Central heating – boiler is not heating

Cause

No power supply (electric)

Repair

  • check to see if adjacent properties have also lost power; if so, the problem is with the mains supply
  • check the main fuse or circuit breaker to see if it has tripped, that is, it is in the OFF position; if not, the problem is with the main supply
  • if the main fuse has not blown or circuit breaker has not tripped and adjacent properties do have power, the problem is between the power transmission lines and the main switch board; contact the power supply company
  • if the main fuse has blown or circuit breaker has tripped, the problem is in the house. Do not reset the circuit breaker or replace the fuse at this stage:
    • check all appliances in the house and turn off as many as possible
    • if the board has circuit breakers, switch them all off; reset the main circuit breaker to ON; turn branch circuit breakers on one at a time; if one fails to reset or trips the main circuit breaker, the problem is in that circuit breaker; contact a registered electrician to identify and repair the fault
    • if the board has fuses, remove all branch fuses; replace the main fuse; replace branch fuses on one at a time until one blows again, indicating that the problem is in that circuit; contact a registered electrician to repair the fault

Cause

No fuel supply (gas, diesel, wood pellets, logs)

Repair

  • check fuel supply

Cause

Boiler is malfunctioning

Repair

  • see 'Central heating -- Boiler malfunction'

Cause

Thermostat is not working

Repair

  • call a specialist service/repair person

Cause

Programme controls/time switch not working

Repair

  • call a specialist service/repair person

Cause

Boiler is at the end of its serviceable life

Repair

  • call a specialist service/repair person