Does a gas boiler work in a power cut?

This guide is for anyone with gas central heating who wants to know what happens to it when the power goes, and how to stay warm until it's back. Tick your heating and cooking in the checker above to see what applies to your home.

The short answer

Usually not. Most gas boilers need electricity for their controls, pump and ignition, so they stop working in a power cut, even though the gas is still on.

That means no heating from the boiler, and no hot water from a combi boiler, until the power returns.

Why a gas boiler needs electricity

A gas boiler burns gas, but electricity runs the parts around it:

• the controls and thermostat that tell it when to fire
• the ignition that lights it
• the pump that moves hot water round the radiators

When the power goes, those stop, so the boiler stops too.

What about other heating?

• Oil or LPG boiler: these also need electricity for the pump, controls and burner, so they usually stop.
• Heat pump: runs on electricity, so it stops. See heat pump in a power cut.
• Storage heaters: keep giving out the heat they've already stored, but can't recharge until the power is back.
• Electric heaters: stop. Switch them off at the wall so they don't all come back on at once.
• Wood burner or multi-fuel stove: one without an electric fan keeps working. Only burn what it's made for, keep the room ventilated as your installer advised, and make sure your carbon monoxide alarm works.

Keeping warm without the boiler

1. Pick one room to keep warm, ideally one you can close off.
2. Close doors and curtains to hold the heat in.
3. Wear layers and use blankets.
4. If a storm or cut is forecast, fill hot water bottles and a vacuum flask while you still have hot water.
5. Check on older neighbours or anyone living alone.

Never use a gas oven, gas hob, barbecue or camping stove to heat a room.

Cooking

A gas hob may still work if it can be lit by hand with a match. Others have safety controls that need power. Check your hob's manual now, before you need it. Electric and induction hobs and ovens stop in a power cut.

When the power comes back

Your boiler should restart on its own. If it doesn't, or it shows a fault, check the manufacturer's manual. If it still won't work, contact a Gas Safe registered engineer. Don't take the boiler apart yourself.

If someone at home needs extra help

If someone is older, unwell or has a young baby, keeping warm matters more. The Priority Services Register is free and tells your network operator your household may need extra help in a power cut. If someone relies on medical equipment, talk to the equipment supplier about a backup plan.

When to get help

• You smell gas: don't use light switches, flames or anything that could make a spark. Open doors and windows, get everyone outside, and call the gas emergency number printed on your gas bill or meter. If anyone feels unwell, call 999.
• Your carbon monoxide alarm sounds: get everyone outside into fresh air, and call 999 if anyone feels unwell.
• Worried about someone's health in the cold: call NHS 111.
• The power cut: call 105.
• The boiler won't restart: check the manual, then contact a Gas Safe registered engineer.

This guide is general. What your boiler does depends on its make and how it was installed: your manual and installer know your system.

FAQs

Will a combi boiler work without electricity?

Usually not. Like other gas boilers, a combi needs electricity for its controls, pump and ignition. You won't have heating or hot water from it until the power is back.

Will a gas hob work during a power cut?

Some can be lit by hand with a match; others have safety controls that need power. Check your manual now. Never use a hob to heat a room.

Will an oil boiler work during a power cut?

Usually not. Oil and LPG boilers need electricity for the pump, controls and burner.

Will a wood-burning stove work during a power cut?

A stove without an electric fan keeps working. Keep the room ventilated as your installer advised and make sure your carbon monoxide alarm works.

How can I keep warm if the heating stops working?

Keep warm in one room with the doors and curtains closed, wear layers and use blankets. Fill hot water bottles and a flask if a cut is forecast.