Why do I have hot water but no heating?

If you've got plenty of hot water but your heating isn't coming on, it can be a frustrating and uncomfortable situation, especially during colder months. Fortunately, this is a common problem with central heating systems, and there are several reasons why this could be happening. In this article, we'll explore the different causes of why you might have hot water but no heating. We'll also look at how to identify the problem, and whether you can fix it yourself or need professional help.

One of the most common reasons why you may be experiencing hot water but no heating is to do with radiator problems. If your radiators aren't heating up, then they won't be able to distribute heat throughout your home. Some of the reasons for this could include:

• Air in the system: If air has entered the system, then it can cause blockages that prevent hot water from circulating throughout your radiators.

   

• Blocked or dirty pipes: Over time, pipes can become blocked or dirty, which can cause them to become less efficient at distributing hot water.

• Faulty radiator valves: If your radiator valves are faulty, then they won't be able to control the flow of hot water effectively.

If you suspect that your radiators are the issue, you can try bleeding them to release any trapped air. You can also check for any visible blockages or debris in the pipes. However, if you're not confident in your abilities or if the problem persists, it's best to call a professional heating engineer.

Another potential cause of why you might have hot water but no heating could be to do with a problem with your boiler. Some of the issues that could be affecting your boiler include:

• Low pressure: If your boiler's pressure is too low, then it won't be able to distribute hot water effectively.

   

• Faulty thermostat: If your thermostat isn't working properly, then it won't be able to communicate with your boiler effectively, which could result in hot water but no heating.

   

• Broken pump: Your boiler's pump is responsible for circulating hot water through your system. If it's broken, then your heating won't be working correctly.

• Faulty diverter valve: The diverter valve in your boiler is responsible for switching between heating and hot water. If it's faulty, then it may not be able to divert hot water to your radiators correctly.

If you think that an issue with your boiler could be causing the problem, it's recommended that you call in a professional heating engineer. They'll be able to diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action for you.

If you have a dual-fuel or electric central heating system, then you may experience hot water but no heating for different reasons.

In electric systems, for example, the problem may be due to a faulty thermostat, a blown fuse, or a broken heating element. In dual-fuel systems, the problem could be due to a faulty diverter valve or pump.

If you've got hot water but no heating in a dual-fuel or electric system, it's best to call a professional who specialises in these types of systems and will be able to accurately diagnose the issue.

Another thing to consider is whether the problem is affecting all radiators or just one or two. If it's only affecting one or two radiators, then the problem is likely with those specific radiators. However, if the problem is affecting all radiators, then the issue is likely with your boiler or central heating system and will require further investigation.

Before you encountered the problem of your heating not switching on, there may have been other signs that something was wrong. For instance, you may have heard strange noises coming from your radiators or noticed that the temperature of your radiators fluctuated. If you noticed any of these signs, it's best to investigate further or get in a heating engineer.

There are a few workarounds and fixes that you can try before calling in a professional heating engineer.

These include:

• Checking the thermostat: Ensure that your thermostat is set to the right temperature and that it's working correctly. If your thermostat is battery-operated, try replacing the batteries.
• Checking the pressure: If your boiler's pressure is too low, you can try topping it up using the filling loop. However, be careful not to over-pressurize the system as this can cause further problems.
• Bleeding radiators: If you suspect that trapped air is the problem, you can try bleeding your radiators to release the air.
• Checking the timer: Ensure that your heating timer is set correctly and that it's working correctly. If you have a smart heating system, check that it's connected to your Wi-Fi and that the app is working correctly.

If you've tried all these suggestions and your heating still went come on, you'll need to hand it over to a professional.

If the opposite occurs and you have no hot water but you do have heating, the causes and solutions may be the same. The most common reasons for this issue include a faulty diverter valve or pump, low pressure, or a broken heating element. Again, it's best to call a professional heating engineer to diagnose and sort out the problem.

Hot water but no heating can be caused by several issues, including problems with radiators, boilers, or central heating systems. It's essential to investigate the problem and identify the root cause before attempting any workarounds or fixes.

If you're not confident in your abilities or the problem persists, it's best to call a professional heating engineer to identify and fix the problem. With the right expertise and attention, you can quickly restore your central heating system to full functionality, providing warmth and comfort throughout your home.

If your radiators are over 15 years old, then we tend to recommend upgrading them to make the most of the latest energy-efficient radiator technology. At Trade Radiators we want everyone to find the ideal radiator for any space, whether you’re looking for a no-fuss simple heating solution to the box bedroom upstairs, or fancy updating your old bathroom panel radiator for a sleek new chrome towel rail.

Shop our extensive range of quality radiators by what matters to you most. Whether you’re looking for a specific style of radiator, such as column or designer, or a particular colour to suit your home’s interior, Trade Radiators has something to suit you.