What are the signs of carbon monoxide from a boiler? +
Warning signs include a yellow or orange boiler flame instead of blue, dark staining around the boiler, increased condensation on windows, and a pilot light that frequently goes out. Symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure include headaches, dizziness, nausea and confusion. If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak, open windows, leave the property immediately and call the Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. Fit a CO alarm near your boiler — they cost under £20 and save lives.
Is a leaking boiler dangerous? +
A leaking boiler should always be taken seriously. While a small drip from a pressure relief valve may indicate a minor issue, water leaking from the boiler casing can damage internal electrics and create a safety hazard. Turn off the boiler and the water supply to it, place a container under the leak, and call a Gas Safe registered engineer. Never attempt to repair a boiler leak yourself.
My boiler is showing an error code — what does it mean? +
Boiler error codes vary by manufacturer but typically indicate a specific fault — low pressure, ignition failure, fan fault, or overheating. Check your boiler manual or search for your boiler make and model plus the error code online. Some codes like low pressure (often E119 or F1) can be fixed yourself by repressurising, while others such as ignition lockout require a Gas Safe registered engineer.
How long does a boiler service take? +
A standard annual boiler service takes 30 to 45 minutes. The engineer will inspect the boiler internals, check gas pressure and flow rate, carry out a flue gas analysis, and test all safety devices. You will receive a service record which you should keep as proof for your warranty. The engineer should also flag any parts showing early signs of wear.
Combi, system or conventional boiler — which do I need? +
A combi boiler heats water on demand and is ideal for smaller homes with one bathroom — no tank or cylinder needed. A system boiler uses a hot water cylinder and suits homes with two or more bathrooms where demand is higher. Conventional (regular) boilers have both a cylinder and header tanks and are found in older properties. Your engineer will recommend the right type based on your home's size and hot water demand.
My boiler keeps losing pressure — is this an emergency? +
A boiler that loses pressure gradually over weeks usually has a small leak somewhere in the system — often a radiator valve or a pipe joint. This is not an immediate emergency but needs investigating. If the pressure drops rapidly or the boiler is cutting out repeatedly, call an engineer promptly. You can repressurise the boiler using the filling loop as a temporary fix, but this does not solve the underlying problem.