Why Your Boiler Runs Constantly
If your boiler keeps running non-stop in Buriton, it can drive up energy bills and leave your home feeling unevenly heated. Whether you’re in a cosy cottage on the village green or a modern house near Bordon (GU35), pinpointing the issue quickly can save you money and stress. At Embassy Gas, our engineers serving Buriton and nearby towns like Petersfield, Liphook and Farnham (GU30) often see these symptoms caused by a handful of common faults.
Common Causes of Continuous Boiler Operation
1. Thermostat Settings and Programming
A simple culprit is often your thermostat. If it’s set to a temperature above room level or on a continuous mode, the boiler will fire constantly. Check your room thermostat schedule and ensure it’s not set to ‘on’ all day. Programmable thermostats can glitch, so resetting to factory defaults can sometimes help.
2. Faulty Thermostat or Temperature Sensor
Even if settings look correct, a malfunctioning thermostat or sensor can misread room temperature. The boiler keeps heating because it believes the house is still cold. Replacing or recalibrating a faulty sensor is a job for a qualified Gas Safe engineer.
3. Low System Pressure
Boilers need the correct water pressure (usually between 1 and 1.5 bar) to operate efficiently. If pressure drops, the boiler may keep running to try and maintain heat. Check the pressure gauge on your boiler; if it’s below 1 bar, top up the system via the filling loop according to your manufacturer’s guide.
4. Radiator Problems and Airlocks
Cold spots or unbalanced radiators can stop your heating circulating properly, causing the boiler to run longer to reach the desired temperature. Bleeding radiators to release trapped air or balancing them so heat spreads evenly can solve this issue.
5. Circulation Pump or Blockages
If the pump fails or there’s sludge build-up in your system, flow is restricted and heat struggles to circulate. The boiler runs continuously in an attempt to compensate. Powerflushing or replacing a worn pump often restores normal operation.
6. Internal Boiler Faults
Components like the diverter valve, printed circuit board (PCB) or flow sensor can become stuck or fail. A jammed diverter valve might send heated water to the heating circuit only, bypassing taps and causing endless cycles. Boiler repair specialists can diagnose and replace these parts.
7. Incorrect or Ageing Installation
Older boilers or those not sized correctly for your home can be prone to constant operation. If your property has been extended or insulated since installation, the existing boiler may struggle to modulate output effectively. In these cases, consider a new boiler installation for improved efficiency and reliability.
Impact on Your Energy Bills
A continuously running boiler can skyrocket your gas usage. In Buriton, where winter temperatures can dip, this waste not only affects your wallet but also adds unnecessary carbon emissions. Spotting and fixing the root cause promptly keeps your system running economically.
Preventative Maintenance Tips
- Book annual boiler servicing to catch faults early.
- Bleed radiators before winter.
- Top up system pressure if needed.
- Keep an eye on pilot lights and pressure gauges.
- Consider a boiler cover plan for peace of mind and rapid repairs.
When to Call a Gas Safe Engineer
If you’ve tried basic troubleshooting—resetting your thermostat, bleeding radiators and checking pressure—but your boiler still runs constantly, it’s time to get expert help. A certified engineer will perform a full diagnostic, replace worn parts and ensure your system heats safely and efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I reset my boiler to stop it running constantly?
A: You can try resetting most modern boilers using the reset button. However, this is a temporary fix if the underlying issue, such as faulty sensors or pump problems, remains.
Q: How often should I bleed my radiators?
A: Bleeding radiators once a year, ideally before the heating season starts, helps prevent airlocks and keeps heat circulating evenly.
Q: Will a new thermostat fix my boiler constantly running?
A: Upgrading to a smart or programmable thermostat can improve control and reduce continuous operation, but underlying boiler faults may still need professional attention.
Q: Is constant boiler operation covered by boiler cover plans?
A: Yes, most boiler cover plans include diagnosis and repair of continuous operation faults. Check your policy terms with providers like ours to confirm.
If you need help with your heating or boiler, our local engineers are here to help. Call us on (01420) 558993 or book online at embassygas.com/book
Written by Embassy Gas — your local heating experts covering Buriton, Bordon, Petersfield, Liphook, Farnham and surrounding areas.