IS YOUR BOILER FIRING ON ALL CYLINDERS READY FOR THE 24TH OF OCTOBER SWITCH ON?

Whilst a minority of households have had their central heating on since September, recent data reveals that most families wait until the clocks turn back in the winter before turning on the heat, with 24th October the exact date when most households fire up the boiler.

Once the central heating is on, data reveals that homes have their heating on for an average of 5 hours and 15 minutes on a winter’s day at an average of 19°C with 21°C the ideal room temperature.

With the boiler switch-on just around the corner, if your boiler isn’t ‘firing on all cylinders’, read our top tips:

Check your thermostat

If the room is warmer than the thermostat setting, the central heating won’t come on. Check the temperature setting and increase as required.

Setting the right temperature on your thermostat is key to feeling comfortable at home. Many people tend to under, or more commonly, overheat their homes leading to decreased efficiency and increased expense.

Most thermostats have no influence on how quickly a house heats up, therefore turning the heating thermostat to maximum doesn’t mean it will get warmer quicker!

Could it be the timer?

If you’ve had a power cut the timer on your boiler may have reset itself. Check your boiler manufacturers’ instruction manual to find out how you can set this to the times that suit you for your boiler to automatically ignite.

Could it be the fuse box?

Similarly, if the power cut hasn’t affected the timer, has it affected the fuse box? Check if there’s a tripped switch in the fuse box.

Are you on a prepay meter?

As simple as it sounds, check that there’s enough credit on your meter.

Could it be a problem with the gas supply?

Check other gas appliances around the home, e.g., gas hob or oven. If not working, contract your gas supplier or gas emergency services.

Have you tried turning it off and on again?

When in doubt it’s always worth turning the boiler off and then back on. If you’re hesitant to just hit the on and off button, read the manufacturers’ instruction manual on how to restart your boiler safely.

However, if the boiler doesn’t ignite, it’s time to consider faults within the central heating system itself. These faults could be the result of several issues including:

• Boiler pressure
• Air in the radiators
• Frozen condensate pipes
• Low gas pressure
• Blockage in the burner or no pilot light on in the boiler

There are many variations of gas boiler in properties throughout the UK, all with different components so there are hundreds of potential problems that can cause a boiler not to ignite or prevent power from reaching the boiler. So, to safely locate the cause, we always advise contacting a Gas Safe registered engineer

With energy prices soaring and a government price cap of £2,500 in place until the end of April 2023, it’s crucial that not only your boiler works properly but that it’s used efficiently.

Our specialist Home Emergency insurance also covers the following perils:

• Primary heating (including oil, LPG, and Biomass)
• Plumbing and drainage
• Electricity, gas, and water supply
• Security and access to your home
• Roofing
• Lost keys

Case study

The policyholder’s boiler was providing heating to the property, although there was no hot water. They contacted our Home Emergency helpline, who appointed a gas safe contractor to attend the property one hour after the claim was made.

The contractor found that the fault was with the water flow switch on the boiler and replaced the part the same day, reinstating the hot water to the property.

Look out for our next Home Emergency update with further tips on keeping your home warm and your property safe this winter.

For further information on the above, or details of our products and services, please contact your Partnerships Manager or email [email protected].