Rise in boiler breakages

AA Home Membership has reported a rise in the number of callouts for boiler-related problems as householders start to switch the heating.

The number of callouts for boiler-related problems increased by 72 per cent from the first week of September to the first week of October.

Callouts are expected to increase further as temperatures are predicted to take a tumble even further.

Head of AA Home Membership, Helen Brooker, said: "It seems as though the cooler temperatures have been a bit of a shock to the system after a mild start to the autumn.

"Many people are turning their heating back on for what could be the first time in months only to find that something's gone wrong.

"It's always a good idea to put the heating on for a few minutes in the summer from time to time. It can help make sure it’s working properly and keeps the system ticking over."

Despite above average temperatures in September, more than a quarter of people, 27 per cent, switched on their heating.

Four out of 10 (39 per cent) plan to switch theirs on in October while two in ten will wait until November. One in fifty says they'll hold out until December with those living in Wales the likeliest to wait.