How to Handle a Boiler Breakdown in Winter?

Boiler breakdowns always seem to happen at the worst possible time. Winter hits, temperatures plummet, and suddenly you’re left with no heating or hot water. Not ideal. Whether your boiler has already packed in or you’re trying to get ahead of the problem, here’s everything you need to know.

Why do boilers break down in winter?

Winter is peak season for boiler breakdowns simply because your heating system is under more strain than usual. The sudden jump in usage puts pressure on older or poorly maintained boilers. Freezing temperatures can also cause condensate pipes to freeze, which stops the boiler from functioning entirely. It’s one of the most common causes of heating and water damage at home during the colder months.

How to prevent boiler breakdowns

Getting your boiler winter-ready doesn’t have to be a hassle. Here’s what to do before the temperature drops:

• Book an annual boiler service. A Gas Safe registered engineer will check for faults and make sure everything is running safely and efficiently. Book it before October if you can, so you’re not scrambling when demand for engineers is at its highest.
• Bleed your radiators. If your radiators are warm at the bottom but cold at the top, trapped air is likely the culprit. Bleeding them releases it and improves how efficiently your heating system works.
• Check and top up the boiler pressure. Boilers need a pressure of between 1 and 1.5 bar to work properly. If the gauge reads below 1 bar, top it up using the filling loop. Check your boiler’s manual for the exact steps.
• Test the heating system in autumn. Turn your heating on for short bursts before the cold really sets in. Catching a problem in September is a lot less stressful than discovering it in January.
• Insulate exposed pipes. Pipes in lofts, garages, or other unheated spaces are most at risk of freezing. Foam pipe insulation is cheap and easy to fit. It’s a simple step that can prevent a significant amount of water damage if things go wrong.

Keep the heating on low when you’re away. If you’re leaving the house empty for a few days, set the heating to a low background temperature rather than switching it off completely. It helps prevent pipes from freezing. For more on preparing your home before going on holiday, it’s worth thinking about this alongside your other pre-departure checks.

What to do when your boiler breaks

Before calling out an engineer, try these steps:

Step	What to do
1. Check the pressure	Should be between 1 and 1.5 bar. Top up via the filling loop if it’s too low.
2. Reset the boiler	Use the reset button on the front panel. If an error code appears, check the manual.
3. Check the pilot light	On older boilers, the pilot light may have gone out. Relighting it might fix the issue.
4. Check the thermostat	Make sure it’s set correctly and the batteries haven’t run out.
5. Look for a frozen condensate pipe	If it’s very cold outside, thaw the pipe gently with warm (not boiling) water, then restart the boiler.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, call a Gas Safe registered engineer. Don’t attempt to repair a gas appliance yourself.

Temporary heating solutions

While you’re waiting for a repair, here are a few ways to keep warm:

• Electric heaters or portable radiators in the rooms you’re using most.
• Extra layers and blankets, particularly at night.
• Hot water bottles, which retain heat for hours.
• Cooking meals or boiling the kettle, which both generate warmth.
• If you have a working fireplace, now is the time to use it.

These won’t replace central heating, but they’ll make things considerably more bearable while you wait.

Is it time to get home emergency cover?

Boiler repairs can be expensive, and an unexpected breakdown in the middle of winter is one of the more stressful household emergencies you can face. Home emergency cover gives you access to emergency repair services and can help with call-out charges, parts, and labour, depending on what your policy includes.

It’s worth checking the specifics of any policy carefully before you take it out, so you know exactly what’s covered and what isn’t.

Homeowners vs renters: Who’s responsible?

	Homeowner	Renter
Boiler servicing	Your responsibility	Landlord’s responsibility
Emergency repairs	Your responsibility	Usually the landlord’s responsibility
Home emergency cover	Worth considering	Check your tenancy agreement

If you’re renting, boiler maintenance and repairs are generally the landlord’s responsibility. If your heating breaks down, report it to your landlord in writing as soon as possible. They’re legally required to keep the property safe and habitable. If they’re slow to act, Citizens Advice can advise on your options.

Homeowners are responsible for their own maintenance and repairs, which is why an annual service and home emergency cover are worth the investment.

Before we go

Boiler breakdowns are never convenient, but with a bit of preparation you can significantly reduce the chances of one. Get your boiler serviced before winter, bleed your radiators, check the pressure, and insulate any exposed pipes. If the worst does happen, work through the basic checks before calling an engineer, and make sure you know whether your home insurance or emergency cover applies.

Lemonade’s home insurance is built around real life, not just the easy scenarios. Make sure you’ve got the right cover in place before winter arrives.

Boiler breakdown FAQs