When your boiler unexpectedly breaks down, it can leave you and your family scrambling to stay warm, especially during colder months. While PM247’s expert plumbers are just a call away to repair your boiler any time of the day or night, we understand that busy periods may mean slight wait times. In the meantime, it’s essential to know how to keep the warmth in and the cold out.

Here’s a practical guide to retaining heat and keeping your household cosy while waiting for a fast boiler fix from PM247.

keep warm when boiler not working

How To Keep Warm When Your Boiler Isn’t Working 

  1. Layer Up and Use Thermal Clothing

When the heating stops, the first thing you can do is layer up. Wear several thin layers of clothing, as they trap air between the layers and provide better insulation than one thick layer. Thermal clothing, wool jumpers, and fleece blankets are also fantastic for retaining body heat. Don’t forget warm socks and slippers – a lot of heat escapes through your feet!

  1. Trap the Heat Indoors

Your home’s ability to retain heat is vital when the boiler isn’t working. Here are some quick tips:

  • Close Curtains and Blinds: As soon as the sun goes down, close your curtains and blinds to prevent heat from escaping through windows. Consider investing in thermal or heavy curtains for better insulation – in case of an emergency and to help retain heat in your home, and reduce heating costs, even if the boiler is working fine.
  • Seal Drafts: Check doors and windows for draughts. You can use towels or draught excluders to block gaps and keep warm air inside. You can also pick up insulative tape at your nearby DIY shop to seal drafts.
  • Shut Unused Rooms: Keep doors closed to rooms you’re not using to concentrate the heat in areas where your family gathers. If you are lucky to have another heating source, such as a wood burner, make sure that the warm air can channel and rise through your home to reach the rooms that you are using.
  • Use Rugs: If you have hard floors, place rugs down to help insulate and prevent cold air from rising.

  1. Maximise Natural Heat Sources

Take advantage of any natural heat sources in your home:

  • Let the Sunlight In: During the day, open curtains on windows that receive direct sunlight. Even on cold days, the sun can provide a surprising amount of warmth.
  • Cook Meals: Using your oven and stove not only prepares a hot meal but also adds warmth to your home. After cooking, leave the oven door slightly open using a folded tea towel to let the residual heat warm the room (but always ensure it’s safe to do so, especially if you have young children).

  1. Keep the Wood Burner Stoked

If you’re lucky enough to have a wood burner, make it the centrepiece of your heat retention efforts. Keep it stoked and burning to provide consistent warmth in your home. Use seasoned hardwood for maximum efficiency and heat output. Be sure to monitor it carefully and ensure the surrounding area is clear of flammable materials. A wood burner can make a massive difference in maintaining a cosy atmosphere, even when your boiler is on the blink.

  1. Gather Around Warm Spots

Focus on staying in the warmest areas of your home:

  • Use Electric Heaters: If you have portable electric heaters or fans, these can be lifesavers. Position them strategically in the room where your family spends the most time.
  • Hot Water Bottles and Electric Blankets: Fill hot water bottles, use microwaveable heat packs or electric blankets to keep yourself warm when you are trying to sleep. Placing a hot water bottle or heat pack under your blanket at night can make a big difference. Make sure that you get the hot water bottle in the bed 20 minutes or so before you dive under the covers to warm the bed up nicely.
  • Candles: A cluster of candles can provide a surprising amount of heat in a small space. Just remember to place them safely and never leave them unattended.

  1. Use Blankets and Cosy Setups

Blankets are not just for bedtime:

  • Layer Blankets: Use multiple blankets on beds and sofas. Dust off that show throw.  Opt for materials like fleece or wool, which are excellent insulators.
  • Create a Blanket Fort: If you have kids, turn the cold evening into a fun activity by building a blanket fort. It’s a cosy and creative way to stay warm together.

  1. Get Moving

Physical activity generates body heat, so:

  • Do Light Exercises: Activities like jumping jacks, squats, or even cleaning can help get your blood flowing and warm you up. Get outside and enjoy a walk.
  • Dance It Out: Put on some music and have a dance party with your family. It’s a fun way to stay active and warm up at the same time.

  1. Protect Yourself at Night

Night-time can be particularly cold when your heating is out, so it’s important to prepare for a comfortable sleep:

  • Use Multiple Layers on Beds: Layer duvets, blankets, and throws to maximise warmth. Don’t forget to tuck everything in tightly to prevent heat from escaping.
  • Wear a Hat and Gloves: A lot of heat escapes from your head and hands, so wearing a hat and gloves to bed can help you stay warm.
  • Sleep Together: If space allows, consider sleeping in one room as a family. Sharing body heat in a smaller area will help everyone stay warmer.

  1. Keep the Kettle Boiling

Hot drinks like tea, coffee, or hot chocolate not only warm your hands but also provide a comforting internal heat. If you’re feeling particularly cold, try sipping on something spicy, like ginger tea or mulled cider, which can help improve circulation and keep you warm.

  1. Call PM247 for Emergency Boiler Repairs

While these tips will help you manage in the short term, the best solution is to get your boiler repaired as quickly as possible. PM247’s expert plumbers are available 24/7 to diagnose and fix boiler issues, no matter the time of day or night.

  • Avoid Long Waits: During peak times, we may experience high demand, but calling us     on 0808 258 0440  ensures you’re in the queue for a fast fix.
  • Emergency Response: Our team is equipped to handle urgent repairs, ensuring your boiler is up and running as quickly as possible.
  • Preventative Maintenance: To avoid unexpected breakdowns in the future, consider booking regular boiler servicing with PM247. Proper maintenance can identify potential issues before they turn into costly repairs

 

Be Prepared for Future Boiler Issues

Once your boiler is back in working order, take steps to prepare for any future breakdowns:

  • Invest in Backup Heating: Portable heaters or thermal blankets can be a good investment for emergencies. Even install a wood burner if you haven’t got one.
  • Insulate Your Home: Consider improving insulation in your loft, walls, and floors to retain heat better. There are government initiatives and grants available for insulating your home (and reducing your heating costs and carbon footprint).
  • Keep PM247’s Contact Handy: Save our number so you can reach out to us immediately in case of any boiler emergencies.

 

Why Choose PM247?

At PM247, we pride ourselves on providing quick, reliable, and professional service to get your heating back on track. Our experienced plumbers are available around the clock, ensuring you’re never left in the cold for long.

So, whether it’s the middle of the night or during a busy holiday season, PM247 is just a call away. Don’t wait – contact us today and let us restore warmth and comfort to your home.

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help if your boiler isn’t working or with any other plumbing, heating or boiler issues. Please call us on 0808 258 0440 for urgent enquiries.