Your thermostat says 21°C, but your home still feels cold. If this situation sounds familiar, you are not alone. Many homeowners across the UK experience heating issues due to thermostat faults, especially during colder months. Whether you are using a traditional wall-mounted thermostat or a smart heating system, when your home does not warm up as expected, it could signal anything from minor configuration errors to serious central heating faults.
This article explains what might be causing the issue, what you can check yourself, and when it is time to call a professional.
What Could Be Causing Thermostat Issues?
If your thermostat is not working properly, there are several likely causes to consider:
1. Poor Thermostat Placement
Thermostats need to be installed in the right part of the home to read room temperature accurately. If positioned near windows, radiators or direct sunlight, it may send incorrect signals to your boiler, resulting in uneven or insufficient heating.
2. Low Battery or Power Issues
Many thermostats, particularly smart or wireless models, rely on batteries. If your screen is blank or not responding, replacing the batteries might restore proper function. Some models might also have indicators but better be safe and replace them.
Incorrect Settings or Schedule
Modern programmable thermostats often follow daily or weekly schedules. If the programmed times or temperatures are not set correctly, your heating may turn off too early or not come on at all. Always double check your settings after power outages or connectivity issues.
Boiler or System Faults
Sometimes, the thermostat is not the problem at all. If your boiler is losing pressure or displaying error codes, or if your radiators are not heating properly, these issues can interfere with achieving your target room temperature. In this case it’s the boiler that needs repairs done.
Smart Thermostat Connectivity Problems
Smart thermostats depend on stable Wi-Fi and cloud services. If there is a loss of connection, your commands might not reach the device, especially if you are trying to control it remotely via an app. Make sure you have internet connection or that the device is thetered correctly if your are using Bluetooth.
What You Can Check Before Calling a Professional
Here are a few things you can inspect yourself:
- Replace batteries or check the power source for the thermostat.
- Review temperature settings and make sure the desired temperature is correctly set and not limited by energy-saving modes.
- Bleed your radiators if you notice cold spots, as trapped air can reduce heating performance.
- Check the boiler pressure, as most UK boilers operate between 1.0 and 1.5 bar when cold.
- Inspect radiator valves to ensure they are fully open and not stuck.
If your system is still underperforming after these checks, it is likely time to speak to a qualified technician.
Professional Support for Thermostat and Heating Faults
When your DIY checks do not resolve the problem, our team at 24/7 Best Emergency Services is ready to help. Our qualified engineers diagnose and fix a wide range of central heating and thermostat issues, including:
- Faulty thermostat units and wiring
- Connectivity issues with smart thermostats
- Boiler communication faults
- System imbalances or sensor malfunctions
You can book a dedicated thermostat inspection service with us today. We operate 24/7 and can often be at your property within 30 minutes, especially for emergency heating calls.
Conclusion
A thermostat that does not reach its set temperature can lead to discomfort, energy waste and even boiler strain. From incorrect settings and battery problems to more complex heating system faults, the sooner you identify the cause, the better.
If you are dealing with a faulty thermostat, our qualified team is available across the UK to provide fast, reliable and affordable solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does my thermostat say it is heating but the room is cold?
This could be due to a misplaced thermostat, low batteries or issues with the boiler or valves. If multiple radiators are not heating, the problem may lie within the central system. - Can I fix a thermostat problem myself?
You can replace batteries, check settings and ensure radiators are bled. But for wiring issues, system diagnostics or sensor faults, it is best to call a professional. - Are smart thermostats reliable?
Yes, but they depend on stable internet and updated firmware. Connection issues or software glitches can prevent them from functioning as intended. - How often should I service my heating system?
Annual servicing is recommended for your boiler and central heating system to ensure everything including the thermostat works efficiently and safely. - Do you cover smart thermostats like Nest or Hive?
Absolutely. Our engineers are experienced with all major brands and can help with installation, troubleshooting or replacement.