What to Do When Your Heating Breaks Down: Emergency Guide 2026

Heating breakdown in winter? Do not panic. Follow our step-by-step emergency guide to stay warm, troubleshoot common issues, and get professional help fast.

A heating breakdown in the middle of winter is stressful, but knowing what to do can help you stay calm and get your home warm again as quickly as possible.

Immediate Steps

1. Check the Obvious Things First

Before calling for help, check:

• Thermostat settings: Ensure it is set to heat mode and the temperature is high enough
• Power supply: Check the boiler has power and the isolation switch is on
• Timer/programmer: Verify heating is scheduled to be on
• Gas supply: Check other gas appliances are working

2. Check Your Boiler

Look at your boiler display for error codes. Note down any codes shown - these help engineers diagnose the problem quickly. Also check:

• Pressure gauge: Should be between 1-1.5 bar. If low, you may need to repressurise
• Frozen condensate pipe: Common in very cold weather. The pipe exits outside and can freeze
• Reset button: Some issues can be fixed with a simple reset (check your manual)

Staying Warm Without Heating

While waiting for repairs:

• Use electric heaters safely (never leave unattended or cover)
• Close doors to unused rooms to concentrate heat
• Layer clothing and use blankets
• Hot water bottles are effective and safe
• If you have a working fireplace, use it
• Check on vulnerable neighbours who may also be affected

When to Call for Professional Help

Contact a Gas Safe registered engineer if:

• Your boiler shows an error code you cannot resolve
• There is a smell of gas (call 0800 111 999 first)
• The boiler is leaking water
• You hear unusual noises
• Simple troubleshooting steps do not work

Common Winter Boiler Problems

Frozen Condensate Pipe

Modern condensing boilers have a pipe that drains water outside. In freezing conditions, this can ice up. Pour warm (not boiling) water over the pipe to thaw it, then reset your boiler.

Low Pressure

Cold weather can cause pressure drops. Your boiler manual explains how to repressurise via the filling loop. If pressure keeps dropping, you may have a leak.

Prevention for Next Time

• Get your boiler serviced before winter
• Insulate exposed pipes
• Keep your heating on low even when away
• Consider a home emergency cover plan for 24/7 support

With comprehensive home emergency cover, you can call for help any time of day or night, with engineers often arriving within hours to restore your heating.