One of the most common problems with boilers is the boiler timer failing to work properly, leaving you without the heat and hot water you need. We took a look at the most common reasons for boiler timer faults and how to fix them so that you can get your system back up and running as quickly as possible.
How Should Your Boiler Timer Be Working?
When you own a combi boiler, you should be able to expect hot water to be sent immediately to your taps, shower and heating the moment you turn it on. If this doesn’t happen, then you could have a boiler timer problem that needs to be resolved so that your boiler can return to normal working order.
Some of the most common problems that occur when a boiler timer stops working properly include the following:
- The boiler is not switching on
- The boiler is switching on but not sending heat to your radiators
- Your boiler quickly turns on and then off again
- Your heating never gets to the right temperature, either being too hot or too cold for your needs.
The issue with each of the problems listed above is that they can also be symptoms of other, bigger problems that will need a Gas Safe engineer call out. Some of the most common issues that could be happening include a faulty PCB, a faulty thermostat, radiator sludge build-up or even a broken ignition.
Common Problems with Boiler Timers
If the issue is that your boiler timer is not working correctly, there are some common problems that may occur. The most obvious ones include the following:
- Your boiler is coming on an hour early or late, which could be due to daylight savings.
- Your thermostat is not connecting to your boiler timer properly, stopping it from getting the signal to switch on.
How to Fix Your Boiler Timer Yourself
The good news is that, in many cases, you can resolve a boiler timer issue without having to call an engineer out. However, if the problem requires you to take your boiler apart or any of the equipment related to the boiler, then you will need to arrange for a Gas Safe engineer to do it to ensure your safety and so that you don’t invalidate your warranty.
- Quick Fix 1 Timer Settings – the first thing you can try when fixing your boiler timer is checking that the timer is set correctly to the time you want it to run. If the clocks have recently gone forwards or backwards, you may just need to make a quick adjustment for your boiler to match the new time.
- Quick Fix 2 Power Settings – if your boiler has stopped working completely, then you may have experienced a power cut, or a fuse may have blown. Take a moment to check that everything is properly switched on at the fuse board to resolve the issue. If the problem appears to be with your electrics, then you must call a trained professional to deal with it rather than attempting to fix the wiring yourself.
- Quick Fix 3 Thermostat – you may find that the problem with your boiler timer is actually due to the thermostat failing to send the right messages to your boiler when the temperature drops. If the thermostat is broken, then you will need to replace it, but if it is working, then you will need to think about relocating to a place that is away from heat or draughts to allow it to measure the temperature accurately.
- Quick Fix 4 Heating & Hot Water Check – if everything else seems fine, then it may be worth checking that you haven’t turned your heating or hot water down, stopping them from working as expected.
Setting Your Boiler Timer – A How to Guide
If you are keen to set your boiler manually but don’t know how to, our instructions are here to help:
- Combi Boilers – you will notice a number of settings to choose from, including On, Off, Auto, All-Day, and Boost. Picking the right setting can help you achieve the right time for your heating to come on and off as well as the option to boost for a specified time when you want to get heat on demand.
- Analogue Timers – start by checking the time is correct and turn the boiler to auto. Once this is done, you can press the pins on the timer to set blocks of heating time for your property. Remember, analogue timers tend to be on a 24-hr timer, so don’t get your day and night times mixed up!
- Digital Timers – rather than pressing pins, a digital timer is programmed using the Set Clock/Timer function. Start by checking the time is correct and put your boiler onto auto, then enter the times you want the boiler to come on and off on the Set button. Once the time has been inputted, press the Set button to confirm it and then repeat as necessary.
I’ve Tried Everything But My Boiler Time Still Won’t Work – Help!
If your boiler timer still doesn’t work after you have tried all our quick fix suggestions and checked the timer has been programmed correctly, then you will need to call out a Gas Safe registered engineer. If your boiler is still in good condition and younger than ten years, then fixing the timer will tend to be the cheapest option.
However, if your boiler is over ten years old, the engineer confirms the timer is broken, and the boiler has other problems that need to be addressed, then it may be better to bite the bullet and arrange a replacement. Rather than blindly agreeing to the first boiler that is suggested, take a moment to arrange a few quotes for boilers and installation using our handy online form. At Boilers Prices, we make it our mission to help you get the best solution for the best price, so head over to our website now and let us provide you with the information you need.