Experts reveal what to do if your boiler fails in the cold weather

17 January 2024 , 17:15

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Boiler failure can happen at the worst possible time (Image: Getty Images)

Sub-zero temperatures put our central heating systems through their paces. We find it hard to resist turning the thermostat up a few notches, and that woolly blanket your grandmother knitted for you just doesn't cut the mustard.

A winter cold snap, then, is a time when your boiler is more likely to succumb to faults that have been developing unnoticed, or suddenly give up the ghost due to some sort of cold-weather-related issue. If this happens to you, and you find yourself waking up in a stone-cold room with a broken boiler to blame, there are some quick and easy things to check first, before you call in the cavalry.

We've worked with Heatable, a company that provides homeowners with instant fixed quotes for replacement boilers and finds trusted, local installers who can get you up and running in as little as 24 hours, to compile a list of the basics of boiler care, and some steps you can take to try to get your heating going again.

Prevention is better than cure

The most important aspect of ensuring your boiler stays in tip-top condition, is getting it serviced regularly. A registered heating engineer will not only give everything a thorough clean and refresh, but he or she can spot problems before they develop into sudden faults.

(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

It's also a crucial safety measure, as malfunctioning boilers can emit poisonous fumes without you realising it. Regular servicing will also be a stipulation in warranties or care packages in most cases.

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The first things to check yourself

A common issue that can occur when the temperature drops to extreme levels outside is your condensate pipe. It should be insulated but, if it's not, it can freeze up. If you suspect this has happened, try to locate the pipe (it will be connected to the boiler so should be easy to find) and pour warm (not boiling) water over it for a while.

If you think you've managed to melt a blockage, try resetting the boiler.

A frozen condensate pipe is the number one cause of boiler breakdowns (British Gas/Youtube)

It's also worth checking the boiler has power going to it. Look out for lights on the unit itself and the thermostat. If there's no sign of life, check your trip switches. Just bear in mind that, if the boiler has tripped a circuit, there could be an underlying issue, so consider getting it checked over once it's back up and running.

Another simple thing you can check yourself is your boiler's pressure. Ideally, it should be between 1-1.5 bar when the boiler is off, and it should rise to 2 bar when it's on.

If you need to top it up, it can be done fairly easily, but follow your handbook thoroughly, or at least study a few instructional videos online and, if you're in any doubt, call in an expert to help you.

When to call an expert for help

Handling any appliance that's connected to the mains gas network is dangerous, and qualified experts have to pass rigorous tests for a reason. So never attempt to do anything more than the steps your handbook suggests you can try yourself.

If the above tips haven't worked, you're going to need professional help or advice.

You should call in a professional when needed (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Gas Safe has a register of all its approved heating engineers, and you can search for a local one here. If you think you've got a warranty, contact the people who installed your boiler. And also check whether you have any sort of cover, through your home insurer or energy provider.

Friends and neighbours are good sources of recommendations for local heating engineers and don't be afraid to ask if you can borrow a heater or some blankets. Which brings us on to the next item...

How to keep yourself warm with no central heating

If you have any sort of electric heater, use it. And if you don't have one, try to borrow one. Fan heaters like this one are good, if a little noisy, and they provide fast heat that can quickly warm a room.

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A more economical approach is an oil-filled heater, which acts as an electric radiator - but these take a while to warm up.

(Getty Images)

Focus on keeping one room warm, especially if you only have one source of heating, and stay in that room as much as possible. Keep doors and curtains shut to ensure you're not losing any of the heat you're paying to provide for yourself.

Obviously, wear extra layers and drink warm drinks. Consider digging out a hot-water bottle, and use your kettle to give you a source of hot water to wash in.

The last resort - save money on a new boiler with Heatable

If you do find you're in the unfortunate position of having to completely replace your boiler, don't panic. Heatable promises to offer a world-class customer experience, incredible aftercare, and a quality, fast installation from an engineer who lives in their local area.

(Getty Images/Westend61)

From Heatable's website, customers can get an up-front, online price with next-day installation available from Which? trusted traders. Heatable is the first online boiler installation business to become a Which? Trusted Trader and it has been now for two years.

Each and every new boiler installation gets an exclusive 12-month workmanship warranty and up to four years of interest-free credit is available on new boiler installations with no minimum deposit.

Gareth Butterfield