Heating expert warns of £6,000 boiler disaster – and how to avoid it

By Grace Piercy, News Reporter

A heating expert revealed how to care for your boiler (Image: Getty)

A heating expert has issued a warning to Brits of a boiler  problem that could cost you hundreds - or even thousands.

Almost a fifth of Brits (17%) struggled without heating  and hot water last winter due to boiler issues - and with snow, ice and freezing rain set to hit Britain this weekend, heating systems could be under additional pressure. 

A study by boiler company BOXT found over one in 10 Brits (11%) have already had to call out a gas engineer this month alone and two-fifths (39%) have never checked their boiler pressure.

And one in 10 say they don’t know what their boiler pressure is and one in five (20%) say their boiler  pressure is currently too high or too low from the recommended level.

But issues are not to be ignored as according to energy experts at Uswitch the average cost of a new boiler in the UK is between £1,600 and £6,000 including installation. The price depends on the type of boiler, the size of your home and the complexity of the installation. 

A boiler breaking can cost you hundreds (Image: Getty)

"After months of heavy use through December and January, minor boiler issues can escalate. Add in the winter cold snaps, and you have the ideal conditions for surprise breakdowns to peak," said Ryan Gill, lead engineer at BOXT.

Mr Gill recommended that people check boiler pressure regularly. The gauge is located on the front of the boiler, and when the system is off, it should sit between one and 1.5 bars. A reading below one often means low pressure, which can prevent boilers from working efficiently.

The engineer also told people to repressurise their boilers safely. Using the manual to turn the boiler off and let it cool, locate the filling loop, key or link, open the valves slowly so pressure rises and close them when they reach 1.5.

Pressure being too high can actually be more dangerous than low pressure due to the strain on the system. To reduce it you must bleed radiators and tighten filling loops.

Mr Gill warned people not to open safety valves themselves. Only a qualified heating engineer should handle safety valve issues to ensure your boiler remains safe and functional.

Manually tampering with a boiler can cause serious damage, make the problem worse - and even create a safety hazard. Always call a professional if you are unsure.

“Boiler pressure affects the efficiency and safety of your heating system," Mr Gill said.

He added: "Getting it wrong can lead to higher energy bills, frequent breakdowns, or even a complete boiler replacement."

“Whether you're dealing with low pressure, high pressure, or the dreaded "boiler not working" error, the key is to act quickly and avoid DIY disasters.”