How to fix central heating

From uneven heat distribution to unusual sounds, there are plenty of different things that can go wrong with your central heating. And when the colder months are on the horizon, it’s important to ensure that it’s in tip-top working condition.

But we all know that central heating repairs can be expensive, and often an unexpected expense at that. So, before jumping straight to calling a professional, dive into our handy guide for some low-cost DIY central heating troubleshooting.

Safety first….

While there are various ways to troubleshoot heating issues at home, your safety should always be a top priority. For instance, when it comes to complex repairs inside the boiler casing, expert knowledge is always required. If you’re ever in doubt, contact a qualified heating engineer – don’t risk your health or safety.

Why is my central heating not working?

To help you understand why your central heating might not be working, let’s start with a basic explanation of the system’s components.

1. Boiler: the heating system’s key component is your boiler. This heats up the water, which is then pumped to radiators and other systems (such as under-floor heating) around your home.

2. Pump: the pump is the component which circulates the hot water from the boiler through your pipes. Your pipework then carries water or steam to your radiators to heat your home.

3. Heat distribution elements: these are the components which emit your heat such as your radiators.

4. Thermostat: a thermostat measures the temperature of your home. It then signals to your boiler when the desired temperature has been reached.

So, with various components all working together to heat your home, there’s no surprise that issues can arise. Not to worry though, as below we’ll dive into some common faults, then offer advice on how you can fix them!

How to fix your central heating

Perhaps you’re wondering how to avoid payday loans, and are hoping to have a go at some DIY fixes before forking out the funds for a professional. If so, let’s jump straight into our troubleshooting options.

Lack of heat

Perhaps the most common issue when it comes to central heating faults is a lack of heat altogether. So, what can be done to fix this?

1. Check your thermostat:

If your thermostat is faulty, it might be that it is failing to signal to the boiler to turn on. Some thermostats are connected to your boiler by wiring, which then runs through the walls of your home. Others however are battery-powered and wireless.

If your thermostat is wireless, it could be that it’s placed too near another heat source, signalling to the boiler that the desired temperature has been reached falsely. To fix this, simply try moving your thermostat to an alternative location. And whilst you’re at it, replace the thermostat’s batteries to make sure it’s operating efficiently.

2. Check the pressure

Problems with your boiler pressure might be to blame for a lack of heat. So, you’ll need to ensure that the pressure gauge is sitting somewhere between 1-2 bars.

If the pressure has fallen below one bar, the system will usually need to be repressurised. To do this, you’ll need to locate the filling loop (a silver flexible hose with valves). Next, make sure your boiler is off and cool.

Open the valve closest to the boiler first, then open the second valve slowly. Keep a close eye on the pressure gauge, and stop once the pressure aligns with the recommended level (as per your boiler’s manual).

3. Bleed your radiators

Our third DIY tip is to bleed your radiators to ensure even heat distribution around your home. Sometimes, air can get trapped in the system, preventing your radiators from emitting adequate heat.

First things first, you’ll need to source your radiator key, and find something to catch the water with (plus a few towels to be on the safe side).

Before you begin, make sure your heating is off and that your radiators are completely cool. Then simply locate the bleed valve (this usually looks like a small square nut) and insert the key. If you don’t have a radiator key, a flat-head screwdriver will usually do the trick.

Turn the valve slightly until you hear a hissing sound, then catch the water as it flows out. Once done, tighten the valve again firmly.

Uneven heat distribution

Perhaps you’re finding that some rooms are heating up better than others? If so, here are some quick fixes you can try to ensure even heat distribution:

1. Ensure your radiators are balanced

To make sure your radiators are balanced, you’ll need to subtly adjust their valves. This enables you to control the flow of hot water, ensuring each one is receiving enough. The lock shield valve is usually located on one side of your radiator, and you’ll simply need to adjust this to increase or decrease the flow.

2. Keep up with your radiator bleeding

Perhaps your radiators are heating nicely at the top but are failing to produce heat at the bottom? If so, bleeding them should do the trick again.

It’s important to make sure you bleed your radiators at least once a year to ensure maximum efficiency. And for even heat distribution around the home, make sure to bleed every radiator.

If neither of the above tips work, it might be time to call a professional to flush your radiators.

Strange noises

From rattling sounds to persistent banging, there are various noises associated with faulty heating systems. But is there anything you can do to fix these?

1. Bleed the system

If it’s gurgling sounds you’re hearing, you’ll probably be able to fix the issue yourself by bleeding the system. This can be done at home, but if you’re at all unsure, it’s best to contact an expert.

You’ll need to open the radiator thermostats and turn your heating on. Secondly, turn off the circulation pump and wait until the radiators and pipes are fully cooled. Next, simply drain the water from each radiator as outlined above.

When you turn the boiler back on, you’ll need to ensure that the pressure levels are correct. If they have dropped, remember to repressurise.

2. Check the flue

If your boiler is making whooshing sounds, or perhaps vibrating more noticeably than normal, you’ll need to check for blockages in the external pipe. To allow for adequate air flow, any blockages or obstructions will need to be immediately removed. A trained professional will usually be required for tasks like this.

3. Check your boiler temperature

A final thing to check is the temperature of your boiler. Whether you have a system boiler or a combi boiler, you’ll need to ensure that your temperature has been set correctly. Usually, the boiler’s flow temperature should be set between 60°C-70°C, with 60°C being adequate in most homes.

What about more complex repairs?

Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure that your heating system is safe and performing well. And, if issues ever arise that you’re unsure about, it’s always best to contact a professional.

For instance, if issues are caused by corrosion or limescale buildup, the entire system may need flushing. Equally, when it comes to unusually loud noises, boiler kettling may be to blame. This is when water, which is typically heated to around 70°C, heats to much higher temperatures (sometimes even boiling point). A professional diagnosis and repair will also be required in instances such as this.

Hopefully our guide on how to fix central heating has been helpful, and you’re now feeling ready to troubleshoot some of the most common issues yourself. But remember, when it comes to gas issues or problems inside the boiler casing, it’s always best practice to call a professional.

For more handy insights, make sure to head over to the Moneyboat blog, where you can dive into our top tips for avoiding winter car repairs, or read about common money mistakes.

Representative Example

Based on the last working day of each month

Interest rate 255.5% pa (fixed) Representative 939.5% APR

Compare payday loans.

Warning: Late repayments can cause you serious money problems. For help, go to www.moneyhelper.org.uk.

How much do you want to borrow? Apply now

*Our guide to financial promotions: https://www.moneyboat.co.uk/fi...