Heating doing its own thing

lb364

I put the heating on the other day to check it was working before the winter and it came on fine.

However, a little while later the radiators went cold so i went to check and the light (on the heating system under the stairs) was still on so I switched it off but the light only dimmed slightly. I tried turning it on again but although the light got brighter, it wouldn't switch on and the boiler made none of the noises it would usually make.

I switched it off again (light was dimmed again) but last night I woke up in the night to find the radiator was hot.

What could be causing this and is there any 'quick fix' I could try?

Cardew

What type of heating is this? gas? electric? oil? LPG?

If it is not making the 'normal noises' it could possibly be the pump not working. (after a lot of inactivity over summer they can stick)

Locate the pump and check if it is spinning. A screwdriver used as a 'stethoscope' will determine if it is working. If not a gentle tap with a soft mallet might get it working as a temporary measure

lb364

It is gas.

Sorry, I have no idea what/where the pump is, where should I try looking?

Cardew

Some pumps are in the boiler casing, but others are external and this link gives an example of the type of pump.

http://www.screwfix.com/c/heating-plumbing/central-heating-pumps/cat831036

p4tti

Hi
I had a similar issue last winter, and although it did come on at random times I could not turn it on or off when I wanted . It transpired that my system is wireless and the batteries in the ( ? thermostat controler) (the one on the wall where the timer etc is) were on the blink. Easily corrected by the engineer, but expensive batterie lol.

G_M

OK - gas.

* Conventional (hot water cylinder in airing cupboard) or Combi (instant hot water from boiler)?
* Is the 'light on the heating sytem under the stair" on the boiler, or is this a control (thermostat...?) or something else (pump/diverter...)?
* Have you tried:
a) turn off hot water demand, turn on heating and turn up heating thermostat(s)?
b) turn off heating and turn on hot water demand?
What happens?

*When the heating is usually on, do you usually hear any 'whooshing' sound or similar of water circulating round the pipes to rads? Can you hear this now?

*Describe any other symptoms/tests.

And try posting here for boiler engineers ..