air so the hot water can flow evenly.

During the service, we also check if your heating system is warming up as it should. We test the hot water and make sure all radiators heat up properly when the system is running.

These checks help keep your home warm and your energy bills under control. If your boiler or radiators are not working correctly, you might be using more gas than needed.

For more guidance on checking boiler pressure yourself, you can visit SEAI’s Home Heating Advice.

At Stillorgan Gas & Plumbing, we make sure your full heating system — not just the boiler — is running smoothly, safely, and efficiently.

Testing for Efficiency

Once safety and basic functions are checked, the next step is testing your boiler’s efficiency. This means making sure your boiler is burning gas in the best possible way without wasting energy.

At Stillorgan Gas & Plumbing, we use special tools to measure how well your boiler is burning gas. If the boiler is not burning gas properly, it may use more fuel than needed or produce harmful gases. Poor combustion can also lead to higher energy bills and put extra stress on your boiler parts.

Our technician checks the flame, burner, and air-to-gas ratio to make sure everything is working at the right levels. If anything is off, we make small adjustments to help your boiler run more smoothly and efficiently.

A well-tuned boiler not only works better, but it also lasts longer and saves you money. In fact, even minor adjustments during a service can help reduce your monthly gas bills, especially during cold Dublin winters.

Efficient boilers also help the environment by using less fuel and releasing fewer emissions. This supports energy-saving efforts in Ireland.

At Stillorgan Gas & Plumbing, we don’t just check if your boiler is working — we make sure it’s working at its best. Our goal is to keep your home warm while helping you save money and energy.

Final Safety and Performance Report

After all checks, cleaning, and adjustments are complete, the last step of your gas boiler service is the final safety and performance report. This report is a summary of everything the technician has inspected, tested, and fixed during the service.

At Stillorgan Gas & Plumbing, we always provide a clear and honest report after every boiler service. It includes:

• The results of safety tests (gas leaks, carbon monoxide, ventilation)

• The condition of internal parts and whether they were cleaned

• Pressure levels and radiator checks

• Efficiency test results

• Any small issues spotted and fixed

• Advice for repairs or future maintenance if needed

This report gives you peace of mind that your boiler is running safely and efficiently. It also helps you keep a record for insurance or warranty purposes. If you’re a landlord in Dublin, this service record is especially important, as it shows you’ve met your legal safety obligations.

If we find anything that needs attention — like a worn part or low water pressure — we’ll explain it in simple terms and offer a solution. We never push unnecessary repairs, only what’s truly needed to keep your home safe and warm.

Having this report means you’ll know exactly what’s going on with your heating system, even if everything is working fine.

When and Where to Book a Boiler Service in Dublin

The best time to book a gas boiler service is before winter begins. Many people wait until the cold weather arrives, but by then, you might face longer wait times or even emergency breakdowns. Booking your service in late summer or early autumn ensures your heating system is ready when you need it most.

Even if your boiler seems to be working fine, annual servicing helps prevent small issues from turning into costly repairs. It also keeps your boiler running safely and efficiently throughout the year.

If you live in Dublin and are looking for a trusted local company, look no further than Stillorgan Gas & Plumbing. We’ve been serving homes across Dublin for years, and our team of fully qualified and registered technicians is known for being reliable, professional, and friendly.

Here’s why Dublin homeowners trust us:

• Fast and easy booking process

• Experienced and certified boiler specialists

• Detailed service report for your records

• Fair pricing with no hidden charges

• Emergency support if needed

• 1200+ Reviews

Whether you're a homeowner or landlord, we make it simple to stay gas-safe and winter-ready. Don’t wait for a problem to appear — let us help you stay ahead.

To book your boiler service, call us or visit our website today:👉 www.stillorgangas.ie Or just give us a call — we’re happy to help!

Stillorgan Gas & Plumbing – Keeping Dublin homes safe, warm, and energy-efficient.