16 March 2006
The nation could have to dish out over £64 million this year on call-out charges for central heating system repairs, according to switching and comparison website uSwitch.com.
More than two million heating systems broke down in 2003, causing a headache for one household every fifteen seconds.
The website said even repairing the most common boiler problems could cost as much as £470, but explained that taking out heating cover could help households avoid this cost.
Tim Wolfenden, senior product manager at uSwitch.com, said: "The decision to take out heating cover is often viewed as an unnecessary expense, but when you consider the prospect of being without hot water and heating, or being landed with a bill of up to £470, it becomes incredibly cost effective.
"Unfortunately boilers tend to break down more frequently in the winter. Even outside of the winter months, it is a good idea to have your boiler inspected once a year to try and avoid problems before they occur.
"Anyone with a boiler should, at the very least, look into the benefits of heating cover, and decide whether they can actually afford not to have it in place."
Save on your heating cover by comparing heating cover products on the uSwitch.com comparison service