A boiler warranty can save you hundreds of pounds, if you know exactly what it does, and most importantly, what it asks of you. Too many of us naively invest in a boiler warranty without reading the small print and then discover the conditions the hard way, when things are about to break. Waste an insurance policy, like a boiler warranty, and you might not get anything back. Our guide to boiler warranties explains everything you need to know about these policies, including whether they are worth having, how long they last, how to compare them and how to keep them valid.
What a Boiler Warranty Covers
A boiler warranty is a promise by the manufacturer to fix or replace defective parts for a certain amount of time. The majority provide full coverage on key parts, like the heat exchanger, pump and circuit board. Others provide boiler warranty cover on parts only, while some include labour so you don't have to pay for the engineer's visit. Make sure you get the boiler warranty details in writing before you accept the boiler installation in Bristol so you know exactly what you're covered. Boiler warranties don't tend to include damage resulting from poor installation, system flushing, corrosion, sludge or limescale build up.
Manufacturer Warranties Versus Insurance
You need both a manufacturer warranty and home emergency policy A home emergency policy isn't the same as a manufacturer warranty. The manufacturer's warranty covers your boiler if it develops a fault due to a manufacturing defect, and it's for a set number of years. The breakdown cover, call out and sometimes your entire heating system will be protected under your insurance or service plan but you will be charged a monthly or annual premium. Some people have both. Make sure you're not paying for the same things twice. The warranty is included with the boiler; the policy is optional.
How Long Warranties Last
Most new boiler warranties tend to be between 2 and 7 years, depending on the make and model. However, some brands do offer longer warranties up to twelve years, if the boiler is installed by one of their authorised installers and maintained well. The length also tends to depend on the model you choose, with top of the range models having longer warranties. A lengthy warranty is appealing, but investigating whether there are terms and conditions or restrictions – a 10-year guarantee that is easy to break is not quite so compelling! Ask your installer how they calculate the length of cover.
Up to Twelve Years
Some leading brands offer warranties of up to 12 years if your boiler is installed by an approved installer. Typically the warranty cover is linked to annual servicing and registration within a certain time period. Check with your installer which brands they are approved to offer warranty with, and the terms and conditions of the offer. Get it in writing.
Conditions You Must Meet
Warranties have conditions, and if you break any of them you could lose your cover. Typical ones are installation by a Gas Safe registered engineer, commissioning, washing out the system and installing a magnetic filter, registering the boiler with the maker within a time limit (often thirty days), and annual servicing and providing the maker with details. Some require a water treatment product. Think about the conditions when you get your paperwork, and get the installer to tell you that every one has been done. Save all the proof in case the manufacturer asks for it.
Why Annual Servicing Matters
Many makes require a service each 12 months to preserve the guarantee. If a fault occurs and you can't produce the latest service history, the declaration may be turned down. A service also detects minor issues before they can cause injury, saving your boiler and reducing the danger of a breakdown. Arrange the service at a similar time each year and ask the engineer to complete the service record in the manual. Hold every invoice and certificates in a single folder. The cost of a service is insignificant compared with the expense of a main restore that's no longer included.
Registering the Warranty
Registering is a quick and easy thing to do and easy to forget. Your installer will register your boiler and provide you with proof of registration. If they haven't done so, you should be able to register over the phone or online with the serial number of your boiler. Sometimes there is a cut off period so don't delay until months later. Don't forget to keep the proof of registration email and the warranty certificate safely and check if your details on it are accurate, errors that could delay a claim. A registered warranty is easy for the manufacturer to find when you call which makes life easy for you.
Keeping Proof
Keep the commissioning record along with your warranty documents and record the serial number plate's serial number (keep a photo or copy of this in your commissioning record). Keep a back up copy of these documents in a way that they are safe until you need them. Keep it all in one clearly labelled folder.
What Is Not Covered
All warranties come with restrictions. Find out whether damage caused by frost, flood or surges are included, as well as faults caused by poor water quality or sludge. Items of normal wear and tear including seals, filters and some smaller components may not be included. If anyone but a registered engineer has serviced the boiler then the warranty may be compromised. Keep a record of what is not included in the warranty so you know what to look out for if problems arise. Cosmetic damage and misuse are common exclusions - controls and thermostats are sometimes protected for a reduced period of time.
Using Your Warranty for Boiler Repair Bristol Problems
If it breaks down, call the manufacturer or the company that installed it for you first. In general, the manufacturer will require an approved engineer to carry out repairs, so don't call a dodgy trader. Have to hand in your serial number, service history and a description of the problem. The manufacturer will tend to send someone round or may ask your installer to go. All parts normally covered by the warranty are swapped free, although you may be charged for labour (which should be specified). Don't try and do it yourself or get an unqualified person in to, because this will invalidate your warranty. Make notes of every phone call, email and visit while your claim is being processed.
Transferring a Warranty When You Sell
A boiler warranty can be a bonus while moving house. Some brands extend the warranty to the buyer and others may want to know if you've sold the house or want a form to complete. Before the sale, and after the initial sale, provide the warranty paperwork, the commissioning certificate, and the service history to the buyer. Staying on top of maintenance can ease prospective buyers' worries and the surveyor's. As long as the boiler didn't fail before the sale, services by boiler repair Bristol can potentially resolve the fault.
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