Boiler warning: Property owners issued advice by expert as breakdown risk set to rise
BOILER experts have issued a word of warning to some property owners, amid freezing temperatures in some parts of the UK. What tips should you follow, and why is the risk of boiler malfunction set to increase?
When temperatures drop, many Britons turn to their central heating system to provide them with the warmth that they need to carry out their everyday lives in comfort. And, a boiler breakdown during these cold weather conditions can, understandably, sometimes seem like a living nightmare. For property owners, a faulty boiler can be expensive too – which is why some choose to claim for the repairs via their insurance company. This is something many landlords choose to do, and now, Direct Line for Business have issued these members of the public with some advice.
It comes after the landlord insurer revealed that last winter saw a record number of claims for faulty boilers – with a 36% rise between December 2017 and February 2018, compared to the winter of 2016 and 2017.
What’s more, this marked the sixth consecutive year in which the volume of insurance claims for the issue has risen.
Despite a record-breaking warm February, snow has hit some parts of the UK this month, as well as some areas being affected by storms Gareth and Hannah.
According to Directline for Business, this could mean that there is an increased risk of boiler malfunction, particularly with the Met Office reporting temperatures in some corners of the UK could drop to below freezing.
Now, the insurer is telling landlords that prevention is better than cure, as they warn them not to be complacent when it comes to maintaining heating systems in their properties.
Sarah Larkin, Business Manager at Direct Line for Business, said: “While Brits have enjoyed an unseasonably warm February, March has already seen a sharp fall in temperature and unsettled conditions, so to prevent being caught out landlords should ensure that their properties all have fully serviced and insured boilers.”
She continued: “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.”
Ms. Larkin went on to explain what customers would get as part of their insurance deals. She said: “Direct Line for Business provides boiler breakdown cover as standard with buildings insurance. As long as the damage is not a maintenance issue or due to wear and tear, we’ll pay the cost of repairing, or if repair is not possible, then replace the broken boiler. We’ll also pay for additional portable heaters to help tenants try and stay warm while the issue is being fixed.”
Source: Express