The majority of households in the UK use radiators as their primary form of central heating, therefore its good to know a little about their maintenance.
Radiators are sturdy, highly reliable heaters but you can be doing more to keep their efficiency levels up and prolong life spans. Here’s an easy guide on how to bleed radiators:
Bleeding radiators
Sometimes air can become trapped within a radiator causing it to create gurgling noises or banging and hammering sounds. Asides from the unwanted noise, air within the system can lead to problems with corrosion or what is known as cold spots – when heat is not distributed properly. All this can be sorted by turning what is known as ‘bleeding’ radiators.
To bleed a radiator you need a radiator key. This is a small tool used to release the top valve on a radiator. Before opening the valve you will need to turn your central heating system off and all to cool down completely. When you open the valve have a buck or bowl and an old rag handy to wipe up or catch and water which may pour out. As the air is released it will make a hissing noise, and once water begins to pour or drip out it means the radiator has been bled. You can now tighten the valve back to how it was.
Author: Laura Davis