There are several reasons why your central heating might not be coming on, ranging from simple fixes to more complex issues that require assistance from a central heating engineer.
Before calling in a professional, it’s helpful to explore some of the most common causes that you can troubleshoot yourself. Below are key areas to check when your central heating isn’t working as expected.
Thermostat Issues
If your thermostat is set too low or isn’t functioning correctly, your heating won’t come on. Make sure the thermostat is on “heat” mode and set to a temperature higher than the current room temperature. If it still doesn’t respond, the device may need recalibration or battery replacement to make sure it’s working for your central heating system. These changes can be done at home without further assistance, so it’s worth checking before reaching out to a local boiler and heating company.
Boiler Pressure Problems
Boilers require a certain pressure level to function properly. If the pressure gauge reads below 1 bar, your boiler might not activate and, therefore, won’t turn on. Check the pressure on your boiler (often found directly on the front of the boiler), and if it’s low, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to top it up. If the pressure keeps dropping, there may be a leak in the system that could be affecting it. In this instance, a professional engineer will be required to take a look.
Tripped Fuse or Power Supply Issues
A central heating system that doesn’t receive power won’t operate. Your boiler likely uses electricity as its main power supply, so if your system isn’t working, then you should check your home’s fuse box to see if the circuit has tripped. If the fuse keeps blowing, it could point to a larger electrical issue that needs to be addressed by an electrician who specialises in dealing with electrical wiring.
Frozen Condensate Pipe
In cold weather, the condensate pipe on your boiler may be affected and freeze from the lower temperatures, preventing the boiler from working. This is particularly common during the winter months and causes unwanted complications with central heating systems. Thawing the pipe gently with warm water could resolve the issue, but if it frequently freezes, you may need to insulate the pipe to prevent future problems.