No Heating in Winter: Emergency Checks and Help

Heating stopped in cold weather? Quick safe checks, ways to stay warm and when to call an emergency engineer. Call 020 8050 9933, open 24/7.

Key facts

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Losing heating in winter is more than an inconvenience, especially with young children, older people or anyone unwell at home. A few quick checks sometimes get it going, and an engineer can do the rest.

Quick checks

Check the thermostat and programmer are on and set correctly, the boiler has power, and the display shows no error code. Note any code down.

Check the pressure

Look at the boiler pressure gauge. A low reading can stop the heating. See our guide on a boiler losing pressure for safe topping up.

Check radiators

If some radiators are cold at the top, bleeding them can help. If they are cold at the bottom, there may be sludge. Our radiator guides explain the difference.

Frozen condensate pipe

In freezing weather the external condensate pipe can freeze and stop the boiler. Thaw it gently with warm (not boiling) water and reset the boiler.

Stay warm while you wait

Use blankets and warm layers, close doors to keep heat in one room, and use safe portable heaters following their instructions. Never use a gas oven or cooker to heat the home.

When to call an emergency engineer

If the checks do not help, or you smell gas, see leaks or scorch marks, stop and call. Gas and boiler work must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer. We take bookings 24 hours a day.

Quick tips

Related help

Common questions

Do you attend heating emergencies at night?

Yes. We take emergency bookings 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and tell you the expected arrival time when you book.

How much does a boiler repair cost?

Boiler repair (labour only) is typically £90 - £150 including VAT, plus parts and the call-out fee.

Who can fix my boiler?

Only a Gas Safe registered engineer should carry out gas and boiler work.

Call 020 8050 9933