How likely is your boiler to breakdown this winter?

While we’re not in the business of scaremongering, the fact remains that your average home boiler is more likely to break down over the winter months. As we edge closer to Christmas and the festivities of the New Year, this is probably the last thing you want to think about, but being prepared is the best way to see potential heating disasters off at the pass.

 There are a few factors that increase the likelihood of boiler breakdowns over winter, the most obvious being the colder temperatures, which you can’t do much about. However, there are some other warning signs that might tell you whether your boiler is more, or less likely to go kaput on you over the festive season. Get prepared and minimise the disruption to your winter fun!

1 Boiler age and proper maintenance

Older boilers are generally more prone to breakdowns than newer models. Regular maintenance, including annual servicing, is crucial to you’re your boiler in good working condition. A well-maintained boiler is less likely to fail when temperatures drop. So, if you’re really being honest with yourself, when was the last time you got your boiler serviced? 

2 Weather conditions

We covered this, but here’s the detail. Severe winter weather, especially prolonged periods of freezing temperatures, can put additional stress on your boiler. If your heating system hasn’t been properly maintained, extreme weather conditions increase the risk of breakdowns. Annual services go a long way to protecting your heating system, as well as your family. If you like extra peace of mind at this time of year, you could always consider a Sensible Boiler Care Plan – a simple, hassle-free way of preventing boiler breakdowns and cover for you, should the worst happen. 

3 Limescale build-up

In hard water areas, limescale buildup can occur inside the boiler, affecting its efficiency and potentially leading to breakdowns. Installing a water softener or using descaling agents can help mitigate this risk. For context, the entire central strip of England is considered to be an area of hard or very hard water.

4 Pressure issues

Fluctuations in water pressure can impact your boiler’s performance. Regularly checking and adjusting the boiler pressure within the recommended range can prevent issues and breakdowns. You can refer to your owner’s manual, or check out our FAQs.

5 Thermostat and controls

Faulty thermostats or control systems can lead to inefficient heating and potentially cause the boiler to malfunction. Ensure that your thermostat is functioning correctly and consider upgrading to a smart thermostat for better control and energy efficiency. 

6 Frozen pipes

This is a real threat to heating systems across the UK. In extremely cold weather, pipes leading to or from the boiler can freeze, causing blockages and potential damage. Proper insulation and, if needed, the use of trace heating cables can help prevent frozen pipes. If you’re concerned about your pipes freezing, get in touch with our friendly team. We’ve got lots of helpful tips to prevent it. 

We can’t exactly predict whether your boiler will or won’t break down this winter, but what we can do is show you a few reasons that may make it more likely. Proactive measures, such as regular maintenance and servicing can dramatically reduce the risk. If you’re concerned about your boiler, or have any home heating niggles in the build up to Christmas, don’t delay in getting them looked at!

Need help with your boiler or heating system? Contact us today