It’s been reported that most households would rather do without the TV, car or even broadband, than be without their boiler. Knowing this, it’s even more baffling why the following statistics exist:
- 3 in 5 people have not had their boiler serviced in the last 12 months.
- 12% have not had their boiler serviced for two years.
- 1 in 10 have never had a boiler maintenance check carried out.
- A staggering 49% have no idea what make of boiler is installed in their home
Rather mixed signals, when you consider that in a recent survey from Gocompare.com it was revealed that a quarter of homeowners worry about their boiler breaking down, and of those, many would struggle to pay for the cost of repairs.
When Vaillant, Britains biggest boiler manufacturer, did their own survey, they discovered the extent to which people’s lives are affected by a boiler breakdown:
- 4 out of 10 people questioned said they had been left without hot water and heating following a boiler failure, and admitted it caused them serious problems.
- On average, people had waited two and and a half days for a repair to be carried out while 1 in 6 had been left suffering for five days without hot water or heating.
- Nearly 50% said they had been forced to survive the elements by using extra clothing and blankets while 30% rushed out to buy electric heaters.
- 1 in 10, however, decided not to face the cold, by moving out to stay with friends or relatives.
The report reveals that of the 1.5m boilers sold every year, 75% of these (1.1 million) are bought to replace an existing unit. Of these sales, two thirds occur in winter months, suggesting that many of these purchases are the result of a boiler breakdown.
Despite 3 out of 4 people saying they could not afford the cost of a replacement (around £2,459) without suffering ‘financial stress,’ two thirds of people don’t bother with maintenance contracts.
This annual check up of your heating system can detect the early signs of problems and can help to prevent a major catastrophe further on down the road. Although most home emergency insurance policies do provide cover for household misfortunes, there is a maximum payout limit on most of them, so repairs may be covered, but not, in some cases, the cost of a new boiler and installation.
Jeremy Cryer, Gocompare.com’s energy spokesperson, states that:
“Boilers are one of the most expensive items in your home to replace or repair but, many people don’t give them a thought until they let them down. We strongly advise people to have their system checked on an annual basis, this helps ensure that it is running safely and efficiently.”
Aimee Patterson, former BBC Apprentice Plumber of the Year and Vaillant home heating expert puts it plain and simple:
“It seems astonishing that perhaps the most essential appliance in the home is often the most neglected.”
It simply can’t be stressed highly enough – take care of your boiler and it will take care of you.
For details of our Dorchester maintenance contracts get in touch today.
(Photos by Gregg O’Connell & Chris Potter)
