There's never a good time for your heating to break down, but winter breakdowns in Tunbridge Wells can be particularly stressful. Whether it's the middle of a freezing January night or a cold autumn morning, knowing what to do can make all the difference. APL Gas & Heating Services has handled thousands of emergency call-outs across Kent—here's your complete guide to managing a heating breakdown.

When to Call Emergency Services Immediately

• You smell gas (distinctive "rotten egg" smell)
• Carbon monoxide alarm is sounding
• You see flames or sparks from the boiler
• Major water leak or flooding from heating system
• Severe symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or headaches (possible CO poisoning)

Emergency Actions:

1. Turn off gas at the meter (if safe to do so)
2. Open windows and doors
3. Evacuate everyone from the property
4. Call National Gas Emergency Service: 0800 111 999 (free, 24/7)
5. Then call APL for repairs: 07903 815901

Step 1: Initial Checks—Can You Fix It Yourself?

Before calling for emergency assistance, there are several simple checks that Tunbridge Wells homeowners can safely perform. These solve many common issues and could save you an emergency call-out fee.

Basic Troubleshooting Checklist:

1. Check the Thermostat

Is it set to a temperature higher than the current room temperature?
Is it set to heating mode (not off or timer)?
Are the batteries working? (Replace if display is dim or blank)
Try turning the thermostat up 5°C—does the boiler fire up?

APL Tip: Around 20% of our "emergency" call-outs in Tunbridge Wells are simply thermostat issues.

2. Check Your Boiler Pressure

Look at the pressure gauge on your boiler (usually a dial or digital display)
Normal pressure: 1.0 to 2.0 bar when the system is cold
Too low (<1.0 bar): Your boiler won't fire up—you need to repressurise
Too high (>2.5 bar): May cause the pressure relief valve to leak

How to repressurise: Locate the filling loop (usually a flexible hose with valves underneath the boiler), slowly open the valves until pressure reaches 1.5 bar, then close them. Check your boiler manual or call APL for guidance.

3. Check Your Circuit Breaker

Go to your fuse box/consumer unit
Look for any switches in the "off" position
Check specifically for the boiler circuit (often labelled "heating" or "boiler")
If tripped, try resetting it once—if it trips again immediately, call APL (electrical fault)

4. Check the Pilot Light (Older Boilers)

If you have an older boiler with a pilot light, check if it's lit
The flame should be blue, not yellow or orange
You may be able to relight it following the boiler's instructions (usually on the front panel)
If the pilot won't stay lit or burns yellow, call APL—it's a safety issue

5. Check for a Frozen Condensate Pipe (Winter)

Common in Kent during cold snaps
The condensate pipe is usually a white plastic pipe (21-32mm) running from the boiler to an outside drain
If frozen, you may hear gurgling sounds or see an error code (common codes: EA, A3, D4, F1)
Safe thawing: Pour warm (not boiling) water over the external pipe
Prevention: Insulate the pipe with foam lagging

6. Check the Timer/Programmer

Is the heating programmed to be on at this time?
Is the timer set to the correct time? (especially after clock changes)
Try setting it to "constant" or "on" to override the timer

Step 2: Recognising Serious Problems

Some heating issues require immediate professional attention. Don't attempt to fix these yourself—call APL Gas & Heating Services straight away on 07903 815901.

Call a Professional Immediately If:

Strange noises: Loud banging, whistling, or kettling sounds (indicates limescale buildup or pump failure)
Water leaks: Any water dripping or pooling around the boiler or radiators
Error codes: Your boiler display shows an error code (note it down and tell our engineer)
No hot water at all: After trying basic checks
Radiators cold: Despite boiler firing up (circulation pump or valve issue)
Persistent low pressure: Keeps dropping even after topping up (indicates a leak)
Boiler won't reset: After trying the reset button multiple times
Yellow/orange flames: Should always be blue (sign of incomplete combustion—danger of CO)
Soot or black marks: Around the boiler (incomplete combustion)

Step 3: Keeping Warm While You Wait for Repairs

APL aims to respond to Tunbridge Wells emergencies within 2-4 hours, but in the meantime, here's how to stay safe and warm:

Immediate Comfort Measures:

Layer up: Wear multiple thin layers rather than one thick jumper—traps heat better
Close doors: Keep heat in occupied rooms, especially bedrooms
Use draft excluders: Block gaps under doors and windows
Close curtains: Insulates windows, but keep them open during daylight to utilise solar gain
Hot drinks: Keep everyone hydrated with warm beverages
Gather in one room: Body heat in a smaller space makes a difference

Alternative Heating Options:

Electric heaters: Fan heaters or oil-filled radiators (never leave unattended, keep away from flammable materials)
Electric blankets: For beds and sofas
Hot water bottles: Traditional but effective
Cooking: Using your oven for a meal adds heat (but never use it solely as a heater with the door open—carbon monoxide risk)

Important Safety Warning

Never use the following for heating:

• BBQs or camping stoves indoors (carbon monoxide poisoning risk)
• Gas ovens with the door open as room heaters
• Open flames near flammable materials
• Portable gas heaters without proper ventilation

Protecting Your Pipes:

If your heating is off during cold weather in Tunbridge Wells, frozen pipes are a real risk:

