Winter is slowly setting in! Fireplaces and boilers are back in action. But have you thought about their maintenance? It's recommended for both your safety and the efficiency of your heating system. And to avoid penalties in the event of a claim.
Who should do it?
Whether oil, gas, wood, coal or multi-fuel, all boilers between 4 and 400 kilowatts must be serviced annually. The maintenance obligation also applies to heat pumps.
In the case of a rental property, it is the tenant who must contact a heating engineer to have the equipment serviced, unless the lease stipulates that the landlord must do so.
This operation must be carried out at least once a year (CGCT, art. L. 2213-26). However, the sanitary regulations of each département may stipulate a different frequency. This is particularly the case in Paris. As each case is unique, check with your local council to make sure you're up to standard.
There are no penalties for failure to carry out annual maintenance. No fine is therefore applicable. However, if you are a tenant and fail to produce a maintenance certificate, your landlord may deduct the cost from your security deposit.
This can be particularly costly in terms of accident insurance. While lack of maintenance does not lead to suspension of insurance cover, in the event of a claim, some contracts may reduce compensation for negligent policyholders, thereby incurring civil liability.
Please note: chimneys and stoves must also be serviced at least once a year (or more, depending on local regulations). If you're a tenant, chimney sweeping is a rental obligation, usually stipulated in the lease contract. However, the landlord can arrange for chimneys to be swept. In all cases, the tenant is responsible for all costs incurred.
Failure to sweep a chimney can result in a fine of up to €450. In terms of insurance, damage caused by a chimney fire is covered by the fire insurance included in comprehensive home insurance policies. However, if the incident is found to be the result of a lack of maintenance, compensation may be reduced.
Chimney sweeping and maintenance: reasons not to neglect them
Boiler maintenance should not be taken lightly. It ensures :
- greater safety. Your chimney is becoming clogged. Deposits and other dirt (and sometimes even nests) can disrupt its operation, and even jeopardize your safety. These deposits can catch fire and ignite the flue. Poorly maintained heating appliances (or those installed in poorly ventilated rooms) can release carbon monoxide. This completely odorless gas represents a serious health hazard.
- Your heating appliance will run smoothly and last longer.
- energy savings.
Marie-Christine Ménoire