Seven days shivering - November is the peak month for central heating failures

• Waiting in the cold – customers requiring heating repairs will have to wait at least seven days for support this autumn and winter, as 58 per cent of plumbers say they typically have a week long backlog of jobs at this time of year
• One in seven (14 per cent) say customers are likely to have to wait a month or more for support
• A fifth (19 per cent) of Brits never prepare their houses for winter

November is the peak month for central heating repairs, reveals a new survey¹ of plumbers and heating engineers carried out by Direct Line home insurance. A quarter (28 per cent) of plumbers say they will have a backlog of appointments of at least a week and one in eight are so busy they would need at least a month’s notice before they can come out to fix a customer’s boiler in the autumn and winter months.

Just a third (34 per cent) of households have their heating serviced annually, according to plumbers, so it is not surprising that 88 per cent report it is common for people’s heating not to work when it is switched on after the summer.

Low system pressure (30 per cent) and faulty heating water pumps (29 per cent) are the most common heating issues plumbers are called out to fix. This is followed by broken thermostats (24) and leaking pipes (24 per cent), all of which are critical to ensuring a warm home over the colder months.

Table one: Most common heating faults plumbers face when Brits switch their heating on after summer 

Source: Direct Line Home Insurance 2024

With half of Brits (54 per cent) not having started preparing their homes for the winter months, and 19 per cent never going to, boilers are not the only maintenance neglected ahead of the colder months.

When asked why maintenance is neglected, two fifths (38 per cent) of Brits didn’t know appliances such as boilers needed maintaining and 21 per cent said they have other expenses to prioritise.  

Table two: Most common reasons Brits neglect home maintenance / appliance servicing 

Source: Direct Line Home Insurance 2024

Maria Lawrence, Product Manager for Direct Line Home Insurance, commented: “With temperatures already dropping, it is crucial to invest the time in home maintenance to avoid being caught in the cold. It’s as easy as regularly clearing your gutters, or keeping on top of your heating by switching it on for 30 minutes every now and then so you know if there are issues. If you are unsure about anything, it’s best to call an expert who can give you the information you need. It is worth popping on the heating to check now to try and avoid being caught in a backlog when temperatures drop and you really need help.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1.      The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 250 UK Plumbers (Aged 16+). The data was collected between 02.10.2024-04.10.2024. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.

2.      The research was conducted by Opinium, among a sample of 2,000 adults looking into seasonal home maintenance. The data was collected out between 19.09.2024-23.09.2024.

For further information please contact:

Direct Line Group:

Chelsey Wheeler

Deputy Head of News and Issues

Email: Chelsey.wheeler@directlinegroup.co.uk

PR team:

Fleishman Hillard

Email: directlinegroupmedia@fleishman.com

Phone: 07808 727280

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.