Homeowners urged to do boiler MOT ahead of winter chill

Homeowners are being urged to ensure their boilers are in top condition ahead of the coldest winter months.

Home insurance experts from Quotezone.co.uk have issued a range of measures to ensure boilers run smoothly through the freezing temperatures.

Inefficient boilers are costly to run, whereas A-rated models can save homeowners 30%-40% on monthly bills*, depending on the home’s size and insulation level.

Freezing temperatures can reduce boiler efficiency just when occupants rely most on heating and hot water.

This is why the experts warn routine boiler MOT’s are essential, so any issues can be spotted early and fixed ahead of the coldest temperatures to keep homes warm and energy bills as low as possible.

Greg Wilson, home insurance expert and CEO at Quotezone.co.uk, said: “Temperatures across the UK have started to drop, but the chilliest days are to come.

“This is why we are urging Brits to arrange a service for their boiler now, rather than waiting to fix issues during peak times or when an incident occurs.

“The nation’s boilers must be maintained in order to keep homes warm and keep energy bills as low as possible. Poorly maintained boilers can make it much harder for budget-conscious Brits to keep their bills down.

“Having your boiler checked and serviced at the beginning of winter provides peace of mind that your boiler is safe and working efficiently.   You may even find that once your boiler has been freshly serviced that you can turn the overall temperature down and still be just as cosy – saving some additional funds.

“Regularly servicing will also help keep your insurance intact.  Home insurance is unlikely to cover issues with a boiler if it was not properly maintained, a constant requirement of insurance is that the owner is responsible for taking reasonable care of the property, in winter that can mean sweeping chimneys, clearing gutters and making sure to service the boiler.  Not all home insurance products cover boilers as standard so homeowners need to review policy details and add on any additional cover needed.

“We have shared some of the warning signs to let you know your boiler needs a pre-winter MOT. However, we must stress that it is essential any boiler repairs are done by a professional.”

Here are the boiler red flags from Quotezone.co.uk:

1. Central heating sludge

Leaving your boiler inactive over the warmer summer months can lead to blockages, which may slow water flow in your heating system and cause cold spots on radiators. If your boiler is making a noise similar to a kettle boiling, this could indicate restricted water flow. Additionally, if the water is dark when bleeding your radiators, it’s likely that sludge has built up in the system and needs to be addressed.

2. Energy bill increases

If your heating bills are rising dramatically without an increase in energy usage, your boiler may be the issue. Boilers over ten years old typically have lower efficiency ratings, making a complete replacement more cost-effective. Regular servicing can also help keep energy bills in check.

3. Pilot light extinguishing 

If the pilot light on your system is going out frequently, it may be the sign of a fault in the fan, too little pressure in the system or a blockage. Spotting this sign early could prevent outages meaning you won’t be caught without hot water and heating – so make sure to check your system regularly for faults.

4. Unusual smells

If your boiler is starting to give off a bad smell, it could be a sign of a carbon monoxide leak, which is extremely dangerous and should be addressed immediately.  Make sure you have a carbon monoxide alarm and that it’s in good working order.

5. Radiator faults

If your radiators aren’t working, it could be due to an air blockage. Bleeding them can be a quick fix to allow any air to escape, but if they still fail, check there is enough pressure in the system to service all the radiators in the house. If the pressure is incorrect then a plumber will need to be contacted to find the source of the issue and resolve it.

6. Boiler turning on and off

Temperamental boilers turning themselves on and off can be difficult to diagnose, but low pressure, low water levels and thermostat issues can all cause a boiler to work less efficiently. Boilers shutting off can contribute to higher energy bills, so if you are experiencing this issue then your system needs to be reviewed as soon as possible.

7. Soot and scorching

In gas boilers, soot rings or scorch marks can be an indicator of a fault. They are a sign the boiler is heating up to such a degree as to leave marking, which could be due to defective parts of the system, incorrect burner pressures or incorrect pressure.

Quotezone.co.uk can help people compare and find savings on all sorts of products, including home and boiler insurance. 

Reference:

*https://homecareheating.co.uk/blog/will-a-new-boiler-save-me-money/