Boiler Not Working After a Power Cut? Here’s What to Do

Storm Austen hit the South West hardest, but it has brought wind and rain to much of the country, and the Met Office says more is likely over the weekend and into next week. As autumn turns to winter, gusty weather can bring power cuts to homes across the Midlands and South West. If your heating won’t come back on afterwards, you’re not alone.

The good news is that a boiler that stops in a power cut is usually not broken. In most cases you can get your heating back on yourself in a few minutes. Here’s what to do, from our engineers in Rugby.

Why your heating stops in a power cut

Many people are surprised to learn that a gas boiler needs electricity. The gas heats the water, but electricity powers the controls, the ignition, the fan and the pump that moves hot water around your radiators. No power means no heating, even if your gas supply is fine.

The same goes for oil boilers, heat pumps and air conditioning units. They all rely on electricity to run.

How to get your heating back on

Once the power is back, work through these simple checks:

Power still off? Call 105 from any phone. It’s the free national number for reporting a power cut and getting updates from your local electricity network.

1. Give it a few minutes. Most boilers restart by themselves once the power returns.
2. Check your fuse box. A power cut or surge can trip a switch in your consumer unit. If one has tripped, switch it back on.
3. Check the boiler’s power switch. Make sure the switch next to your boiler, often a fused spur, is still on.
4. Check your timer and thermostat. Some timers lose their settings in a power cut, so your heating may be set to come on at the wrong time. Reset the clock and your heating times.
5. Reset the boiler. Most boilers have a reset button. Your manual will explain how to use it.
6. Check the pressure. If your boiler has a pressure gauge, it should normally read between 1 and 1.5 bar when the heating is off. Your manual will tell you the right level for your boiler.

When to call an engineer

If you’ve tried all of the above and your heating still won’t work, it’s time to call in the experts. Get in touch if:

• your boiler shows an error code that won’t clear after a reset
• it keeps locking out or switching itself off
• you hear unusual noises when it tries to start
• the pressure keeps dropping

Please don’t take the boiler casing off or try to repair it yourself. Only a Gas Safe registered engineer should work on a gas boiler.

Staying warm in the meantime

Keep doors closed to hold heat in the rooms you’re using. Draw your curtains once it gets dark, and wear warm layers. If you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours, check they’re warm and OK too.

Peace of mind all winter

For extra peace of mind this winter, our Care Plans start from just £12.50 a month and cover repairs up to £500. One of our engineers will visit to check your system before your cover begins.

Call us on 0330 383 0000 or visit customheat.co.uk to find out more.

Storm details are from the Met Office and were correct at the time of writing.