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5 Reasons to Check Your Boiler this Winter

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As winter and the darkness draws in, it is more important than ever to ensure you check your boiler. You’ll be using your boiler daily for the next 4 months at least so you don’t want to risk it breaking down on the cold nights. With everyone tightening their belts, checking your boiler will not also benefit your pocket, it will also benefit your health.

  1. If a boiler is not properly maintained, ventilated or fitted correctly there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Calling out an engineer will mean they will check all the appliances are all working correctly and if there is good ventilation. The engineer also checks the boiler is at the right gas pressure, tests the flue, checks the boiler controls and looks for any leaks and corrosion. You can also choose to buy a new and more efficient boiler called a condensing boiler. Carbon monoxide poisoning is lethal but it can also lead to sickness and brain damage. What makes it more dangerous is the fact that you cannot smell carbon monoxide, taste or see it. Those who suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning suffer from drowsiness, nausea, vomiting and shortness of breath.
  2. You need to maintain a boiler just as much as you need to ensure you service your car and take it in for its MOT. As with a car, you can avoid paying high costs for repairs if you service it regularly where engineers can find any minor faults before they become bigger and more expensive faults.  Save money on big repairs and have your boiler serviced regularly and ensure a CO alarm is fitted at the same time.
  3. Having your boiler checked will save you money because if it is running efficiently it will mean spending less on fuel. If you have your boiler regularly maintained it is less likely to break down and you don’t want it breaking down in the middle of winter leaving you without hot water or heating.  If you replace your boiler with an A-rated high-efficiency combination boiler, it can mean you save up to £300 a year especially if you improve your heating controls at the same time. It will also mean you reduce the carbon dioxide emissions.
  4. Make sure that you have insurance on your boiler. The boiler warranty usually highlights the boiler needs to be serviced by a certified engineer. When the engineer visits your home, make sure you check their details carefully.
  5. Although financially and environmentally it is beneficial for homeowners to service their boilers, it is not a legal requirement. However it is a legal requirement for landlords so make sure you keep all the paperwork including the Gas Safety certificate (if it’s a gas boiler) to show the history of the boiler.

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