Brits putting families at risk by failing to service their boilers regularly

Many homeowners could be running their boilers inefficiently as well as putting their families at risk by failing to service their boilers and gas appliances on a regular basis, according to new research out today. The research commissioned by Worcester Bosch ahead of Gas Safety Week reveals that 10 per cent of homeowners have never had their boiler serviced, whilst 20 per cent have not had it serviced in over 12 months. The advice is for people to book in a service once a year.

When questioned further, nearly 20 per cent of homeowners thought a boiler service was “unnecessary” and they would prefer to wait until their boiler breaks down and call someone to fix it then. 18 per cent also said that they do not pay for their boiler to be serviced as they think it is a waste of money and that cash would be better spent elsewhere. Even more worryingly, 12 per cent of homeowners do not think their family is at risk if they do not get their boiler serviced.

Brits are also failing to ask the necessary questions and are not well informed at all when it comes to their boilers. Nearly half of homeowners (48 per cent) have never asked for the service history of a boiler when they have moved into a new property. Likewise, 46 per cent are unaware that for boilers younger than five years of age, the warranty could be void if they have not had it serviced. As well as potentially putting their loved ones at risk, this means many Brits might have to fork out a lot of money to have their boiler replaced later down the line if they are not carrying out these checks.

Aston spoke to Martyn Bridges, director at Worcester Bosch to chat about the research, gas safety week and also offered advice on how often you should have your boilers checked.