7 in 10 Brits say boiler breakdowns are their (Image: Getty)
With the UK’s temperatures dropping below zero during the coldest season, of experiencing a boiler breakdown—more than just a chilling thought. The colder weather boosts the need for heating and hot water, putting more stress on boilers.
To help ensure you’re not left in the cold within your own home—an issue that’s not only uncomfortable but costly as well—an expert engineer has come forward with essential advice to prevent boiler problems.
Ryan Gill, leading engineer at boiler plan company , details a winter checklist to preemptively tackle boiler warnings before they wreak havoc.
“The best way to avoid a cold, stressful home is to catch the warning signs of a broken boiler early. A handy winter checklist [can] help families quickly spot potential boiler issues before they cause chaos”, he explains.
He emphasizes the importance of monitoring error codes, even though they can sometimes be puzzling: “Fault codes can flash up when your boiler has a problem.”
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“If you see a combination of letters and numbers appear, call a Gas Safe registered engineer and they can diagnose and rectify the problem fully”, he insists.
Ryan also advises paying close attention to the noises made by your boiler. Although boilers generally make some noise, certain sounds should prompt concern.
“Often the sounds you hear will be nothing to worry about”, he says. “However, listen for any new, excessively loud or persistent sounds. Kettling, banging, gurgling and clunking sounds can be a sign of a more serious problem.”
One of the top tips is keeping an ear out for any unusual sounds coming from your boiler (Image: Getty)
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Feeling the temperature of your radiators can help identify if they’re not heating up as they should, says Ryan: “Radiators that aren’t heating up properly could point to trapped air or sludge buildup. If your thermostat isn’t responding or the temperature fluctuates, it can indicate a deeper issue”.
He also advises keeping an eye out for any leaks, drips or moisture, “not just around the boiler, but pipes and radiators, as this could be a sign that they are malfunctioning” and unusual smells, which “can indicate a gas escape or possibly fumes. You should turn it off immediately and call the Gas Emergency Service line or an engineer.”
Above all, Ryan emphasises the importance of scheduling an annual service and maintaining your heating system.