--- title: "Heating not working: what to do" description: "Heating not working? Discover common causes and step-by-step troubleshooting tips to get your heating back on. Learn when to call a professional." url: "https://www.fuseenergy.com/blog/heating-not-working" updated: "2026-10-18" --- # Heating not working: what to do When your heating stops working, it can quickly become a major problem for any household, especially during colder months. While many common issues can be resolved with basic troubleshooting, knowing when to call a professional and understanding who is responsible for repairs is essential. This guide will walk you through common heating problems and how to address them, helping you restore warmth to your home. Managing your energy, even when your heating is working, should be straightforward. Fuse Energy offers clear pricing, real-time usage data, and 24/7 human customer support to help you stay in control of your home's energy. Click [here](https://www.fuseenergy.com/app/boarding/premises) to switch to Fuse Energy today. ## Why your heating isn't working: common causes When your heating stops working, the cause can range from simple fixes to more complex system failures. Identifying the type of heating system you have and the nature of the problem is the first step towards a solution. ### Boiler or central heating system issues Central heating systems, typically powered by a gas boiler, are common in UK homes. Issues often include low boiler pressure, a pilot light that has gone out, or a system lockout due to a fault. Air trapped in the system, particularly in radiators, can also prevent effective heating. ### Electric heating problems For homes with electric heating, problems are usually related to the power supply, faulty elements, or issues with individual units like electric radiators. A tripped circuit breaker or a blown Fuse can cut power to electric heaters. ### Thermostat and control malfunctions Your thermostat is the brain of your heating system. If it is not working correctly, your heating will not either. Common thermostat issues include incorrect settings, programming errors, or flat batteries. Sometimes, the thermostat might be too close to a heat source, causing it to register an inaccurate room temperature and switch off prematurely. ## Step-by-step troubleshooting for no heating Before calling a professional, many heating problems can be diagnosed and sometimes resolved with a few simple checks. ### Check your power and fuel supply First, ensure your heating system has power and fuel. For gas central heating, check that your boiler is plugged in and the Fuse switch is on. Verify that your gas supply is active; other gas appliances (like a hob) can confirm this. For electric heating, check your fuse box for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses. If you have a prepayment meter, ensure you have sufficient credit. ### Review thermostat settings and programming Incorrect thermostat settings are a frequent culprit. Make sure your thermostat is set to "heating" mode, not just "hot water", and that the desired temperature is higher than the current room temperature. Check any programmed schedules to ensure the heating is set to come on at the right times. If your thermostat runs on batteries, try replacing them. ### Inspect your boiler or electric heater For boilers, look for a pilot light (if applicable) and check for any error codes displayed on the unit. Your boiler's manual can help you interpret these codes. Many modern boilers have a reset button; pressing this might resolve a temporary fault. For electric heaters, check for any visible damage or indicator lights. ### Bleeding radiators and checking system pressure If some radiators are cold at the top but warm at the bottom, they likely have trapped air. You can bleed them using a radiator key to release the air. For central heating systems, low boiler pressure is a common issue. Check the pressure gauge on your boiler; if it is below the recommended level (usually between 1 and 1.5 bar), you can often repressurise it yourself by following your boiler's manufacturer instructions. Many common boiler issues, such as low pressure, can often be resolved by the homeowner following manufacturer instructions. ## Homeowner vs renter: who's responsible for heating repairs? Understanding who is responsible for heating repairs is crucial, especially for tenants. ### Homeowner responsibilities for heating maintenance As a homeowner, you are responsible for maintaining your heating system. Regular servicing, typically annually, can prevent breakdowns and ensure efficiency. It is also your responsibility to address any issues promptly, whether through DIY troubleshooting or by calling a qualified engineer. The average UK home uses around 9,500 kWh of gas per year, primarily for heating, making efficient and well-maintained systems important for managing energy costs^[1]. Understanding your energy usage can help you manage these costs more effectively. ### Landlord obligations and Tenant rights in the UK Landlords in the UK have clear legal obligations to ensure heating systems are safe and in good working order. Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 mandates that landlords must keep installations for space heating and water heating in repair and proper working order. This includes boilers, radiators, central heating pipework, and fixed electric heaters. Furthermore, the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 require landlords to ensure all gas appliances, fittings, and flues in rented properties are safe. This includes arranging an annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer and providing tenants with a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) within 28 days of the check, or before a new tenancy begins. ### What to do in a heating emergency as a renter If your heating stops working, report it to your landlord or letting agent immediately, preferably in writing (email or text message). Keep a record of all communications. If the issue is an emergency (e.g., no heating in winter, especially for vulnerable tenants), your landlord should act quickly to resolve it. If they fail to respond or resolve the issue within a reasonable timeframe, you can seek advice from Citizens Advice or your local council's housing department. You can also register for the Priority Services Register if you are in a vulnerable situation. > **What are a landlord's heating responsibilities in the UK?** > > Under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords must keep heating and hot water installations in repair and proper working order. Additionally, the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 require annual gas safety checks by a Gas Safe registered engineer for all gas appliances and flues in rented properties, with a certificate provided to tenants. ## When to call a professional heating engineer While basic troubleshooting can solve many problems, some issues require expert intervention. ### Signs you need expert help You should call a professional heating engineer if: * You smell gas - turn off your gas supply and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 immediately. * Your boiler is leaking. * There are unusual noises coming from your boiler or heating system. * You have tried basic troubleshooting steps without success. * Your boiler displays a persistent error code you cannot resolve. * You suspect a carbon monoxide leak (e.g., your carbon monoxide alarm sounds). ### Finding a qualified and registered engineer Always use a qualified and registered engineer. For gas appliances, this means a Gas Safe registered engineer. You can check an engineer's credentials on the Gas Safe Register website. For electric heating, look for an electrician registered with a competent person scheme. ### Emergency call-outs and safety considerations In a heating emergency, especially during cold weather or if you have vulnerable household members, you might need an emergency call-out. Be aware that these can be more expensive. Prioritise safety: never attempt repairs on gas appliances yourself, and always turn off the power supply before inspecting electric heaters. ## Preventing future heating problems Proactive measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of your heating failing when you need it most. ### Regular servicing and maintenance Annual servicing by a qualified engineer is the best way to keep your heating system in top condition. This helps identify and fix minor issues before they become major breakdowns, improves efficiency, and extends the lifespan of your boiler or electric heaters. ### Considering smart heating solutions Upgrading to a smart thermostat or smart heating controls can offer better control over your home's temperature, potentially saving energy and preventing issues through intelligent scheduling and remote access. Many homeowners pair this with a [smart meter installation](https://www.fuseenergy.com/blog/smart-meter-installation) to track usage more accurately. ### Preparing your home for colder weather Simple steps like insulating pipes, checking for draughts, and ensuring your radiators are not blocked by furniture can improve your heating system's efficiency. Bleeding radiators annually before winter can also help ensure they heat effectively. For more ways to reduce your energy consumption, explore these energy efficiency tips. Managing your energy bills should be clear and easy to understand. Fuse Energy focuses on straightforward pricing, so you can see exactly what you are paying without unnecessary complexity. If you have a smart meter, you can view detailed usage data through the app or website, helping you understand how you can lower your bills. If you do not have a smart meter, Fuse Energy can upgrade your non-smart meter, completely for free. This can make it easier to track spending and make informed decisions about your energy use. Our 24/7 human support team is always on hand with fast response times whenever you need help. Click [here](https://www.fuseenergy.com/app/boarding/premises) to switch to Fuse Energy today. Find out about our mission by clicking [here](https://www.fuseenergy.com/mission). ### References 1. Ofgem. [Consultation: Review of typical domestic consumption values](https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/consultation/review-typical-domestic-consumption-values) --- Rates, availability, and regional off-peak windows change. Check the source page for current terms. **Disclaimer** For the avoidance of doubt, this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal or financial advice. The author and/or Fuse Energy shall not be responsible for any losses arising out of any reliance on the information contained herein.