If there’s no power to your boiler, don’t panic. This guide explains some of the most common causes and how you can get your boiler back up and running.
None of us wants to lose access to hot water and central heating, so you’re bound to be frustrated if you’ve got no power to your boiler right now. The good news is that there are some simple fixes you can carry out yourself before calling an engineer.
In this guide, we explore the possible causes of no boiler power and whether or not you can fix the problem or you need to seek professional help.
3 checks to make before calling an engineer
You may be able to fix the issue yourself if any of the following is the reason behind why there is no power to your boiler.
1. Tripped fuse in the fuse box
The fuse box (RCB) in your home controls the electricity in your property. If your boiler is connected to a zone that has an issue, such as a blown light bulb, it can cause a fuse to trip in your fuse box and stop power from getting to your boiler.
To solve this problem, go to your fuse box and check that all the switches are in the same position and face the correct way. If one of the switches has tripped and is facing downwards, flick it back up to restore power to your boiler.
2. Blown fuse
Like all boilers, your boiler is fitted with a fuse to prevent damage to the electrical components when there is a surge of power. But when the fuse blows, your boiler will be without power and won’t turn on.
You can check if the fuse has blown by locating the switch that controls power to your boiler. This switch is usually next to your boiler, very near to it or in your airing cupboard. When you find this switch, use a screwdriver (do not use a metal object) to open the fuse holder, then you can remove the fuse and replace it with a new one.
3. Problem with your electricity supply
A central heating boiler won’t work without electricity, meaning the culprit could be an electricity supply issue. You can check if you have a problem with your electricity supply by switching on your other electrical appliances. If nothing seems to work, you need to give your electricity distribution company a call.
If you have a pay-as-you-go electric meter, check whether you have any credit remaining. Got credit, and none of your electrical appliances works? The cause may be a fault with your electric meter, which means you need to contact your utility company. They might be able to resolve the issue over the phone or instead send someone out to investigate and fix the problem with your meter.
Don’t forget to reset your boiler
If you manage to resolve your boiler trouble yourself by carrying out any of the above simple checks and fixes, you will need to reset your system. Most modern boilers have a reset button on the display panel, which you usually need to press for a few seconds to get your boiler working again. Can’t find the reset button? Check your user manual or refer to the manufacturer’s website.
3 typical causes that require a Gas Safe registered engineer
Whilst the above issues are safe to check and fix yourself, some boiler problems, like a faulty internal component, will need to be looked at by a professional. Below are some of the possible causes of no power to your boiler, all of which are unsafe for you to check and require the expertise of a Gas Safe registered engineer.
1. Blown internal fuse
All boilers have an internal fuse or multiple fuses that can often give in to age or blow for no reason. Checking the internal fuses can be dangerous, so you must leave it to your heating engineer to check and change them.
Once your engineer has replaced any blown internal fuses, they will test your boiler to ensure the fuses don’t blow again. If they do, the issue could be another fault with your boiler, which can be investigated and fixed by your heating engineer.
2. Printed circuit board (PCB) failure
The printed circuit board (PCB) enables the electrical components of your boiler to communicate with each other, making it a vital part of your system. If the PCB develops a fault, your boiler might show an error code or refuse to turn on.
PCB failure can be a big problem or something a Gas Safe registered engineer can fix. If the PCB is broken and cannot be repaired, you can expect to pay up to £500 for a replacement. You may decide not to bother and invest your money in a new boiler if your existing system is old or no longer under warranty.
3. Power light failure
Although not a severe problem, power light failure can easily trick you into thinking your boiler has no power. The issue is usually as simple as an LED light failure or a broken power light, so your boiler should operate as normal, even though it’s playing dead.
Power light failure isn’t a common fault, but you should still get a Gas Safe registered engineer to carry out tests to identify the problem and fix it.
Need a new boiler?
If your boiler often develops issues or is more than 10 years old, it might be time to replace it rather than keep paying for costly repairs. We know that a new boiler is a big investment. However, you can find a range of options to suit all budgets from different manufacturers that currently offer long warranties.
So, what’s the best way to buy a new boiler? We recommend comparing quotes from different companies to save money on a new boiler and the installation. To get the best deal, complete our online form to receive free fixed-price quotes from trusted national and locally-based Gas Safe engineers.