Callouts for broken boilers increase by 72%

AA Home Membership has reported a rise in the number of callouts for boiler-related problems as householders start to switch the heating on after a long, hot summer.
 
The number of callouts for boiler-related problems increased by 72% from the first week of September to the first week of October, coinciding with householders turning their heating on.
 
Callouts are expected to increase further as temperatures are predicted to take a tumble over the weekend.
 
Helen Brooker, Head of AA Home Membership said: "It seems as though the cooler temperatures have been a bit of a shock to the system after a mild start to the autumn. Many people are turning their heating back on for what could be the first time in months only to find that something's gone wrong.
 
"It may seem counter-intuitive, but it's always a good idea to put the heating on for a few minutes in the summer from time to time. It can help make sure it's working properly and keeps the system ticking over.
 
"If you spot problems earlier in the year there's a better chance of fixing it before the mercury drops."
 
When do people switch on?
 
Despite above average temperatures in September, more than a quarter (27%) has their heating on already. Four out of ten (39%) plan to switch theirs on in October while two in ten will wait until November. One in fifty says they'll hold out until December; those living in Wales are the likeliest to wait.
 
A resilient 31% said they'd never turn their heating on in September, whatever the weather.
 
Preparing for winter
 
Research by the AA/Populus Home Panel shows that 69% have their boiler serviced and 81% put their heating on to check it's working in preparation for winter.
 
Mrs Brooker commented: "Around a third of householders don't have their boiler serviced each year. An annual service could flag up any potential problems - you might not otherwise realise there's an issue until the boiler breaks down, or something goes wrong when you need your heating most."
 
There are other checks which can be performed before winter sets in, although many of these are neglected, especially amongst younger householders.
 
Over 65s surpass under 35s in all areas of home maintenance checks. Younger respondents are most likely to perform simple checks such as feeling radiators to see if they need to be bled and block up any obvious draughts. They are least likely to check their gutters are clear and insulate exposed pipe work.