Snow and ice freeze sparks five-sign warning your boiler could be on the blink

As the Met Office issues more severe weather warnings this week nearly 70% of Brits admit that their 'biggest fear' is a boiler breakdown.

These intense cold snaps can put extra strain on heating and hot water systems, including unpredictable boilers. This could leave you facing an expensive call-out charge to get your boiler fixed. A top engineer shares the key signs to watch out for before it's too late

Ryan Gill, the lead engineer from BOXT Life, which offers a comprehensive boiler plan covering everything from a new boiler to installation and servicing, has provided a 'winter checklist' to help prevent potential problems.

"The best way to avoid a cold, stressful home is to catch the warning signs of a broken boiler early," Ryan advised. "A handy winter checklist [can] help families quickly spot potential boiler issues before they cause chaos."

Random words or numbers appearing on your boiler are never a good sign. But don't ignore them often Ryan says as they're often the first warning sign of a broken boiler.

Ryan explained: "Fault codes can flash up when your boiler has a problem. If you see a combination of letters and numbers appear, call a Gas Safe registered engineer and they can diagnose and rectify the problem fully."

While boilers are often noisy, there are certain times when you need to be cautious. He advised: "Often the sounds you hear will be nothing to worry about. However, listen for any new, excessively loud or persistent sounds.

"Kettling, banging, gurgling and clunking sounds can be a sign of a more serious problem."

Keep an eye out for any leaks, drips or moisture.

He advised: "Look for moisture and any other leaks, not just around the boiler, but pipes and radiators. This could be a sign that they are malfunctioning."

If your radiators aren't warming up as they usually do, this could spell trouble for your boiler.

Ryan explained: "Radiators that aren't heating up properly could point to trapped air or sludge build up. If your thermostat isn't responding or the temperature fluctuates, it can indicate a deeper issue."

If you notice any strange smells, call a professional immediately. Ryan warned: "If you smell unusual odours from your boiler, it can indicate a gas escape or possibly fumes."

"You should turn it off immediately and call the Gas Emergency Service line or an engineer."

Most importantly, always schedule an annual service and keep on top of maintenance.