Now that the sun is shining more brightly, most of us won’t be thinking much about our boilers.
But experts say having a boiler serviced in the summer, rather than leaving it on until the winter months, can help households save money.
By anticipating this, you can avoid having to call in an emergency service in the winter, when your boiler is running at full speed again.
These callouts can cost more than £400, according to figures from trading guide, Checkatrade.
By comparison, the average service cost for a gas boiler is around £80. An annual service is usually a condition of a boiler warranty.
Move Ahead: There are signs that your boiler is flashing that you can look out for to avoid having to get an emergency repair
Ben Gallizi, energy expert as Uswitch.com Comments: ‘While your boiler is not often ‘top of mind’ in the summer, it may be a good time to consider having it serviced.
‘If you have your boiler serviced at least once a year, you ensure that it is safe and works optimally. Leaving problems undetected can become dangerous.
‘Thinking ahead and having your boiler serviced in the summer will prevent any problems for the winter, when you rely on it the most.’
Gallizi also said engineers may be able to get to an appointment more quickly in the summer because winter tends to be busier.
Some even offer cheaper rates to customers who get service while the sun is shining.
Nat White, head of brand communications at gas and heating experts Rated People, said: ‘In the warmer months of the year, heating technicians are naturally less busy, so they may offer discounts or off-season rates where possible.
“Even if they can’t, you can still save money by deferring an emergency call rate that comes when you need to fix a boiler breakdown quickly.”
However, according to a survey by Rated People, one million UK households cannot afford to have their boiler serviced or repaired.
But homeowners are urged to stay on top of their boiler services if they can.
A faulty boiler can pose a serious health risk if carbon monoxide leaks from it.
Nathan Martin-Nicholls, a heating technician, said: ‘Carbon monoxide is an invisible and very dangerous gas that can cause serious illness and brain damage and lead to fatalities.
“It’s very hard to detect because it can’t be seen, nor does it have a smell or taste.”
“Your home should have a carbon monoxide detector to help detect this toxic gas,” he adds.
Costly repairs: Rated People has estimated the cost of common household repairs
| Repair | Cost |
|---|---|
| Repair broken devices | £70-£200 |
| Repairing poorly insulated areas | £920-£2,320 |
| Eliminate mold and/or moisture | £400 – £4,000 |
| Boiler maintenance | £60-£120 |
| Boiler repairs | £2,500 – £3,500 |
| Roof repairs | £95 – £2,280 (range of different jobs) |
| Sanitary maintenance and repairs, for example leaking pipes | £300 – £400 (daily rate) |
| Repair broken window | £100 – £250 |
| Gas safety check | £35-£99 |
| Electrical maintenance, upgrade or repairs | £3995 (3 bedroom house rewiring) |
| Source: Valued People | |
Signals that your central heating boiler needs maintenance
According to experts, these are the first signs that your boiler needs maintenance.
1) The pilot flame color has been changed
The pilot light on your boiler should be blue. If the flame has changed to an orange-yellow color, it could be an indication of poor combustion, which is an extremely worrying sign.
Switch off your boiler as soon as you see this and call a gas and heating engineer immediately.
Other signs of poor combustion include the smell of gas, brown or black scorch marks, musty smells, and increased condensation on windows in your home.
2) Water is leaking from the water heater
This may be a sign that an internal component is faulty. While this is not necessarily dangerous in itself, it can be a safety issue.
If you discover a leak, make sure to switch off the boiler to ensure that the electricity does not short circuit and to prevent water from damaging your home.
3) The pilot flame keeps going out
This is another sign that needs professional help sooner rather than later.
If this is also accompanied by leaks, new noises or scorches, it is considered a red flag.
4) Your boiler suddenly makes noise or makes new noises
While this is not a clear sign of danger, it should not be ignored.
Knocking or whistling noises coming from your boiler could indicate a build up of air in your central heating system or a drop in water pressure.
If this continues for a long period of time, it could lead to your boiler breaking down and leaving you with a higher bill.
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