The UK has just experienced its first snowfall of the season, leaving many with no option but to crank up their radiators. However, with the ongoing cost of living crisis, heating costs are soaring, making energy efficiency a priority.
Not bleeding your radiators regularly can trap air inside them, causing cold spots and reducing their effectiveness. This means you'll need to spend more on heating to achieve the desired temperature.
To assist you in bleeding your radiator, Joshua Houston, a Heating Expert at GreenMatch, has provided a step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Identify radiators that need bleeding.
When your heating is on, carefully check each radiator for cold spots at the top. You only want to bleed radiators which show signs of trapped air.
Note - if your radiator is cold at the bottom but warm at the top, it doesn’t need bleeding. This is likely due to a blockage or build-up of ‘sludge’ within the radiator.
This can often be corrected by cleaning out your radiator or having a whole system ‘power flush’ undertaken. This is something an engineer can help with.
Step 2: Turn off the heating system.
Next, ensure that your central heating system is turned off.
This will allow the radiator (and the water inside) to cool down, reducing the risk of burns and minimising water leakage when you open the bleed valve.
Step 3: Identify the bleed valve.
Firstly, find the bleed valve on your radiator. It's typically situated at the top, on one side.
The bleed valve is a small, square peg or round knob, and it might be hidden under a plastic cap. .
Next, get the area ready. Position a small bowl or towel beneath the radiator to catch any water that may spill during the bleeding process.
Hold another cloth or towel directly below the valve as you proceed to the next step.
Then, use the radiator key or screwdriver. Insert the radiator key or screwdriver into the bleed valve and slowly turn it anticlockwise.
You should hear a hissing sound as the air escapes. Keep the valve open until the hissing stops and water drops start to flow out.
Afterwards, close the bleed valve. Once the water appears, quickly close the bleed valve by turning it clockwise.
Be careful not to overtighten, though, as this can damage the valve.
Finally, bleed all affected radiators. Now you have the hang of it, move on to the next affected radiators until you’re satisfied they are all done.
You can now turn your heating back on and enjoy fully functioning heating!
Joshua Houston, Heating Expert at GreenMatch, advises: ‘’If you notice that your home is taking longer to heat up, or your radiator is cooler than usual then bleeding might be the correct solution. Having an efficient radiator will improve the heating in your home, and make the bill at the end of the month cheaper.
Follow this guide to bleed your radiator safely and correctly. ’’.
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
English (United States) ·