HOUSEHOLDS in Bradford are being urged to have their boilers serviced as early as possible this year, as it emerged that emergency call-outs to fix faulty appliances, rocket more than 200 per cent over the festive period.

According to data from boiler breakdown insurer Prominence Support, which handles thousands of call-outs every year, there were three times as many boiler breakdowns over the nine-day period from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day last year than during the previous nine days.

Prominence Support data also shows December as a whole is the most active month for boiler breakdown call-outs, with December 11 the busiest day of the year for emergency boiler repairs.

December is more than twice as busy as November and 15 per cent busier than January, analysis of data for 2018 and 2019 reveals.

However, November has been an exceptional month this year, with Prominence Support seeing a 36 per cent increase in emergency call-outs so far this month compared to last year.

The reason for the rise in boiler breakdowns can be attributed to a combination of millions of families being stuck at home during lockdown at a time when the weather is turning colder.

With adults working from home during the day, when typically they would be at work, the heating has been on longer during the week, and boilers have been working overtime.

Lorraine Taylor, of Prominence Support, offers some advice on ensuring your boiler is in good working order over the colder months:

● Regular servicing is vital – have your boiler serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer to make sure that it is running safely and efficiently.

● If you have a pressurised system, check the pressure regularly and (if required) adjust it so that it mirrors the recommended readings in your boilers installation and servicing manual.

● Test your central heating timer and room thermostat to make sure they are working properly.

● Make sure that your boiler condensate pipe is properly lagged, to prevent it from freezing during cold weather.

● Check your boiler for black marks, which could indicate a problem of combustion. If you notice any, contact a Gas Safe registered engineer immediately.

● Inspect for adequate ventilation around your boiler. If your boiler is located in a cupboard, keep the area around it clear.

● Inspect all external vents, flues (chimneys) and air bricks. Are they clear?

● If you can see the pilot light in your boiler, make sure that it has a strong blue flame. If the flame is yellow or appears to be elongated, contact a Gas Safe registered engineer immediately.

● Install a Carbon Monoxide detector close to your boiler and test it at least once a fortnight.