As part of the installation package for a new boiler, you should receive a manufacturer-backed guarantee. We will detail the benefits of having a boiler warranty and give advice on how to keep it valid in the following sections.
What is boiler warranty?
A boiler warranty is where the manufacturer will repair or replace certain parts of your boiler that fail due to manufacturing faults. Typically a 5-year or 10-year warranty is offered. The boiler must be registered with the manufacturer as soon as its installed to qualify for the warranty.
The manufacturer’s own engineer will come out for the boiler repair which is beneficial as they work on the same boilers all the time. If it’s not their own engineers, the company’s approved local engineer will come out who has been through the accreditation course.
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As mentioned earlier, boiler warranties can last from 1 to 12 years. To get the longest warranty, the boiler needs to be installed by an installer accredited by the manufacturer. The longer the warranty period, the more expensive the cost of the boiler tends to be as the cost is passed onto the customer.
What does a boiler warranty cover?
A standard boiler warranty covers defects and faults with the main internal components of the boiler itself. This usually includes:
- Heat exchanger – This transfers heat from the burner to the water circulating in the system. A fault here can lead to insufficient hot water or heating.
- Pump – Circulation pumps can break down over time. A faulty pump will stop hot water flowing properly.
- Control board – The internal control board operates the boiler functions. A defective board can lead to complete boiler failure.
- Integrated boiler controls – Internal components like thermostats, programmers, and valves that come built-in with the boiler unit.
- Flue and burner assemblies – Faults with the flue or burner can be dangerous and are covered.
The warranty is designed to cover defects arising from manufacturing issues with these types of internal boiler parts. Any breakdown traced to a factory flaw or defect in materials/construction will be fixed under warranty.
External systems like radiators, pipes, timers, expansion tanks, and wiring are not covered under a standard warranty. Only faults originating from within the boiler casing and integral components are included
A boiler warranty covers the main parts of your boiler so if a fault occurs during the warranty period, the manufacturer will fix or replace the fault. This is done free of charge and covers boiler parts and labour. The longer the warranty period, the more confident the manufacturer generally is in their product. Warranty covers are not all the same so check each individually.
Warranties usually only relate to manufacturing issues in the boiler and integrated controls with them, not to any connected systems such as radiators, pipework, time switches, external pumps, external expansion vessels etc. If the boiler has been damaged due to sludge or limescale, in most cases even this is not covered.
Are boiler warranties worth it?
Boiler warranties are worth getting if you want peace of mind that should a breakdown occur, for up to 12 years an approved engineer will come to fix it and you won’t have replacement parts and labour costs to pay which can be hundreds each callout. But you have to pay extra when buying the boiler and stick to the terms.
How is boiler warranty different from a guarantee?
While warranty and guarantee mean essentially the same thing, there are some subtle differences:
- A warranty is a contractual agreement from the manufacturer to repair or replace defects arising from manufacturing issues during the warranty period, typically 1-5 years.
- A guarantee is seen as a step above a warranty. It is a promise to repair the boiler unconditionally in the event of any breakdown during the guarantee period, even if not caused by a manufacturing defect.
- Guarantees tend to provide more comprehensive cover than standard warranties. For example, some may cover call-out fees and other associated costs.
- Warranties outline what the manufacturer is responsible to fix for free, whereas guarantees focus more on the consumer protection aspect.
- Worcester Bosch is one brand that offers a boiler guarantee rather than just a warranty. This provides peace of mind that any boiler issues will be dealt with.
Common terms and conditions of boiler warranties
In order to keep a boiler warranty valid, there are usually certain terms that must be met:
- Installed by an accredited engineer – The boiler must be installed and commissioned by an engineer accredited by the manufacturer to maintain the warranty.
- Registered within 30 days – The new boiler warranty must be registered with the manufacturer within 30 days of installation, otherwise the warranty period may be affected.
- Annual servicing required – To keep the warranty coverage valid for its full duration, the boiler must be serviced annually by a qualified engineer. Proof of service may need to be provided.
Failure to meet these conditions can render the warranty null and void. Always check the warranty documentation to ensure you understand the requirements to keep cover active for the full warranty period.
