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Boiler Breakdown Checklist

Our Boiler Breakdown Checklist could help save money before requesting an engineer call-out.

A boiler breakdown can be frustrating, especially during colder months. Before you call in a professional, read through our Boiler Breakdown Checklist for the checks you can carry out yourself. These steps may help you get your heating and hot water back up and running without the need for an engineer.

What to Do Before Calling an Engineer

If you’ve tried the steps outlined on this page and still have no luck, Aura Retrofit is here to help.

We provide expert support for boiler issues, and if you’re thinking about upgrading to a more energy-efficient heating system, Aura Retrofit offers a free property assessment to explore renewable heating options for your home.

Boiler Breakdown Checklist

Check the Power Supply

One of the first things to check is whether your boiler is receiving power. Sometimes, a simple electrical issue is the cause of the breakdown. Look at your fuse box to see if a circuit breaker has tripped or if a fuse has blown. If so, reset the breaker or replace the fuse carefully.

If your boiler has a power switch, ensure it’s turned on. In some cases, recent electrical work or a power cut may have caused the boiler to turn off. If the power supply is active and your boiler still isn’t responding, you may need to investigate further or seek professional help.

Press the Reset Button

Many modern boilers feature a reset button that can resolve minor faults. This button is usually located on the front panel of the boiler. Press and hold it for a few seconds, then wait to see if the boiler restarts.

If you’re unsure where to find the reset button or how long to press it, refer to your boiler’s user manual. Keep in mind that if your boiler keeps needing to be reset, it could indicate a deeper issue that requires professional attention.

Inspect your Heating Controls

Your boiler relies on heating controls such as timers, thermostats, and programmers to function correctly. If any of these settings have been adjusted, it might stop the boiler from turning on.

Check the thermostat – Ensure it’s set above the current room temperature. If your thermostat is battery-operated, replace the batteries to rule out power failure.

Review your timer and programmer settings – Sometimes, these settings reset after a power cut, which may cause your heating to turn off unexpectedly.

Try turning up the heating manually – If your heating system uses smart controls, check the app or device to ensure everything is connected properly.

Confirm Your Gas Supply

If you have a prepaid gas meter, check that you have enough credit. A depleted balance can stop your boiler from receiving the gas it needs to function.

Additionally, after topping up your meter, you may need to press the reset button on the gas meter to allow gas to flow back into the system. If your gas supply has been interrupted due to an issue with the network, you may need to contact your gas supplier for assistance.

Check Your Boiler’s Pressure

If you have a combi boiler, the system requires a certain level of water pressure to function properly. If the pressure is too low, your boiler might shut down as a safety precaution.

To check the pressure:

Look at the boiler’s pressure gauge – it should read around 1.0 to 1.5 bar when the system is cold.

If the pressure is too low (below 1.0 bar), you may need to repressurize the system. Your boiler manual will have step-by-step instructions on how to do this safely.

If your boiler frequently loses pressure, this could indicate a leak somewhere in the system, which will require professional repair.

Aura Retrofit can help!

If you’ve gone through this checklist and your boiler still isn’t working, it’s time to call in the experts. At Aura Retrofit, we provide reliable boiler repairs and heating solutions to keep your home warm and comfortable.

Are you considering a more energy-efficient heating upgrade? Our sister company, Aura Retrofit, specialises in renewable heating solutions such as Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) and Solar PV systems. Book a free property assessment today to explore how you can make your home more efficient and reduce your energy bills.

Upgrading your home insulation and heating is a smart investment in your home’s energy efficiency.

Boilers, Air Source Heat Pumps, Solar PV and Battery Storage, Insulation and Ventilation, whether you need installation, servicing, repairs or to see if you are eligible for funding to upgrade your current heating system, Aura Retrofit is here to help!

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