Vital check you must do this spring to avoid £3,500 bill
MANY homeowners focus on sprucing up their space in spring, but skipping vital maintenance checks could land them with a hefty repair bill.
A well-insulated home with a working boiler is a must in winter – but as the warmer months roll in, checking your heating system might not be top of your to-do list.
GettyGetting your boiler serviced can save you thousands of pounds[/caption]
But not having it serviced could land you with a hefty bill if it breaks.
A service typically costs around £100, according to Checkatrade.
But according to Which?, the average cost of a new boiler, including installation, is around £2,300, with prices typically ranging from £1,500 to £3,500 – so you could save thousands by getting yours checked.
Even a repair can set you back around £300, depending on the issue and the boiler model, with costs varying between £100 and £500.
Stephen Day, a heating engineer expert at iHeat, warns that neglecting boiler maintenance could lead to costly breakdowns and serious safety risks.
Stephen said: “Every year, your boiler should be serviced by a Gas Safe engineer to ensure that it is running safely and efficiently.
“Only 20% of boiler owners book an annual service, but failing to do so can not only cause your boiler to work less efficiently, but can be dangerous in the long term if major issues are missed.”
Stephen advises homeowners to schedule a boiler service now to avoid problems when temperatures drop.
He said: “By identifying faults early, engineers can make repairs before they become major problems, optimising your boiler’s efficiency and saving you money on energy bills over the long term.”
Just one annual service can reduce the chances of expensive repairs and improve efficiency.
A standard boiler repair costs an average of £940, but replacing a faulty boiler can cost anywhere between £1,500 and £4,500, according to iHeat.
That means catching an issue early could save at least £500 — or even more if the repair is minor.
Boiler servicing is essential, but costs can add up. A boiler cover plan and warranties are worth considering.
A boiler cover plan can be a cost-effective solution, typically including an annual service and some repair costs.
These plans generally cost between £200 and £300 a year and help households budget for maintenance while keeping their boiler in peak condition.
Utilising warranties and guarantees can also help cut out-of-pocket expenses.
Many manufacturers offer warranties that cover critical components like the heat exchanger, but they often require an annual service to remain valid, so it’s still worth getting a service even if you’re covered.
Checking your boiler’s warranty details and ensuring you meet the service conditions could save you hundreds in unexpected costs.
For those on a tight budget, some energy suppliers offer free annual gas safety checks — particularly for older customers or those on a low income.
These checks aren’t the same as a full boiler service, but they can help pinpoint issues before they turn into major problems.
To qualify for a free safety check, most suppliers require homeowners to be receiving means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Council Tax Support, or Housing Benefit.
Keeping your boiler in top shape isn’t just about avoiding costly breakdowns — it can also lower energy bills and improve home safety.
With repair and replacement costs running into the thousands, a simple check-up now could save you a fortune in the long run.
Common Issues to look out for during Spring
Here are some common issues to keep an eye out on, according to Ian Palmer Smith, Domestic and General...
As the seasons change, it’s important to keep an eye out for potential boiler and heating system issues.
Checking for rust spots on radiators is crucial, as rust on the exterior can indicate significant internal corrosion.
Corrosion not only leads to leaks, but also affects the overall efficiency of the system and can damage the boiler.
Additionally, if the pressure regularly drops, this could indicate a leak within the system, which could lead to more serious issues down the line.
How to get free boiler checks and white goods
The Direct Access to Wellbeing Services Team (DAWS) is a new service set up by gas supplier Cadent and the Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Charity.
The pair are offering £2.4million worth of grants to help 100,000 vulnerable healthcare users with financial support, including energy-saving measures, over the next two years.
It is currently only available to NHS patients in Birmingham but if the project is successful then it may be rolled out across the wider UK.
Households can not apply directly for this support – they need to be referred by their health worker GP, health visitor or nurse.
When the DAWS team receives a referral, an advisor will work through their details in a consultation.
From there, they will know which services they will need support with. This can include:
Energy efficiency improvements around the home
White goods like fridges or cookers
Boiler checks
Helping people get the benefits they are entitled to
Support to maximise their income
In some instances, referrals have been actioned within 48 hours but this may not be the case every time.
How to stay warm for less
To help look after your heating this winter British Gas has produced some tips to help you stay warm this winter.
Bleed your radiators – Make sure your radiators are running efficiently
Stay safe – Get a carbon monoxide alarm fitted and test it regularly
Check you boiler – Make sure your boiler is working by getting it serviced by a trained engineer
Insulate your pipes – Stop your pipes from bursting buy making sure they are properly insulated by using lagging
Wrap your water tank and insulate hot water – The materials can be bought from most DIY stores and will help you save money
Be energy smart – A smart meter could help you save money by monitoring how much energy you use
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