Heating Problems: Quick Fixes and When to Call a Pro

If your home feels like an ice box, you’re not alone. Heating problems pop up for lots of reasons – a clogged filter, a faulty thermostat, or an aging boiler. The good news? Many issues are easy to spot and fix without breaking the bank.

First, check the thermostat. Is it set to ‘heat’ and the temperature high enough? Sometimes the simple answer is a dead battery or a mis‑set mode. Give the batteries a quick swap and watch the display. If the screen stays blank, the thermostat might need a reset – turn off power at the breaker, wait a minute, then turn it back on.

Boiler Basics: What to Look For

Your boiler is the heart of the system, so a few tell‑tale signs can save you a call‑out. No heat at all? Look for a pressure gauge below 1 bar – topping it up with water often restores operation. If you hear strange ticking or gurgling, there could be trapped air in the system. Bleeding radiators is a quick DIY job: use a radiator key, open the valve a bit, and let the air escape until water flows steadily.

Smell a whiff of gas? Shut the boiler off, ventilate the area, and call a Gas Safe engineer right away. Safety always comes first, and gas leaks are not something you should gamble with.

Radiators, Pipes, and Other Common Culprits

Cold spots on a radiator? Check for a stuck valve. Turn it clockwise to close, then counter‑clockwise to open fully. If the radiator still stays chilly, it might be blocked by sludge. A power flush by a professional can clear the buildup, but a basic flush with a garden hose sometimes does the trick.

Leaky pipe joints can cause a drop in pressure and make the boiler shut down. Look for damp spots around pipework or a hissing sound. Tightening a loose coupling with a wrench can often stop the leak, but if the pipe itself is cracked, replace it or call an expert.

When you’ve tried these steps and the heat still won’t kick in, it’s time to bring in a qualified heating engineer. They can run a full diagnostic, check the heat exchanger, and ensure your system complies with safety regulations.

At South Shields Appliance Repair Services, we’ve helped dozens of homeowners sort out heating woes fast and affordably. Our certified technicians know the local climate and can pinpoint the issue whether it’s a simple thermostat tweak or a boiler overhaul.

Ready to solve your heating problems? Browse our recent articles below for deeper dives into boiler lifespans, service times, and how to pick the right professional. Got a specific issue? Drop us a message and we’ll get you back to a cozy home in no time.