Study Shows Many Homeowners Not Keeping Their Boilers Serviced Putting Their Lives And Finances At Stake

Often hidden away in airing cupboards or under the stairs, it can be easy to forget about your boiler and the key role it plays in keeping your home warm and cosy. However, out of sight should never mean out of mind when it comes to keeping your heating system in tip-top shape – and avoiding the annual boiler service recommended by experts could be a costly mistake in more ways than one.

Many people will know that a regular service is important for extending the life of their boiler and in turn keeping their utility bills down – an inefficient piece of kit can send your monthly outgoings soaring. At a time when household budgets are being seriously stretched and gas prices are going through the roof, can you really afford to be throwing money away every month by not finding the right boiler insurance?

But putting the money issue to one side for a moment, there can be even more serious consequences if you don't get your boiler looked at by a Gas Safe registered technician every year. The Gas Safe Register, which was introduced in April 2009 to replace the old Corgi register, gives homeowners the peace of mind of knowing they can trust the work of the trade they bring in to work on their boiler.

Carbon monoxide is a killer – so why put your loved ones at risk? Research carried out by HomeServe has found that more than half of people who admit they don't get their boiler serviced annually also have no carbon monoxide detector in their home. Perhaps even more worryingly, the survey estimated that more than two million households have not had their boiler looked at in the last three years. Jon Florsheim, CEO of HomeServe Membership, believes this is a worrying statistic that could have dire consequences.

"When you're busy it's so easy to forget about jobs such as getting your boiler serviced, particularly when your hot water and central heating seem to be working fine. However, it really is important to have your boiler regularly serviced, not just for the safety purposes but also because a regular clean and service helps maintain the life of your boiler," he remarked.

When doing the right thing your health and your family's wellbeing, cutting corners isn't an option. Getting a cheap odd-jobs man in to service your boiler just won't cut it – it's illegal for anyone who's not a Gas Safe-registered engineer to attempt a service or replace parts. Deciding on the right home emergency insurance could make all the difference in protecting your finances – and the health of your family.