Households could be failing to upgrade and service their boiler this year due to the pandemic, research suggests.

Demand for installing, servicing and repairing energy-efficient boilers has sunk by 34 per cent compared to the same time as last year, according to data from Rated People.

It’s likely that people are worried about having engineers enter their homes and are also reigning in spending.   

Neglecting boilers can cost households significant sums of money and can be dangerous. 

Many households have not had their boiler serviced this year due to the coronavirus pandemic

Many households have not had their boiler serviced this year due to the coronavirus pandemic

Many households have not had their boiler serviced this year due to the coronavirus pandemic

A regularly serviced boiler not only keeps it fuel efficient but also ensures the unit is combusting fuel safely, considerably reducing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

There are hundreds of hospitalisations each year due to carbon monoxide poisoning from faulty appliances like boilers. 

A failing boiler could also, crucially, deprive a home of heating and hot water. 

This is even more difficult in the winter months in a time when most of us are stuck at home all day, every day given the current lockdown restrictions. 

Meanwhile, a new boiler can save a detached house up to £305 annually on a heating bill, the data suggests.

Some households have reported being unable to get their boiler serviced due to companies cutting down on home visits.  

British Gas confirmed it will be suspending all non-essential services until at least mid-February, including doing boiler services.

It said it is doing this to avoid coming into customer homes more than necessary and to keep customers and employees safe.

The supplier said it will resume all non-essential services as soon as it is safe to do so and it said it will be able to catch up on this work quickly.

It added it will still be attending essential appointments, such as no heating or hot water, and vulnerable customer appointments. 

For those who have their boilers serviced with other providers, they should contact their company to find out what their policy is at the present time.  

Having a new boiler installed can help households save money on their energy bills in 2021

Having a new boiler installed can help households save money on their energy bills in 2021

Having a new boiler installed can help households save money on their energy bills in 2021

Some 55 per cent of what a household spends on energy coming down to heating. 

Adrienne Minster, chief executive of Rated People, said: ‘2020 was a tough year for many financially, and so it is understandable that people have reigned back on their spending. 

‘But, putting your boiler to the back of your mind might end up costing you more in the future.

‘Instead, it is better to think of upgrading and maintaining your boiler as an investment that can pay dividends in the long run. The start of a new year is the perfect time to review your finances and see where you might be able to save.

‘If a new boiler is too big of an investment this year, a tradesperson can advise on other ways to make your home more energy efficient, helping to bring down your bills. 

‘Should your household heating be one area where you are spending a bit too much, and you have the space for a bigger boiler, you might want to consider using the government’s Green Homes Grant scheme which can offset the cost of switching to a biomass boiler.’

Does this invalidate warranties?

Most boiler manufacturers stipulate that for a warranty to be valid, the boiler must be serviced every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer who should record the service for you. 

Failure to do this could invalidate your warranty.

Some boiler manufacturers will also state that the service needs to be carried out to their specific manufacturer standards, so it’s a good idea to give a heating engineer access to the boiler’s operating manual so they can double-check.

Whilst some services are now being cancelled due to the pandemic, most providers will ensure the servicing is done within the time of warranty.  

British Gas confirmed all services will still take place within contract period so there will be no impact to peoples warranties.

However, if you are in doubt, contact your service provider to find out more.  

All data was sourced internally by Rated People during January 2021. This compared year on year data for jobs that involved installing, servicing or repairing boilers between 2019 and 2020.

How to make your home more fuel efficient 

There are many ways to make your home more fuel efficient. Below we have listed the top five tips: 

1. A new boiler: The best way to make your home more fuel efficient is to purchase a new boiler and save on your monthly bills. However, this may not be a possibility for all households. 

2. Smart thermostats: These can help you track your energy use and manage your heating when you’re not around. 

3. Cavity wall insulation: A third of heat loss is through uninsulated walls so having this fixed could keep costs low. 

4. Energy-efficient windows: Upgrade to double glazing if you haven’t already, or speak to a specialist about whether triple or secondary glazing is right for your home. 

5. Roof/loft insulation: Some 25 per cent of heat is lost through an uninsulated roof so getting it insulated could help keep in the warmth. 

Could you cut your energy bills… or help the planet and go green? 

Millions of people could be needlessly overpaying for their energy as they fail to switch to providers who offer cheaper deal.

They may also be missing out on the opportunity to help the planet and fight climate change, by switching to green deals that offer electricity from renewable sources and more environmentally-friendly gas.

With our partner, Compare the Market, you can compare energy tariffs and exclusive deals.

Why not find out if you could save hundreds of pounds a year on your energy or go green?

>> Check to see if you can start saving money now

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This post first appeared on Dailymail.co.uk

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