11^th Mar 2018

According to a major insurer's latest analysis, they had received the highest number of claims ever for faulty boilers last year.

Last year's winter boiler claims was 5.2% higher than the corresponding months for 2015/16, this has been constantly on the rise since 2012. In light of the ‘Beast from the East’s' recent onslaught of Britain and Europe, it will not be a shock that the company forecasts because of the recent extreme weather the record will be broken for landlord boiler claims.

Generally a 66% rise is expected in the number of claims for a faulty boiler is usual over the winter months when compared against the rest of the year.

The last few weeks has seen the UK hit with sub-zero temperatures and the insurer is suggesting that landlords should not take heating systems for granted. Emergency plumber call outs are extremely expensive and to repair a broken boiler in these types of weather conditions could cost a mind-blowing 117% more than the average call out rate.

The insurer is advising landlords to protect themselves against boiler breakdowns and burst pipes by having the heating on constantly at a low temperature. Another damage limitation exercise would be to regularly bleed radiators and to ensure that the boilers are annually serviced and maintained as recommended by suppliers.

Business Manager for the insurance company Christina Dimitrov said: "Being caught cold with heating issues in the winter months can be particularly unpleasant, so it’s vital that landlords make sure their properties have fully serviced boilers to minimise the risk of heating system failures. Landlords are legally responsible for securing a safety certificate for gas appliances each year and they also need to ensure the heating and hot water systems are maintained and functioning properly."

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