How maintaining your boiler could save your life

It’s recommended that you have your boiler serviced every 12 months
-Credit:Stuart Vance.


People kicking off the new year with a touch of spring cleaning have been urged not to overlook one vital thing that could save your life. As chilly temperatures persist people will be relying more than ever on central heating to keep their homes comfortable, meaning boilers are more active than ever.

It’s recommended that you have your boiler serviced by a Gas-Safe Registered professional every 12 months. The price for this can range between £60 to £120, which may seem expensive. But it can end up saving you money in the long run, as it means you will be less likely to have to fork out for expensive repairs later on.

Joshua Houston, of GreenMatch renewable energy company, said: "Getting your boiler regularly serviced might seem like a hassle, but it should be something that is on your yearly checklist. It will not only save you money but also prevent you from being in a situation where your boiler breaks down to the point it needs to be replaced. It identifies faults earlier which gives you the cheapest possible repair costs. See calling a professional as an investment.’’

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Identifying faults can also be a life-saver, as gas leaks can prove deadly. The Department for Health estimates that 40 people die a year from carbon monoxide poisoning, and a further 300 on average are injured.

These are the top reasons you should keep on top of boiler maintenance - and the unpleasant smells which indicate there might be something terribly wrong.

It makes your boiler more energy-efficient

During the service, the engineer will ensure that your boiler is running at the maximum efficiency possible. This reduces fuel consumption which ultimately saves you money. It’s estimated that an efficient boiler will keep £25 a month in your pocket, this adds up to £300 a year, meaning it pays for the boiler service at least three times over.

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Extends the lifetime of your boiler

Like anything, if you look after it you will increase its lifespan. The cost to fit a new boiler can range from £1,500 to £3,500, with the average life being around 15 years. But regularly calling an engineer to service can extend that time to upwards of 20 years getting you better value for money for your initial investment. Services will allow for the inside of the boiler to be cleaned which prevents corrosion. This is one of the most common reasons for people needing to replace their boiler.

Increases the safety of your boiler system

Your boiler system is not only one of the most important parts of your home, but it also is one of the most dangerous. This is because it can release carbon monoxide which is odourless and potentially deadly to anyone who inhales it. Regularly servicing your boiler allows for a professional to check for leaks or areas of the system where carbon monoxide could escape at a later date. This reduces the chances of a leak, making your boiler system safer for you and other household members.

Identifies faults early

Having a Gas Safe registered engineer regularly take a look at your boiler means that they can identify faults at an early stage. They may find things that you had no idea about, which can be sorted out before any further damage is done. This allows you to be prepared for cold weather. The last thing you need is for your boiler to pack up in the middle of the night in freezing temperatures.

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Meanwhile, homeowners should watch out for these tell-tale odours

Rotten eggs

If you notice an unexplainable rotten egg-type smell, then this could be a sign of a gas leak. Firstly, turn off your gas supply at the energy control valve, or your heating systems equivalent. Then evacuate all of your household members immediately, along with any pets. This is because a spark could cause a potentially deadly explosion. Finally, contact a Gas Safe registered professional who should be able to identify and fix the problem.

Burning

Burning is one of the most concerning smells to have in a home. It can be caused by a wide variety of things and is often hard to identify. Boilers can cause this smell if dust or other debris burns when coming into contact with their hot metal coil. This isn’t a big problem as the smell should go away after 30 minutes. If it hasn't, then this might be a sign that your boiler is overheating, especially if your hot water supply is inconsistent. In this scenario, you should turn off your gas supply, before calling a professional to have a look.

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Metallic

A metallic smell could be for the same reason as the rotten egg smell. The same actions should be taken, as a gas leak is extremely dangerous.

Alternatively, it could be an oil leakage from your boiler. Don’t try and fix the problem yourself, instead call a professional who will try and rectify it safely. Another area of concern is carbon monoxide, a metallic smell is a sign that it might also be leaking. Carbon monoxide itself is odourless, but this strengthens the importance of bringing in Gas Safe Engineers to take a look.