How often do I need to get my boiler serviced and who do I call when there’s a problem?
GETTING your boiler regularly serviced keeps your home safe and could save you huge amounts of money.
The risks of leaving boilers unchecked range from carbon monoxide poisoning to weeks without heating and hot water.
Now that winter is here and the temperatures have dropped, the last thing you want is for your central heating to pack up.
By getting your boiler seen to every year, you can reduce the chances of a breakdown and a more expensive payout in the long term.
Why should I get my boiler serviced and how often do I need to?
Energy companies recommend servicing your boiler at least once a year to make sure it's operating properly.
Regular services can also cut costs in the long-run because it helps you avoid the need to fork out for expensive repairs.
Who should I call if it breaks?
If your boiler packs up, there are four steps you should take before you pick up the phone.
- Check the warranty on your boiler as you may be able to get it fixed for free. has a guide on boiler warranties if you are unsure whether you are covered.
- Check to see if your boiler is covered on your home insurance, it's usually an add-on for most policies.
- If you live in rented accommodation it is your landlord's responsibility to pay for any repairs to your boiler.
- Call a local engineer to find out if they will give you a better offer than your energy supplier. Use the to find a reputable tradesman.
Also keep in mind that if you have boiler insurance, you should be covered if yours breaks.
If you don't, you're going to need to fork out for repairs.
One option is ask your energy provider to fix it but this can end up being quite expensive.
Homeowners without insurance can expect to pay upwards of £75 to have an energy provider undertake boiler repairs.
Should I insure my boiler?
THE average cost of a yearly boiler insurance contract is £242 whereas a one-off repair will usually cost around £194, according to Which?.
So for most people it's going to be more worthwhile to pay for the one-off repair.
But the benefit of boiler insurance is peace of mind and if your boiler does break down then you are covered all year round.
Most energy companies offer boiler insurance that can also cover your radiators and pipes.
You may also be able to get coverage more cheaply as an add-on to your home insurance.
Make sure you know how much you should be paying for repairs. You can find the average cost for the most common boiler repairs here.
Meanwhile, British Gas customers are outraged after they were charged up to three times more than new customers for boiler breakdown insurance.
If you are a pensioner or on low income you can get a helping hand paying off your winter electricity bill. Here's everything you need to know about the warm home discount.
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