What to do if your boiler stops working
Begin by identifying three boiler service companies that will give you a free quotation or price guide. Some will do this over the telephone if you tell them the make, model and any other identifying marks (such as a Gas Council number).
Call local companies to avoid additional callout costs: for example for Cheltenham boiler service, Gloucester, Tewkesbury and Cirencester are all reasonably close.
Things to ask prospective boiler technicians
The reason for calling three isn’t just to get the lowest quote – it is also to ensure they agree on the problem. Most are very good, but some will spot additional problems that are developing and bundle them into the service. Others avoid offering extra services, so they can keep their initial quote low. Most technicians are knowledgeable and conscientious about helping families out of an emergency. Nevertheless, it is up to you to decide if the lowest quote is actually the best.
To help you make that decision, be sure to ask for a breakdown of what they will do. For example, if they are replacing a pump, will they also flush the system to remove debris and air pockets that may be inside the pipes? Are all the spare parts new and in accordance with the manufacturer specifications? Check the wattage of any heating elements they are replacing – if you get one that is lower rated or shorter in length, you may later find you have less hot water than you need.
Reputable Cheltenham boiler service companies will be gas-safe and OFTEC registered.
What if the boiler is written-off?
Some boiler repairs are inexpensive, but many replacement parts are not. If your boiler is past its prime and developing other problems, it may be more sensible to replace the whole thing than to pay for an expensive repair.
Don’t assume that because a boiler is old, it is time to retire it. Many older boilers were built to last longer than modern ones. A good boiler technician will happily share their opinions with you about this.
Don’t assume you have to replace an old conventional or system boiler with a modern “combi”. Although combis are a bit more efficient in fuel consumption they aren’t always an improvement.
Lastly, before you go ahead, check your insurance policies to see if you have boiler cover!