Winter in the UK brings cold, damp, and often unpredictable weather, making a reliable heating system essential for keeping your home warm and comfortable. Without a working boiler, your home can quickly become uncomfortable, or worse, uninhabitable and this can be all the worse when you have young children or elderly people who need to keep warm.
Here, you will find a guide on what to do if your boiler breaks in the winter, plus general tips for keeping your home heated efficiently during the colder months.
Heating maintenance
To avoid breakdowns and ensure your boiler runs smoothly and efficiently throughout the winter, regular maintenance is essential. Scheduling an annual boiler service is one of the most effective ways to prevent more inconvenient problems in the future because a professional service will catch potential issues before they turn into costly repairs. Many UK homeowners are also now turning to boiler cover schemes as a convenient way to stay prepared for unexpected issues and taking out additional boiler insurance can protect you from unexpected costs, such as emergency callouts. Boiler insurance can also include regular servicing.
If you notice cold spots on your radiators, this could indicate trapped air, which can stop your heating system from working efficiently. Bleeding your radiators at the start of winter will remove the air pockets and help your boiler function properly. It’s a simple task that requires minimal equipment and can improve the overall performance of your boiler.
Frozen pipes are a common issue in the UK during winter. Insulating your pipes can prevent them from freezing and bursting, which can lead to costly water damage. Pay particular attention to any exposed pipes in lofts, garages, or basements.
What should I do if I think my boiler is broken?
When your boiler suddenly stops working, it’s easy to panic, especially when temperatures outside are dropping fast. In these situations, it’s important to prioritise safety and warmth for you and your family. Whilst waiting for your boiler to be repaired, use temporary heating sources like electric heaters, fan heaters, or oil-filled radiators to provide some temporary warmth. Avoid leaving them unattended and ensure proper ventilation while in use.
Layer your clothing and use blankets to retain body heat. Close doors to unused rooms to keep the heat contained where it’s most needed.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast and make plans accordingly. If you’re dealing with sub-zero temperatures, you might want to consider staying with family or friends until the issue is fixed, especially if the outage lasts more than a day.
Troubleshooting
Many modern boilers have a reset function. Sometimes a simple reset can resolve a minor glitch. Consult your boiler’s manual for instructions on how to perform a reset.
Sometimes the problem isn’t with the boiler itself, but with the thermostat. Make sure the thermostat is working properly and set to the right temperature. If the batteries in the thermostat are dead, it may prevent your boiler from turning on.
When to call a professional
It may be tempting to try and address boiler issues yourself, especially in the winter when demand on your heating system is highest but boilers can be complex and dangerous to handle without professional knowledge. You should always call in a qualified heating engineer for any boiler or central heating repairs. In particular, watch out for banging sounds, yellow and lopsided flame, unexpectedly higher gas consumption reflected on your bill and unusual water pressure. All of these are dangerous boiler malfunction signs and require professional attention in the form of a service or repair.
Financing a new boiler
Many people in the UK face increasing financial pressures, especially during the winter holiday season. If your boiler cannot be repaired, Xgas can also offer a range of flexible payment options to cover the cost of a brand new one, as an Accredited Installer. You can choose from a variety of payment options, such as paying over 2 years, 10 years or pay nothing for 12 months to help you manage the financial side of things to suit your needs.
In summary
Winter boiler breakdowns are stressful but by staying calm, troubleshooting, and knowing when to call a professional, you can manage the situation effectively. Regular maintenance, combined with the right repair plan, can keep your home warm and comfortable, even during the coldest months.
If you’re concerned about your boiler’s performance or want peace of mind this winter, don’t hesitate to reach out to Xgas for guaranteed peace of mind.
