A survey of 2000 UK homeowner, has revealed one in five homeowners are not servicing their boiler due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Commissioned by the Heating and Hot Water Industry Council (HHIC), the same survey also found that 24% of respondents have not had their boiler serviced in over two years, significantly increasing the likelihood of an operational issue this winter.

With the average cost of a boiler replacement coming in at £2597 (according to Which?) – well over the £86 average cost of a service – many householders could be leaving themselves at risk of far larger bills than they bargained for, says the HHIC. Avoiding a service may not only see boilers running less efficiently and costing in bills, it will also run a higher risk repairs and replacement work.

Given over half (54%) of respondents reported having no breakdown cover plan, it is likely that there will be a sharp rise in boiler replacements as people cut spending. The research also highlighted that awareness was not the problem, with 90% of respondents aware that you should have an annual service.

This has provoked a warning from HHIC to ensure homeowners understand the financial implications of avoiding boiler servicing. Stewart Clements, Director of the HHIC, explains: “The cost-of-living crisis has been felt widely across the UK, and heating is one of the first expenses people are looking to cut down on. Not only does an annual service of your boiler mitigate larger sums of replacement, but it can also save you money by cutting your energy usage. It is up to the heating industry to demonstrate to UK households that a service is a cost saving measure in the long run, no different to a service we get done annually for a car. When a boiler is serviced, it will run more efficiently, resulting in less energy usage and lower bills come the end of the month.”

For the benefit of homeowners across the UK, the HHIC have released a guide, ‘Improving the Efficiency of Home Heating’, with the aim of providing energy efficiency improvements nationally. Included in the report are tips on who to go to for boiler services, use of thermostats to increase efficiency, system water treatment, and the use of inhibitors to ensure all aspects of the heating system are performing at peak efficiency.

To access the guide, please visit: Improving the Efficiency of Home Heating