BoilerFaultCodes.com
EF349 Medium Warning

Your boiler is overheating because water isn't moving through the system quickly enough, forcing it to run at its lowest power to prevent damage.

Book a service

This fault should be looked at by a Gas Safe engineer within the next week or two. It may get worse if left.

Technical description: Central heating boil detected – boiler operating at minimum burner load with temperature difference greater than 18°C between Flow & Return.

What causes this fault?

This fault occurs when the water inside your boiler heats up too quickly because it isn't circulating around your radiators fast enough. The most common reasons are a failing internal pump that can no longer push the water, or a buildup of sludge and debris that has created a partial blockage in the main heat exchanger.

This fault often appears during the first cold snap of autumn when the heating is turned on after being dormant all summer, which can cause internal pump components to seize.

Typical repair cost £100-£350 (including labour)

DIY fix possible

Check that all radiator valves (TRVs) are fully openEnsure the central heating system pressure is between 1.0 and 1.5 barBleed all radiators to remove trapped air

Find a Gas Safe engineer

Search the official register for a qualified engineer in your area.

Gas Safe Register →

Protect yourself from future repair bills

A boiler cover plan would cover faults like EF349 — no call-out fees, no surprises.

Top rated
OpenFix
Boiler & heating care plans
Get a quote →
Hometree
from £12.95/month
Get a quote →
HomeServe
from £8.00/month
Get a quote →

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Worcester Bosch Greenstar Si Combi / i System is discontinued — time for a new one?

Parts for discontinued models can be hard to find and expensive. A new A-rated boiler could save you money on both repairs and energy bills.

UK's #1 online installer
Boxt
Fixed-price online quotes. Next-day installation.
Get a free quote →
Heatable
Instant online boiler quotes from £1,499.
Get a free quote →
iHeat
Fast installation. Price match guarantee.
Get a free quote →

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Related fault codes