Only 55% of homeowners have their boiler serviced annually, according to a new survey by ADEY Professional Heating Solutions.
The research was carried out among 1,300 UK homeowners and found that one in 20 believe that getting their boiler serviced is an unnecessary expense. In addition, 45% of homeowners claimed to have a boiler that is between 10 and 15 years old. Worryingly, 25% of people who have lived in their current home for more than 15 years say they have never had their boiler serviced.

Almost a third (30%) of homeowners have a problem with their central heating system, with one in 20 suffering from low heat levels. One in 10 people put up with noisy pipework in their homes, a common indicator of debris in the heating system, the cause of lower heat levels and boiler damage. A frustrated 15% of people also admitted they turn the thermostat up to try to fix their boiler, burning more fuel than is necessary on a healthy heating system.

According to ADEY, the findings of its survey point to a huge opportunity for heating engineers and installers to help millions of homeowners who are failing to maintain the health of their central heating systems, risking their safety and wasting money.

Rebekah Howard, commercial director at ADEY, said: 'The results of our research suggest that many people don't understand the benefits that having an annual boiler service will bring, and worryingly, just let their good old boiler in the corner keep chugging away without giving it any attention.

'The current climate presents installers with a timely opportunity to be telling customers how a well maintained and efficient boiler can help save money on heating bills, reduce the risk of it breaking down when it's cranked up to keep them warm and, crucially, ensure it's safe to use.'