How Often Should You Service Your AGA?
The AGA is more than just an appliance; it’s a trusted household companion, renowned for its reliability, durability, and timeless appeal. However, like any other household equipment, an AGA requires regular maintenance to ensure it continues to function at its best.
How often you should service your AGA depends significantly on the fuel it uses, so here we’ll explore the recommended service intervals based on fuel type, why regular servicing is crucial, and what the servicing process typically involves.
Why Does Your AGA Need Regular Servicing?
An AGA is designed to be a workhorse in the kitchen, offering consistent and even cooking. However, this reliability comes with a need for regular maintenance. Over time, parts of your AGA, like the burners, wicks, or thermocouples, can wear out or become less efficient. If not checked and serviced regularly, these issues can lead to inefficiency, increased fuel consumption, and, in some cases, potentially dangerous situations such as carbon monoxide leaks.
Regular servicing not only helps maintain the efficiency of your AGA but also extends its lifespan, ensuring that it continues to be the heart of your kitchen for many years to come. Moreover, regular maintenance helps to uphold the warranty, as many manufacturers require proof of servicing to honour any claims.
Service Intervals Based on Fuel Type
The frequency of servicing your AGA depends on the type of fuel it uses. Here’s a breakdown:
- Oil-Fired AGA
- Service Frequency: Every 6 months.
- Oil-fired AGAs require more frequent servicing due to the nature of the fuel. Oil can degrade over time and cause deposits to build up within the burner and flue system, leading to reduced efficiency and potential blockages. Bi-annual servicing ensures that the burner and other critical components are cleaned, adjusted, and in good working order.
- Gas-Fired AGA
- Service Frequency: Every 12 months.
- Gas-fired AGAs are generally more efficient and cleaner than their oil-fired counterparts, requiring annual servicing. However, regular checks are still essential to ensure that the burner is functioning correctly, and to check for any potential leaks or issues with the gas supply.
- Electric AGA
- Service Frequency: Every 12 to 18 months.
- Electric AGAs are the most low-maintenance of the lot, as they don’t have burners or fuel supplies that can degrade over time. However, it’s still important to have them serviced at least every 12 to 18 months to check the elements, controls, and any other electrical components that could wear out or become less efficient.
- Solid Fuel AGA
- Service Frequency: Every 6 months.
- Solid fuel AGAs, much like oil-fired ones, require more frequent servicing due to the potential for ash and soot to build up in the flue and combustion areas. Regular maintenance is essential to keep the appliance burning efficiently and safely.
The AGA Servicing Process: What to Expect
When you book a service for your AGA, a qualified engineer will visit your home and conduct a thorough inspection and maintenance routine. Here’s what typically happens during an AGA service:
- Initial Inspection: The engineer will start by examining the overall condition of the AGA, looking for any obvious signs of wear or damage. This includes checking the external surfaces, controls, and any visible pipework.
- Burner Maintenance:
- For oil and gas models, the burner is dismantled, cleaned, and reassembled. The engineer will check for any signs of wear or damage and replace parts like wicks, jets, or gaskets if necessary.
- In the case of electric models, the heating elements are checked to ensure they are functioning correctly.
- Flue and Venting System: The flue is inspected and cleaned to ensure there are no blockages or deposits that could impede the efficient operation of the AGA. For oil and solid fuel AGAs, this step is particularly crucial as it ensures the safe expulsion of combustion gases.
- Thermostats and Safety Devices: The thermostat is checked and calibrated if necessary to ensure your AGA is maintaining the correct temperatures. Safety devices, such as thermocouples, are also inspected and tested.
- Cleaning and Reassembly: After all components have been checked, cleaned, or replaced, the engineer will reassemble your AGA. The exterior of the appliance is also cleaned, ensuring that your AGA looks as good as it performs.
- Final Testing: The service concludes with a series of tests to ensure everything is working as it should. This might include lighting the burner, checking for gas leaks, or ensuring the correct operation of the electric elements.
Servicing your AGA regularly is a small investment in the longevity, safety, and efficiency of your appliance. By adhering to the recommended service intervals based on your AGA’s fuel type, you can enjoy the benefits of a well-maintained AGA for many years to come. Whether it’s the cosy warmth it provides or the even cooking results it delivers, your AGA will continue to be a cherished part of your home.
If your AGA is due for a service, don’t delay—schedule a visit from one of our qualified engineers to keep your kitchen running smoothly and efficiently.