The best way to avoid a cold, stressful home is to catch the warning signs of a broken boiler early
Snow and ice blanketed Merseyside this week as temperatures dropped to -2C. Commuters faced mass disruption as Merseyrail trains were cancelled and delayed, while people live in Wirral will not have its bins emptied until next week due to the dangerous conditions.
As people crank up their central heating to escape the cold, a temperamental boiler can prove to be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. A survey of 2,197 participants between the ages of 18 and 70, divided by boiler company BOXT Lifefound 67% feared a boiler breakdown, while almost 60% feared the extra expenses winter brings.
Engineer Ryan Gill said: “The best way to avoid a cold, stressful home is to catch the warning signs of a broken boiler early. A handy winter checklist (can) help families quickly spot potential boiler problems before they cause havoc.”
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Here are the engineer’s top five things to keep in mind to avoid a boiler disaster this winter.
Error codes
It’s never a pleasure to see random words or numbers popping up on your forehead, especially since it’s often unclear what they mean. Don’t ignore them – they can be the first warning sign of a broken boiler.
Error codes may flash when your boiler is having problems. If you see a combination of letters and numbers displayed, call a Gas Safe registered engineer and they can fully diagnose and fix the problem.
Loud bangs
While boilers are often noisy, there are some times when you need to be careful. Often the noises you hear are nothing to worry about, but listen for any new, excessively loud or persistent noises. Chattering, popping, gurgling and clunking noises can be a sign of a more serious problem.
Feel the radiators
If your radiators don’t get as hot as they usually do, it could mean the end of your boiler. Radiators that do not heat up properly can indicate trapped air or sludge build-up. If your thermostat is unresponsive or the temperature fluctuates, it could indicate a deeper problem.
Dripping
Keep an eye out for any leaks, drips or moisture. Look for moisture and other leaks, not only around the boiler, but pipes and radiators. This may be a sign that they are not working.
Strange smells
If you smell unusual odors from your boiler, it could indicate a gas leak or possibly smoke. You should turn it off immediately and call the gas emergency service or an engineer. Most importantly, it is important to always schedule an annual service and keep track of maintenance.
