Why August Is the Best Time to Book a Gas Service or Switch to LPG

Heating probably isn't high on your to-do list in August. The boiler may barely be running and winter still feels a long way off.

But that's exactly why it's a good time to get organised.

Booking your annual boiler service now gives you time to deal with any issues before you're relying on your heating every day. And if you've been thinking about switching from oil to LPG, starting the process before autumn gives you time to plan the installation without the pressure of colder weather.

Here's what you can get sorted now to make sure your home is ready for winter.

Why is August a good time to get your heating winter-ready?

The simple answer is that you're dealing with your heating before you depend on it.

During the warmer months, you can deal with a boiler problem before you're relying on your heating every day. Discovering it on a cold November morning can leave you needing an urgent repair or, if the problem is more serious, having to make a bigger decision about replacement at short notice.

Getting organised in August gives you time to arrange your annual service, deal with anything that needs attention and understand your options if further work is recommended.

The same applies if you're thinking about switching from oil to LPG. Starting before autumn gives you time to find out whether LPG is suitable for your property, arrange a site survey and understand what the installation would involve before your heating needs become more urgent.

Why waiting for the first cold spell can cause problems

Your boiler can spend much of the summer doing relatively little work, particularly if it's only being used for hot water. It's often when the heating goes back on regularly in autumn that problems become more noticeable, from unusual noises and inconsistent heating to a boiler that isn't performing as expected.

Getting your heating checked before that point gives you time to investigate anything that doesn't seem right and deal with necessary repairs before your boiler is working harder through winter.

And it's not only potential boiler problems worth thinking about. From deciding what to do with an aging boiler to checking the rest of your heating system, there are a few jobs worth getting ahead of before winter arrives.

Your boiler may need more than a quick service

If your boiler is older, breaking down regularly or becoming expensive to repair, an annual service is also an opportunity to understand its overall condition.

One repair doesn't necessarily mean it's time for a replacement. But repeated breakdowns, rising repair costs, difficulty heating your home consistently or declining reliability may make replacement worth considering.

Knowing where you stand before winter gives you time to compare repair and replacement options without having to make a rushed decision because you're suddenly without heat. Our winter-ready boiler checklist covers the signs that can help you decide whether your boiler is ready for another winter.

A breakdown becomes much more disruptive in winter

A boiler breakdown is never convenient, but the impact is much greater once you're relying on it every day for heating and hot water. What might be a manageable repair in August can become an urgent problem during a cold spell.

Annual servicing can't guarantee that your boiler won't develop a fault later in the year, but it can identify existing issues before winter puts greater demand on the system.

Before autumn, it's worth switching your heating on and checking that your radiators are warming up and your thermostat and heating controls are working as expected. Pay attention to anything noticeably different from normal, such as unusual noises or rooms that aren't heating properly. If you're concerned about your boiler or gas heating system, have it checked by the appropriate registered gas installer rather than trying to investigate the problem yourself.

Think ahead about your winter fuel supply too, and check for draughts or areas where your home may be losing heat. Our winter-ready guide for Irish homes covers the wider checks worth making before temperatures drop.

The case for an August boiler service

If your boiler is due its annual service, getting it sorted before autumn means you can head into the colder months knowing it's been properly checked. You don't need to wait until the boiler starts showing signs of a problem. Regular servicing is about checking its safety and condition before a fault develops or becomes more noticeable.

What does an annual gas boiler service check?

During an annual service, the registered professional will inspect the boiler and its key components, check that it's operating safely and correctly and look for signs of wear, damage or other issues that need attention. The exact checks will depend on your boiler and the manufacturer's servicing requirements.

In the Republic of Ireland, gas boiler servicing should be carried out by a Registered Gas Installer (RGI). In Northern Ireland, gas work should be carried out by a Gas Safe registered installer.

Our guide to how often you should service your gas boiler explains the servicing process in more detail, including how often to book one and the signs that your boiler may need attention.

What if the service uncovers a bigger problem?

Not every problem means you need a new boiler. Depending on its age and condition, a repair may be all that's required.

However, repeated faults, expensive repairs or an older boiler that's becoming less reliable may be reasons to consider replacement. If you're weighing up that decision, our guide to how much a new gas boiler costs in Ireland explains the factors that can affect the final price.

Thinking about switching from oil to LPG? Start before winter

If you've already been considering moving away from oil, August gives you time to find out whether LPG is right for your home and what the installation would involve before winter arrives.

Why do rural and off-grid households choose LPG?

Living beyond the natural gas grid doesn't mean oil is your only option.

LPG can provide energy for home heating, hot water and cooking from one fuel supply, with the fuel stored at your property and replenished by delivery. That makes it an option for rural and off-grid homes that don't have access to mains gas.

All LPG boilers are renewable-ready, which means they can use BioLPG without replacing the boiler or heating infrastructure. So, once your home is set up for LPG, moving to renewable BioLPG in future doesn't require another boiler replacement or a new heating system.

If you're exploring your options, you can find out more about using LPG for heating in rural homes and how off-grid LPG can power different parts of your home.

What's involved in switching from oil to LPG?

Every property is different, so switching starts with understanding what your home needs.

Calor can carry out a free, no-obligation site survey to look at your home's heating needs, assess where an LPG tank could safely be positioned and talk you through how LPG could work at your property.

From there, you'll have a clearer picture of the installation required before deciding whether to go ahead. If you choose to make the switch, the tank installation and connection work can then be planned, with the appropriate safety checks completed before the system comes into use.

There's no standard timeframe for switching, as this will depend on your property, existing heating system and the work required. Starting the process in August gives you more time to complete each stage before colder weather arrives.

Our guides to switching from oil to LPG and installing LPG at home take you through the process in more detail.

How can you prepare your LPG setup for winter weather?

If you're making the switch before winter, it's worth thinking beyond the heating system itself. Heavy rain, storms, frost and difficult ground conditions can all affect access around rural properties, so the area around your LPG tank needs to remain safe and accessible throughout the colder months.

Keep access routes to the tank clear and avoid allowing vegetation, stored items or other obstructions to build up around it. This helps ensure your LPG supply can be safely accessed when deliveries are needed, including during periods of poor weather.

It's also a good time to look at how prepared the rest of your home is for winter. Checking insulation and draught-proofing, protecting exposed pipework where appropriate and knowing what to do during a power cut or severe storm can all help you prepare before the weather changes. Calor's guide to preparing your home for storms and winter disruption covers these steps in more detail.