IStatus P means different things depending on your Ideal boiler model. On older models like the Icos HE, it simply means frost protection has activated — the boiler has fired briefly because the water temperature dropped to around 5°C, and the status will clear on its own once it warms back up.
On Ideal Logic and most modern Ideal combi boilers, however, Status P is more likely pointing at a water pressure issue or a flow thermistor fault — and that’s worth investigating rather than waiting for it to go away.
At The Edinburgh Boiler Company, our Gas Safe registered engineers cover Edinburgh, the Lothians and central Scotland, and we want to give you accurate information rather than a one-size-fits-all answer that might send you in the wrong direction.
Does Status P mean frost protection — or a pressure issue?
This is where it gets model-specific, and it matters.
On certain older Ideal models — including the Icos HE range — Status P does indicate that the boiler’s frost protection mode has activated. The boiler has detected that the system water temperature has dropped to around 5°C and has fired up briefly to prevent the pipework from freezing. In that context, P is a normal operational status, not a fault, and will disappear once the water temperature rises back to a safe level.
However, on Ideal Logic and most modern Ideal combi boilers, Status P is the Ideal error code associated with a water pressure issue — either low system pressure or a related fault such as a flow thermistor problem. On these models, it’s closer to a warning than a routine status, and it’s worth investigating rather than simply waiting for it to clear.
If you’re not sure which category your boiler falls into, check your model name on the boiler fascia and refer to the Ideal manual, or give us a call and we can advise.
If your boiler is showing Status P and it’s an older model (frost protection)
If you have an older Ideal boiler and Status P has appeared during cold weather, frost protection mode is the most likely explanation. Here’s what to know:
- Frost protection is a built-in safety feature that fires the boiler when the internal water temperature drops to around 5°C, heating it back up to roughly 10°C before switching off again
- It activates automatically — you don’t need to do anything to enable it
- The boiler will fire and switch off as many times as needed to keep the system from freezing
- Status P should disappear once the ambient temperature rises or the system warms up
The one thing worth checking is your system pressure. Cold snaps are also the time when pressure issues tend to surface. Make sure the gauge is sitting between 1.0 and 1.5 bar.
If it’s dropped below 1.0 bar (you may also see the Ideal F1 error code), top it up via the filling loop — low pressure can affect the boiler’s ability to run the frost protection cycle properly, and on some models it can trigger or contribute to a P display.
If your boiler is showing Status P and it’s an Ideal Logic or modern combi
On Ideal Logic and similar current models, a Status P is more likely to be pointing at a pressure-related problem rather than frost protection. Common causes include:
- Low system pressure — the most frequent cause; if the gauge is below 1.0 bar, top up via the filling loop to 1.0–1.5 bar and check whether the status clears
- A system leak — if pressure keeps dropping after topping up, there may be a small leak on the pipework, a radiator valve or elsewhere on the system
- A faulty expansion vessel — if the expansion vessel has lost its pre-charge, it can cause pressure fluctuations that trigger a Status P
- A flow thermistor fault — less common, but a faulty thermistor can cause the
boiler to display Status P even when pressure looks normal.
What to do when Status P appears
- Check the pressure gauge — if it’s below 1.0 bar, repressurise to 1.0–1.5 bar using the filling loop and see if the status clears
- Try a reset — press the reset button and allow the boiler to restart normally
- Check for visible leaks — look around radiators, valves and visible pipework for signs of dripping or damp patches
- Monitor the pressure — if it drops back down quickly after topping up, there’s an underlying issue that needs attention
If Status P persists after those steps, or the pressure won’t hold, it’s time to call a Gas Safe registered engineer rather than repeatedly topping up the system.
When to call The Edinburgh Boiler Company
A Status P that clears after a simple top-up and doesn’t come back is usually nothing to worry about. But if it keeps returning, the pressure won’t hold, or you’re on a modern Ideal Logic boiler and can’t find an obvious cause, our Gas Safe engineers can carry out a full diagnosis across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
We can check system pressure, inspect the expansion vessel, test the thermistor, and trace any leaks — including those hidden under floors or behind walls. If the fault turns out to be related to frost protection and your boiler isn’t protecting the system effectively during Scotland’s colder months, we can also advise on whether a frost thermostat or system insulation would help.
Prevention: why an annual service helps here too
Expansion vessel condition, pressure integrity and thermistor performance are all things our Gas Safe engineers check during a routine annual boiler service. For homeowners in Edinburgh and across Scotland — where temperatures can drop sharply in winter — making sure the boiler’s frost protection is functioning correctly before the cold sets in is well worth doing. A service in autumn is ideal timing.
Could it be time for a new boiler?
If your Ideal boiler is regularly displaying pressure-related statuses, losing pressure frequently, or is simply getting old and unreliable, it may be worth considering a replacement. Modern A-rated Ideal and Worcester Bosch combi boilers come with up to 12-year manufacturer warranties when fitted by an accredited installer — which we are. We install boilers across Edinburgh every day and can typically have a new one in within 48 hours of your first call.
Status P — key facts
- Meaning varies by model — on older Ideal models it typically means frost protection is active; on Ideal Logic and modern combis it more commonly indicates a pressure issue
- Frost protection fires the boiler automatically when water temperature drops to around 5°C to prevent freezing
- On modern Ideal Logic boilers, check your pressure gauge first — low pressure is the most common cause
- Quick checks: pressure gauge, single reset, visible leaks — call an engineer if Status P persists
- Scotland-specific note: frost protection is especially relevant in Edinburgh and the Lothians during winter — make sure your boiler is serviced before cold weather arrives
The Edinburgh Boiler Company are Gas Safe registered specialists in boiler installation, repair and annual servicing across Edinburgh, the Lothians and central Scotland. Contact us for a same-week repair visit or a free quote on a new Ideal or Worcester Bosch boiler.
FAQs
Should I be worried if my Ideal boiler shows Status P in winter?
Not necessarily. On older Ideal models, Status P during cold weather simply means frost protection has kicked in — that’s exactly what it’s designed to do. On a modern Ideal Logic boiler, check your pressure gauge first. If it’s in the normal range and the status clears on its own, it’s unlikely to be serious. If it persists or pressure is low, get it checked.
Will frost protection on my Ideal boiler increase my energy bills?
Very slightly, yes. The boiler fires briefly to heat the water to around 10°C before switching off again, using a small amount of gas each time. However, the cost of running frost protection is far outweighed by the potential repair bill from frozen and burst pipes — particularly in colder parts of Scotland.
What’s the difference between Status P and Status C on an Ideal boiler?
Status C means the boiler is actively responding to a central heating demand — it’s firing normally. Status P on older models means frost protection is running, while on modern Ideal Logic boilers it more commonly points to a pressure-related issue. Neither is a lockout fault code, but Status P on a Logic boiler is worth investigating if it doesn’t clear quickly.
