Find Out How to Fix it
In this guide, we help you determine why your boiler isn’t responding to its thermostat and the steps you need to take when this happens.
A boiler thermostat is a piece of equipment that not only controls the water temperature and supplies water to your radiators but can help increase the efficiency of your home. You can adjust your boiler thermostat whenever you wish to suit your needs, but you cannot do this when your boiler stops responding to it or vice versa.
If your boiler isn’t responding to its thermostat, you may be able to fix the issue yourself. Below, we look at the possible reasons why your thermostat is refusing to communicate with your boiler and what you can do to fix this problem.
Why is my boiler not responding to its thermostat?
If you cannot control your boiler from its thermostat, the problem could be due to a faulty component or a lack of communication between your boiler and the thermostat.
Before you contact a heating engineer, you should cover the basics and check for common issues that might be causing your heating problems.
What are the common issues I need to check?
You might be able to find a simple solution to what seems like a complex problem with your boiler and its thermostat. Here are several potential issues that may be causing your boiler to not respond to its thermostat and how you can fix it.
1. Your boiler isn’t turned on
First, make sure your boiler is turned on and check the mains power switch as well. You may not have turned off your boiler yourself, but another member of your household could have accidentally knocked the on/off switch on your boiler or at the mains. Also, a power cut can cause your boiler to turn off, so be sure to check both switches before you do anything else.
2. The thermostat needs new batteries
If you have a battery-operated thermostat, you may need to replace the batteries. Some thermostats let you know when the batteries are low and need replacing, and the display screen usually goes black when the batteries are dead.
3. You need to move your thermostat to a new spot
Your thermostat works by monitoring the average temperature of your home and turns off your heating when the temperature reaches the desired level. The thermostat works with your boiler to ensure your home is never too hot or cold.
If your thermostat is currently near your boiler, a poorly insulated area or another heat source (like a radiator), the temperature readings will not be accurate. That means your home won’t reach a comfortable temperature, and you can end up wasting energy.
Your thermostat should NOT be:
- Above a radiator
- Near windows or doors
- Above an air vent
- In the direct line of sunlight
- In a hallway or kitchen
We recommend placing your thermostat on the ground floor (downstairs) in one of your most frequently used rooms, such as the living room.
4. You’re inputting the wrong commands
Your thermostat will not trigger the heating to turn on or off if you don’t programme it correctly. A programmable room thermostat requires you to set the heating schedule to ensure your heating turns on and off at the correct times.
If you’re unsure how to input the correct settings, check your user manual or download a copy of your manual online via the manufacturer’s website.
I’ve covered the basics and my boiler still isn’t responding to its thermostat – what next?
If your thermostat is old, it may be time to replace it. That said, it could be your boiler causing the problem. Most boilers last between 10 and 15 years when well maintained. If your boiler is older than this, you may want to consider upgrading it before it breaks down.
The best way to know for sure is to contact a Gas Safe registered engineer to visit you in your home and look at your boiler and the thermostat.
Is a smart thermostat worth buying?
Yes. A smart thermostat allows you to control your heating system and helps you save energy and money. In addition, a smart thermostat comes with an app that you can download onto your phone or tablet. The app lets you check your thermostat and make changes, regardless of whether you’re at home, work or away on holiday.
Another benefit of purchasing a smart thermostat is its learning function that learns your household’s patterns and adjusts heating and cooling accordingly. It can also sense when you’re at home, track your energy usage, and display data that helps you waste less energy.