Can a Gas Safe Engineer Work on an LPG Boiler?
Liquid petroleum gas (LPG) boilers are convenient for those who are not connected to the gas grid.
They offer 90% energy efficiency which can save up to £340 per year and they are generally cheaper than oil or gas boilers to purchase.
An LPG boiler needs an external tank, and the fuel has to be delivered, just like oil.
If you already have an LPG boiler or are considering an LPG boiler then you will want to know about its reliability, cost of repairs, and who can repair it.
How Long do LPG Boilers Last?
Just like any other type of boiler, an LPG boilers life expectancy can be between 10 to 15 years.
Are LPG Boilers Expensive to Run?
There has been an increase in gas prices since July 2021 for various reasons, which has led to higher fuel prices for those with LPG boilers.
Households or businesses with an LPG boiler will spend an average of £796 per year, which may be slightly higher than oil or gas. LPG boilers, however, are less expensive to purchase and install.
Are LPG Boilers Reliable?
LPG boilers are as reliable as any other type of boiler. When you have your boiler installed by a qualified engineer you can get an extended warranty or guarantee. A general warranty can start from two years and an extended warranty could be up to 12 years, depending on the brand of your boiler.
This gives you peace of mind that should anything go wrong with your boiler, it is under warranty for a long period of time.
Your boiler must be serviced every year to ensure your warranty is valid, and you must register for your warranty within 30 days with most boiler brands.
Can a Gas Safe Engineer Work on an LPG Boiler?
Yes. Check that any heating engineer is Gas Safe Registered and OFTEC Registered. These registers are ongoing which ensures the heating technician has knowledge of the latest regulations.
At Add Heat our engineers are Gas Safe and OFTEC registered. They also install over 500 boilers a year and have years of experience.
How to Tell if Your LPG Boiler is Not Working Right
You will probably be able to tell quickly if there is an issue with your boiler.The older your boiler is, the less energy efficient it is which increases your heating bill.If your boiler is ten years or more, it may be more difficult and expensive to find parts to repair it.
Other common problems with boilers can be:
- Frequent breakdowns
- Higher energy bills
- It takes longer to heat your home
- Your heating system is making unusual noises
- There is a smell from your boiler
- There is evidence of a leak on your pipes such as corroded pipes.
What is the Working Pressure on an LPG Boiler?
The gas regulator will regulate the pressure of the gas to keep the pressure consistent. The operating pressure should be about 1713kPA.
My LPG Boiler Keeps Cutting Out or Doesn’t Fire up
There are a range of issues that could be the issue from a faulty pump to an airlock or a blockage in the system.
What Happens if I Run Out of Gas?
You may need to reset your system if you run out of gas. You can do this yourself by turning the gas valve back on, on the external tank. You may need to bleed the air out of it. If you have difficulties with this, there may be another issue and you should contact a heating engineer.
Are Repairs to LPG Boilers Expensive?
At Addheat we charge £85 plus VAT for the first hour. We may be able to repair the boiler within this time.
We are based in Cheadle and Wilmslow and service across Cheshire including Stockport, Macclesfield, Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, and the surrounding areas.
An LPG boiler repair will be roughly the same as repairs on any other type of boiler.
Servicing Your Boiler to Prevent Breakdowns
It may seem like an added expense that you don’t need, however, servicing your boiler is affordable and it can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Servicing helps to maintain your boiler and reduce wear and tear, so it will last you longer.
It also prevents it breaking down suddenly and no one wants to be without heat or have an unexpected bill for repairs.
You also need to have it serviced for your warranty to be valid and especially if you are a landlord.
At Add Heat, our gas boiler service takes around 40 minutes and include a visual check, a check of the flue, operating pressure, safety devices, seals, components, a clean, and a service report.
Tips for Maintaining Your LPG Boiler
To get the most out of your boiler, ensure you get it serviced at least once a year.
Use a room thermostat and set the timer to come on regularly. This means your boiler doesn’t have to work as hard.
Don’t try to fix any issues yourself. Gas can be dangerous, and a qualified heating specialist should be called to repair any issues.
Insulate any outside pipes to prevent them from freezing.
Bleed your radiators to ensure your home is being heated as efficiently as possible. You will usually know when this needs done as your radiators may feel cold in places, or make gurgling noises.
Check your carbon monoxide alarm regularly to ensure it is working. This will tell you if there are any gas leaks which can be fatal to you or others.
Keep an emergency number on your boiler, so in the event of it breaking down or having any issues, you can quickly contact an engineer.
Our number for the Wilmslow, Knutsford, and Alderley Edge area is 01625 464 235 and for the Manchester, Stockport, and Cheadle area it is 0161 667 1490.
If you would like any information on LPG boilers, please do not hesitate to contact our expert engineers today.