Heating Controls & Thermostats in Stoke-on-Trent
Heating that will not switch off, comes on at the wrong time or never reaches temperature is often a control fault rather than a boiler fault. We repair and replace programmers, thermostats, radiator valves and motorised valves.
Control faults we deal with
- Programmers and timers — losing settings, not switching on, or stuck in one mode
- Room thermostats — reading incorrectly, not calling for heat, or failing to switch off
- Motorised valves — stuck open or closed, causing heating that will not stop or hot water that will not heat
- Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) — seized pins, broken heads, or rooms that overheat
- Wiring and connections — loose or damaged control wiring found during diagnosis
Controls or boiler?
The symptoms overlap, which is why diagnosis matters. A boiler that will not fire at all is usually an appliance fault. A boiler that fires normally but never receives the signal to run — or keeps running when it should stop — points to the controls.
We test the controls as part of the visit rather than replacing parts on suspicion. Our boiler repair page covers breakdown symptoms, and radiator cold at the top explains when the problem is air rather than controls.
Replacing controls
Replacing a programmer or thermostat is a good opportunity to check the whole control arrangement: whether the room thermostat is in a sensible position, whether TRVs are working, and whether the heating is zoned in a way that suits how the property is used.
If you are considering smart controls, tell us the boiler make and model and what you are looking at. We will confirm compatibility and wiring requirements before anything is ordered — we would rather check first than fit something that does not work with your system.
Related work
Control faults often overlap with central heating repairs and radiator work. If the system is also slow to warm up or noisy, there may be a circulation issue as well — see power flushing.
Booking
Call, WhatsApp with a photo of the programmer or thermostat, or send the quote form with your postcode. Quotes are free and we supply the materials.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if it is the thermostat or the boiler?
A boiler fault usually shows a fault code or refuses to fire. A control fault often means the boiler is fine but is not being told to run — the display is normal, the radiators stay cold, or the heating will not turn off. We test the controls as part of diagnosis.
Can you replace an old programmer or room thermostat?
Yes. We replace failed programmers, room thermostats and motorised valves, and check the wiring and settings at the same time.
Do you fit smart thermostats?
Tell us what you have or are considering, and we will confirm what is compatible with your boiler and wiring before anything is ordered or fitted.
What are TRVs and do they help?
Thermostatic radiator valves let you set each room separately instead of heating the whole house to one temperature. They can be replaced when they seize or when a room overheats.
The heating will not switch off — is that urgent?
It can be, particularly in warm weather or if the property is occupied by someone vulnerable. Turn the boiler off at the controls if you can and call us.
Related services
- TRV Replacement & Repair — Thermostatic radiator valves repaired or replaced when they seize, leak or stop controlling the room.
- Lockshield Valves & Balancing — Lockshield valve repair, replacement and system balancing for uneven radiator heat.
- Central Heating — Central heating repairs and improvements: pumps, valves, controls, thermostats and full system faults.
- Boiler Repair — Boiler breakdowns, no heating or hot water, pressure loss, leaks, noises and fault codes diagnosed and repaired.
Related advice
- Why Is My Radiator Cold at the Top? — Trapped air is the usual cause of a radiator that is hot at the bottom and cold at the top. Here is how to bleed it properly.
- Why Does My Boiler Keep Turning Off? — The difference between normal cycling and a genuine fault, the common causes of lockouts, and why you should stop resetting it.