Each manufacturer will have their specific terms and conditions for the warranty cover but they all include the common points below:
- The installer of the boiler must be competent and gas safe registered and should install and commission it as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- The installer should register the boiler within 30 days of installing it.
- The boiler should only be used and maintained as intended, i.e. a domestic boiler should only be used in a domestic situation for a household’s needs.
- An annual service of the boiler must be carried out by a registered gas engineer and the service details recorded. The cost of the service is not covered by the warranty.
- The boiler should not be moved from its original location otherwise the warranty may become void
- External system components such as radiators and water pipes are not covered by the warranty.
Who can register the boiler warranty?
As long as it’s registered within 30 days of installation, either you are the installer can register the boiler warranty. The details you will need are: What is the boiler’s serial number, when and where (in which room) was the boiler installed? In most cases, if you don’t register it in time, the standard 1 year warranty will apply.
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Has my boiler warranty been registered?
Checking if Your Warranty is Registered:
- Locate the boiler serial number. This is usually printed on a sticker on the top or front panel of the boiler unit.
- Visit the manufacturer’s website and find the warranty registration check option. Common terms used are “Warranty Length Check” or “Validate Your Warranty”.
- Enter the serial number when prompted. The resulting details will indicate if the warranty is registered along with the period of coverage.
- If you cannot find warranty details, contact the manufacturer’s customer service line to inquire about registration status. Provide the serial number.
- If the warranty is not registered, you will need to complete registration to activate coverage. Follow the instructions provided.
- Confirm registration by re-checking the serial number on the manufacturer’s website after a few weeks
The boiler serial number can be found in different places for each manufacturer. On some boilers it can be found on the top of the appliance with a barcode sticker, other boilers will have them on the front panel. The installer should also have filled in the commissioning details with the serial number on the certificate.
Boiler warranty contact numbers
At the time of writing, these were the contact numbers for the main boiler manufacturers
Submitting a Boiler Warranty Claim:
| Boiler Manufacturer | Contact Number |
|---|---|
| Worcester Bosch | 0330 123 9339 |
| Ideal | 01482 498660 |
| Vaillant | 0330 100 3150 |
| Baxi | 0330 678 0917 |
| Viessmann | 01952 675060 |
| Glow-worm | 01773 828100 |
| Potterton | 0844 871 1570 |
When your boiler breaks down, contact the manufacturer’s customer service line to submit a warranty claim. Have your boiler serial number and model details along with proof of purchase ready. The company will dispatch an engineer to assess and repair your boiler if covered under warranty.
Following the manufacturer’s warranty claims process ensures your issue is dealt with promptly and correctly. Make sure to call them first before arranging your own repair.
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If the boiler breaks down in warranty period
You may assume to call the manufacturer first but because the warranty covers manufacturing defects rather than installation faults, it is better to call the installer first. They can then check if the warranty is likely to cover it. Some companies will charge you for a callout if it’s not a manufacturing fault.
My boiler is out of warranty
After the warranty period has ended and you want to keep the boiler covered for repairs, two options are available: the first is to take out cover with another company and pay monthly, and the second is to wait until the boiler develops a fault and then call the manufacturer for a one-off repair or find your own repair engineer.
Many boiler cover plans include an annual service as well as parts and labour. The engineer called out may or may not be an accredited engineer specifically for the boiler manufacturer but will still be able to fix and service your boiler. Boiler cover plans also have the option of maintaining the rest of the central heating system unlike boiler manufacturer warranties.
Top Warranty Periods by Manufacturer
- Baxi 800 combi – Up to 7 years warranty
- Ideal Vogue Max – Up to 12 years warranty
- Vaillant ecoTEC exclusive – Up to 10 years warranty
- Viessmann Vitodens 100-W – Up to 12 years warranty
- Worcester Bosch Greenstar 8000 – Up to 12 years warranty
- Glow-worm Energy 35 Store – Up to 5 years warranty
Many modern boiler models now come with extended warranties from the manufacturer beyond the standard 1-2 years. Choosing a boiler with a longer warranty of 5+ years can provide better long-term protection.
Higher end and more expensive models tend to come with longer warranty periods, often 10+ years when installed by an accredited engineer. Always check the warranty length before purchasing a new boiler.
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