npower Reveals Boiler Breakdowns are Brits' Biggest Bugbear

WORCESTER, ENGLAND, October 22, 2010 (Press-News.org) npower has revealed the results of a nationwide study of Brits that shows many homeowners feel a boiler breaking down is the most annoying disruption to daily life.

The research, conducted by npower hometeam 50, shows that 37% of homeowners feel that a boiler breakdown would be the biggest inconvenience to their lives. That's compared to 18% who would curse having their car clamped, 13% who would lose it over misplacing their keys and just 6% who would get in a jam over being held up in traffic.

Even though boilers are often the most expensive item in the home, 59% of homeowners do not have any sort of boiler cover, leaving them with no fallback should their system give up the ghost this winter.

Richard Cotton, head of sales for npower hometeam, commented: "Many homeowners don't give a second thought to their boiler until the cold weather kicks in, but as our research shows, having your boiler pack up can be one of the most annoying things you can experience as a homeowner.

"With no heating or hot water, you end up having cold showers and boiling water on the stove, which nobody wants to happen, especially during the winter.

"From just GBP10.50 a month you can buy yourself peace of mind should anything go wrong, with npower's hometeam 50 boiler cover, just as you would do with your other household possessions. Homeowners should also bear in mind this week's news that more and more rogue traders are taking to the streets offering home improvements as the winter sets in, whereas npower hometeam is a trust worthy service that customers can rely on to provide red carpet service whenever you need us."*

hometeam 50 Boiler Care Flexi (hometeam 50) is billed as the fairest boiler care product giving money back to customers if they don't use the service. If consumers don't call out npower's hometeam to work on their boiler during the 12 month care plan npower will automatically return 50% of the annual cost on their year anniversary.

hometeam 50 also includes an annual boiler service, usually worth GBP74.

hometeam 50 is priced exactly the same as British Gas' Homecare Flexi 100 with a fixed fee of GBP50 per repair, and offers the same service - save for one important difference - npower's 50% No Call Out Cash Back.

For further information on hometeam 50, customers can call 0800 048 0588 or visit www.npower.com/boilercare.

Notes to editors:
*www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11513648

About npower:
npower is one of the UK's largest electricity suppliers and has 6.6 million customer accounts across the UK. npower has been awarded platinum status in Business in the Community's CR Index and is one of twenty-nine companies to have achieved the CommunityMark since its launch. All CommunityMark achievers have been recognised for demonstrating excellence in their holistic and strategic approach to community investment.

npower hometeam installs, services and repairs boilers, in addition to offering a wide variety of heating cover options.

hometeam offers boiler repair with a choice of two ways to pay. Fixed Price Repair ensures no extra charge for call out, parts or labour, and also comprises a no fix, no fee guarantee. Also available is Pay As You Go repair, which covers call out and the first half hour's labour. All work is guaranteed for 12 months.