Open kitchen and bathroom cupboard doors to let warm air circulate around pipes
Let taps drip slowly—moving water is less likely to freeze
Know where your stopcock is in case a pipe bursts
Insulate exposed pipes in lofts, garages, and external walls
Drain the system if you'll be without heating for an extended period (call APL for guidance)

Step 4: When to Call APL's 24/7 Emergency Service

APL Gas & Heating Services provides round-the-clock emergency call-outs throughout Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, and surrounding Kent areas. Here's when you should call us:

Priority 1: Immediate Call-Out (2-4 Hours):

Complete heating failure during winter (temperatures below 5°C)
Water leaks from the boiler or heating system
Vulnerable occupants (elderly, very young children, medical conditions)
No hot water with young children in the house
Persistent error codes that prevent operation

Priority 2: Same-Day Call-Out:

Heating not working but weather is mild
Intermittent heating problems
Radiators not heating properly
Strange noises from the boiler

What to Tell Our Engineer:

To help us diagnose the problem and bring the right parts, please tell us:

Boiler make and model (usually on the front panel)
Any error codes displayed
When the problem started
What you've already tried
Whether you have hot water, heating, or neither
Any unusual noises or smells
Recent work done on the system

Understanding Emergency Call-Out Costs

We believe in transparent pricing, especially during emergencies when you're already stressed. Here's what APL charges for emergency services in Tunbridge Wells:

APL Emergency Call-Out Fees (2025):

Monday-Friday (9am-5pm): Standard rate—£85 call-out + parts and labour
Evenings (5pm-10pm): £120 call-out + parts and labour
Nights (10pm-8am): £150 call-out + parts and labour
Weekends: £120 call-out + parts and labour
Bank holidays: £150 call-out + parts and labour

What's included: Diagnosis, up to 1 hour labour, and minor repairs. Major repairs or parts replacement quoted separately. No hidden fees—you'll know the full cost before we proceed with major work.

Insurance and Warranty Coverage:

Boiler warranty: If your boiler is under manufacturer's warranty, parts may be free (labour charges apply)
Home insurance: Some policies cover emergency heating repairs—check your policy
Boiler cover: If you have boiler insurance (British Gas, HomeServe, etc.), call them first—they may cover costs
APL maintenance plan: Our annual service plan customers get priority booking and discounted call-outs

Common Winter Breakdowns in Kent

Some problems are particularly common during Tunbridge Wells winters. Being aware of them helps with prevention:

Top 5 Winter Heating Issues:

Frozen Condensate Pipe (40% of winter call-outs)
Prevention: Insulate the external pipe with foam. Quick fix: Pour warm water over the frozen section.
Low Boiler Pressure (25%)
Prevention: Check pressure monthly and top up as needed. Call APL if it keeps dropping (indicates a leak).
Pilot Light Failure (15%)
Prevention: Annual servicing keeps ignition systems clean. If pilot won't stay lit, call a professional.
Thermostat Issues (10%)
Prevention: Replace batteries annually. Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat for reliability.
System Blockages (10%)
Prevention: Annual power flush and magnetic filter installation prevents sludge buildup.

Prevention: Avoiding Future Breakdowns

The best emergency is the one that never happens. APL's prevention checklist for Tunbridge Wells homes:

Essential Annual Maintenance:

September/October servicing: Have your boiler serviced before winter by Gas Safe engineers like APL
System flush: Every 5-6 years to remove sludge and maintain efficiency
Magnetic filter check: Clean annually to protect your boiler
Radiator bleeding: At the start of each heating season
Pressure checks: Monthly visual checks of boiler pressure gauge

Winterisation Checklist (October):

Insulate external pipes and condensate pipes
Check loft insulation around pipes and tanks
Test heating system before the cold arrives
Replace thermostat batteries
Locate and label your stopcock
Keep APL's emergency number saved in your phone: 07903 815901

APL's Annual Service Plan

Reduce breakdown risk by up to 95% with APL's comprehensive annual service plan. Benefits include:

Annual Gas Safe service and safety check
Priority emergency call-outs
20% discount on repairs and parts
Reduced call-out fees
Reminder service so you never miss maintenance

From just £99/year. Enquire today.

Local Tunbridge Wells Resources

Keep these important numbers handy for heating emergencies:

APL Gas & Heating Services (24/7): 07903 815901
National Gas Emergency Service: 0800 111 999 (free, 24/7)
South East Water (supply issues): 0333 000 0001
UK Power Networks (electrical issues): 105
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (vulnerable residents support): 01892 526121

Why Choose APL for Emergency Call-Outs?

When your heating fails in Tunbridge Wells, you need a fast, reliable response. Here's why local families trust APL:

True 24/7 service: Real engineers on call every night and weekend—not just an answering service
Local response: Based in Tunbridge Wells, we reach you quickly
Gas Safe registered: All engineers fully qualified and insured
Van stock: We carry common parts to fix most issues on the first visit
Transparent pricing: Fixed call-out fees with no hidden charges
Emergency priority: We prioritise vulnerable households and severe weather situations
Professional service: Clean, courteous engineers who respect your home

Emergency Heating Breakdown: What to Do in Tunbridge Wells