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August 31, 2023WHY IS MY CENTRAL HEATING NOT WORKING AND WHAT’S THE SOLUTION? EXPERT ADVICE
Why Is Your Central Heating Not Working and How TopFlow Services Ltd Can Help
As the cold weather sets in, the last thing anyone wants is to be left without heat and hot water due to a malfunctioning boiler or central heating system. At TopFlow Services Ltd, we understand the importance of a well-functioning heating system, especially during winter. Regular boiler servicing is crucial to minimize the chances of breakdowns, but sometimes unexpected issues can arise, leaving you in need of professional assistance. In this blog post, we’ll explore some common central heating problems and their solutions, as well as how our expert team would handle them.
Cold Spots on Radiators:
- If you notice cold spots on your radiators, it’s a sign of an obstruction preventing them from working efficiently. The fixes for this issue depend on the location of the cold spots:
a) Cold at the bottom of the radiator: This is often caused by rust, scale, or sludge buildup. For open-vented systems, our team will remove the debris using a sludge remover. In non-open-vented systems, we may need to flush the pipes to resolve the problem.
b) Cold at the top of the radiator: This is typically due to trapped air. Bleeding the radiators and turning off the heating system usually resolves this problem.
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Uneven Heating Across Floors: If you experience cold radiators on one floor while others are warm, there might be an obstruction impeding water flow. We would first check if all radiator valves are fully open. If the upstairs radiators are cold, low boiler pressure could be the issue, and we’d adjust the water level accordingly. For ground floor cold radiators, a faulty pump might be the cause, and descaling the central heating system can help remove any blockages.
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Unusual Noises from the Boiler: If your boiler emits gurgling, banging, or hissing noises, it requires investigation. Overheating may be a concern, and trapped air in the system might be the culprit. Venting the excess air or descaling the boiler can help resolve the issue. For hissing noises, we’d check if the feed and expansion tank is receiving sufficient water supply.
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No Hot Water or Heat: If your heating system isn’t working at all, check first if it’s turned on. Verify if a fuse has blown or if there’s a loose wire that needs attention from an electrician. Additionally, ensure the pilot light on your boiler is on and relight it if necessary. Low boiler pressure, frozen condensate pipe (in combi boilers), or a malfunctioning pump could also be the causes, which our expert engineers can address.
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No Hot Water, but Central Heating Works: In this case, we would inspect the thermostat settings, check if the motorized valve is open, and bleed any trapped air from the hot water cylinder.
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Leaking Pipes: Leaking pipes are common but can be fixed easily. Tightening the joint or applying sealant usually resolves the issue, but replacing the leaky pipe is a more long-term solution.
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Recurring Overflows: For systems with water supply from a tank in the loft, a jammed ballcock can cause continuous overflows. Our team will free the jammed ballcock to restore proper water flow.
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An Old Boiler: If your boiler is old and prone to frequent breakdowns, it might be more economical to replace it. Regular boiler servicing is recommended to catch potential problems early and prolong the life of your boiler.
At TopFlow Services Ltd, our Gas Safe registered engineers are equipped with the expertise to handle all central heating issues effectively and efficiently. Don’t let heating problems leave you in the cold; contact us for expert assistance and keep your home warm and cozy all year round. Remember, regular servicing is the key to preventing major heating system problems and ensuring its longevity. Schedule your boiler service with us today!