SURVIVAL BUNKER

Why your heating stops in a power cut

It surprises a lot of people: when the electricity goes off, a gas or oil boiler usually stops too, even though the gas or oil is still there.

Why it happens

A modern boiler is full of electrics. The controls, the ignition, the fan that clears the fumes and the pump that pushes hot water round the radiators all run on mains power. With no electricity the boiler shuts down safely, and so does the heating and the hot water.

In winter a well-insulated home loses heat slowly, so a short cut is mostly an inconvenience. Over a day or more, with the cold getting in, it starts to matter, especially for older people, babies and anyone unwell.

Staying warm without heating

What blankets, throws and hot water bottles cost to run.

  1. Pick one room to keep warm. Close its doors and curtains, and block draughts under doors.
  2. Wear layers, a hat and thick socks. Several thin layers beat one thick jumper.
  3. An electric blanket uses about 100 W, so a portable power station can run one for hours. See which ones last a day.
  4. Eat and drink something warm. Keep moving if you can.

Can a power station run my boiler?

Sometimes, but not by plugging it in. Most boilers are wired into the house, with no plug. To run one from a power station or generator, an electrician has to fit a proper, safe connection that isolates the boiler from the mains. Some boiler makers don't allow it at all, so check your boiler's manual first.

If you do have it done, the boiler itself draws modest power while it runs, but you also need to cover the pump and controls, for hours at a time. Ask the electrician to measure the actual draw and size the power station with you. Our sizer leaves boilers out on purpose, because the right answer depends on the boiler and the connection.

Who can help

  • 105 is the free number for power cuts anywhere in Great Britain. It puts you through to your network operator. In Northern Ireland, call NIE Networks on 03457 643643.
  • If someone in your home is older, disabled, has a long-term illness or relies on medical equipment, join your network operator's free Priority Services Register. You'll get extra help and updates during a cut.
  • Heating with oil? Keep the tank above a quarter full through winter, so a delivery delayed by snow doesn't leave you empty. How to pay less for heating oil.