Homeowners urged to get boiler checked if it’s makes 7 ‘costly’ signs

Households are being encouraged to carry out boiler inspections to ensure their properties can be warmed as effectively as possible. Figures reveal that more than 100,000 boilers fail annually throughout England, leading to expenses of approximately £32 million.

Numerous individuals turn to online platforms such as Reddit for guidance on boiler problems, but obtaining expert advice is essential.

With this in mind, energy specialists at Quotezone are offering recommendations to assist families during the colder period, allowing them to cut costs and prevent potential difficulties. Typical problems including unexpected moisture around the boiler or unstable pilot lights could ultimately prove costly for property owners in the long term, making homes more challenging to warm and pushing up energy bills.

This follows research by Quotezone’s energy division which found that one in five Britons confessed they’re concerned about controlling their energy costs this winter.

Freezing conditions can diminish boiler performance precisely when occupants depend most significantly on heating and hot water, whilst underperforming boilers can prove remarkably costly to operate.

Considering the multiple worries regarding expense control, specialists are encouraging property owners to take action immediately, identify any problems early, and resolve matters before the harshest winter conditions arrive. Helen Rolph, energy comparison specialist at Quotezone.co.uk, said: “It’s concerning that a fifth of households are worried about warming their homes as we enter the winter months. Though we have already experienced an initial cold snap, the chilliest temperatures are yet to come.

“We are urging all households to carry out simple checks on their boiler, look out for common red flags and get the annual service booked in.

“Poorly maintained boilers can make it much harder for budget-conscious Brits to keep their bills down. Now is the time for the pre-winter boiler MOT.”

She added: “Boilers need serviced regularly to ensure they are running efficiently and that home insurance is valid – providers usually specify once a year, failure to look after the boiler could leave homeowners unprotected should they need to make a claim.

“If people own other properties as well, they have a legal obligation as landlords to service the boiler at least once a year, ensuring the safety and comfort of their tenants.”

Warning signs your boiler requires attention

1. Unexplained surge in energy bills

Should your heating costs have suddenly risen despite keeping the same usage habits, it’s generally a telltale indicator that your boiler isn’t functioning efficiently. Older units, particularly those beyond 10 years old, often have significantly lower efficiency ratings, which means they need to work harder to generate the same amount of warmth as more modern models.

Whilst replacing inefficient boilers represents the most practical long-term solution in most instances, routine servicing can still help preserve older systems.

Under typical circumstances, your boiler’s pilot light should display a constant blue flame.

If it looks yellow, orange, flickering or has extinguished entirely, this signals incomplete combustion – a serious safety concern requiring immediate attention. To prevent any dangerous situations, inspect the light regularly and research your specific boiler make and model online to verify what a healthy flame should look like – seek a professional if anything seems abnormal.

Any sign of leaking or water collecting beneath your boiler are obvious warning indicators that something’s amiss. When left unaddressed, leaks can trigger low system pressure, diminishing heating performance and reducing your boiler’s lifespan.

Even minor drips may suggest failing internal components. If you spot persistent moisture, damp patches, or unexplained puddles near your boiler, it’s vital to switch off the system immediately and contact a qualified engineer without delay.

Noticing new or excessive condensation on windows, walls or ventilation areas around your boiler could suggest problems. When your boiler struggles to vent moisture correctly, warm, humidity-laden air from the appliance circulates indoors rather than being safely expelled outside.

Ongoing condensation issues may result in broader concerns such as dampness and mould growth, making it essential to stay vigilant and address problems promptly.

5. Switching off without warning

Should your boiler continually shut itself down unexpectedly, it’s an unmistakable sign something isn’t right.

Insufficient water pressure, obstructions or air pockets within radiators might all contribute to your boiler cutting out randomly. Leaving these concerns unresolved can result in erratic heating, pushing up costs precisely when warmth is needed most throughout colder periods.

Neglecting to sort the problem could equally trigger considerably more severe difficulties in future.

Permitting your boiler to sit idle during summer can result in blockages, possibly restricting water circulation within your heating system and producing cold patches on radiators. Should your boiler emit a sound resembling a boiling kettle, this may suggest hindered water movement.

Additionally, if the water looks murky whilst bleeding your radiators, sludge has probably accumulated in the system and requires attention.

7. Unusual odours and sounds

Should your boiler begin emitting an unpleasant odour, it may signal a carbon monoxide leak, which poses extreme danger and demands urgent intervention. Banging or clanking noises are frequently triggered by ‘kettling’, caused by limescale accumulation within the heat exchanger.

Should your boiler appear to be emitting whistling or hissing sounds, this could be a sign of a water pressure problem or a valve that has not been fully opened, so it is vital not to overlook these warning signs. Homeowners should ensure their home insurance policy incorporates emergency cover, which typically encompasses boiler breakdowns and repairs – if this is not already included, it can be added as an optional extra or taken out as a standalone policy.