Homeowners warned of potential boiler dangers – why you shouldn’t ignore your boiler during the summer

A faulty or inefficient boiler will increase your energy bills – but it also poses  much more serious dangers to your health, experts are warning. That's why you shouldn't put off checking your boiler for faults until winter – if you are experiencing any one of these issues, you should get it looked at immediately, even during the summer months.

Related: You can now get a boiler installed the next day as part of a new COVID-19 SOS service

The energy experts at money.co.uk have cautioned that an ageing and inefficient boiler can not only increase gas bills but also present a potentially lethal threat to health.

The summer is the perfect time to make sure boilers get the attention they need to perform efficiently. You may be tempted to leave boiler care until the winter months, but you really shouldn't wait that long. Faulty gas boilers can present many issues with carbon monoxide poisoning being the most serious threat. Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at money.co.uk said: 'There are still thousands of inefficient old gas boilers out there in homes across the UK. Many people tend to forget about their boiler during the summer months when they don’t have the central heating switched on but actually this is the perfect time to address any issues ahead of the winter. Tackling any servicing or repairs needed to your boiler now, while heating bills are low and they aren’t in use, is more cost-efficient than waiting till the colder months when energy bills are usually higher.'

The top signs of a dangerous boiler you shouldn't ignore

1. Pilot light extinguishing 

The pilot light is used to ignite the gas and heat the water in your boiler. If this light is going out frequently it can be the sign of a blockage, a fault in the fan or not enough pressure in the system. Noticing this early can prevent you from being without hot water and heating for an extended period of time.

2. Headaches / nausea

Suffering from headaches and or nausea are one of the tell-tale signs that there could be a carbon monoxide leak in the home. Noticing these symptoms as well as any suspicious gas smells at any point is the correct prompt to call an emergency professional. They will be able to diagnose the problem effectively and ensure that the home is safe.

3. Boiler turning on and off

A temperamental boiler that turns on and off can not only be a frustration, but also difficult to diagnose. Low pressure, low water levels and thermostat issues are all related and can cause a gas boiler to act up. If the boiler is persistent in turning itself off over a period of time, this can lead to great inefficiency and a higher energy bill as a result.

4. Soot and scorching

Soot is a by-product of the burning that occurs in a gas boiler but it could also be a sign that there is a fault in the system. Depending on the specific type of boiler you have soot marks and scorching can be indicators of carbon monoxide spillage. Some traditional boilers intake fresh oxygen from the environment around them, but if the oxygen supply is blocked for whatever reason (commonly to stop draft). Carbon monoxide intake can cause serious health implications and can even result in death if the exposure is serious enough.

5. Irregular noise 

It is normal for gas boilers to make a bit of noise from time to time, but there are some sounds that may signal a fault in your system. Tapping, dripping and banging are all common noises, and more often than not they can be solved by re-pressurising the system or bleeding the radiators. Rattling or aeroplane-like noises often point towards a slightly more expensive fix like a replacement pump. Replacing the pump can cost anything up to £500 (excluding labour and VAT).

6. Leaking or blocked condensate pipe

Condensate pipes drain acidic waste water away from the boiler but can become blocked over time, causing the acid to back up into the system and causing all kinds of issues. Because the pipes drain outside they are also prone to becoming frozen during winter which can cause expansion and cracking, leading to leaks even in the summer months. Leaving this issue unresolved can cause lasting damage to the pipe as it freezes and unfreezes. Leaking boilers are not only a hazard but can also be very pricey to fix. Condensate pipes should be regularly cleaned and maintained to ensure they don’t develop serious issues.

Related: How to bleed a radiator – our guide to keeping your heating in good working order

7. Radiator faults

If radiators aren’t working, the issue could be trapped air inside them - this can be easily relieved by bleeding them to allow the air to escape. If they still fail to respond to the boiler, check if there's enough pressure in the system to service all the radiators in the house. If the pressure is correct then there could be a more serious issue that requires the help of a plumber.