When the sun is shining in the height of summer the last thing people think about is their heating system, however, the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC) are reminding homeowners to plan ahead to book in boiler maintenance and look after their boiler and heating system throughout the summer months to avoid breakdowns and problems when the cold weather returns.
Recent research by APHC found that 30% of 1,000 homeowners questioned in England and Wales have not had their boiler serviced in the last 12 months and 14% have not have their boiler checked for over 2 years.
With the Department of Health estimating that 40 deaths per year are from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning this lack of maintenance is putting householders lives at risk. Regular servicing by a qualified heating engineer can detect potential leaks and defects plus engineers will check that all CO alarms are in good working order to offer an early warning should the boiler become faulty.
Timing a boiler service in the summer not only ensures that your system is safe and more likely to work throughout winter; an annual service can check that the boiler is working to its maximum efficiency. Any dirt and deposits within the system can be cleared plus any small problems can be fixed without living in a house or flat with no heating or hot water during a cold snap. Planning a summer service could also cost less than at peak periods when engineers are in less demand for emergency breakdowns and prices are lower.
John Thompson, Chief Executive of APHC, advises: “It’s understandable that many people turn off the heating and forget about it for a few months during the summer but a few simple precautions can greatly reduce the stress and inconvenience of the heating not working when it gets colder.
“As well as ensuring the system is in good working order, in many cases householders will see energy savings from achieving maximum efficiency from their heating as well as reducing emergency call out fees in the event of a breakdown.”
By taking some basic precautions consumers can reduce the risk of boiler breakdowns when they turn on the heating in autumn, which is traditionally a peak time for engineers responding to emergency call-outs. Historically there are twice as many boiler breakdowns mid-October when everyone switches on the heating than a normal week in winter.
To find a local qualified and reputable heating engineer for an annual service consumers can use the APHC’s search facility at www.FindAQualityPlumber.co.uk. The online database allows consumers to search via postcode, town or by specific business name.
APHC has also released a series of free, impartial consumer guides to provide background information on a host of plumbing and heating topics. The guides range from advice on how to select and employ the right installer, preparing for cold weather and dealing with emergencies.