# Why no heat from radiators but boiler ok?

Few things are more frustrating during cold months than turning on your [**heating syste**](https://fixhelpia.com/heating)m **[phone]**, hearing your boiler fire up, yet noticing that your radiators remain cold. It’s a confusing situation: your boiler seems perfectly fine, but heat never reaches the rooms that need it. Understanding why this happens requires a deep dive into how central heating systems work, common causes of cold radiators, and practical steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. In this blog, we’ll explore everything from technical explanations to practical fixes so that you can regain warmth and comfort in your home.

Understanding How Central Heating Works

To understand why radiators might not be heating despite the boiler working, it’s important to know the basics of central heating systems. Most homes use either a combi (combination) boiler or a conventional system with a hot water cylinder. Regardless of type, the central heating process generally works as follows:

Boiler Ignition: When your heating system calls for heat, the boiler ignites, heating water to a set temperature.

Water Circulation: A pump pushes the heated water through a network of pipes that connect the boiler to radiators throughout your home.

Heat Emission: Hot water flows into the radiators, which transfer heat into the room through convection and radiation.

Return to Boiler: Cooler water returns to the boiler to be reheated, completing the cycle.

If any part of this chain fails, the radiators might not get warm—even if the boiler appears to be working normally. Let’s examine why that might happen.

Common Causes of Cold Radiators with a Working Boiler
1. Air Trapped in Radiators

One of the most frequent causes of cold radiators is trapped air. When air gets into the heating system, it forms pockets in the radiators, preventing hot water from circulating effectively. This results in radiators that are cold at the top or completely cold in some cases, even though the boiler is firing as usual.

Signs of trapped air:

Radiators feel warm at the bottom but cold at the top.

Gurgling or bubbling sounds in the heating system.

Uneven heat distribution throughout the house.

Solution: Bleed your radiators using a radiator key. This releases trapped air and allows hot water to fill the radiator fully. Always ensure the boiler is off and water pressure is normal before bleeding.

2. Faulty Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs)

Thermostatic radiator valves are designed to regulate the temperature of individual radiators. If a TRV is stuck in the closed position, it will prevent hot water from entering the radiator.

Symptoms of a stuck TRV:

Only some radiators fail to heat while others work fine.

The problem persists even after bleeding the radiator.

Radiators may feel completely cold or slightly warm but never hot.

Solution: Gently tap the TRV to free it, or remove it for inspection. In some cases, the valve may need replacing if it is seized.

3. Closed or Blocked Valves

Even without thermostatic valves, radiators have two key valves: the lockshield valve (which balances flow) and the inlet valve. If either valve is closed or partially blocked, hot water cannot enter the radiator efficiently.

Signs of valve problems:

Radiators at the ends of a system remain cold.

Inconsistent heating across different radiators.

System noise may be present due to uneven water flow.

Solution: Check and open both valves fully. If the radiator still does not heat, remove the valve and check for debris or limescale buildup.

4. Sludge or Debris in the System

Over time, central heating systems accumulate rust, sludge, or debris that settles at the bottom of radiators and in pipes. This material acts as an insulator, preventing heat transfer and blocking water circulation.

Signs of sludge buildup:

Radiators are cold at the bottom and hot at the top.

Uneven heating between different floors or radiators.

A noisy boiler or system due to resistance in water flow.

Solution: Power-flushing the system can remove sludge and restore efficiency. For individual radiators, removing and cleaning them can also help.

5. Low System Pressure

Many modern boilers require water pressure within a specific range to operate efficiently, typically around 1 to 1.5 bar when cold. Low pressure can prevent the pump from circulating water properly, leaving radiators cold.

Signs of low pressure:

The boiler may display a pressure warning light.

Radiators fail to heat even though the boiler fires up.

The system may periodically shut down due to pressure issues.

Solution: Check the pressure gauge on the boiler. If it’s low, top up the system using the filling loop according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Be careful not to exceed the recommended pressure.

6. Faulty Circulation Pump

The pump is responsible for moving hot water from the boiler to the radiators. If the pump fails or is jammed, water cannot circulate, and radiators remain cold.

