Your boiler has detected a problem with the fan that clears exhaust gases, preventing it from starting up for safety reasons.
Book a Gas Safe engineer within 24–48 hours. Your boiler may be unsafe or could break down completely if left.
Technical description: Fan or fan wiring fault.
What causes this fault?
This fault occurs when the boiler's control system cannot confirm that the fan is spinning at the correct speed to safely expel exhaust fumes. The most common reasons are a mechanical failure within the fan motor itself or a break in the electrical communication between the fan and the main control board. Without a functional fan, the boiler will refuse to ignite to prevent dangerous gases from building up inside the unit.
Engineer required
This fault requires a Gas Safe registered engineer. Do not attempt gas-related repairs yourself.
Find a Gas Safe engineer
Search the official register for a qualified engineer in your area.
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A boiler cover plan would cover faults like E160 — no call-out fees, no surprises.
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Could it be time for a new boiler?
If repair costs are adding up, a new energy-efficient boiler could be the smarter long-term choice.
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