A malfunctioning boiler is not usually an emergency and many faults can be resolved by resetting the boiler. However, if you can smell gas, this absolutely is an emergency and should be treated as such. Other reasons why a boiler breakdown could be considered an emergency are when vulnerable people are in the home or you have no heating in winter.
Define vulnerable.
Vulnerable people are the very young, the elderly and the ill – in short, anybody who would find it hard to function or whose health could rapidly deteriorate if their home were not adequately heated.
What to do if you have a boiler emergency
If you can smell gas or have reason to suspect a gas leak, you should telephone the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 immediately and evacuate the property while awaiting a visit from an engineer.
If you cannot smell gas but are worried about vulnerable occupants or have no heating during a cold snap, you will need to book an emergency boiler repair Cheltenham. If you don’t have boiler cover via your boiler’s manufacturer or a third party, you can visit HPR or another boiler expert to arrange for an engineer to come to your home.
What will an engineer do?
An engineer will inspect your boiler, identify the fault and let you know what they need to do to resolve it. This may require fitting a replacement component and they will provide you with advice and a cost estimate before they begin work.
Prevention is better than cure
Most boiler problems can be averted with regular maintenance. Booking an annual boiler service is a good idea to keep your boiler in optimal condition and to prevent costly breakdowns. Boiler insurance can be a sensible precaution too, particularly if your boiler is ageing or you have vulnerable people at home.
In conclusion, the vast majority of boiler breakdowns do not constitute an emergency. However, if yours does, you should seek professional support as quickly as possible to get your boiler back in tip-top condition quickly and safely.
