Nearly a third (31%) of homeowners say they will skip booking their annual gas safety check this year due to the cost-of-living crisis, according to new research from the Gas Safe Register.

This is despite a majority (77%) being aware that regular servicing can help gas appliances run more efficiently, and in turn save money on household bills.

Checkatrade.com estimates the average cost, at £80 a year, to have a gas appliance safety checked can avoid unexpected and potentially more serious issues occurring. In contrast, if a boiler breaks down, each call-out could cost up to £200, and replacing a boiler can cost thousands. Not getting regular safety checks could also invalidate warranties or conditions of insurance policies.

Mike Fairman, CEO at Checkatrade, says: “As energy prices soar, we’ve noticed changes in homeowner demand for heating and energy efficiency measures. March is usually a busy month for boiler engineers, however so far this month we’ve seen a 28% decline in demand for repairs. This could suggest that people are switching their boilers off early, as they seek to save money on heating bills. We’re also seeing signs that homeowners are preparing for next autumn’s eyewatering bills – with searches for smart thermostats rising sharply by 23% and insulation searches by 17% – again bucking our usual seasonal trends.”

With the prospect of laxer household attitudes to gas safety, the Gas Safe Register has teamed up with meteorologist and TV weather presenter Clare Nasir, to launch a new national campaign – Switch Off, Check On. The campaign warns homeowners of the false economy and safety implications of not servicing and safety checking their gas boilers, and the benefits of doing so at this time of year before retiring them for the warmer months.

Clare Nasir, meteorologist and TV weather presenter, says: “When planning to turn off your heating for the months ahead, it’s imperative that homeowners are prioritising gas safety in their homes and ensuring they do not skip their annual gas safety checks. Although homeowners, understandably so, are concerned about the increased cost of living – there are real risks to health, wealth and safety linked to not servicing and safety checking their gas appliances, such as gas boilers.
“I would urge homeowners to familiarise themselves with these invisible risks and ensure you and your loved one’s safety is forefront of mind – if left unchecked – these can pose life-threatening risks such as carbon monoxide poisoning.”

Bob Kerr, gas services director at Gas Safe Register, adds: “With the cost of living rising across the country, including higher energy bills, there is no denying that we’ll all be feeling the financial squeeze over the coming months and years. But, much like with our health, prevention is better than cure when it comes to gas safety and keeping you covered for the unexpected.”