As the coldest months of the year are getting closer, homeowners all over the UK are turning to their boilers for extra comfort and warmth. A boiler breakdown is one of the worst nightmares for any of us, as according to Which? magazine, the cheapest boiler repair costs £150 on average. At the other end of the scale, the most expensive repairs are replacing thermostatic valves (£420) and fitting a new boiler (up to £2,000). Looking at these prices, you may be thinking that you can postpone getting your boiler repaired, but the truth is that running a faulty boiler can end up costing you more than getting it fixed. Read on to see why.
Higher energy bills
Faulty boilers may continue to work, but will run up energy bills that may be twice as high as they should be. It is not unusual to get bills of £300 and more in households where the boiler needs urgent repairs. It is therefore easy to see how postponing repairs is a false economy.
Rented properties
If you are the landlord of a rented property, you are required by law to provide your tenants with a copy of a valid gas safety certificate, which confirms that the boiler in the property is in good working order and safe to operate. Landlords who have not complied have been given fines of up to £40,000.
Health hazards
Did you know that, on average, 20 people die in the UK every year as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning? Carbon monoxide is a lethal substance that can be released by faulty boilers, and it is considered a silent killer as it does not produce any smell that would alert you to the fact that something is wrong. The symptoms of carbon monoxide quickly escalate from headaches to loss of consciousness and even death in the very worst case scenario. Properly functioning boilers are equipped with a mechanism that detects carbon monoxide leaks, so by running a faulty boiler you are creating serious and unnecessary risks to your health and to the safety of your loved ones.
At AMT Heating, we take your safety and household finances seriously, which is why we are the first port of call for many homeowners across Croydon, Kingston and Wimbledon. Our engineers and plumbers offer courteous and reliable services, and we always strive to give you competitive and honest prices for all of your boiler repairs. Give us a call today to find out more.