Symptoms of pump failure:

Boiler ignites, but no radiators get hot.

Loud humming, clunking, or unusual noises from the pump.

Heating may work intermittently if the pump is partially failing.

Solution: Test the pump by listening and feeling for vibration. Some pumps have a manual override or speed setting. If it doesn’t work, replacement may be necessary.

7. System Balancing Issues

Balancing ensures that hot water flows evenly to all radiators. If the system is unbalanced, some radiators may get plenty of heat while others remain cold.

Symptoms of imbalance:

Radiators closest to the boiler are very hot, while distant ones are cold.

Bleeding and valve adjustment don’t fully resolve the problem.

Solution: Adjust lockshield valves to balance the flow. In complex systems, a professional balancing service may be needed.

8. Boiler Not Heating Water Properly

Sometimes the boiler may appear to be “working” but isn’t heating water to the correct temperature. This can happen due to a faulty thermostat, diverter valve, or heat exchanger issue.

Signs of inadequate heating:

Radiators are lukewarm instead of hot.

The boiler shows no fault codes but doesn’t reach set temperatures.

Hot water supply for taps may also be affected.

Solution: Inspect the boiler settings, ensure thermostats are correct, and check for error codes. Professional servicing may be required for internal boiler faults.

9. Trapped Air in the Pipes or System

Beyond individual radiators, air can become trapped in the pipework itself. Even if radiators are bled, air in the main loop can prevent proper circulation. This is more common in multi-storey systems or larger properties.

Signs of system-wide airlocks:

Multiple radiators are cold.

Pump works, boiler fires, but water isn’t circulating.

System may make gurgling noises.

Solution: In addition to radiator bleeding, the system may require venting at other high points in the pipework. In some cases, a professional may need to flush or re-pressurize the system.

10. Frozen or Blocked Pipes

In extremely cold conditions, external pipes may freeze, stopping water flow. Similarly, debris or limescale can block pipes internally.

Signs of frozen or blocked pipes:

Radiators far from the boiler are cold.

There may be ice or frost around external pipework.

No water circulation despite a fully functional boiler.

Solution: For frozen pipes, safely thaw them using warm (not boiling) water or heating cables. Blockages may require pipe inspection or replacement.

How to Troubleshoot Cold Radiators Step by Step

Here’s a practical approach to diagnosing why radiators are cold while the boiler is working:

Check the Boiler: Ensure it’s firing and the pressure is within the normal range.

Bleed the Radiators: Release trapped air using a radiator key.

Check Valves: Make sure both the TRV and lockshield valves are open.

Inspect for Sludge: Look for radiators cold at the bottom, indicating sludge buildup.

Check the Pump: Ensure the pump is running and circulating water.

Balance the System: Adjust lockshield valves to improve flow to all radiators.

Look for Air in Pipes: Vent system at high points if necessary.

Consider Professional Help: If issues persist, a qualified heating engineer may be required.

Preventing Radiator Issues

Once your radiators are working, you’ll want to prevent the problem from recurring:

Regular System Maintenance: Annual servicing keeps your boiler and heating system efficient.

System Flushes: Power-flushing every few years removes sludge and debris.

Bleed Radiators Seasonally: Especially before the heating season begins.

Check Pressure Regularly: Low pressure can quietly undermine heating efficiency.

Inspect Valves: Ensure valves move freely and are not leaking or blocked.

Conclusion

A working boiler doesn’t always guarantee warm radiators. The problem usually lies in the circulation of water, trapped air, blocked or faulty valves, sludge buildup, or system imbalance. By understanding how your central heating system works and carefully troubleshooting each potential cause, you can often restore heat without expensive emergency repairs. Some problems, such as pump failure or internal boiler faults, require professional attention, but many issues are easily fixed with a few simple tools and know-how.

Warm radiators depend on more than just the boiler—they rely on smooth water flow, clear pipes, functioning valves, and balanced circulation. With proper care and timely maintenance, you can ensure that your home stays cozy and comfortable, even on the coldest days.