Waking up to a cold house is the worst feeling. Before you panic and start heating every room with space heaters, try a few simple checks. Most heating hiccups have a fast, cheap fix – and you’ll know exactly when it’s time to call in a qualified technician.
First Things First: Quick Checks
1. Thermostat settings – Make sure it’s set to ‘heat’ and the temperature is higher than the current room temp. Some thermostats have a hidden ‘away’ mode that disables heating.
2. Power supply – Is the boiler or heat pump plugged in? Look for a tripped breaker or a blown fuse. Resetting the breaker (turn it off, wait 30 seconds, turn it back on) often solves the issue.
3. Pressure gauge – For boiler‑based systems, the pressure should sit between 1 and 1.5 bar when cold. If it’s low, add water via the filling loop – there’s usually a quick‑start guide on the boiler panel.
4. Air in radiators – Cold spots often mean trapped air. Grab a radiator key and bleed the top until water flows steadily. It’s messy, but you’ll feel the heat return instantly.
5. Heat pump filters – If you have a heat pump, a dirty filter can stop warm air from circulating. Take out the filter, rinse with water, let it dry, and pop it back in.
When Simple Fixes Aren’t Enough
If the above steps don’t get your home warming up, the problem might be deeper. Here are some red flags that merit a professional call:
Boiler won’t fire up – Repeated attempts to restart, strange noises, or an error code on the display indicate a fault that needs a certified boiler service.
Heat pump running but not cooling – As reported in our "Heat Pump Running But Not Cooling?" guide, low refrigerant, a faulty compressor, or a sensor issue can cause the pump to run without delivering heat.
Hot water heater not turning on – No hot water at all, even after checking the breaker, can mean a failed heating element or a broken thermostat inside the tank.
Persistent leaking – Any water leaking around the boiler, heat pump, or radiators points to a seal or valve failure. Even a small leak can cause low system pressure and trigger a safety shut‑off.
Unusual smells or smoke – A burning smell, especially near a gas boiler, is a serious safety concern. Shut the system off, ventilate the area, and call an emergency heating repair service immediately.
For any of these issues, a local, trusted technician can diagnose the exact fault, replace the part, and get your heating back safely. Our team at Northampton Appliance Repairs Services has years of experience with boilers, heat pumps, and hot water systems across the Northampton area.
Remember, regular maintenance prevents most of these problems. A yearly boiler service, cleaning heat‑pump filters, and checking pressure can keep your system happy for years.
So next time you face a chilly morning, run through the quick checks first. If the heat still won’t come back, don’t gamble with DIY repairs that could void warranties or cause danger – call a professional and enjoy a warm home again.
Nobody expects their boiler to break down, especially when it's freezing outside. So, what actually counts as a boiler emergency, and what should you do if yours stops working? This article breaks down the signs of an emergency, shares practical steps for staying safe while you wait for repairs, and offers tips to prevent problems in the first place. Find out when you need to call for help right away, and when a DIY fix might buy you some time. Stay warm and safe with down-to-earth advice that actually works.
