British Gas emergency heating warning ahead of Storm Goretti

The energy provider says many problems, such as frozen pipes, boiler pressure drops and timer resets, can leave homes without heating. But, with planning, they can be resolved with simple checks at home, helping households get their systems back up and running quickly.

Last winter, more than 1.2 million customers called on British Gas engineers to fix broken boilers and get their heating and hot water systems back up and running.

British Gas engineer Joanna Flowers saied@ “If you wake up and your heating isn't working during a cold snap like this, don't panic. There are some simple checks you can do yourself before calling an engineer."

Here's what to look for:

4 basic checks before calling a heating engineer

1. Check that the gas, electric and water supply is turned on
2. Check that the room thermostat (if you have one) is turned up and the clock timer is on
3. Check that your boiler's pressure gauge (if you have one) is around 1 bar. You should find it on the front panel
4. If your system has a permanent pilot light, check that it hasn't gone out

How to check your boiler settings

• Try putting your heating on full for a while to see if this triggers any heat
• Check the boiler timer is set to the right time
• Set your heating to come on in 15 minutes - if there's been a power cut recently, your central heating timer might have returned to its factory settings so you'll need to reset it
• See if you have a reset switch on the front of your boiler. You can check your user manual to see what to do
• Try turning the boiler on and off. The switch is usually nearby or in an airing cupboard

How to check for frozen pipes

"If it's been very cold, the condensate pipe of your boiler can freeze," says Joanna.

"If you have a modern condensing boiler and find a frozen condensate pipe (this will be a plastic pipe that comes out of your boiler), slowly pour hot (but never boiling) water over it and place a hot water bottle over it to help melt away the ice. Once thawed, reset the boiler.

"It should fire up normally if the frozen pipe was the issue."

How to check for a burst pipe

If you suspect a burst pipe, often shown by a sudden drop in water pressure, damp patches or water marks on walls and floors, turn off the water supply at the stopcock straight away. Open all the taps to drain the system and keep the supply off until a qualified engineer can assess the damage and carry out the repair.

Recommended reading

• 8 low-cost ways to cut heating costs as snow and ice see energy bills increase
• Storm Goretti travel advice and closures amid heavy snow and wind warnings
• Will my car insurance still be valid if I crash in snow or ice? All to know

How to check your system pressure

"If your home suddenly has no hot water or heating, your boiler may have low water pressure. This often happens after bleeding radiators or if there’s a leak, so it’s important to check your pipes, radiators, and boiler for damp patches," says Joanna.

"Low pressure is easy to spot and usually simple to fix. Look at the pressure gauge on the front of your boiler, it should sit between 1 and 1.5. If it’s below 1 bar, the pressure is too low and the system needs re‑pressurising.

"Re‑pressurising your boiler simply means letting more water into the system. Most modern combi boilers use a filling loop for this. Although the process is usually similar across models, always check your boiler’s manual before you begin."

Don’t get frozen out this winter! ❄️🛡️
5 quick ways to protect your home:
📍 Stop tap: Find it, test it, use it!
🧤 Insulate pipes.
🔥 Service boilers.
🌡️ Keep heating on low when away.
✅ Always choose a pro from the WaterSafe register.

More tips: ➡️ https://t.co/so7fGxlxxJ pic.twitter.com/hSQjokEuEO

— WaterSafe (@WatersafeUK) January 8, 2026

How to re‑pressurise your boiler, step by step

1. Switch off the boiler and let it cool.
2. Locate the filling loop — a flexible silver hose with a valve at each end — and make sure it’s firmly connected to the boiler pipes.
3. Open both valves so they line up with the pipe. This allows cold mains water to flow in, and you should hear it.
4. Watch the pressure gauge and wait until it rises to between 1 and 1.5.
5. Close both valves one after the other.
6. Turn the boiler back on and press the reset button if required.
7. Remove the filling loop carefully, catching any drips, and store it somewhere safe.

"If you try all these steps and your heating still isn't working, or if you're not confident doing these checks yourself, call us and if you call before 11am, one of our engineers will be with you the same day," says Joanna.

To help prevent heating problems ahead of winter storms, Joanna recommends taking a few simple steps to prepare homes for cold weather:

1. Bleed your radiators: Sometimes, pockets of air can build up inside your radiators, stopping them from heating the room evenly. If you notice the top of your radiators feel cooler than the bottom, switch the system off and let it cool. Then, using a radiator key, gently open the valve at the top to let the air escape before closing it again.
2. Keep draughts at bay: Making sure windows and doors are properly sealed can help reduce heat loss and lower energy bills by up to £60 a year. Simple solutions like self-adhesive foam strips around window frames can stop cooler air creeping in, while draught excluders are great for blocking gaps beneath doors. It’s also worth checking smaller openings – inexpensive keyhole covers and letterbox brushes are quick fixes that make a big difference.
3. Make the most of your home’s heat: Think carefully about how furniture is arranged in your home so radiators can do their job to the best of their ability. A sofa placed directly in front of a heat source might feel snug, but it stops heat from circulating around the rest of the room. Meanwhile, using thicker curtains helps trap warmth at windows and doors and laying rugs on bare floors can reduce the heat escaping through the ground. And when the sun is shining, remember to open your curtains to let in natural warmth.
4. Embrace zonal heating: To save money, avoid heating rooms you aren’t using, for example conservatories or offices that are only needed when you’re working from home. Make sure to switch off the radiator and close the door to prevent cold air from moving through the rest of the house. When you need the room again, turn the radiator back on ahead of time to heat it up. To go one step further, you could install thermostatic radiator valves like these from Hive so you can control the temperature in each room directly from your phone.
5. Insulate your pipes: Frozen pipes can cause serious damage, often cracking or bursting when water turns to ice. The simplest way to avoid costly repairs is to stop them freezing in the first place. Wrapping pipes with inexpensive insulation from a DIY store helps retain warmth and reduce heat loss.
6. Find your ideal temperature: When the cold sets in, turning up the thermostat might seem like the quickest fix, but keeping it set between 18°C and 21°C is both comfortable and cost-effective. Even a small change makes a difference – reducing the temperature by just one degree could trim around 10% off your heating costs, saving the average household roughly £75 a year.
7. Set your heating to suit your routine: Scheduling your heating can help you save energy without sacrificing comfort. Try setting it to switch on about 15 minutes before you get up and to turn off half an hour before bedtime. This not only cuts down on costs but can also support a better night’s sleep. At night, you can further reduce waste by lowering the temperature in rooms that aren’t in use.
8. Embrace smart thermostats: Winter is the peak season for energy usage, so take advantage of technology like smart thermostats. These allow you to control your heating at the click of a button and track your spending, helping to save money in the process. For instance, installing a Hive Thermostat can save you up to £174 per year on your heating bill.
9. Give your boiler some TLC: It’s often the case that many people don't think about their boiler until it breaks down – but regular maintenance can help avoid future potential problems altogether. British Gas Homecare products offer customers the ability to safeguard their boiler and include an annual service.
10. Check if you qualify for energy support: It’s always a good idea to see if you’re eligible for extra help with your energy bills before the cold weather arrives. British Gas customers could be eligible for up to £2,000 support with their energy bills from its Energy Support Fund. Many energy providers also have assistance funds to help with energy costs.