Powered by a series of control mechanisms, which are programmed to distribute heat and hot water at peak times, you should be able to adjust the settings on your boiler as required.

If your controls stop working unexpectedly, check the components listed below to locate the cause.

The thermostat

If your thermostat’s old it’s possible that it may have lost accuracy over time, resulting in misread temperature settings and heat turning itself on and off.

If this is the case you can find a local heating engineer to recalibrate your old thermostat or install a new one. Complete with energy saving controls, most new thermostats help to increase energy efficiency, cutting heating bills by 10-20%.

The programmers and time switches

As hot water and heating are controllable via the timer switches found on your boiler, ensure that these are set to the correct times and that the clock dial isn’t stuck.

The electronic programmers

Ensure that the LCD display, circuit board electronics and other electrical components haven’t failed.

If, for any reason, you need to replace the programmer, make sure you upgrade to one that has a ‘universal backplate’. This will enable you to plug in a new programmer without the assistance of a heating engineer.

The radiator valve

To check that your radiator valve is in good working order, you’ll first need to be sure which type of valve your radiator has:

• Thermostatic radiator valve

If you have a thermostatic radiator valve, which regulates the temperature of one individual radiator, simply adjust it to the heat you require.

• Lockshield valve

If you have a conventional lockshield valve, an isolating valve that requires a purpose-made tool to operate, remove the plastic cover and adjust the setting. You can find the correct tool at all good DIY stores.

If you adjust the settings and no changes occur it’s likely there’s a fault with the radiator valve.

While you can replace a damaged radiator valve yourself, if you’re not confident with DIY contact your local heating engineer.