Willmott Dixon Partnerships is warning Birmingham residents to take steps to protect their home and stop cold weather problems from 'boiling' over before the temperatures drop this winter.

The leading repairs and maintenance expert is offering some simple advice to local residents to keep their new energy efficient boilers running and homes heated this winter.

Last year's low temperatures caused big problems and heartache for local residents and business owners across the region and left some without hot water or heating when their condensing boiler system froze.

Les Shortman, Willmott Dixon's south Birmingham branch manager, said: "Condensing boilers are the most common type of new boiler. They are great in the way that they are 10-20% more efficient than older boiler models, but the bad news is that the system is more likely to freeze up in very cold temperatures. If the temperature outside is in the minuses and your condensing boiler isn't working, or displaying an error, then your condensate pipe could be frozen."

Pauline Chatt, Willmott Dixon's north Birmingham branch manager, added:  "This could stop your central heating from working and cause the temperature to drop in your home, causing even more problems, like frozen water pipes which then thaw and burst. Burst pipes can cause misery and inconvenience for people whose homes are affected, and millions of pounds worth of damage a year. Some damage can be repaired, but a flood from a burst pipe could ruin treasured personal possessions which can never be replaced. "

She also advises keeping your heating on a constant low temperature during frosty weather to prevent the boiler system and water pipes from freezing.

This is also a more energy efficient way to heat your home than switching the system on and off repeatedly.

If a pipe on a condensing boiler has frozen, you can thaw it out by placing a hot water bottle on the pipe, or pouring warm water on it, before resetting your thermostat.

Les warns: "Boilers often break down at the start of winter because they haven't been used much for a long time, and there couldn't be a worse time to be living in a cold house with no hot water. It's important to ask a gas engineer to carry out annual checks and maintenance of your boiler, or allow your landlord's gas engineer access to do this on your behalf."  

Willmott Dixon Group is one of the UK's second largest privately-owned capital works, regeneration and support services companies.

With over 158 years of experience, the company provides services within the built environment to Government, registered social landlords, local authorities and private sector clients throughout the UK.

Willmott Dixon Partnerships works within the Group to deliver support services to over 120,000 homes, 1,200 public buildings and 50 commercial properties across the UK.