Boiler Guides

Boiler safety

In an age of thermostats, electronic controls and timers, your boiler barely needs a second thought, but this also means that you’re less likely to notice if something is wrong with your boiler.

However, if you take the proper safety measures, you can be sure that your boiler and central heating system will not only be more efficient, but also safer.

Annual safety check
Carbon monoxide
Keep your boiler healthy
What if I can’t afford it?

Annual safety check

If you own your own home and are responsible for ensuring that your boiler is running properly then you also need to make sure that you have it serviced once a year.

Some boiler cover plans will include your annual safety check, but if you’re not insured, or this isn’t included in your cover, you’ll need to contact a registered engineer to look over your boiler. You should never attempt to do it yourself.

If you have a gas boiler - as most people do - then make sure you get a Corgi registered technician to service your boiler. If you have an oil-fired boiler contact Oftec to find a local, qualified engineer.

Making sure your annual service is carried out not only ensures that your boiler is safe and running efficiently, but also reduces the chance of a breakdown - and the costly callout and repair fees that go hand-in-hand with central heating emergencies.

Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas that can be given off by faulty gas appliances - and it can be fatal.

So it’s vital that you know how to spot the symptoms of both a faulty appliance, and the first signs of CO poisoning.

CO poisoning can occur via a shared flue or chimney, or even from a neighbour’s appliance and early symptoms include tiredness, headaches, nausea and chest or stomach pains. It can often be confused with flu, and children and the elderly will be affected quicker, but if you experience any of these symptoms while using a gas appliance, you need urgent medical attention.

There are also a number of ways that you can check your appliances, according to Corgi. These include looking at the flame; if it’s bright blue, it’s healthy; if it’s yellowy orange, carbon monoxide could be present.

Also, pilot lights that frequently blow out, brownish-yellow stains around the appliance or heavy condensation in the room where the appliance is installed are also indicators that you need to get your appliance professionally checked as soon as possible.

If you are worried about CO leaks, you can install an alarm for around £25 (Corgi doesn’t recommend the cheaper, “black-dot” detectors).

Keep your boiler healthy

Taking out boiler insurance will not only ensure that your boiler stays in good condition, it also offers peace of mind against the high costs of emergency repairs.

And if your cover includes your annual boiler check - as do British Gas (www.britishgas.co.uk) - you’ll be saving yourself between £60 and £90 that you would have had to fork out on your safety inspection anyway.

What if I can’t afford it?

Your boiler’s annual safety check is essential to keep you safe in your home, as well as keeping down the cost of your heating bills. However, if you’re worried that you won’t be able to afford it, check the

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