Boiler breakdowns predicted to rise if and when snow arrives across Britain

With snow predicted to arrive in the UK early this year, npower’s team for boiler care product hometeam 50 is predicting a significant rise in boiler breakdowns directly related to the drop in temperature.

In 2010, as flurries of November snow meant an early Christmas for thousands of children up and down the country, npower received 62 per cent more calls from homeowners caught short and in need of boiler repairs. This figure rose by a further 71 per cent as sub-zero temperatures plummeted as low as minus ten degrees in the subsequent weeks.

It is thought that the increase was most likely due to problems with condensing boilers, which became the standard UK boiler system in 2005. Although condensing boilers are generally 10-20 per cent more energy efficient than non-condensing boilers, the systems are prone to freezing up in winter as their pipes typically run outside of the house, leaving them exposed to the elements.

December 2010 temperatures broke 100 year records, so as forecasters predict sharp frosts and heavy snowfall, npower is encouraging homeowners to complete some quick and easy checks to help prevent a boiler breakdown so they can enjoy the festive weather.

These checkes include; insulating, re-routing, replacing or thawing the condensate pipe, keeping your heating on constant and keeping your boiler maintained. Just by following these simple tips, homeowners can stop worrying about their heating system and get outside and enjoy the snow (when it comes!)

Find out more about our broken boiler checklist.