Why Schools Should Book Boiler Servicing During the Summer Holidays
Avoid mid-term disruption with a proactive summer service.
It’s the first week of term. Pupils are back, staff are settling in… but the heating’s out. Classrooms are cold, the caretaker’s chasing emergency callouts, and lesson plans are put on hold. This kind of disruption is all too common. Yet, it’s entirely preventable. For pupils, the summer holidays are among the best times of the year. But for school business managers, caretakers, and local authority property teams? The summer holidays offer the ideal opportunity to undertake boiler maintenance in their school.
When classrooms are empty, engineers can safely service plant rooms. They can work thoroughly without disrupting lessons and avoid the pressure of term-time schedules. This approach ensures that systems stay compliant with the Department for Education standards. For example, according to the National Education Union the legal requirement is to maintain indoor teaching spaces at a minimum temperature of 16°C.
This article demonstrates how summer boiler servicing ensures schools remain warm, safe, and ready.
What Can Go Wrong Without Summer Servicing?
Delaying boiler maintenance until after the school year begins leaves little room for error. When temperatures drop, unresolved faults can lead to serious issues. Cold classrooms, cancelled lessons, emergency callouts, and full-day closures can all happen quickly. For schools, these disruptions are not a simple inconvenience. They can also impact pupil well-being, parent relationships, and planning.
Emergency servicing during term time is more expensive and logistically challenging. When staff and pupils are on site, engineers may find it hard to access plant rooms. Not to mention that isolating parts of the heating system is also more disruptive during school hours.
There’s also the matter of compliance. Schools with commercial gas appliances are required by law to have annual Gas Safe inspections. Without a valid CP17 certificate, schools may face issues with insurers or health and safety inspections. Yet, booking servicing in summer allows ample time to carry out these checks and address any problems before the school reopens.
What’s Included in a School Boiler Service?
A school boiler service involves various checks and adjustments performed by skilled engineers. These detailed heating inspections ensure your school is ready for the challenges of the colder months.
During a typical summer service, our team will:
Inspect and clean the internal components of your boiler
Carry out gas safety and tightness testing
Examine flue systems, ventilation, and combustion performance
Test thermostats, timers, and system controls for correct operation
Assess radiator performance and system pressure
Issue a CP17 Commercial Gas Safety Certificate where applicable
Our engineers hold Gas Safe and OFTEC registrations. Additionally, DBS-checked staff conduct all school visits and are familiar with the school’s safeguarding protocols. We understand the need for minimal disruption and can schedule services around your school’s holiday calendar.
3 Benefits of Booking in the Summer Holidays
1. Reduce Heating Costs with Efficient Servicing
Proactive servicing helps to catch minor issues before they become expensive faults. Cleaning parts, adjusting settings, and checking controls make a boiler more efficient. Routine cleaning means it uses less energy and works well throughout the entire heating season. Over time, this can greatly reduce your school’s operating costs. This is particularly helpful for older buildings or multi-zone systems.
2. Avoid Mid-Term Heating Disruption to Pupils & Staff
A failed heating system during term time creates immediate challenges, not just in terms of comfort but also in continuity. For example, cold classrooms impact concentration. Additionally, emergency repairs often necessitate the isolation of sections of the school. By servicing during the holidays, your team can skip reactive decisions. You’ll begin the new term with complete confidence in the system.
3. Legal Compliance & Safer School Environments
All schools must follow health and safety laws, including the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. Annual boiler servicing is a requirement, along with maintaining clear documentation. Booking in the summer lets your team complete servicing, obtain CP17 certification, and fix any flagged issues before the term begins.
Book with Confidence This Summer
Stay ready, not reactive and act now while school’s out. Every summer, schools get a vital opportunity to address heating system problems. If work is performed during this window, they can stay compliant and keep daily operations running smoothly.
By booking during the holidays, you can avoid:
The stress of mid-term breakdowns
Costly emergency repairs
Compliance risks during the colder months
At Asbury, we’ve supported schools across Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, East & West Sussex, and Surrey for over 60 years. Our engineers are DBS-checked and certified by Gas Safe and OFTEC. They have experience working in academies, primary schools, and across multi-site estates. We offer flexible services to fit your schedule. Choose from one-off summer services or long-term maintenance contracts. Both options ensure your heating systems stay safe, efficient, and ready for use.
Call 01202 745189 or contact our team today to secure your preferred summer slot and enjoy peace of mind when the new term begins.
