ESI Thermostat Not Working? Simple Checks Before You Call an Engineer

If your ESI thermostat is not working, it can feel as though your boiler is not working or your central heating is not working, particularly during colder months. In many cases, the problem is straightforward and can be resolved without calling an engineer.
This guide explains how to replace the batteries correctly, how to use the manual override, and when it’s time to contact a professional for boiler repair.
Replace the Batteries First
One of the most common causes of heating control issues is flat batteries. When the thermostat batteries are low, the boiler may still provide hot water, but the heating will not respond. This often leads homeowners to think the boiler has failed when the issue is actually with the thermostat.
How to replace ESI thermostat batteries:
- Locate the battery compartment on the front of the thermostat
- Open the flap on the left-hand side
- Remove the old batteries
- Fit new alkaline batteries, ensuring correct polarity
- Close the flap securely
Once the batteries are replaced, allow the thermostat a minute to reconnect and check whether the central heating comes back on.
Using Manual Override on the ESI Receiver
If the heating still does not operate, using the manual override can help identify whether the issue is with the thermostat or the boiler itself.
Manual override steps:
- Locate the ESI receiver, usually positioned near the boiler
- Press the manual or override button once
- A green indicator light should appear or begin flashing
- The boiler should fire and the heating should start
If the heating works in manual mode, the boiler is functioning correctly and the issue is likely related to thermostat communication rather than a boiler fault.
When to Call a Professional
It is time to contact a heating engineer if:
- The boiler does not respond in manual override
- Receiver lights indicate a fault or loss of signal
- You have no central heating at all
- The problem keeps returning despite battery replacement
If you are searching for boiler repair near me, our team provides fast and reliable local boiler repair across Birmingham.
You can book a Birmingham boiler repair visit here:
https://afterglowheating.co.uk/services/boiler-repair-birmingham
All work is carried out by fully qualified Gas Safe registered engineers in Birmingham.
How Often Should a Boiler Be Serviced?
Regular servicing plays a key role in preventing breakdowns and heating issues:
- Boilers should be serviced once every 12 months
- Annual servicing improves efficiency and reliability
- It helps prevent unexpected situations where the boiler stops working completely
You can arrange a boiler service in Birmingham here:
https://afterglowheating.co.uk/services/boiler-servicing-birmingham
Local Help You Can Rely On
If your central heating is not working or your ESI thermostat is not working despite trying these steps, professional help may be required.
Visit our main website to learn more about our services:
https://afterglowheating.co.uk/
Whether you are dealing with hot water working but no central heating, need urgent boiler repairs, or want dependable local support, our experienced Birmingham engineers are ready to help.